If you are coming to the Lakes in the next few weeks (or in fact anytime of the year) and you enjoy nothing better than a walk around a beautiful garden. Then I have one of the Lake District’s best to share with you. http://holehirdgardens.org.uk/
Holehird Gardens is spectacular . It is an extensive 10 acre site located near Windermere. It is the home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society. The garden consists of a large variety of plants, particularly those suited to the local climate with its high rainfall. On the A592, 1 mile from Windermere. If approaching from the north, do not follow satnav but follow brown tourist signs. The Lakeland Horticultural Society Patterdale Road Windermere Cumbria LA23 1NP If you are looking for quality accommodation in the area, check out Fell View and Woodside cottages
Cruising the largest natural lake in England must be one of the loveliest ways to spend an afternoon! And this you can do from Ambleside, Bowness or Lakeside. My preference is Lakeside, as you can walk to it from Woodside , or you can drive from Fell View in a few minutes and park the car easily. The are car parking charges but then there are charges in all the car parks in the Lakes!
Cruises take from 45 minutes to 3 hours . In fact, you can even spend all day on and around the lake with the Freedom of the Lake ticket.
The trip gives the traveller the most magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and many wooded islands. It definitely is a must do if you visit the lakes.
Also you can break your journey at each of the ports to explore what’s nearby.
It truly is a perfect day out.
There are island cruises. This is a 45 minute circular cruise from Bowness
The yellow cruise takes 90 mins and goes from Bowness to Lakeside and back, whilst the Red cruise takes 75 mins from Bowness to Ambelside and back.
The 1500m distance swim is suitable for newbie open water swimmers or those wanting to swim a shorter distance, whereas the 3km swim incorporates an extra out & back loop & double the distance. This is swim with a difference with different depths along the way, beautiful scenery and wildlife and has been described as a “truely unique swim”. After trialing our one way swim last year, we had great feedback with swimmers enjoying the A to B swim & beautiful meadow walk back to the start. The Windermere “Wild” Swim is a lake/river swim starting at Fell Foot, Windermere with the different distances, It is a beautiful swim and you get a chance to enjoy the beautiful views of the South Lakes with Gummers How fell in the distance & the beautiful Fell Foot park. Non wetsuits swimmers allowed providing the water is 14 degrees. Decision to be posted a day before event date. 14 years and over on event day for 1500m (parents will need sign a waiver). Any swimmers under 16 must be a club swimmer and will need evidence of this from a coach or club. All U18 swimmers will need to wear a wetsuit. All non wetsuit swimmers must wear a tow float. Due to the nature of the swim, we can get currents in some parts of the swim course and reserve the right to shorten the distance or change the route of the planned swim, if deemed necessary for safety. All non wetsuit swimmers must use a tow float. Entry – just £25 online on 1.5km and 3km No entries on the day – entries close Wednesday 21st August 2018. Event Swim cap Event medal to all finishers Refreshments Changing area/toilets on site Beautiful swim Registration – 8.am – 8.30am at lakeside (at the Blue Gazebo) Prizes to 1st Male & Female in the 1.5km & 3km. Any questions email Christine at info@sleekerswim.co.uk or text/call 07832 376230
If you’re planning a BBQ when you’re in the Lakes, where do you go for your food? I will share the best places to go for the best BBQ!
As for the burgers, sausage, pies and steak you need to visit Higginsons in Grange over Sands
When it comes to baps and buns its got to be The Hazelmere in Grange over Sands
For BBQ sauce and relish you must visit Hawkshead’s own Hawkshead Relish and try their Bloody Mary Ketchup! or Black garlic!
You need some beer? Well I’ve got that covered. Go to Unsworth’s Yard in Cartmel for their own brew from Cartmel Brewery
Need a bottle of wine? Then also in Unsworth’s Yard in Cartmel is the Drinks shop, where you can buy excellent quality wines.
Like a bit of cheese? That’s OK as next door is “Cartmel Cheeses” where you can try before you buy. An extensive array of cheeses are for sale.
And finally. Have you got a sweet tooth? Then it’s got to be the Village Store in the centre of Cartmel. Fondly known in my family as “The Sticky Toffee Pudding Shop” And yes, it’s got to be sticky toffee pudding all round.
