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Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing

Cottage in Penrith with kitchen

Photo gallery for Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing

Cliburn Signal Box from field south south east
Cliburn Signal Box from field south south west
Original brickwork in kitchen
Original brickwork in bedroom
Bathroom

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Cliburn, Penrith, Cumbria
  • Place, Go-Karts & Street Karts
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Whinfell Forest
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, OffRoad Explorers
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Carlisle (CAX)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing

Cliburn Signal Box is a quirky, upside down, luxury holiday cottage. Once a working part of the Eden Valley Railway line, the Signal Box nestles at the bottom of Whinfell Forest, between the market towns of Penrith and Appleby, in the beautiful (but often forgotten) Eden Valley. It is the perfect location to relax, enjoy, explore and with very little light pollution it is just perfect for stargazing.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please be aware the Signal Box has stairs
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Well behaved pets welcome Fee £10 per dog per stay
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We expect all guests to leave the property as they found it.
Well behaved pets are welcome. They must be kept off the beds & if your pet is allowed on the sofa please bring throws to protect the sofas / chairs.
Please respect other guests visiting the area and locals living in the area by keeping noise to a suitable level.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Penrith

Located in Penrith, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Yorkshire Dales National Park and Ullswater. Acorn Bank and Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre are also worth visiting. Windsurfing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain climbing nearby.
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Map
Cliburn, Penrith, Cumbria

What's nearby

  • Go-Karts & Street Karts - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Whinfell Forest - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • OffRoad Explorers - 6 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Ullswater - 16 min drive - 22.9 km
  • Lake Windermere - 44 min drive - 59.8 km

Getting around

  • Langwathby Station - 13 min drive
  • Carlisle (CAX) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Dog Beck - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Arturo Lounge - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Cross Keys - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Renovated Railway Signal Box In A Tranquil Location & perfect for stargazing located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Eden Valley and Go-Karts & Street Karts. OffRoad Explorers is 1.5 mi (2.5 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 127 out of 134 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 134 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 134 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful property in a lovely location. It was so peaceful and has lovely views. An ideal location for exploring the Lake District, but also for total relaxation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

gillian roberts R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

A sweet property with a romantic feel. Just a fabulous place. Loved it. Owners very pleasant with that balance of a good welcome followed by privacy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely peaceful place

Peaceful retreat, welcoming hosts
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place

Amazing place. Everything you need for a fantastic stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darren C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice and quiet!

Nice quiet location and very good host. Very good conversion and exactly what we were looking for. We will be staying here again sometime in the near future.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent accommodation -

Peaceful location accommodation exactly as described
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Natalie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little break away

Very cute and quirky place to stay, great for dark skies, weather permitting. Very clean and comfortable place to stay, log burner lovely on a cold night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

TOM A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable stay

Really nice property. Everything you need for a stay in a lovely part of the world. Owners were really nice and friendly and made you fee welcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent weekend.

Absolutely stunning place to stay at,in a beautiful location.Very clean. First time staying in a signal box, highly recommend. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem

Perfect place for a relaxing weekend. The property has a lot of character and was perfect for a quiet weekend away. Very clean throughout, equipped with everything you need and with a welcoming host. Really enjoyed our stay and would visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Short Break that left us wishing we'd booked for longer

This is a relatively unique, snug property with a lot of character and some great, tranquil rural surroundings. Having red squirrels as our nearest neighbours was an added bonus. Our host was welcoming. With the underfloor heating it was really warm and pleasant. We'd come again,
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elaine W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and tranquil

The property is immaculate. Sympathetically renovated to hugh standard. Everything you need is provided. Excellent locality. Stunning views, local wildlife spotted every day. Lovely owners.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simon G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Stay

We had a lovely stay at the Signal Box. Everything was very clean with all you need for a comfortable stay, thankyou for the wine & cookies you left us. Wendy called by to check we had everything we needed. We were pleased to see deer in the forest on our walk and red squirrels from our window every morning. We would definitely recommend the Signal Box, thanks for a great stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal setting for a quirky property!

