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Tan, Watermillock

Cumbria » Watermillock
8
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Tan is a spacious holiday lodge in Cumbria that works brilliantly for larger groups wanting to explore the Lake District. This property sleeps up to eight guests across four well-appointed bedrooms, making it perfect for multi-family gatherings or friendship groups. The lodge features a sociable open-plan living area where everyone can gather together.

Located in the Eden Valley, you're positioned between the North Pennines and the Lake District National Park. The surrounding countryside offers walking trails and outdoor activities right from the doorstep.

The accommodation includes four bedrooms sleeping eight people total, with no bathrooms to prevent morning queues.

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About Tan

Tan is a spacious holiday lodge in Cumbria that works brilliantly for larger groups wanting to explore the Lake District. This property sleeps up to eight guests across four well-appointed bedrooms, making it perfect for multi-family gatherings or friendship groups. The lodge features a sociable open-plan living area where everyone can gather together.

Located in the Eden Valley, you're positioned between the North Pennines and the Lake District National Park. The surrounding countryside offers walking trails and outdoor activities right from the doorstep.

The accommodation includes four bedrooms sleeping eight people total, with no bathrooms to prevent morning queues. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living space creates a central hub for group socialising. Off-road parking for two cars means easy access for multiple vehicles.

Penrith Castle (4 miles, 10 minutes) offers historical exploration. Ullswater lake (7 miles, 15 minutes) provides watersports and scenic walks. Rheged Centre (3 miles, 8 minutes) features exhibitions and activities. Lowther Castle (5 miles, 12 minutes) has extensive gardens and adventure playgrounds.

Tan delivers practical group accommodation in an outstanding location. Families and friends seeking Lake District adventures will appreciate the space and accessibility this lodge provides.

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Local Insights: Tan

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Watermillock, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

6°C

Overcast

Updated: 22 Oct 2026, 4:06am

🌡️
6.40°C
Temperature
💨
8 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
82%
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 October 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

Tan 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):

1
2
3
4
5
6
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

175m

(574 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️
175m
Elevation
📍
Watermillock
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 Watermillock 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: 54.5839310° N | Longitude: 2.870775° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Watermillock (Thursday, 22 October 2026):

6:54am

Sunrise

3:57pm

Golden Hour

4:57pm

Sunset

🌅
6:54am
Sunrise
🌇
4:57pm
Sunset
📸
3:57pm
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 (3:57pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Watermillock, you have approximately 10.06 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Tan.

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: 22 Oct 2026 | Location: 54.5839310, -2.8707750

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Tan

Spacious accommodation for groups

Four bedrooms sleeping eight guests means everyone gets proper sleeping space without feeling cramped during your group holiday.

Open-plan social spaces

The kitchen, dining and living areas flow together so your whole group can cook, eat and relax in one communal space.

Lake District gateway location

Positioned perfectly between the Eden Valley and Lake District National Park for easy access to walking trails and outdoor activities.

Two full bathrooms

Multiple bathrooms mean no queuing in the mornings when you've got eight people getting ready for the day ahead.

Parking for multiple cars

Off-road parking for two vehicles makes arriving and departing straightforward when travelling as a larger group with multiple cars.

Close to Penrith amenities

Just four miles from Penrith town centre where you'll find supermarkets, shops and restaurants for stocking up supplies.

Getting To Tan

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Tan by car, follow the M6 to Junction 40 and take the A66 towards Keswick. The lodge is easily accessible from major routes and you'll have off-road parking for two cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Penrith, just four miles from the accommodation. From there, it's a short taxi ride to your Lake District base.

