Articles Tagged with: Lake District

As January comes to an end, couples across the country are sharing in the slow, looming realisation that Valentine’s Day is on its way and we haven’t made any plans.

Many will scramble for a last-minute flight and try to catch a few February rays in sunnier climbs over the Valentine’s period. But there are plenty of more eco-friendly and more cost-effective ways to woo your loved one this year.

In the heart of the Lake District, the 2011 Keswick Film Festival handily coincides with Valentine’s weekend, offering lovers the chance to escape to a beautiful part of the country and enjoy some fabulous world cinema in one fell swoop.  The festival includes a number of new and unreleased films and tickets are available online now.

Traditional Cumbrian cottages in Keswick provide an ideal, cosy hideaway for star-crossed lovers to crack open the champagne and spend a weekend as lazily or as actively as they wish. If the film festival doesn’t float your boat, Keswick is the starting point for thousands of spectacular lakeside and hilltop strolls, with Derwentwater just 10 minutes walk away.

Another wonderfully green Valentine’s option is a visit to the Cerne Abbas Giant, carved in chalk into a hillside near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset. This ancient artwork, known locally as ‘The Rude Giant’ for his striking lack of modesty, is steeped in romantic traditions and is a popular attraction for visitors hoping to have a baby, as local folklore links the giant to fertility. A walk up over the hills near Cerne Abbas will cost you exactly what it will cost the earth – nothing at all! And if you want to keep your Dorset visit as green as possible, you’ll find a wealth of eco-friendly retreats, such as Monkton Wyld, where a number of fun, low-carbon activities and low impact residences are available.

Valentines flowers are pretty much obligatory purchases for many people, but you can give your bunch an extra special floral twist by slipping a couple of tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show into the bouquet. The show kicks off in May and tickets are available on the Royal Horticultural Society’s website.

If chocolate is more your thing but you don’t want to fly your valentine to Belgium, why not book walking tour of the finest chocolate boutiques in London. Chocolate Ecstasy Tours take you inside magical chocolate shops to taste their delicious chocolate truffles, bars and pralines. Travelling on foot, you’ll get to see the city as you go with no need to add to the already congested traffic on London’s roads.

The Lake District is a fantastic place to visit and as part of a new series here on Green Travel Blog we decided to take a closer look at the best tourist attractions and places to stay so you can plan your Autumn break or perhaps next years summer holiday.

Things to do

The Lake District is absolutely packed with different attractions and things to do but we have narrowed down the top attractions from a very large list. To view more, visit the official Go Lakes site which has an extensive list

Another useful website to consider is Lakestay which offers useful information on accommodation listings, the best ways to take in the natural beauty and history of the area along with Cumbrian sports and attractions. It also includes upcoming events, recent articles and news to make sure that visitors have the inside knowledge on how to make their trip one to remember.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is perhaps the most action packed day out in the Lakes with mountain biking, a Go Ape course and dozens of other forest activities as well as trails and fantastic views.

Internationally renowned for its forest sculptures, Grizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of activities and adventures to get involved in.

Extra tip – if you like Grizedale also try Whinlatter Forest visitor centre too!

If mountain biking is your thing, check out Northern Munkies for a guide on routes to take and the right mountain bike to choose.

Windermere & Ullswater Cruises

Cruising on one of the beautiful lakes in Cumbria is a must do activity for your Lake District holiday. The two most popular cruise locations are Windermere and Ullswater and both are spectacular and excellent value for money as well as being a great way to take in the scenery.

Ravenglasss & Eskdale Railway

Probably the most spectacular train ride in the North the Ravenglass & Eskdale railway takes you on a journey for seven miles from the delightful coastal village of Ravenglass through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains.

Each of the locos travel’s some 6,000 miles per year on average, hauling trains consisting of ‘breath of fresh air’ open carriages, practical open-sided ones and cosy covered saloons. That’s more trains, on a longer line, than any other heritage railway in the Lake District. As you might expect with Britain’s Favourite View and deepest lake in the next valley, England’s highest mountain at its head, Eskdale and indeed all the railway, is in the Lake District National Park – beyond the commercialism and hustle-bustle – simply surrounded by spectacular beauty.

Outdoor Activities

If you are young and fancy making the most of the outdoors, visit activeoutdoors which provides ideas, information and inspiration on fun outdoor activities and adventure for young people. There is an extensive list and a wealth of information about lots of outdoor activities available in The Lakes, so whether you are an adrenaline junkie or just fancy trying something different this site is for you.