Fantastic transformation of a railway building into a cosy and comfortable rental property. We selected this because it was 'different' and we were not disappointed! The setting is ideal, peaceful and tranquil, but convenient for all amenities. There is so much to see around the local area and the woodland next to the property is ideal for walking and enjoying the outdoors.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short break for me and the boys

As a rail employee, working signal boxes for 17 years and a train enthusiast son, seeing this listing and availability for October half term made this a must. It certainly didn't disappoint. The property and location was stunning, very peaceful and not too far from local amenities and activities. Gavin, the owner, popped round and was very friendly.and happy to help with any enquiries. All in all an enjoyable stay and my only regret is we weren't there for longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheila K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

XSignal Box Delight

This property is in a lovely quiet spot in beautiful countryside. Our hosts left us a bottle wine and a box of biscuits which was great. The property is clean and tidy and warm. Comfortable bed and wardrobe and drawers for clothes. Steps to Lounge are quite steep so bear in mind if mobility issues. Big TV and dvd player and films if your staying in of an evening. We ate at lunch time as not much in way of pubs in this area. Appleby not far away has a few pubs.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky cottage in a perfect setting

We had been looking forward to visiting The Signal Box from the very moment we made the booking and we were not disappointed in any way on our stay. From our arrival Gavin, the owner, was on hand to explain where everything is and how everything worked. The Signal Box is set on 3 floors, a lower floor with the bedroom and bathroom/shower, ground floor with the kitchen/diner and the first floor which is the main living area/TV room. The cottage is set on the edge of a small woods with plenty of walks where, if you are lucky, you may be able to spot a red squirrel or a deer (we didn't see any squirrels but did see plenty bats and could hear owls all through the night.) We were lucky that when we visited there we had clear night skies so we saw literally millions of stars! Lovely place to visit - Penrith is 10 minutes up the road, Ambleside was about 45 minutes away and Barnard Castle just over half an hour. All in all, perfect place to stay, relax or to use as a base to visit the lovely Lakes. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending The Signal Box.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Alan T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stairs a little tricky with no carpet on for the dog but other than that ok
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a Lovely property, in the middle of nowhere so really quite , perfect place to get away from it all, very clean and tidy and would love to stay again some time. Only half an hour from keswick which was perfect for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location and accommodation.Would love to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Signal Box

Qwerky place very different from your usual holiday accommodation with all you need to enjoy your stay. Idea location to get to the Lake District and Yorkshire dales. Excellent view from the signal box lounge with the wildlife.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

PAUL O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easter weekend

Me, my wife and our dogs stayed at this property over the easter weekend. It is in a very nice location with lovely surroundings. The signal box is very clean and tidy and has everything you need. The wifi etc works well and there was a good selection of dvds to choose from. We found it very relaxing and really enjoyed our stay. We did have to google how to close the blinds as we struggled with closing them, mainly user error but some did still get stuck. We would happily stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic February short break!

Absolutely fantastic property, location and hosts. Cannot praise this fabulous, unique little cottage enough. It was very well equipped, exceptionally clean and the views were spectacular. Thanks to the brilliant hosts! We hope to stay again very soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Graham R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Unusual Hideaway

From arriving to leaving, everything was great (Apart from Storm Ashley, which "battered" us, but everything was secure!!!). Gavin and Wendy came to see us to make sure we knew how to work everything (T.V, heating etc...). The Wine and biscuits left by them were a lovely touch. Very, very Comfortable accommodation, with everything you needed..The underfloor heating is amazing. In fact I was dissapointed that I didn't need to light the Log Burner!!! Highly recommended. We will certainly be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Bette D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Great
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by Mr Gavin Matier

Host profile image
We moved into the property on 1st October 2004, leaving city life behind, in search of a more peaceful and fulfilling life, for both ourselves and our two children, Elliott and Jasmine.
Gavin, born in Northern Ireland, left Limavady in 1987 to study at Bradford University. There he qualified as a Pharmacist in 1991 and is the Pharmacy Manager at Sainsbury's Penrith.
Wendy, born in Tyldesley, Manchester left in 1989 to study at Bradford University. There she qualified as a Pharmacist in 1994 and is now the Pharmacy Manager at Green Tree Pharmacy, Kirkby Stephen.
Whilst working in Leeds, we met in 1992 and married 25th August 1996. In July 1999 Elliott was born and in February 2002 Jasmine was born. It was at this point we decided to leave the city life behind and moved to Cliburn.

Why they chose this property

Wendy and I fell in love with both the location and character of the building when we first saw it.
We loved it so much we live in the Station House beside the Signal Box and decided to renovate it, so others could enjoy it as much as us.

What makes this property unique

We live beside the Signal Box all year round and often forget just how lucky we are to live here.
To us peace, tranquility and seclusion are the norm. We step outside our back door into beautiful countryside and a 50m walk has us strolling in Whinfell Forest, where we regularly see the local red squirrels, roe deer, owls, buzzards, pheasants, great crested newts and an abundance of other wildlife. At night little light pollution means that we can stargaze and if that wasn't enough, a short drive and we are walking up one of the many fells or playing in one of the lakes.
What more could you ask for?

Languages:

English

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