These few shops will provide you with the ultimate BBQ!!
The video is Unsworth’s Yard in Cartmel.
For a great children’s activity try the best paddling and picnic Spots My first choice is a secret, hidden lake a few minutes walk from Woodside. High Dam, just outside the village of Finsthwaite is a real beauty spot! This stunningly peaceful lake is ideal for wild swimming and paddling.
My second choice is one of the top wild swimming, river paddling and picnic spots in the Lake District. It’s across the lake from Woodside at Fell Foot Park, Bowness. For an unusual way to travel to Fell Foot Park why not walk to Lakeside and then take the ferry from Lakeside to Fell Foot Park?
Fell Foot Park, Bowness is sat on the shore of Lake Windermere, opposite Lakeside and Woodside cottage and only 15 minutes from Fell View Cottage. You’ll find a National Trust café with baby changing, outdoor picnic benches and lots of grassy picnic blanket areas, rowing boats for hire, children’s adventure playground. It is ideal for children’s activities. But most importantly it has a beach-like access for splashing about in Lake Windermere
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2. Grizedale has everything for a great family day out. Located to the east of Coniston Water and to the south of Hawkshead (15 minutes for Woodside) Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Grizedale offers an unrivalled day out for everyone and is great for children’s activities.
Sculpture trails, picnic areas, forest way marked trails, (Riddings Wood is push chair/wheel chair friendly) Gruffalo Trail , mountain bike trails, Mountain bike hire but book in advance!, excellent café/tearoom. Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, Zip Trekking Adventure Forest Segway,
Go Ape is the Zip Trekking Adventure – a network of seven tandem zip lines that traverse the sky-scraping Douglas Firs. A brilliant day out for the adventurous and for those not quite so adventurous you can just look! You can enjoy two to three hours in the trees taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings; a high ropes course for all the family. Set in a forest of sky-scraping Douglas Firs, Grizedale feels seriously high, mainly due to its vertigo-inducing 19 metre platforms. There are two Zip Wires which fly over the road below!
Go Ape Opening times :February Half Term [open daily] March [weekends only] Easter, Half Term and Summer Holidays [open daily] October Half Term [open daily] November [weekends only] December [Tree Top Junior and Tree Top Adventure open 3rd-4th only]
We highly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. Beatrix Potter Revealed
A lovely place to visit in the Summer is Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse. This is a time-capsule of her life. Her house ,Hill Top is a few minutes from Woodside . A very pleasant drive through woodland lanes takes you to Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF . Although it is open most of the Summer months , from September it is closed on Fridays
Furthermore ,you can enjoy the story of Beatrix Potter and her life,as Hill Top is full of her favourite things. The house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk! Every room contains a reference to a picture in a ‘tale’.They run children’s activities during the Summer.
The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.
Hill Top is a small house and a timed-ticket system is in operation. . Hill Top can be very busy and visitors may sometimes have to wait to enter the house. Tickets cannot be booked in advance and early sell-outs are possible in the Summer holiday periods.
4. The most awe-inspiring view!
If you want to experience a World Heritage site in all its glory, get yourself to Claife Heights Viewing station on the banks of Lake Windermere. This venue is child friendly and a great place for kids of all ages.
By road …Junction 36 off M6, then take A684 which becomes the A591 to Windermere and Ambleside. B5285 from Windermere via Windermere ferry 3 miles. B5286 and B5285 from Ambleside 9 miles. B5285 from Coniston 8 miles.
Parking: Ash Landing, very near Claife Viewing Station and Harrowslack, on Windermere’s west shore.
There’s a cosy cafe in the courtyard and it is open every day 11am-3pm. Dogs are welcome on the west shore of Windermere.
This colourful Viewing Station has endless lake views and waterside paths for you to explore. Children love looking through the amazing coloured glass.
5. The coolest boat ride in the Lakes is on Coniston Water.This is a great family friendly day out! Coniston is nearly five miles long, and has a maximum depth of 184 feet. It is the third largest of the lakes. It provided an important fish source for the monks of Furness Abbey who owned the lake and much of the surrounding land in the 13th and 14th Centuries. More recently Coniston Water was used to transport slate and ore from the many mines worked in the Coppermines Valley above Coniston It has three small islands, all owned by the National Trust.