Museums and Attractions for Children

If you like museums, why not go to the Pencil Museum. You can learn about the history of pencil making and see how Derwent Fine Art Pencils are made today, as well as being amazing by the worlds longest coloured pencil and seeing a World War 2 pencil designed like a James Bond gadget.
There is also Cars of the Stars Museum featuring celebrity television and film vehicles including Herbie and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Children and Adults a like will love to visit World of Beatrix Potter and Lakes Aquarium for a fun filled day out

Places to stay

Although there is a big choice of accommodation in the Lake District it’s well worth booking early, especially in peak season. Most hotels are relatively small and can get booked up months in advance.

The most popular accommodation in the Lakes is usually a self catering holiday cottage of some kind and there are lots of ways to book.

The largest provider is Cumbrian Cottages who have over 900 Lake District Cottages on their books, all with minimum 3 star VisitBritain ratings.

If you want to book direct with a holiday cottage there are literally hundreds of amazing cottages to choose from.

You could also try Holiday Lettings which offers over 250 holiday homes in the Lake District. Holiday makers can choose from spacious villas, resort apartments, sprawling gites and farmhouses, cosy romantic retreats, cottages, barn and chapel conversions. Booking a holiday home direct with the property owner or manager through Holiday Lettings will save you money and has the advantage of providing first hand knowledge of the property and location.

Brackenrigg is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park located in the peaceful Naddle valley and just 2 miles from Keswick. Brackenrigg Barn has 3 cottages converted from a traditional stone ‘bank’ barn and retain many original features. Brackenrigg Barn and High Rigg have both achieved a Silver Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, and piloted the new Biodiversity Award sponsored by Natural England. Whether you are looking for a cosy retreat for two, or a family holiday, this is the perfect place to escape to the countryside with lots of things to do right on your doorstep.

Cumbria is a popular destination for the stay at home holidaymaker. With a wide range of locations and accommodation, making the choice as to where to stay can be the hardest part of planning your holiday. The following are some prime examples of holiday cottages in Cumbria.

Cleabarrow Cottage (Windermere)

A short walk from the towns of Windermere and Bowness, this detached property has superb views across the countryside to the Langdales and has mature gardens in which to sit out and enjoy the view. Beautifully furnished, this is rated as a “deluxe property” and has many personal touches to make this cottage stand out from the rest. The master bedroom even has a balcony on which to enjoy the morning sunshine. Cleabarrow sleeps eight.

Oakshead (near Crook)

This gold awarded magnificent property sits in its own thirty seven acres of farmland. A five bedroom farmhouse, it sleeps ten, has five bedrooms (two en suites) and two sitting rooms. The traditional farmhouse kitchen is a great place to plan the day, if you can bear to leave the splendor of your surroundings.

Cross Cottage (Windermere)

In the heart of Windermere village, this traditional slate cottage has a full range of modern facilities while retaining its original character and charm. Described as a “home of distinction” it attracts repeat visitors every year. The cottage sleeps four.

Fell Cottage (Staverley).

Another traditional Lakeland dwelling. Lovingly restored with stone flag floors, log burning stoves and quality fittings, this two bedroom cottage is an ideal romantic getaway, combining period charm with modern facilities.

Underfield Cottage (nr Coniston)

Protected under Grade ll listed status, this is a period home that cannot fail to impress. Exposed beams and mullioned windows take the visitor back in time, relaxing in this beautifully finished property. Set in forty acres of woodland this four bedroom home is an ideal country retreat.

Ghyllside (Seatoller)

At the foot of Honister Pass this five star property offers beautiful views across the valley. Completely refurbished this is a quality cottage that sleeps six in the heart of one of the most scenic areas of Cumbria.

Tree Tops (Kendal)

Set in the unspoiled Longsleddale Valley this riverside property offers beautiful surroundings, peace and tranquility. The property has trout and salmon fishing rights and an array of wildlife can be seen from the balcony. Sleeping eight people, the property has three bathrooms and a first floor living area.

Gutherscale Lodge (Portinscale)

At the foot of Catbells Fell this four bedroom property offers quality accommodation in a peaceful location. Offering spectacular views across Newlands Valley the cottage is ideally located for walking in the area.

Archway Cottage (Ambleside)

A special retreat for two, this cottage is a stone’s throw from the heart of the conservation area of the village. The picturesque property is full of original character and the master bedroom has been breathtakingly finished with a vaulted ceiling and high beams.

Fellmere (Ambleside)

This two bedroom cottage has views across Lake Windermere and is in walking distance of the main village. Full of character, the property dates back to 1840 and has been converted in an open plan design. Both bedrooms are en suite and look out across the valley to Wansfell Pike.

The Lake District is renowned as being one of the most beautiful areas of the British Isles, with numerous villages dotted around the region, the choice of destination is a wide one. The area is renowned for its spectacular scenery and there’s no better way to enjoy it that from the comfort of a cosy cottage in the fells.

