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Bram Cragg Barn, St. Johns-in-the-Vale

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Bram Cragg Barn is a luxury converted barn in Cumbria, perfect for groups wanting to explore the Lake District. This spacious property sleeps up to 8 guests and offers generous living spaces ideal for family gatherings. The conversion retains original features whilst providing modern comfort throughout.

Located in the heart of the Lakes, you're surrounded by fells and valleys. The countryside setting provides peace whilst keeping you close to popular walking routes and market towns.

The accommodation includes generous living spaces across the main barn and adjoining byre. You'll find multiple bathrooms to avoid morning queues and several reception rooms where everyone can spread out.

About Bram Cragg Barn

Bram Cragg Barn is a luxury converted barn in Cumbria, perfect for groups wanting to explore the Lake District. This spacious property sleeps up to 8 guests and offers generous living spaces ideal for family gatherings. The conversion retains original features whilst providing modern comfort throughout.

Located in the heart of the Lakes, you're surrounded by fells and valleys. The countryside setting provides peace whilst keeping you close to popular walking routes and market towns.

The accommodation includes generous living spaces across the main barn and adjoining byre. You'll find multiple bathrooms to avoid morning queues and several reception rooms where everyone can spread out. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking group meals and there's ample parking for several vehicles.

Keswick sits 4 miles away (10 minutes drive). Derwentwater lies 3 miles distant (8 minutes). Catbells fell walk starts 3.5 miles away (9 minutes). Whinlatter Forest Park is 5 miles off (12 minutes).

Bram Cragg Barn works brilliantly for extended families or friend groups wanting a proper Lakes base with space for everyone.

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Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: Bram Cragg Barn

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

St. Johns-in-the-Vale, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

13°C

Clear sky

Updated: 13 Jul 2026, 2:53am

🌡️
13.30°C
Temperature
💨
10 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
81%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bram Cragg Barn sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

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2
3
4
5
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7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

157m

(515 feet above sea level)

Bram Cragg Barn sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
157m
Elevation
📍
St. Johns-in-the-Vale
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to St. Johns-in-the-Vale are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.5831320° N | Longitude: 3.055783° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for St. Johns-in-the-Vale (Monday, 13 July 2026):

3:51am

Sunrise

7:44pm

Golden Hour

8:44pm

Sunset

🌅
3:51am
Sunrise
🌇
8:44pm
Sunset
📸
7:44pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:44pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in St. Johns-in-the-Vale, you have approximately 16.89 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Bram Cragg Barn.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 13 Jul 2026 | Location: 54.5831320, -3.0557830

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Bram Cragg Barn

Spacious Layout for Large Groups

Six bedrooms and multiple living areas mean everyone gets their own space whilst still enjoying time together in comfortable shared rooms.

Perfect Lake District Location

Positioned ideally for exploring Keswick and Derwentwater with famous walks and attractions all within a short drive from the property.

Character Barn Conversion

Original features blend with modern facilities creating an atmospheric base that feels special whilst providing all contemporary comforts needed.

Ample Parking Space

Multiple parking spaces mean no stress about where to leave vehicles when arriving with a larger group of family or friends.

Well-Equipped Kitchen

Cooking for twelve is straightforward with plenty of workspace, appliances and dining space for everyone to eat together comfortably.

Multiple Bathrooms

Several bathrooms throughout the property eliminate morning queues and make getting ready much easier when accommodating larger groups.

Getting To Bram Cragg Barn

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Bram Cragg Barn by car, take the M6 to junction 40 and follow the A66 towards Keswick. Turn off onto minor roads following signs for Portinscale. The property offers convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Penrith, approximately 18 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus service to reach the property in the Lake District.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Penrith station (18 miles)
Accessible from the A66

