Who doesn’t like a coffee or tea break during the day? Even in the quiet Eden coffee shops abound, including some of the well-known high street brands. However, what can be better than finding little gems with a difference that can provide additional interest or entertainment on a wet (or dry day) as well as a tasty coffee bean treat. Here are some of our favourites that are off the beaten track and not on the high street. As always check them out on line to check their opening hours!

Rheged – www.rheged.com
Part of the famous Dunning family (Gloucester/Tebay services) enjoy the café and shop for gifts and local produce or enjoy the Arts or cinema facilities. On the A66 just over the M6 on the way to Keswick. Open from 8.30am

Café 4 Eden – www.broughamhall.co.uk
Located just one mile south of Penrith Brougham hall is one of the largest country house restoration projects in England.  Home to an array of arts and craft workshops you will find the hall an interesting place to browse through.  In the centre of the fortified house you will find a wonderful coffee shop with some wonderful cakes to enjoy with your coffee!  Open 9 to 4.30pm daily.

Larch Cottage Gardens – www.larchcottage.co.uk
Hidden away in the tiny hamlet of Melkinthorpe this is a thriving nursery in a landscaped garden setting, so you get interesting plants and statues and ornaments for sale, and a great café. Open 10 to 5pm.

Old Village Bakery – www.therowleyestates.com/services/visit-old-village-bakery
Located in Melmerby on the A486 to Alston. Open daily and also has a boutique called Hollberrie upstairs selling ladies fashion, gifts and interior. Once you have finished head on up the hill for spectactular views back over the Eden!

The Yard at Brunswick Yard – www.brunswickyard.com
On Brunswick Road in Penrith just next to Morrisons. Open from 10am but not Sun/Mon. Browse the reclamation yard and then have a brew in the upstairs cafe to ponder your purchases.

Dalemain House and Gardens – www.dalemain.com
World renowned home of the annual Marmalade competition – Paddington eat your heart out. Lovely gardens and interesting house to visit followed by a coffee in the atmospheric café. Sun to Thu from 10 to 4pm

Millyard Cafe – www.millyardcafe.co.uk
Find this café in the lovely Eden village of Morland. Take a stroll around the picturesque village then indulge yourself in the café. Open 9 to 4pm but closed on Mon/Tue.

Cranstons – www.cranstons.net/stores/cafe-oswalds
Cumbrian foodhall showcasing fabulous local Cumbrian produce. The perfect place to eat, drink and relax after you have shopped in the foodhall. Open 8 to 5 daily and 10 to 4 on Sundays.

Church Gallery – www.church-gallery.co.uk
Explore the Cumbrian market town of Kirkby Stephen and then visit the 3 storey gift shop on the edge of the high street. Open 9 to 5 and Sundays 11 to 5.