The elegant Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola sails between March and November. Renovated by the National Trust, its passengers can travel in opulently upholstered saloons – a superb way to appreciate the magnificent scenery. The traditional timber craft of Coniston Launch provide regular hourly sailings throughout the year to jetties around Coniston Water, including Brantwood.
The Victorian philosopher John Ruskin bought Brantwood house to the east of the lake in 1871 declaring the view over the lake to ‘The Old Man of Coniston’ to be ‘the best in all of England’.
Sir Malcolm Campbell chose Coniston for his attempt at the water speed record in 1939, which he achieved at over 141 miles per hour. On his death, his son Donald Campbell [left] took up where his father left off. His aim was to better 300 miles per hour, which he did on 4th January 1967, but the craft, ‘Bluebird’, shot up into the air and disappeared into the lake. Until early in 2001, his body had never been found. There is a memorial to him near the Information Centre in Ruskin Avenue. The story is told in the refurbished Ruskin Museum.
7. A steam train back in time . Head for the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railwayat either Lakeside or Haverthwaite , where you can travel back in time when you climb aboard these amazing If you are staying at Woodside it is a short walk to lakeside to pick up the train.
A distant memory of bygone years for some and new experience for others, it’s a unique day out for all.
If you want to, you can combine your day out with a visit to The Lakes Aquarium or continue your journey aboard a Windermere Steamer to Bowness or Ambleside. The trains welcome dogs and owners.
8. Explore an amazing garden of weird and wonderful trees.
I’m talking topiary at Holker Hall. Just off the A590 the house and gardens is the family home of Lord and Lady Cavendish. It is a delightful family home with fine displays of antique furniture and art.
You can tour the house without the restriction of ropes and barriers, and see the distinguished library, elegant drawing room, and ornate dining room. Climb the striking staircase and you can view portraits of Charles II, and Catherine of Braganza. You can visit the bedroom where Queen Mary stayed in 1937.
Children will be fascinated by the unique shaped trees as they complete a quiz (bought from the shop) of the garden. The café is very good. In the Summer they sometimes have the steam engine working in the court yard.
8. Why not take to the water in crafts of all shapes and sizes at Fell Foot and Coniston where there is a huge variety of watersports, from canoeing and sailing to windsurfing and diving,. From Woodside you can walk to lakeside and take the passenger ferry over to Fell Foot park or you can drive the few minutes there. Rowing boats are available at Fell Foot.
Kayaking on Lake Windermere is something rather special! Peace Quiet only the lap of the paddle can be heard.
£42 for a half-day session – including packed lunch and all equipment provided
Places are limited (8 per session) so please book.
The Aquarium of the Lakes is an ideal wet weather attraction and a short walk from Woodside . Aquarium with freshwater and marine life, featuring an underwater otter tunnel and stingrays.
Address: Rocky Bank Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Lakeside, Ulverston LA12 8AS
I must confess I love a wander around a castle. All that history. Even better that in the Southern Lakes we are near to 4 of the best castles in the Lake District!
First up, and about 45 mins away in the car,from Fell View and Woodside, is Muncaster Castle. Which is supposed to be Britain’s most haunted castle and their ticket entry Halloween Week events are coveted.
Muncaster Castle is a great day out with with the castle, gardens ,owl and hawk displays. There’s plenty to keep all the family happy.
There is a very busy events calendar:- haunted castle tours for Halloween, Christmas Tea, Muncaster Festival (running annually over May season) and Food & Drink Festivals, as well as tours.
Ticket prices to Muncaster Castle include access to 77 acres of woodland and gardens – the bluebell woods are popular in spring. For the more adventourous there’s an outdoor Adventure
My second choice is Sizergh Castle, about 15 mins from both of our cottages and owned by the National Trust.
Sizergh estate and garden walks are very popular. Sizergh Castle gardens include the National Trust’s largest limestone rock garden, wildflowers and water garden including two lakes, woodland walks, and follow the National Trust Wildlife Walk to enjoy the rich agricultural landscape of the Lyth Valley. Other popular walks include the The Sizergh Fell walk.
There’s a kitchen garden and greenhouse to explore and then you can enjoy a excellent food in the cafe.
For children there is an excellent play walk.
