#HolidayInLowStottPark

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/castle-and-history-in-the-lake-district/

Castle and History in the Lake District

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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/cut-a-dash-in-a-vintage-car-at-backbarrow/

Cut a dash in a vintage car at Backbarrow

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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/take-time-out-from-shopping-and-indulge-your-sweet-tooth/

Take time out from shopping and indulge your sweet tooth

2 Sisters Café, Kendal

I have to share with you a fabulous eatery in Kendal, so that the next time you visit Fell view or Woodside you can go.

I discovered the 2 Sisters Cafe in Kendal and have since found they have two cafes, so I will have to go and try that one out. I am confident it will be as good as the one in Kendal.  One of the 2 sisters cafe is  in Kendal town centre right on the High Street, next to Westmorland Shopping Centre, and other one is by  Plumgarths Farm Shop, just at the bottom of the A591 bypass outside Kendal, as you head towards Windermere.

If you enjoy local produce in a warm and relaxing environment, in a lovely, modern space with tables and sofas to sit on and want somewhere to escape from the shopping , then this is perfect.  It’s owned and managed  by 2 Sisters! Monika and Magda , who love cooking and produce scrumptious cakes! ( I can attest to that!)

They are also right next to Plumgarth’s Farm Shop where you can pick up some of Plumgarth’s fabulous local produce – with a proper butchery counter, serving  meat; sausages, cheeses, pickles and jams, or bakery selections. 

They serve an All day Breakfast  (9am-midday)

Plumgarth’s bacon, sausages, tomato, mushroom, baked beans and fried egg served with toast or breakfast artisan roll, packed with Plumgarth’s bacon, sausages and/or egg.

Simply Lunches, Soups and Snacks Served from 12am-4.30pm

A wide selection of artisan rolls with simply scrumptious fillings, hot paninis, quiche with tasty salad, special savoury pancakes, smooth chicken liver, contreau & orange paté, 2 sisters 2 beans chicken chilli

Simply Delightful Afternoon Tea (2.30pm-5pm) 

tea: £12.50 per person and includes: – Tea or your choice of coffee – Selection of Sandwiches – Fruit scone with clotted cream and jam – Your choice of cake

You can just turn up but it does get busy in school holidays and peak times. You can book if you don’t want to take the risk. You can book a table by phoning 01539 720 589

Enjoy

If you are looking for quality accommodation in the Lake District please check out our cottages www.lakesgetaways.co.uk you won't be disappointed.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/what-your-great-grandfather-may-have-done-to-survive-as-a-child/

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

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!

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/scenic-cartmel-to-holker-hall-bike-ride/

Scenic Cartmel to Holker Hall Bike Ride

Cartmel to Humphrey Head & Holker Hall  Cycle Ride

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.

Humphrey Head 

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.

  Holker Hall

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.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/a-secret-haven-for-wildlife-in-the-lakes/

A secret haven for wildlife in the Lakes

When you’re next in the Lakes you really must visit this very special Nature Reserve.

 Hay Bridge Nature Reserve, Rusland Valley  

is a gem. It is a private reserve and is open to members, but at only £10, it is a small payment to enjoy peace and tranquillity!

Membership of the Hay Bridge Society is open to anyone with an interest in wildlife and the natural world. Single membership costs £10 per annum, and family membership costs £15. Members can visit the Reserve as often as they wish during daylight hours, either to walk around the Reserve, or make use of the car park and walk in the valley surrounding the Reserve, or just to sit by the study centre and enjoy the peace and quiet. It is actually quite amazing what a wealth of wildlife can often be seen from the Study Centre terrace, without walking anywhere. Part of the terrace is roofed, so you can even sit out when it is raining if you so choose. Non-members can enjoy this reserve for a £2 donation and in autumn will be in for a treat. There are drink making facilities and toilets accessible at all times and, of course, the Study Centre itself is open when the Warden is on site.

HOURS OF ACCESS: Members may visit the reserve at any time during hours of daylight (6am to 9pm in the summer) without prior arrangement and are welcome to bring their friends. Serious wildlife watchers are very welcome to come earlier or later than this, but for security reasons, please call and arrange it with the Warden beforehand, as we need to advise the occupants of both Low Hay and High Hay so they know who you are. People wandering around at dawn and dusk might be mistaken for poachers!

CARS: Please leave your car in the Members’ car park, displaying your car park ticket on the dashboard. The road is very narrow and cars parked on the verges, or in passing places can cause problems for others.

Just follow the signs to Bouth off A590.  At Bouth turn right at the White Hart Inn follow this road for about 1/2 mile to find the sign for Hay Bridge only, follow the lane until you reach the car park at the end.

skeeze / Pixabay

This is a haven for wildlife lovers and autumn is a very special time of year to visit. Red Deer have long roamed the Furness Fells and this reserve provides a safe haven for them and lots of other wildlife, including Buzzard’s, Hawks, bats, dragonfly, damsel and beautiful butterflies.

adege / Pixabay

Fungi are particularly abundant and put on a wonderful display in late summer and autumn. For experts, expect the hedgehog (a tooth fungus), the orange birch bolete, as well as many milkcaps and brittlegills. From early October you are likely to also hear the roars of Deer Rutting.