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Derwentwater Lake
Distance: 3 miles
CA12 5DJ
Catbells Fell Walk
Distance: 3.5 miles
CA12 5UE
Whinlatter Forest Park
Distance: 5 miles
CA12 5TW
Derwentwater Shoreline Path
Distance: 3 miles
CA12 5DJ
Latrigg Fell
Distance: 4.5 miles
CA12 4PB
Newlands Valley
Distance: 2 miles
CA12 5TS
Booths Supermarket Keswick
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5JF
Keswick Market Square
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5JR
Tesco Keswick
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5DP
Keswick Launch Boat Service
Distance: 3.5 miles
CA12 5DJ
Theatre by the Lake
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5DJ
Honister Slate Mine
Distance: 8 miles
CA12 5XN
Derwentwater Lake
Distance: 3 miles
CA12 5DJ
Catbells Fell Walk
Distance: 3.5 miles
CA12 5UE
Whinlatter Forest Park
Distance: 5 miles
CA12 5TW
Derwentwater Shoreline Path
Distance: 3 miles
CA12 5DJ
Latrigg Fell
Distance: 4.5 miles
CA12 4PB
Newlands Valley
Distance: 2 miles
CA12 5TS
Booths Supermarket Keswick
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5JF
Keswick Market Square
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5JR
Tesco Keswick
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5DP
Keswick Launch Boat Service
Distance: 3.5 miles
CA12 5DJ
Theatre by the Lake
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5DJ
Honister Slate Mine
Distance: 8 miles
CA12 5XN

Is Bram Cragg Barn Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The Lake District location provides endless activities for children. Derwentwater offers boat trips and gentle lakeside walks just 3 miles away. Whinlatter Forest has Go Ape, cycling trails and a visitor centre 5 miles distant. Keswick has parks, swimming pool and the Puzzling Place museum 4 miles off. The property's spacious grounds give kids room to play safely outdoors.
Groups Will Love...
The six-bedroom layout across the barn and byre conversion gives groups proper space to spread out. Multiple reception rooms mean some can relax whilst others socialise. The large kitchen handles cooking for twelve with plenty of workspace and equipment. Several bathrooms eliminate morning queues. Everyone gets comfortable sleeping arrangements without feeling cramped, making it ideal for extended families or friend groups.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Bram Cragg Barn, making it perfect for groups who want to bring pets along. The countryside setting provides immediate access to walking routes from the doorstep. Derwentwater's shoreline paths lie 3 miles away, whilst Catbells and surrounding fells offer longer walks. The property's grounds give dogs space to stretch their legs safely between adventures exploring the Lakes.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Bram Cragg Barn

The Swinside Inn

Located 1.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5UE

The Farmers Arms Portinscale

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5RQ

The Square Orange Café Keswick

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5JR

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Bram Cragg Barn

How many people does Bram Cragg Barn sleep?
The property sleeps up to 12 guests across six bedrooms in the main barn and adjoining byre conversion. Multiple bathrooms and reception rooms provide ample space for larger groups to spread out comfortably.
Is Bram Cragg Barn pet friendly?
Yes, pets are welcome at this property. The countryside location and nearby walking routes make it an excellent choice for bringing dogs along on your Lake District break.
What parking is available at the property?
There is off-road parking for multiple vehicles at Bram Cragg Barn. This makes it convenient for groups arriving in several cars to explore different areas of the Lakes.
How far is Bram Cragg Barn from Keswick?
Keswick town centre is approximately 4 miles away, taking around 10 minutes by car. You'll find shops, restaurants and outdoor equipment stores there for stocking up on supplies.
What walking routes are nearby?
Catbells, one of the Lake District's most popular fell walks, starts 3.5 miles away. Derwentwater shoreline walks are 3 miles distant and Whinlatter Forest offers trails just 5 miles from the property.
Is there a shop nearby for essentials?
The nearest shops are in Keswick, 4 miles away with supermarkets and local stores. It's worth stocking up on arrival as the property sits in a rural location.
What makes this property good for groups?
Six bedrooms, multiple living spaces and several bathrooms mean groups aren't cramped. The well-equipped kitchen handles cooking for twelve and there's plenty of parking for multiple vehicles.
Can we visit Derwentwater from here?
Derwentwater is just 3 miles away, taking 8 minutes by car. You can access boat launches, walking paths and the popular Keswick Launch service from various points around the lake.

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