Off-road parking for two cars
Penrith station (4 miles)
Easily accessible from the M6 and A66

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Dalemain
Distance: 5 miles (8 min drive)
CA11 0HB
Brougham Castle
Distance: 9.8 miles (12 min drive)
CA10 2AA
Lowther Castle
Distance: 8.4 miles (14 min drive)
CA10 2HH
The Ullswater Way
Distance: 0.4 miles (8 min walk)
Arthur's Pike
Distance: 5.7 miles (11 min drive)
CA10 2NB
Hallin Fell
Distance: 7.6 miles (14 min drive)
CA10 2NF
Chestnut House
Distance: 3.3 miles (5 min drive)
CA10 2NW
Verey Books
Distance: 3.3 miles (5 min drive)
CA10 2NN
Cranstons Cumbrian Food Hall
Distance: 7.6 miles (10 min drive)
CA11 7EH
Penrith (North Lakes) Station
Distance: 8.1 miles (11 min drive)
CA11 7JQ
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 9.1 miles (13 min drive)
CA11 7TP
Pooley Bridge
Distance: 2.9 miles (4 min drive)
CA11 0LL
Dalemain
Distance: 5 miles (8 min drive)
CA11 0HB
Brougham Castle
Distance: 9.8 miles (12 min drive)
CA10 2AA
Lowther Castle
Distance: 8.4 miles (14 min drive)
CA10 2HH
The Ullswater Way
Distance: 0.4 miles (8 min walk)
Arthur's Pike
Distance: 5.7 miles (11 min drive)
CA10 2NB
Hallin Fell
Distance: 7.6 miles (14 min drive)
CA10 2NF
Chestnut House
Distance: 3.3 miles (5 min drive)
CA10 2NW
Verey Books
Distance: 3.3 miles (5 min drive)
CA10 2NN
Cranstons Cumbrian Food Hall
Distance: 7.6 miles (10 min drive)
CA11 7EH
Penrith (North Lakes) Station
Distance: 8.1 miles (11 min drive)
CA11 7JQ
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 9.1 miles (13 min drive)
CA11 7TP
Pooley Bridge
Distance: 2.9 miles (4 min drive)
CA11 0LL

Is Tan Right For Your Group

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

For Families
Children will enjoy exploring Lowther Castle's adventure playground just five miles away. The Rheged Centre offers interactive exhibitions and activities three miles from Tan. Ullswater provides opportunities for paddling and lakeside walks. The surrounding countryside has safe walking trails for family exploration. Penrith town has parks and facilities four miles away for rainy day entertainment.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan living space at Tan creates the perfect gathering spot for groups of eight. The kitchen flows into the dining and living areas so everyone can cook together, share meals and relax without feeling separated. This layout works brilliantly for multi-family groups where socialising together is important. Two bathrooms prevent bottlenecks during busy morning routines.
Pet Friendly
Tan does not accept pets so you'll need to arrange alternative care for your animals. The property maintains a no-pets policy across all bookings. If you're travelling with dogs or other pets, you'll need to find kennels or pet-sitting services before your stay. This policy applies year-round without exceptions.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Tan

The George Hotel Penrith

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA11 7DT

Pooley Bridge Inn

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2NN

Granny Dowbekin's Tearoom

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA11 7TR

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Tan

How many people does Tan sleep?
Tan sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms, making it suitable for larger families or two families holidaying together. The two bathrooms help accommodate everyone comfortably.
Is Tan pet friendly?
No, Tan does not accept pets. You'll need to make alternative arrangements for your animals if you're planning to stay here.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The lodge has four bedrooms configured to sleep eight people total. The two bathrooms serve all guests across the accommodation.
Where is Tan located?
Tan is in Cumbria, positioned in the Eden Valley between the North Pennines and Lake District National Park. Penrith town is approximately four miles away.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, there's off-road parking available for two cars. This makes it practical for groups arriving in separate vehicles.
What's nearby for group activities?
Ullswater lake is seven miles away offering watersports and walking. Penrith Castle, Rheged Centre and Lowther Castle are all within five miles for days out.
How do we get to Tan by car?
Take the A153 and turn off at Tattershall Road. The lodge is easily accessible with straightforward directions from major routes.
What facilities does the lodge have?
The lodge features an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area for socialising. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms serve eight guests comfortably.

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