DOGS: Well behaved dogs are allowed on the Reserve, but they must be kept on a short lead at all times.

MEMBERS’ FACILITIES: These are situated on the lower side of the building (the last door on the right at the far end of the lower terrace). There are two toilets, including one for wheelchair users, and hand washing facilities. There is also a rest area, with kettle, tea and coffee etc. available for members’ use, together with chairs, information and the Log Book. Please record your sightings – they are very useful for our wildlife records. This area is always open for your use, please leave it clean and tidy, switch off the kettle and all lights and close the door when you leave.

adege / Pixabay

THE STUDY CENTRE: Originally a traditional Lakeland Stone Barn, the Study Centre was converted into a Deer Museum and Naturalists Study in the early 1970’s. In 2007, it underwent refurbishment to form a Study Centre and Interpretation Centre for all the flora and fauna to be found on the Reserve. It now houses information, field guides, species lists and exhibits relevant to Hay Bridge, and is for use by visiting schools, groups and Society members. The study centre is usually open when the Warden is on site. You are more than welcome to use the field guides on the Reserve, but please return them to the Study Centre before you leave the Reserve. Equipment i.e., collection pots, magnifying glasses, microscopes, dipping nets, bat detector, moth trap etc) are available for use by arrangemen

http://www.haybridgereserve.org.uk/

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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/the-toughest-rat-race-challenge-in-the-lakes/

The toughest Rat Race Challenge in the Lakes

  https://lakesgetaways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-07-21-13.35.32.mp4

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.

Home 2018

Well done to all that took part.

The Route 2018

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/something-for-the-men/

Something for the men!

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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/the-best-wild-swimming-site-in-the-southern-lakes/

The best wild swimming site in the Southern Lakes

Paddling and Picnic Spots in the Lake District

Where is one of the  top wild swimming, river paddling and picnic spots in the Lake District?

Fell Foot Park, Bowness  and for an unusual way to travel to Fell Foot Park why not take the ferry from Lakeside to Fell Foot Park.

Wild swimming, paddling, river rope-swinging, picnics and the Lake District are all hot-day companions. Join Swallows and Amazons buccaneers, John, Susan, Titty, Bridget and Roger, in enjoying the best wild waterscape in the UK.

Fell Foot Park, Bowness

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. But most importantly it has a beach-like access for splashing about in Lake Windermere

Woodside and Fell View Quality accommodation in the lake District

www.lakesgetaways.co.uk

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/whats-on-at-the-outdoor-cinema-in-the-lake-district/

What’s On At The Outdoor Cinema in the Lake District

Picnic Cinema Aug 10th & 11th 2018

Films are announced for Picnic Cinema’s return to Muncaster for the weekend in August 2018; two classic films on the big screen on the Castle front lawn and the best summer party you’ll attend!

Friday 10th, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (15)

Get ready to shake your groove thing to 70s & 80s disco classics and karaoke favourites. Keep the Picnic Cinema fancy dress tradition! Drag is the thing – flip flops, feathers and crazy hair adornments.

Saturday 11th, The Big Lebowski (18)

Musically this will be an eclectic mix of American folk and blues with some Latin American twists. For clothing, we’re looking for relaxed and cardigan heavy, with (we’re told) bonus points for anyone all in purple, or in their dressing gowns.

The evening’s entertainment begins from around 7pm with the films screening from around 9.30pm (as it needs to be dark). The event goes ahead regardless of the weather, so if it rains, we will get wet! Do come prepared for the conditions and you will also need your own seating.

Although you can take a picnic, there will be food and drink available to buy plus the Castle cafe will be open from 8am for campers’ breakfasts in the morning.

Quality accommodation in the Lake District https://lakesgetaways.co.uk/

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/what-to-do-with-the-kids-when-it-rains-in-newby-bridge/

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

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.

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/the-best-christmas-markets-in-the-lakes/

The Best Christmas Markets in the Lakes

My favourite Christmas Market of the season is Yew Tree Barn’s Market at High Newton

30th November, 1st & 2nd December 2018 10am – 4.30pm

Their annual Christmas Market, is a must visit festive event in the South Lakes  All the usual YTB offerings, PLUS over 40 quality stalls join us throughout the barn and in their heated marquee selling crafts, art, food and drink.  Each day they have live music with Andy Webb on the piano, and in the afternoons their regular 5 piece Jazz Band, with a guest appearance on Sunday of the Kendal Revellers!

https://lakesgetaways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2017-12-02-12.53.00.mp4

Whilst you browse the market stalls you can also enjoy their ornamental reclamation yard too!

https://lakesgetaways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2017-12-02-11.53.23.mp4

Hawskhead Christmas Fair & Beer Festival  – Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December 2017, 10am-5pm 

This is a traditional family event with something for everybody. Jugglers, street theatre, lantern parade, live music and carol singing will entertain kids and parents will be happy with the Winter Beer Festival hosted by the local pubs. Over 50 stalls means you will actually be able to pick up some gifts too, as well as take in the wonderful festive atmosphere.