My third choice is Wray Castle . Managed by the National trust and on the banks of Lake Windermere. This castle is not old, as in built about 180 years ago by a surgeon and an heiress from Liverpool. The castle would only ever have to defend itself from the Cumbrian weather!
With all the furniture and artwork long gone and the last family moving out in the 1920s, the castle has had mixed uses and only opened to visitors in 2011.
The castle has church-like interiors and panoramic Lake District views. It is still a work in progress . As such it is great for families who have rooms to run and play in.
There is a fabulous walk down to the lake. (The video will give you a flavour of this fabulous castle and its wonderful setting!)
My final choice is Kendal Castle.
The castle is now a ruin and has been ever since the Tudor period, but it’s an intriguing place to explore. It was originally built in the 12th century for the barons of Kendal, and now the castle is home to some displays of fantastic medieval objects.
There are some wonderful views all around Kendal castle, so don’t miss out if you’re visiting. The most famous connections for this castle are the Parr family , Catherine Parr being Henry VIII’s, sixth wife!
There are many great days out that can be reached by boat on Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises. Dogs on leads travel free on all boats, including the self-drive and rowing boats, and it turns out they even get a ticket of their own!
No Lake District holiday is complete without a lake cruise of some description, and with Windermere Lake Cruises you can enjoy a tour of the lake on one of its main ‘steamers’, Swan, Teal, or Tern, or travel on one of its smaller vessels to selected destinations. Dogs are welcome free of charge! 015394 43360, windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
View of Lake Windermere
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
The southern tip of Windermere is home to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, where you can take a ride on a steam locomotive, complete with 1950s carriages, as it makes its way along 3.5 miles of the former Furness Railway branch line. As Windermere Lake Cruises and the railway connect at Lakeside, consider buying a combined ticket to travel by both boat and rail – dogs travel free of charge on the railway too! 015395 31594, lakesiderailway.co.uk
Haverthwaite to Lakeside Steam Railway
3.Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Finsthwaite Across the road from Woodside Cottage
The only working bobbin mill left in the Lake District, English Heritage’s Stott Park Bobbin Mill gives you a great sense of the area’s industrial history.
Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the site along with their owners at Stott Park Bobbin Mill. Stott Park Bobbin Mill is an industrial museum which explains the process of bobbin making in the Lake District. Visitors can book a guided tour of the mill to see how a wooden bobbin is made.. There’s also a lovely walk nearby to High Dam, a man-made tarn which once fed the mill.
Stott Park Bobbin Mill
Grizedale Forest
The Forestry Commission’s Grizedale Forest is a great place to walk with your dog, and has several waymarked trails for all tastes and abilities. The forest is most famous for its outdoor sculptures, with around 40 artworks to be found along its network of pathways. Dogs are also welcome inside Grizedale’s café. 0300 067 4495, forestry.gov.uk/grizedale
Grizedale has everything for a great family day out. Located to the east of Coniston Water and to the south of Hawkshead (15 minutes for Woodside) Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Grizedale offers an unrivalled day out for everyone.
Sculpture trails, picnic areas, forest way marked trails, (Riddings Wood is push chair/wheel chair friendly) Gruffalo Trail , mountain bike trails, Mountain bike hire but book in advance!, excellent café/tearoom. Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, Zip Trekking Adventure Forest Segway,
Have fun in Grizedale !#
Grizedale Forest
5.Backbarrow Motor museum Address: Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8TA
A nostalgic visit suitable for all ages, this museum is located in Backbarrow, on the site of the former Backbarrow Blue Mill – best known for manufacturing the washing additive, Dolly Blue. Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the exhibition areas free of charge, but do note that Café Ambio next door doesn’t accept dogs.
30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century – cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia.
Housed in a converted mill in the heart of the Lake District, we’re minutes from Lake Windermere and offer joint tickets with Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
Much more than just a motor museum, our local history and period shopping displays, authentic recreations and picturesque riverside cafe makes it a great day out for the whole family.
Vintage cars at Backbarrow
OPEN 9:30am to 4:30pm every day except Christmas Day
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe Ambio. Everyone is welcome to attend whether you’re an owner, enthusiast or just keen to see some great examples of some classic local cars.
