The Top 10 Dog Friendly Places To Visit When You Are In The Lake District

January 5, 2022 by Alison Smith

The Top 10 Dog Friendly Places To Visit In The Lake District

1.Windermere Lake Cruises (if you are staying at Woodside, you can walk to the cruisers)

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

2. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (if you are staying at Woodside, you can walk to the steam trains)

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

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.

4. 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 !

5.Backbarrow Motor museum Address: Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8TA (if you are staying at Woodside, you can walk to the museum, in about 35 mins or take the car.)

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, but you can sit on the terrace to eat food with your dog.

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.

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.

6. Claife Heights

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. Dogs can go into the viewing station . Four legged friends are welcome on the west shore of Windermere. There’s a cosy cafe in the courtyard and it is open every day 11am-3pm. With an undercover area where you and your dog can sit and enjoy a hot chocolate or soup!

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.

This colourful Viewing Station has endless lake views and waterside paths for you to explore

7. The grounds of NT Wray Castle

Dogs are welcome in the grounds on leads; assistance dogs only inside. There are also some very good walks along the lake off the main grounds were you can let dogs off leads and play fetch by the lake. Picnic seating is available outside the castle (And cafe) so you can still partake of a lovely scone with your fury friend (weather permitting).

8. Coniston Launch and the National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola (outer decks only)

A cruise on Coniston Water is delightful. You can see the landscape that inspired Arthur Ransome to write his popular Swallows and Amazons series of novels! Coniston water is where Donald Campbell sadly lost his life during his ill-fated world water speed record attempt in 1967. You can choose from a number of short or longer cruise options on board a Coniston Launch or the National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola (dogs allowed on the outer decks but not inside the saloons), and Coniston Launch offers special ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and ‘Campbells on Coniston’ cruises too. Gondola and Coniston Launch both stop at Brantwood on the eastern shore of Coniston Water, where dogs on leads are also welcomed in the grounds (requires a ticket purchase) and café too. 017687 75753, conistonlaunch.co.uk and 015394 32733, nationaltrust.org.uk/steam-yacht-gondola

Coniston and the surrounding areas are full of many different attractions. From taking a cruise with the steam yacht gondola to climbing through the trees in Grizedale Forest, as well as many unique historical houses in the area, there is sure to be something for you at Coniston.

Fancy something totally unique?

Why not float back to Victorian times by travelling Lake Coniston on a steam-powered craft?

Painstakingly rebuilt from the original Victorian ‘Gondola’, passengers can enjoy the silent gentle gliding motion combining their cruise with a visit to Brantwood House or disembarking at Monk Coniston jetty for a circular walk to Tarn Hows.

Full Lake cruises run daily and take in the full length of Coniston Water with an interesting talk by the crew about Coniston’s famous connections.

Steam Yacht Gondola (outside of saloons), Coniston Water

If you’re after an extra special cruise on Coniston Water (again useful for breaking up a longer walk using the Walker’s Cruise), the National Trust’s Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola is a fantastic historic experience. Dogs are welcome on the outside decks, which is where you’ll want to be anyway on a sunny day. As with Coniston Launch, Gondola also stops at the Brantwood jetty.
Cruises commence from Coniston Pier from 11am, daily from April until the end of October.

You can also park on the road by the side of the lakes.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gondola

There are no toilets on board. Public toilets including disabled facilities are available at the pier. Refreshments available at the Bluebird cafe.

Opening details

Mon to Friday: 11am, 12 noon, 1pm (2.30pm Full Lake)
Sat & Sun: 11am Walkers/Full lake Cruise, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm

Head of Lake Cruise (45 minutes)

Request stops at Brantwood for house and gardens (not NT) and Monk Coniston
Jetty for walks to Tarn Hows (approx 3 hrs). Walking leaflet available aboard. Break
your journey and re-join Gondola on a later sailing.

Full Lake Cruise (1hr & 45 minutes)

Enjoy an extended sailing aboard Gondola and soak up the atmosphere of this unique
steam yacht. Hear all about Coniston Water’s famous connections, with the option
to pre-order afternoon tea or the new ‘Steam & Cream’ hands-on experience – see
website for details.

Walkers Cruise

Cruise to Lake Bank Jetty (45 mins) for walks at the southern end of Coniston Water
or Parkamoor Jetty (55 mins) for the east shore. Walking leaflet available aboard or
download from our website (OS map and compass recommended). Walkers can
re-join Gondola at Brantwood or Monk Coniston jetties on a later sailing. You can also
stay on board for the round trip if preferred (Full Lake ticket required)51.

NT members note:
There is a 10% reduction on all scheduled round trip cruises on production of your current
membership card.

9. Brantwood is a very peaceful garden. The grounds and natural gardens at Brantwood are a joy. Although not permitted in the house itself, dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and at the café – you can buy a gardens-only ticket and parking is free. The road to Brantwood affords beautiful views of Coniston Waters. You can stop at the side of the road and take in the view. If your lucky you con see the gondola chugging up and down the lake.

10. Fell Foot Park (NT) (If you are staying at Woodside you can walk to the ferry at Lakeside and take the 5-minute ride over to Fell Foot. The ferry runs during the Summer only)

Plenty of space for your dog. Lovely walk along the bank of Lake Windermere to where it meets the River Leven. You can take a ferry over to Lakeside and then the steam train to Haverthwaite with dogs welcome on both

MV Swift, a new boat on Lake Windermere

February 6, 2021 by Alison Smith

The video is of The Tern cruising into Lakeside.

This ship was built in 2020 by Damen Shipyards Group. The sections of boat were transported by road to Lakeside and assembled. The M.V. Swift is 34.4 metres long and uses 2 x Volvo Penta engines to power an electrical propulsion system. It is manned by a crew of four.

Swift has three decks and at full capacity can hold 300 passengers.

Passenger facilities include:

Refreshment bar and licensed bar
Promenade deck
Indoor/outdoor upper deck with glazing that can be lowered/raised for different weather conditions
View stations
Centrally heated saloons and toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet
All facilities are wheelchair accessible on this boat.

Cruising on Lake Windemere

July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 by Alison Smith

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 Freedom of the Lakes gives you 24 hours on the lake

There are walkers tickets, buffet cruises and evening cruises (during the Summer months)

Plenty of choice for everyone.

Cruises can even be combined with local attractions to save you money!

For our top local attractions check out our page

Looking for quality accommodation in the Lake District?

Check out Woodside and Fell View cottages www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

Castle and History in the Lake District

May 17, 2019 by Alison Smith

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!

For quality accommodation www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

The top 5 places to visit in the Southern lake District

April 26, 2019 by Alison Smith

1.Windermere Lake Cruises

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!

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Lakes Getaways Haverthwaite_Station — 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.

Grizedale Forest

Have fun in Grizedale !#

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.

OPEN 9:30am to 4:30pm every day except Christmas Day

For quality accommodation www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

Cut a dash in a vintage car at Backbarrow

April 7, 2019 by Alison Smith

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.

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

A Recommended Day Trip near Cartmel

January 28, 2019 by Alison Smith

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

To get to the museum by Car –(from Woodside or Fell View)

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

What your Great Grandfather may have done to survive as a child.

January 22, 2019January 9, 2019 by Alison Smith

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!

www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

For quality accommodation in the Lake District stay at Woodside Cottage

What To Do With The Kids When It Rains in Newby Bridge

January 22, 2019November 29, 2018 by Alison Smith

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.

www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

For quality accommodation in the Lake District stay at Woodside Cottage

Holker Hall Events

August 22, 2018 by Alison Smith

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!

Evening Tour with the Head Gardener
Wednesday 22nd August 2018

Wednesday 22nd August 2018
NGS Open Day – Tour with our Head Gardener

Thursday 23rd August 2018
Kitchen Garden Guided Tours

Every Thursday at 2pm in July & August
Pop-up Pub & Pizza in The Courtyard

Every Saturday from 3pm in July and August
Plant Fair & Holker Food Market

Sunday 26th August 2018
Holker Food Markets

Sundays – Sunday 26th August 2018, Sunday 21st October 2018, Sunday 9th December 2018
Mexican Night at The Ilex

Saturday 8th September 2018
Holker Chilli Fest

Saturday 8th September 2018 & Sunday 9th September 2018
Early Openings for Photography

10th – 14th October
Tour & Tea with the Head Gardener (Autumn Colour)

Wednesday 17th October 2018
Holker Halloween Fun!

Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th October
Winter Market

Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th November
Holker Celebrates Christmas

Fri 30th Nov – Sun 2nd Dec, Thurs 6th – Sun 9th & Thurs 13th – Sun 16th December

Friday 23rd March to Sunday 28th October 2018

Opening and Closing times

Hall (11am-4pm) & Gardens (10.30am-5pm) : Wednesday – Sunday (+ Bank Holiday Mondays)

Gift Shop (10.30am – 5pm): Wednesday – Sunday (+ Bank Holiday Mondays)

Café, Food Hall & Park (10.30am-5pm) : Daily

Ilex Bar & Brasserie (From 12noon, last orders 3pm): Wednesday – Sunday

Occasionally the Hall opening may vary to accommodate special events. Please check the website before visiting.

Top country shows in the Lake District- an event not to be missed

June 28, 2018 by Alison Smith

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

Langdale Gala – Sunday 1st July

Coniston Country Fair – Sunday 22nd July

Ambleside Sports – Thursday 26th July

Cumbrian Steam Gathering – 28 and 29 July

Cartmel Show – Wednesday 1st August

Hawkshead Agricultural Show – Tuesday 21st August

Grasmere Sports – Sunday 26th August

Westmorland County Show – Thursday 13th September

Peace and Contemplation in Cartmel Medieval Priory

June 8, 2018June 5, 2018 by Alison Smith

One of the most peaceful places to visit in the English Lake District is Cartmel’s Medieval priory.

Worship has been at the very heart of Priory life for centuries. Throughout history, people from all around the world have made pilgrimages to the Priory for prayer and worship, each with their own stories to tell. If you look close enough, marks and notches can be found where pilgrims have left their mark for others to discover.

Exploring the Priory will uncover myths, legends and tales of the past, housed in the impressive building that stood all those years ago. If you want to find out more about the centuries of history and heritage that this church is built on, take a look at their History and Architecture pages.

The Priory is open to everyone, and welcomes people from all walks of life

The Priory Church of St. Mary
and St. Michael,
Cartmel, Cumbria,
LA11 6QD

Beatrix Potter Revealed

June 8, 2018April 30, 2018 by Alison Smith

A lovely place to visit in the Summer is Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse which is a time-capsule of her life.
Her house is called Hill Top and it is a few minutes from Woodside and a very pleasant drive through woodland lanes. It’s at Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF . Although it is open most of the the Summer months , from September it is closed on Fridays

You can enjoy the story of Beatrix Potter and her life,by visiting Hill Top. It is full of her favourite things, and the house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk! Every room contains a reference to a picture in a ‘tale’.

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 to avoid overcrowding and to protect the interior. 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..

Quality Accommodation in the English Lake District www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

Finding Unusual Antiques in Cumbria

April 30, 2018 by Alison Smith

One of the most interesting antique shops to visit in The lake District can be found at Yew Tree Barn near High Newton not far from Newby Bridge.

It is an reclamation yard and if you’re like me you just never know what you can find. It’s great for a browse around, they have a superb tearoom and at Christmas there is a brilliant craft market!

Christmas Market (30 November, 1 & 2 December 2018)

30th November, 1st & 2nd December 2018 10am – 4.30pm The annual Christmas Market, the must visit festive event in the South Lakes takes place December 2018.

Friday Evenings in Harry’s Cafe Bar. Harry’s Cafe Bar will be open in the evenings.

ue to popular demand we opening Harry’s CafeBar in the evenings. Please give us a call to reserve your table!

FRIDAY EVENINGS IN HARRY’S CAFEBAR

Through the year Harry’s CafeBar is open in the evenings, first Friday of the month, bookings advisable.

Now taking bookings for Friday 18 May 2018

This is what one of our Friday nighters posted on Tripadvisor after dining in Harry’s CafeBar…..

‘Harry’s Cafe operates during daylight hours as a cafe, but over the spring/summer months opens once a week on Friday evening for dinner. The furniture is all reclaimed, quirky, different, and generally all for sale. During the day it can be pretty busy as it is a very popular place, but the staff do an amazing job of seating you quickly, making everyone feel welcome, and checking you are happy. The food is tasty, the coffee good, and the cake portions hearty. On an evening, you are warmly welcomed, talked through the specials, and left to take in the cosy, intimate feel of the place whilst making your mind up. The food is delicious, especially the vegetarian options, which are a welcome variation from the usual cheese and pasta based affairs of less imaginative places. The wine list is excellent and would strongly recommend the quaffable Sangiovese. My only comment would be that the portions were so generous that I was left with little room for a dessert. The main meal could have easily been half the size and I would have remained over the moon on the presentation and taste. We will definitely be making this a place to regularly visit for coffee and cake, as well as pay day date nights during the summer!’

Dinner Evening Friday 18 May 2018

serving from 6.00pm

Tempura king prawns served with a fresh lime, coriander and chilli sauce on cherry tomato & cucumber salad £6.95

Trio of lamb & apricot meatballs served with a spicy tomato & cumin sauce finished with fresh mint yoghurt dressing £6.95

Blue cheese and creamy mushroom potato cake served on crispy salad with garlic & herb aioli £5.75

~~~

Slow cooked lamb shank on spring onion mash served with a fresh mint and cranberry gravy £16.25

Grilled plaice fillet with lemon, crayfish & pine nut butter served on wilted baby spinach, cooked in garlic & finished with white wine £14.95

Pan fried pork fillet served on black pudding and mustard mash finished with caramelised apple & cider sauce £14.75

Wild mushroom, fennel and leek pie served with creamy leek sauce and sweet potato wedges £13.25

~~~

Cheese board served with celery & apple, homemade biscuits and chutney £7.25 (add a glass of Port (£4.00)

Fresh fruit roulade served with raspberry coulis and chantilly cream £5.50

Bailey’s chocolate cheesecake served with ice cream £5.50

Ice creams (Handmade Ice cream co) £4.50

Dinner Evenings

18 May – 1 June

6 July – 3 August – 7 September – 5 October

(Why not use the X6 bus service, it stops outside YTB, so you can enjoy a drink?) Please ring to book your places in Harry’s Cafébar asap 015395 31498

An enjoyable way to travel on lake Coniston

March 22, 2018 by Alison Smith

Coniston Launch – lake cruises and group charters on Coniston Water in the Lake District

Coniston Launch offers a variety of ways that you can enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water in the Lake District.

Regular scheduled cruises

regular services covering two different circular routes on Coniston Water – see the timetable and fares
stay on the boat for the full cruise or stop off at any of the jetties to catch a later boat back
combine a boat cruise with a walk around the shore of Coniston Water – see lakeshore walks and fell walks

Special cruises

7 day explorer ticket

Unlimited travel on Coniston Launch for 1 week

groups and charters

book one of our launches for a private party or wedding – see groups and charters

visit Brantwood by boat

Visit Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, with our discounted combination ticket.

Back in time to the Industrial Revolution

June 18, 2018March 21, 2018 by Alison Smith

Stott Park Bobbin Mill is just across the road from Woodside!

A Little Bit Of History near Newby Bridge

January 26, 2018 by Alison Smith

Not far from Newby Bridge is the Motor Museum at Backbarrow (which you can walk to through the lanes from Woodside,) It’ s a great afternoon out. When I went I didn’t think I would find it that interesting, however I was so wrong!!!
There are so many fantastic cars to see, even if you’re not a car enthusiast. You just can’t help but enjoy this museum.
And when you fancy a cuppa or lunch, you can just go next door to Cafe Ambio for some great food. Their coronation chicken sandwiches are my favourite.
And yes! dogs are welcome in the museum and on the terrace at the cafe.

https://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/

Travel Tip created by Brian and Alison Smith in association with Vacation Soup

The Top 10 Dog Friendly Places To Visit When You Are In The Lake District

The Top 10 Dog Friendly Places To Visit In The Lake District

MV Swift, a new boat on Lake Windermere

Cruising on Lake Windemere

Castle and History in the Lake District

The top 5 places to visit in the Southern lake District

Cut a dash in a vintage car at Backbarrow

A Recommended Day Trip near Cartmel

Looking for quality accommodation in the English lake District? Look no further, check out www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

What your Great Grandfather may have done to survive as a child.

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!

www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

For quality accommodation in the Lake District stay at Woodside Cottage

What To Do With The Kids When It Rains in Newby Bridge

There’s something for everyone at the museum including:

www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

For quality accommodation in the Lake District stay at Woodside Cottage

Holker Hall Events

Opening and Closing times

Top country shows in the Lake District- an event not to be missed

Peace and Contemplation in Cartmel Medieval Priory

Beatrix Potter Revealed

Finding Unusual Antiques in Cumbria

Christmas Market (30 November, 1 & 2 December 2018)

Friday Evenings in Harry’s Cafe Bar. Harry’s Cafe Bar will be open in the evenings.

This is what one of our Friday nighters posted on Tripadvisor after dining in Harry’s CafeBar…..

An enjoyable way to travel on lake Coniston

Coniston Launch – lake cruises and group charters on Coniston Water in the Lake District

Regular scheduled cruises

Special cruises

7 day explorer ticket

groups and charters

visit Brantwood by boat

Back in time to the Industrial Revolution

A Little Bit Of History near Newby Bridge

From Our Galleries Page

What Our Guests Say