Blackwell Christmas Craft Fair – Saturday 1st December 

This events is inside  Arts & Crafts House, Blackwell, a visit to this event makes it difficult not to get into the craft spirit this Christmas.

You’ll find various local materials and skills on show at Blackwell’s 2018 Christmas Craft Fair; ceramics, textiles, scarves and blankets and wooden decorations, to mention a few.

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

Holker Hall and Gardens is,  an event for all. The hall is beautifully decorated for the festive season! A great variety of stalls will be at the event as well as their excellent food hall and restaurant.

Santa Express, Lakeside Railway – Dec 1 – Dec 16

This is one of  the most popular Christmas events in the Lake District for families and  booking is essential. And best of all it is a few minutes walk from Woodside! The Santa Express offers 1 and 1/2 hours of fun-filled festive entertainment and so we can see why it is so popular. When you join the Santa Express, it’s as though you’re part of a festive panto, with elves dishing out festive drinks to parents and carol singing before you hear, with much anticipation, the man in the red suit arrive in the carriage next door. Before the steam train journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite is complete children choose a gift from Father Christmas in what is truly a fun and interactive Christmas even not to be missed this year.

.

Haverthwaite to Lakeside steam railway

Windermere – Christmas Celebration – Saturday 8th December 2018, 11am to 6pm & Sunday 9th December 2018, 10am to 4pm 

The Windermere Christmas Celebration which promises snow cannons, Santa’s Grotto, live music and a record-number of local and national stallholders. You don’t need to be staying in Windermere to enjoy a hassle-free visit to this festive event because there is a shuttle bus provided for the event running from Windermere Lake Cruises Pier 1 in Bowness. You’ll find food, drink and craft with a festive theme across over 50 stalls.

https://lakesgetaways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2017-12-02-10.44.03.mp4

Cartmel Christmas Food Market – Friday 16th December 

For foodies, Cartmel is fab! On the third Friday in December

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/wine-tasting-in-low-stott-park/

Wine Tasting in Cartmel

A great place in Cartmel is Unsworth’s Yard. here you can find several eateries and specialist shops. They also have their own Brewery!  Unsworth’s Brewery

Unsworths Yard’s own brewery is open to visitors every day of the week. They are an open-door brewery with the modern, stainless-steel, 5-barrel brewhouse separated from the tasting room bar and shop only by large windows. Even on busy brew-days visitors are encouraged to view the beer making process, ask questions and taste the cask beer available from the bar. Their shop is fully stocked with our wide choice of bottled beers, available individually or in a range of gift bags and boxes, all brewed on the premises. They do  group tours and tastings.

Wine bar in Cartmel

also in Cartmel is the Drinkshop & Wine Snug

Cartmel Drink Shop specialises in the finest wines, spirits and liqueurs from around the world with a unique “try before you buy” available across much of the range.

they have an excellent   range which is  backed up by their  expert knowledge and attention to high quality customer service. they focus on small artisan producers, regional liquors and single estate wines. So if you’re looking for the perfect bottle for yourself or as a standout gift, this may be just the place to visit!

They have a  landscaped courtyard area, and a  cosy wine snug, as a perfect setting for their  full drinks menu. They have a wine dispensing cabinet with eight wines available every day. Also  specialist gin and tonic and artisan cocktails!

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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/the-friendliest-bar-in-newby-bridge/

The Friendliest Bar in Newby Bridge

The Swan hotel at Newby Bridge is about 1 mile from Woodside, and is an excellent place to stop for a meal, a drink or an afternoon tea. They serve fabulous home cooked food in the main restaurant, called The River Room, and in the more relaxed bar area, called the Swan Inn. (I like the bar area!) They have a good selection of wines and a speciality gin list!

The River Room is open every day from 5pm with Lunch on a Sundays and The Swan Inn opens at 10am.

Just to give you an idea of there menu:

Lemon and garlic chicken kebab, flatbread, cucumber, chilli, cumin, black onion seeds Swan whopper burger, beef burger, bacon, pepperoni, mature cheddar, fries, sweetcorn relish Spicy fishcakes, cucumber salad, sweet chilli Lamb koftas, flatbread, hummus, couscous, harissa, tzatziki 10oz Sirloin, chips, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion rings, peppercorn sauce

Thai yellow curry, steamed jasmine rice (chicken) Rotisserie chicken, harissa potatoes, baby corn, chicory Wholetail scampi, fries, garden peas, tartare sauce Toasted goats cheese salad, gs walnuts, honey, sourdough toast Salmon, crushed potatoes, peas, mint, watercress mayo Garlic and herb rotisserie chicken, apple, bacon, avocado salad and French fries Falafel, hummus, roasted peppers, flatbread, pickled gherkin, chilli Vegetable tagine, almond and apricot, cous cous, harissa tzatziki (V) no tzatziki (Ve)

Fish, chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce

https://lakesgetaways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-09-09-14.12.23.mp4

They have a lovely seating area outside by the river

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

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/beatrix-potter-revealed/

Beatrix Potter Revealed

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