I just went to do some videoing of the river down at Backbarrow and whilst I was there I thought I would check out the The Lakeland Historic Car Club . They meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum . Everyone is welcome to attend whether you’re an owner, enthusiast or just keen to see some great examples of some classic local cars. It starts at about 10am with loads of much loved cars and their owners turning up. Everyone is very willing to chat about their vehicle and even let you sit in on occasions.
Backbarrow Motor museum Address: Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8TA
A nostalgic visit suitable for all ages, this museum is located in Backbarrow,only 2 miles from Woodside and 15 mins drive from Fell View, on the site of the former Backbarrow Blue Mill – best known for manufacturing the washing additive, Dolly Blue. Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the exhibition areas free of charge, but do note that Café Ambio next door doesn’t accept dogs.
Motor Museum, dogs are welcome
30,000 exhibits that trace the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century – cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia.
Housed in a converted mill in the heart of the Lake District, we’re minutes from Lake Windermere and offer joint tickets with Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
Much more than just a motor museum, their local history and period shopping displays, authentic recreations and picturesque riverside cafe makes it a great day out for the whole family.
OPEN 9:30am to 4:30pm
every day except Christmas Day
It is a mixture of woodland with good paths. The hill is easily seen from the A590 with its steep limestone cliffs.
The summit of Whitbarrow Scar is known as Lord’s Seat, and an anticlockwise walk to here from Witherslack, returning along the valley to the west, forms a chapter in The Outlying Fells of Lakeland by Alfred Wainwright. He describes it as “the most beautiful [walk] in this book; beautiful it is every step of the way. … All is fair to the eye on Whitbarrow.”[6]
The walk:
The small hamlet of Mill Side is the easiest place to start this walk. There is an informal layby just across the cattle grid from the A590 – signed Beck Head and Mill Side – where half-a-dozen cars may park.
A great trip out from Cartmel but in fact any destination in the Lake District at the moment is a trip to Ulverston.
Ulverston is not only a delightful market town with interesting shops and antique stores, but is also the home of a small, but perfectly formed and most informative museum! Ulverston is the home of the Laurel and Hardy Museum, which seeing at the film “Stan and Ollie” has just come out ( January 2019) I thought I would share this lovely town with you all.
First a little history about the duo. Laurel and Hardy were a comedy act during the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema. Stan Laurel was English (1890–1965) and Oliver Hardy American (1892–1957). They became well known during the late 1920s to the mid-1940s for their slapstick comedy. Laurel played the clumsy and childlike friend of the self- important Hardy. They are famous for their signature tune which was played over their film credits (The Dance of the Cuckoos”). their bowler hats!
Prior to emerging as a team, both actors had well-established film careers. Laurel had appeared in over 50 films as an actor (while also working as a writer and director), while Hardy had been in more than 250 productions. They didn’t become a comedy team until 1926 when they appeared in a movie short together, and they officially became a team in 1927 when they appeared together in the silent short film Putting Pants on Philip.
They appeared as a team in 107 films, starring in 32 short silent films, 40 short sound films, and 23 full-length feature films. They also made 12 guest or cameo appearances .
In 2005, they were voted the seventh-greatest comedy act of all time by a UK poll of fellow comedians.
The official Laurel and Hardy appreciation society is known as The Sons of the Desert and memorabilia of them and their work can be found in Ulverston.
Ulverston is the home of Stan Laurel and at the Roxy Cinema not only can you at the moment (January 2019) see the film, “Stan and Ollie” with John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan you can tour the delightful museum dedicated to the famous pair
Turn off the M6 at Junction 36, follow the A590 to Barrow in Furness, which will bring you to Ulverston. The easiest car park is situated on the roundabout at the entrance to the town. From the car park, we are a short walk up the cobbled street, past Gillam’s Tearoom, turn left at Costa Coffee onto Brogden Street. Their entrance is at the front of the Roxy Cinema, look out for the smiling Stan, as in the photo above!
Parking –
There is ample parking in Ulverston town centre with several Pay and Display car parks all within 5 minutes walk. Parking on the street is usually limited to 1 hour unless you have a parking permit (local residents only).
Admission Prices 2019
Adults: £5.00 Concession: £4.00 Children: £2.50 Family Ticket: £10.00 (Family Ticket consists of Two Adults and up to Three Children U16) Deluxe Ticket: £7.00 (Entry plus Hot or Cold Drink and muffin or bag of popcorn)
Annual Passes: Adult: £12.00 Concession: £10.00 Family: £25.00 Ulverston Walking Tour: £5.00 per person
Every Thursday during the School Summer Holidays
Join our experts for a guided tour of Ulverston as Stan would have remembered it. See his birthplace, the shop where Grandma bought him his Beers Treacle Toffee (a real treat!) and many other parts of our charming Market Town.
Opening Times
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Easter – Oct: 7 Days Per Week
Close Monday & Wednesday at all other times.
Christmas Opening Times: From 20th Dec to 3rd Jan,
Looking for quality accommodation in the English lake District? Look no further, check out www.lakesgetaways.co.uk
Child labour is hard to imagine in 21 Century Britain, but 100 years ago and certainly 150 years ago it was not uncommon. It was work or the work house! Many northern families had little choice but to end up working in a Bobbin Mill. One of the oldest surviving and working Bobbin Mills can be found in the sleepy hamlet of Low Stott Park, just north of Newby Bridge in the heart of the Lake District. This wonderful museum is just across the road from Woodside and so if you are staying at Woodside you really must go and explore this amazing site. The story of the Bobbin Mill is brought to life with tours and an exhibition. Visitors can also see the journey from tree to bobbin first hand during production on the original belt driven machinery. A hands-on family trail with dressing up for children helps visitors to imagine what it was like to work at the mill.
Silver winner in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Category at the Enjoy England Awards and Gold Winner at the Cumbria Tourism Awards.
Don’t Miss
Guided tours around the mill, start at 10.30am and repeated at half past the hour, every 60 minutes. Tours last for 45 mins.
See bobbins being made buy your own bobbin from the gift shop
The best time to visit is when the museum is having its steam days, this is when you truly get an idea of what it was like to work in the Bobbin Mill. The work was hard, long and
often boys from the work houses of Manchester and Liverpool were employed.
The young men and boys lived in the lodging house opposite the Bobbin Mill . They would rent rooms in the lodging house from the owners of the mill.
Today the lodging house is several cottages ….one of which is Woodside . Although small compared to other mills, some 250 men and boys worked to produce a quarter of a million bobbins a week!
The Motor museum at Backbarrow is a great family day out and ideal if the weather is not very good out side.
Who said it rains in the Lake district?
The museum is feast your eyes and has a unique collection of 30,000 exhibits, that includes 140 classic cars and motorbikes, all carefully assembled over 50 years.
It’s afew minutes drive or you can walk from Woodside as it is nestled in the scenic Leven Valley and open seven days a week, the Museum isn’t just about cars. The entire collection is presented in a social context, with a host of rarities to awaken some special motoring memories.
There’s something for everyone at the museum including:
in its own unique building, the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition. The is a wonderful tribute to the racing career of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell. Highlights include full sized replicas of the 1935 Blue Bird car, 1939 Blue Bird Boat K4 and 1967 jet hydroplane Bluebird K7.
This short ride has a bit of everything- the delights of Cartmel with its Priory, lovely square and range of cafes, pubs and restaurants, a chance to walk to the end of Humphrey Head for spectacular views of Morecambe Bay and the option to visit the splendid house and gardens at Holker Hall. The ride heads due south from Cartmel, climbing gently then dropping steeply to cross the B5277 and passing Wraysholme Tower. Stay on your bike and follow the road to its end at the edge of the bay, however, on a fine day it’s worth locking up your bike and walking out to Humphrey Head for the view. Back on your bike through Flookburgh to The Green from where you have the option to visit Holker Hall. From Holker Hall you can take an off road route directly back to Cartmel racecourse or re-join the main route at The Green for a tarmac option back to the start.
Points of interest along the way
Wraysholm Tower -South of Allithwaite village is the 15th century three storey stone tower house Wraysholme Tower. It is rectangular in shape, with a small projecting garderobe tower at the south-east corner. At roof level are the remains of a parapet and three corner turrets, with the site of a later hall covered by a 19th century farmhouse.
It’s in good condition as English Heritage have replaced the roof – it now has a steepled roof, rather than the flat one it originally had – and they have repaired a gable wall that was cracking and falling away from the main body of the tower. One of the spiral staircases still stands.
The rough limestone tower, rectangular in shape, which is 39ft high, has walls some 4ft thick, bonded together with a mixture of lime & bullocks blood.
The hall is believed to have been built by the Harrington family of Gleaston, of which Sir James Harrington supported Richard III during the war of the Roses, culminating in his estates being seized and given to the Stanleys, later to become ‘The Earls of Derby’.
Wraysholme Tower is visible from the road that runs along side the farm, but is on private property, and as it’s actually part of the farm you’re not able to get close at all.
With excellent views over Morecambe Bay, this limestone promontory has an unusual assemblage of plants and interesting geological exposures. Great place for watching birds on the estuary.
Fabulous home of the Cavendish family, and parkland, gardens and home are open to the public
Route Information
Short day – will take most of the day but you will be able to start late in the morning or finish early in the afternoon.
Tracks, bridleways and single track through valleys or over low fells. Route alignment is clear but you might need to identify turns or junctions.
Nearly all rideable but might have to dismount for the odd ford or rough bit.
OS map
Landranger97 Explorer OL97
Toilets
Cartmel, Flookburgh, Holker Hall
Refreshments
Lots of choice in Cartmel.
Route Essentials
Cycle Route: Cartmel-Flookburgh-Cartmel
Duration: 1.5-3 hours
Miles: 8
Route Details
From the square in Cartmel head towards the Priory, past the Kings Arms pub.2. At the cross roads (Give Way) on the edge of the village go straight ahead (sign posted Allithwaite, Grange)3. After ½ mile, on a sharp left hand bend, bear right, (signposted Templand)
4. Gentle climb. On descent, on another sharp left hand bend, bear right on Templand Lane (NB not sharp right to Boarbank Hall)
5. At cross roads (Give Way) with B5277 go straight ahead (signposted Holy Well 1 ¾ , Humphrey Head 1 ½ )
6. At T junction, shortly after the level crossing, turn left (no sign)
7. Follow this road to its end at the tip of Humphrey Head for fine views of Morecambe Bay. For better views still, lock up your bikes near the Field Centre (signposted up to the left off the road to the coast about ¾ mile after the level crossing) and walk along the top of Humphrey Head.
8. Retrace your route. At the first road junction follow the road to the Left.
9. At the T junction at the end of willow lane turn right (Sticky Toffee Pudding Factory ahead).
10. At the T junction with Market street in the centre of Flookburgh turn right then after 200 yards turn left onto Green Lane, just before the Crown Inn.
11. After ½ mile, at the T junction with a stone wall and house ahead turn right then shortly left, (signposted Cartmel)
12. After just over 1 mile, turn right at the T junction then after 400 yds take the first left (signposted Cartmel Priory) to return to the square.
Option to visit Holker Hall.
After ½ mile at the t junction with stone wall and house ahead, turn L. At the next T junction turn right then after 50 yards turn left uphill through a gate.
A. Go through another gate. At T-junction with a wooden Bridleway sign ahead and a track to your right, turn sharp left uphill.
B. Emerge on the B5278 opposite Holker Hall. Cross with care and proceed along the road opposite to the Hall. (there is no entrance fee to pay if you just wish to visit the café)
Retrace your route from Holker Hall, (take care crossing the B5278) on to minor lane opposite and, climbing steeply, follow the road for ¾ mile to the end of tarmac.
C. Follow the outward route , turning sharp right on the tarmac lane between stone walls and follow through two gates to return to The Green at point 11. Bear left the shortly after left again at the next T junction ( signposted Cartmel 1 ¼ ) Follow route instruction 12 to return to Cartmel.
Grizedale Forest, (15 mins from Woodside and 30 mins from Fell View) in the heart of the Lake District, offers an unrivalled day out for everyone.
You can find walking & cycling trails or simply discover a quiet spot to admire the wildlife, amazing sculptures, a place to relax and enjoy some great food. Grizedale Forest is famous for its outdoor sculptures. Since 1977 leading international artists have created sculpture in response to Grizedale Forest’s unique environment, establishing the first collection of site-specific art in the UK.
Now around 40 sited artworks are located across the forest, linked by the network of walking and cycling trails. The sculptures provide moments of contemplation and a special way of navigating this extraordinary landscape.
pixel2013 / Pixabay
Grizedale Forest is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Arts and Culture from 24th May – 23rd Sept 2018,
‘Inspired by Nature’ is the result of a special collaboration between Royal Society of Sculptors and The Forestry Commission to celebrate 50-years of art in the forest.