Ambleside is a popular destination, right in the heart of the National Park on the northern shores of Lake Windermere. Surrounded by the fells, the village has a good selection of shops and restaurants. There are a wide variety of cottages available to rent here. Apple Tree Cottage is just outside the main village and sleeps two people. A single storey stone building, it offers good quality accommodation that has a rural feel but isn’t too far away from the attractions of Ambleside. For the larger party Byways is an attractive eighteenth century character cottage right on the edge of the village. A well maintained property, Byways will sleep four people.

Hawkshead is a picturesque village four miles from Ambleside. With a traffic free centre this sits in the heart of Beatrix Potter country and offers good opportunities for fishing and walking. Coniston sits on the edge of Lake Coniston and offers good sailing and canoeing on the lake. The village is close to Grizedale Forest with its miles of scenic walks.

Hannakin Barn is a five minute walk from Hawkshead. This lovely stone barn dates from 1760 and has been refurbished with great attention to detail. It is spacious and sleeps two people. Heron Cottage sleeps four people and is a short walk from the village centre. This is a modern terraced cottage in a small courtyard and is well equipped and furnished.

Rowan Cottage is in the village of Far Sawrey the one time home of Beatrix Potter. See how the legendary author became inspired to create her characters as you look out of this pretty traditional building onto the rolling green fields. Beatrix Potter’s home is a short walk from here at Hill Top, a little path opposite the cottage leads to the shores of Lake Windermere. This is a picturesque little cottage and can sleep five.

Bowness on Windermere is directly on the shores of the lake. There is a colourful holiday feel to this village and plenty of night life. This is an ideal base for those wanting to be in the hub of activity after a day walking in the hills. The quaint little Pear Tree Cottage is a lovingly refurbished property offering a real home from home for four people in the village of Staveley near Bowness. Local facilities are all within walking distance.

Keswick is a busy little market town at the foot of the mighty Skiddaw fell and is a good place to make camp for those expeditions into the fells. Cygnet Cottage is an attractive property adjacent in a group of converted properties. Set behind grassy lawns this renovated cottage sleeps four people and is in “upside down” property allowing the best views from the living area.

The Lake District cottages have plenty to offer the visitor and wherever you decide to stay, this beautiful part of the country will not disappoint.

Cumbria has many attractions from Lake Windermere to a selection of inspiring castles. Here are some suggestions for days out in Cumbria that all the family can enjoy.

Lake Windermere Cruises.

Lake Windermere is the most famous of all the lakes in this area. With a wide selection of cruises on offer it can be hard to make a choice. Ullswater Steamers have been undertaking cruises on the lake for one hundred and fifty years. The steamers offer a traditional way in which to see the spectacular scenery of the area and there are plenty of opportunities to disembark and explore on foot.

RavenGlass and Eskdale Railway.

Take a ride on a traditional steam train from Ravenglass to the Dalegarth station. Travelling for miles through two of the Lakeland areas loveliest valleys you can end your journey with a visit to Eskdale visitor centre sitting at the foot of England’s highest mountains. The trains run every day, all year round.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.

One of Carlisle’s premier attractions, this is a good day out for all the family. Containing a variety of collections of art, human history and natural science there are fun hands-on exhibits to entertain visitors of all ages. The house maintains its Jacobean splendour and there is a restaurant and a gift shop for that all important souvenir.

Laurel and Hardy Museum

The older members of the family will love this trip down memory lane as they view the largest memorabilia collection in the world. A free film show will bring back all the memories and give the youngsters a clue as to why granddad found the pair so funny

Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth collection.

Dove Cottage was where Wordsworth penned his most famous poems. A guided tour of the cottage will give an insight into life in the days of the great poet. Find out what inspired the man and spend some time viewing the manuscripts and pictures in the museum. A must for lovers of literature.

Trotters World of Animals

This wildlife park has over a hundred species on display. The only Canadian Lynx in the UK lives here alongside Zebra, Antelope and the Asian swimming cat. The centre also offers keeper displays, a birds of prey demonstration and an area in which young ones can handle animals under supervision, making this a good day out for animal lovers of all ages.

Nenthead mines.

Take an underground tour in an original silver and lead mine. Listen to the story of mining in the area and explore the two hundred acre site on the marked trails. Mining once dominated the area so this is a lesson in the area’s history. The mines are open daily between Easter and October

Gleaston Water Mill

This mill has been part of the local landscape for over four hundred years. Near the ruins of Gleaston castle the eighteen foot waterwheel makes an impressive sight and still works most days.

Furness Abbey.

One of the richest Abbeys in England this former home of the Cistercian order is currently part of a huge restoration project. The large pieces of oak used by medieval masons have rotted away and the Abbey was beginning to sink. Impressive ruins with ornate decorations.

If you want to find out about accommodation in Cumbria then have a look for some Lake District cottages to stay in.