With some terrific day trip options in the surrounding area, renting a car makes sense. Without one, it wouldn’t be half as easy to soak up everything that Cockermouth, 17 miles away, has to offer. Lake District Wildlife Park, Whinlatter Forest Park and Bassenthwaite Lake alone make the drive out worth it. Don’t skip Appleby-in-Westmorland either! Just 25 miles away, Appleby Castle, Courtyard Gallery and Appleby Golf Club are must-sees here.