The Lake District National Park offers a multitude of sights and activities to cater for all tastes. Many of these are available from the doorstep of our luxury Bowness on Windermere B&B accommodation.

Walking:
There are usually numerous books of walks in reception of Windermere guest houses to lend to guests. These range from 2 – 6 miles. The picturesque Biskey Howe can be reached within 15 minutes from many Windermere b&b’s or Orrest Head about 35 minutes. Both offer breathtaking views of Lake Windermere, on a clear day you an even see the Pennines and Morecambe Bay.

Tours:
Various organised tours are offered by local operators. They will collect you from the front door and transport you to many of the Lake District’s spectacular spots.

Golf:
Windermere Golf Club is approximately 1 mile from Bowness. A Windermere guest house should be more than happy to book tee times. Relax afterwards in the golf club restaurant with great views of the surrounding mountains.

Boats & Steamers:
Various boat trips leave the piers in nearby Bowness. Take a trip to Waterhead in Ambleside to the North, or Lakeside at Newby Bridge to the South. At Lakeside you can view the indoor Aquarium of the Lakes – a chance to see many exotic and local fish. Take the train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite. Whichever trip you choose you will enjoy spectacular views o f the mountains and lakeside forests. In the Summer, there are sunset and Jazz night cruises. What an atmosphere!
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May Cottage is location close to the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere making it the perfect base to explore all the Southern Lakes. Just one road from the edge of Lake Windermere, an easy stroll to the boat rides, quaint shops and a variety of Bistros, Restaurants and Wine & Tapas Bars. The climatic end to the famous Dalesway Walk – Wonderful, never ending, breathtaking scenic walks and drives. Leisure facilities offer relaxing sauna, steam, jacuzzi, swim & gym areas, with snooker, café & bar with Sky T.V. lounge section.

Here is just a small sample of the excellent reviews May Cottage B&B in Bowness-on-Windermere have received on TripAdvisor:

“Great B&B accomodation close to the centre of Bowness”
5 of 5 stars
Date of review: 4 Apr 2011

Most pleasant welcome received from Sue – the accomodation was ideal for our three night stay – with a very comfortable bed room and fine ensuite. The excellent full English breakfast ,accompanied by Sue’s little talk on the locality and its history, set us up for the day’s walking . The B&B is just a few minutes walk to the centre of Bowness and the pubs and restaurants.
For Rugby League fans, a must is a chat with Len Casey , Sue’s husband and breakfast chef, who can relate anecdotes about his playing career for Great Britain ( some as captain) and England and both Hull clubs.

Our first trip to the lakes and first visit to a B&B. We recently married and decided to stay away for a couple of nights.

Sue and Len are great value, warm and welcoming. