Here are our favourite things to see and do in the Lake District .
Some are well know, some not so well known. Have a look around as we have included photos, videos, information and links.
They are in no particular order.
Cartmel village must be the best place for food and drink and is minutes away from our cottages.
In this foodie village there are specialist cheese shops, bakery, brewery, wine shop, and once a month a farmers market. For a gastronomic experience visit L’Enclume, the Michelin star restaurant or Rogans their sister bistro.
Cartmel is the home of “Sticky Toffee Pudding” and a visit is not complete unless you buy one!
This unique medieval village with its ancient Priory is home to the smallest National Hunt race course in the country and is a fantastic day out . Meets take place from May to August.
The Hazelmere is situated in the Victorian seaside town of Grange-over-Sands and is only a 200-yard stroll away from mile-long Edwardian promenade, which offers stunning views across the flat sands of Morecambe Bay.
The Hazelmere has been featured in numerous national food magazines and newspapers, as well as on television.
In the cafe, The Hazelmere ‘s emphasis is on locally sourced, seasonal food with everything being made on the premises to local and original Hazelmere recipes, using only the best of ingredients.
You can enjoy traditional waitress service in the relaxed atmosphere of the light filled café or sit outside on the terrace during the summer months.
Opening hours for the bakery shop are:
8.30am – 4.30pm everyday
Our favourite family picnic spot is a walk up to High Dam just outside the village of Finsthwaite.
High Dam is an artificial tarn about 1.5km away from Stott Park Bobbin Mill (which is opposite Woodside), which was constructed to provide water to power the mill. Apparently, no-one knows exactly who built the tarn, which was in place by 1848, and is now a local beauty spot.
Go upstairs at Oscar’s at Lakeside and watch an every changing scene of the lake whilst having a cuppa. Magical..
A scenic drive from both cottages takes you by the side of Esthwaite Water and on to Hawkshead.
Hawkshead is a quintessential English village, with cobbled streets, several pubs, cafes and restaurants, artisan food manufacturers and high quality outdoor clothing specialists.
For an action packed day out, whether walking, mountain biking, doing “Go Ape” or segway riding, you can do it all at Grizedale Forest.
Our favourite pub is The Pheasant in Allithwaite. The local pub to fell View cottage and a short ride in the car from Woodside
The Royal horticultural garden at Holehird is stunning
Sizergh Castle is a few minutes in the car from both of our cottages. It is owned by the National Trust
Most people visit Sizergh for its castle, gardens and to explore and enjoy the surrounding landscape, but hiding in the trees lurks another crowd puller …. Hawfinches! Birdwatchers flock to Sizergh to seek out this special visitor.
Also in the gardens of Sizergh, is their brilliant woodland trail, adults can join in as well!
The trail tests your balance, stamina, resolve and your brainpower and it takes you off the beaten track into the depths of the wood allowing you to experience ancient trees, exotic-looking fungi and beautiful ground flora.
You’ll be sharing the wood with buzzards, roe deer and foxes who all call Chapel Wood their home, so make sure that your senses are sharp.
A great day out
This walk is not too strenuous and indeed we have been doing it with our children since they were quite small. We all love the walk because at the top is Hampsfell Hospice where we normally rest after the climb and eat our picnic. The view from the Hospice is wonderful and even better when you climb the stairs of the Hospice. After our rest we normally descend into Cartmel and stop off for sustenance at The Mallard cafe before returning home.
If you have any questions regarding the area, the property or availability please drop us a line
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