From pine needles to marble, bronze and wood, this exhibition of 9 artists’ works invites visitors to “experience the natural world through the thoughts and ideas of the artists who have produced the works in the exhibition.”
The event is taking place in the heart of the South Lakes, on the site of the old Grizedale Hall, where the impressive architect-designed Grizedale Forest Resource Centre now stands. With globally-acclaimed artists such as Richard Long and Andy Goldsworthy finding inspiration in this forest, Grizedale has gained an international reputation for being at the forefront of the Environmental Art movement.
Other autumn events at Grizedale Forest to look out for:
Autumn Stargazing at Grizedale Forest, Friday 7 September 2018, 8.30pm-10.30pm.
The Art of the Woodsman at Grizedale Forest, Sunday 16 September 2018.
Holker Hall owned by the Cavendish Family, is a few minutes from both of our cottages and has lovely gardens and tearoom. It is set in 18.800 acres so there’s plenty of room to run around! It is a few minutes from Grange over sands and Cartmel on the stunningly beautiful Cartmel peninsula.
They have some great events happening over the next few months .This is just taste of what’s happening!
A great atmosphere on the prom at grange over Sands this afternoon watching the runners who took part in the Rat Race, Man versus The lakes event.
This event is 29 miles long!
They start by crossing the quick sands of Morecambe Bay, run the prom at Grange (where we caught up with them) then head north through mountainous country on a rollercoaster running route that brings them to the foot of Lake Windermere, and then continue on.
It’s an endurance test and a real adventurous run.
1. Exploring the Lakeland Motor Museum, Backbarrow
Backbarrow was originally the home of the washing agent “Dolly Blue” but today one of the major attractions of this small village is The Lakeland Motor Museum. Car enthusiasts will love a nostalgic look back at cars through the decades. There are cars, bicycles and motorcycles, which I must confess even I found very interesting! There’s a building with exhibits dedicated to Donald Campbell, and Café Ambio’s just next door, where you can get a good lunch or simply tea and cakes. Definitely recommend.
2. A tour of Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Finsthwaite
As it is just across the road from Woodside it is a an attraction you have to visit. It is the last remaining bobbin mill in the Lake District, and a tour around the mill gives you fascinating insight into one of the local industries in the 19th century. Much of the woodland around the mill was coppiced for the manufacture of bobbins, . Stott Park Bobbin Mill
3. A tour of Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley Hawkshead Brewery run tours of the brewery four times a week including at 2pm on Sundays. That’s timed just right to allow you to enjoy a leisurely lunch and to sample the product beforehand! (Booking might be advisable)
4.A train journey on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
A few minutes walk away from Woodside and 15 mins away from fell View is the Lakeside railway station. On the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, you can travel onboard a steam locomotive with 1950s carriages, which takes in three and a half miles of the former Furness Railway branch line, and connects with Windermere Lake Cruises at Lakeside. Combined tickets for the boat and train are available.
Haverthwaite to Lakeside steam railway
Quality accommodation in the English lake district www.lakesgetaways.co.uk
Over the Summer in the Lake District, they hold the most fabulous shows and these shows are not to be missed! What’s available to see on the day can range from food stalls to Michelin chefs giving a talk ( Cartmel) from Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling competitions to flower displays, from vintage tractors and machinery to hounds, terrier racing and dog agility. These family-friendly events are a great way to experience the traditions that have shaped the Lake District and there’s lots of things for children to enjoy at the shows, from bouncy castles to face-painting .
I’m sure you get the picture! Everything you can think of connected with Lake District life is on display, which is why they make for a really good day out and one not to be missed.
This list is just a few of the many shows that can be enjoyed over the next few months. The video is of Hawkshead Village
A real variety of courses, something for everyone :Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, Garden Sculpture, Life Drawing, Sketching by the Riverside, Painting with Wool, Animals in Clay, Jewellery Summer School, silk painting, Mixed Media. The list goes on and on!!! Check it out, you’ll be amazed.
Cost?
Approx £55 for the day course. All materials are included in the cost of the workshop.
Dogs accepted
