Archives: Article

Fun Things to do in the Lake District

Posted on February 20, 2017 by -

Getting out and about and enjoying some fun things to do on your self-catering holiday in the Lake District is a great way of ensuring your trip is truly memorable.

Activities include everything from thrill seeking adventures to trips down memory lane and opportunities to explore unusual sites and attractions which exist nowhere else in the world.

Here, we’ve picked out some of our favourite fun things to see and do in the Lake District for all kinds of travellers.

Lake Windermere

Visiting Lake Windermere is always a breath-taking experience. But this corner of the country comes into its own by water. With more than 10 miles to travel between Ambleside and Newby Bridge, you can while away a leisurely morning or afternoon on cruise boat – with the opportunity to jump off wherever takes your fancy – or simply swan up and down enjoying the views.

Derwent Pencil Museum

A quirky place to spend and hour or so is the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick. Not only it is home to the world’s longest writing instrument, it also tells a fascinating and interesting tale about the history of the pencil – the most used stationery in the world. Graphite was also first discovered nearby in the 1500s and Derwent pencils are still made locally.

Kong Adventure

Kong Adventure offers something for adventurers of all experiences. Based in Keswick, it combines challenges hard enough for toughened climbers with activities for younger children and features an indoor ice wall and everything from guided taster sessions to unsupervised access for those with more experience.

South Lakes Safari Zoo

With the chance to hand feed many of the inhabitants, from giraffes to kangaroos and spot some from a distance like tigers, leopards and jaguars, South Lakes Zoo is a must-visit attraction for safari lovers of all ages. Huge free roaming enclosures makes it easy to get closer than usual to these wild critters and there’s also a dedicated condor and vulture enclosure, giving you the chance to see these giant birds in their near-natural environment.

Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top

Many people head to the Lake District to visit the renowned Beatrix Potter attraction. But only her biggest fans make sure to visit her home, too. The farmhouse near Sawrey is where she created some of her most famous and best-loved stories and was bequeathed to the National Trust after her death. As you explore the halls you’ll spot many features from illustrations, such as Mrs Tiggywinkle’s kitchen, which is perfectly replicated alongside Mr MacGregor’s cottage garden.

Predator Experience

Cartmel’s Predator Experience is much more than your average falconry centre. You can get up close and personal with some of nature’s most formidable birds of prey and take a stroll to spot wolfs and foxes.  Many experiences are for over 16’s only and there are occasionally more exotic experiences available.

Alpacaly Ever After

Alpacaly Ever After work with some of the most amazing businesses in The Lake District, including the Lingholm Estate along the beautiful shores of Derwent Water, where they provide alpaca and llama walking experiences through the private grounds where Beatrix Potter spent many summers. Walkers get to know the animals up close, paddle in the lake, meet the herd and take part in feeding time (there really is nothing quite so delightful as watching an alpaca take a bath, it should be recommend as a cure for all cases of melancholy and world weariness). They also offer Meet The Alpaca experiences every Saturday and Sunday afternoon at The Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite, where guests are welcomed on the field for a half hour mini session of shenanigans, and if that wasn’t enough to be getting on with, the team work alongside the Forestry Commission England to offer alpaca walks through Whinlatter Forest Park and are planning to start three day llama camping treks over the Lakeland fells in partnership with The Lake District Foundation.

If you’re thinking about booking a Cumbrian getaway, look no further than our collection of holiday cottages in the Lake District.

 

 

 

Best Lake District Walks

Posted on February 13, 2017 by -

Heading to Cumbria and not enjoying a walk or two would be a great shame. But with so many routes and hikes to consider, where is the best place to start?

Here we’ve pulled together a choice of 10 of the best Lake District walks which you should consider when you book a stay in one of our Lakeland cottages.

Loweswater Walk

Corpse Road has a morbid fascination about it. But the walk through Loweswater is not as eerie as it may first seem as you pass the breathtaking lake itself. There is plenty of lush woodlands in the area, where you may even spot a rare red squirrel and the route begins at Maggie’s Bridge Car Park, taking you nearly four miles through the foliage.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Coniston: Tom Gill to Tarn Hows

This short 1.6 mile walk is a great experience for the whole family and requires hiking to the top of a fell – but it’s certainly worth the walk. An idyllic top gives you the chance to take in one of the most idyllic views out over the Lake District and the tarn here is man made. Having been in situ since 1865 and given to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter. A path around the tarn has been made accessible for prams, mobility scooters and walkers of all ages and there is also a steeper incline route beyond Tom Gill Beck for more advanced climbers.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Windermere: Ash Landing to Claife Heights

A long walk which will require a few hours of your time is the 7.5-mile stroll from Ash Landing car park up and over Claife Heights. Majestic views can be experienced from the Heights on the western shore of the lake and the unique viewing station allows for a multi-coloured view of the landscape each and every season. While the ingenious design even allows for a moonlit view of the area.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Langdale From Elterwater to Mickleden

Langdale is one of the busiest spots in the Lake District, but on this 10-mile walk there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet. Beginning at Elterwater village, head out across the beautiful rural landscape and ascend up to 2837 foot at the highest peak. While exploring many of the best pikes in the region and out across barren stony landscapes and greenery. The route brings you back to Elterwater at the end, where you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat at the local pub.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Ambleside to Troutbeck

Heading out from Ambleside to Troutbeck along this National Trust route is a wonderful way of experiencing the exceptional sights of the Cumbrian countryside. Where you can spot the tallest grand fir in the whole of England, standing 57.8 metres tall and sitting in Skelghyll Woods. The walk itself is nearly six miles long, but you have plenty of chances to take in the local sites and scenery, including quirky villages, small picturesque towns and hidden gems like Stagshaw Gardens.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Derwentwater, Octavia Hill Walk

This dog-friendly Lake District ramble is a gentle ascent as you amble at your leisure along the quietest side of Derwentwater. As you travel along the trail you’ll discover Hawes End Jetty and head through Brandelhow. Return to Haws End Jetty after a 3.6 mile circular walk with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery or stop for a picnic and give your furry friend and feet a rest.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Patterdale, Red Screes Walk

A walk with a view! The Red Screes Walk leads to an ascent of 2460 foot on its 7.5-miles path. Look north-west and you will spot Middle Dodd, Hartsop and the rolling Patterdale hills that make for a rigorous ramble. There are plenty of well-trodden routes through these mountains, but choosing to head onto Red Screes via Scandale Valley will reward with spectacular views of the surrounding scenery and a chance to take to a less popular and more tranquil route.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Buttermere to Rannerdale

Start your route at the National Trust car park in Buttermere and enjoy a gentle 3 mile ramble with spectacular views. At one end you will spot the well-known Sentinels, a collection of trees believed to be the most photographed in the country. While at the other you will pass by Crummock Water and the pretty pebble dashed beach. This is a route packed with picnic spots and the chance to take a plunge in the waters during the warmer months.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Stickle Tarn Trail

Beginning at Stickle Ghyll car park, this is a short but challenging trail that takes you up the valley side and out towards Longmoor. It is a difficult and steep incline, but there are many opportunities to stop along the way and take in the exceptional beauty of the waterfalls, rock formations and views out across the striking valley. As you travel upwards you can look back on your route and will come across many picture-perfect photo opportunities, so you can catch nature at its best.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Mickleden Valley Trail

Spend 2 hours absorbing the sights and sounds of Mickleden Valley on this gentle ramble. It is a chance to discover the hidden gem that is Mickleden – and in just 3.8 miles – and is a trail that you can take to in almost any weather. Begin at Old Dungeon Ghyll on a trail that is free from inhabitants of the human kind for miles around – once you pass Stool End Farm. This is a truly wild and natural walk with glacial moraines to look out for, as well as a chance to explore two ancient mountain passes once you reach the end of the route.

A map of the route can be found, here.

Things to do in the Lake District with Children

Posted on February 7, 2017 by -

Booking a family friendly Lake District getaway is only the first step in ensuring you and your children enjoy a fun filled and relaxing break.

Once you’ve chosen your hideaway, it’s time to look for local activities and excursions and thanks to being based in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, you’re in luck! As there are many days trips and interesting places to visit with younger family members on the doorstep.

Here, we’re looking at just a few children-friendly things to do in the Lake District that you won’t want to miss when you join us for a stay.

Mirehouse & Gardens, Keswick

Mirehouse is a picturesque 17th-century manor house that sits on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. It also benefits from extensive manicured grounds which provide many natural and hidden play areas to keep little ones occupied. A change of clothes is recommended (or at very least a pair of wellies) as younger family members will want to enjoy the messiest of adventures. The Mirehouse Manor House boasts its own beautiful Bee Garden, complete with heather maze and picnic dens and there’s an adventure playground, zip wire and rope climbs to brave for those a bit bigger. Nearby  in Dodd Wood you can take to a selection of stunning hiking and biking trails, where you can spot osprey and other wild birds.

Aira Force Waterfall, Ullswater

There is something magical about a waterfall and the whole family is bound to agree. Aire Force is a popular National Trust site and you have the chance to enjoy the local area and babbling Aire Beck. Which creates an atmospheric and peaceful trickle as you follow it to the fall and a 20-metre drop which you can view from above and below – bound to see mouths agape and eyes as wide as saucers.

Loughrigg Fell

Many visitors to the Lake District do so with hiking in mind and Loughrigg Fell is one of many family-friendly options in the area. It also has the added benefit of being a favorite of Alfred Wainwright and is considered among the smallest of the Wainwright Fells. An easy to follow path and gentle gradient allow you to take the whole entourage along and experience the joys of fell walking. The summit is fairly rocky but you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views over Grasmere and the kids can explore the babbling streams and tarns that are scattered across the peak.

Grizedale Forest Park Go Ape!

The big kids amongst us will not want to leave the Lake District without a chance to take to the tree heights at Grizedale Forest. This treetop adventure is suitable for children aged 10+ and adults must supervise, as the highest Go Ape platform is a towering 18 meters high! There’s also the chance to fly 200 meters across Grizedale Beck and the beautiful forest canopy – a must-visit for thrill seeking family members.

The World of Beatrix Potter

If you’ve chosen the Lake District as the destination for your next family holiday, chances are part of the draw was Beatrix Potter. Her stories have made Cumbria a beloved location for people of all ages, who enjoyed reading her books as children and beyond. The World of Beatrix Potter is the only themed attraction of its kind in Europe; where you and the whole family get the chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and many more of Beatrix’s funny and furry friends. It’s a fantastic way of introducing your children to your favorite childhood characters, as well as enjoy a trip down memory lane.

A family holiday in the Lake District is a great experience for travellers of all ages. There is something for everyone and you can be sure the little ones won’t be bored for a second.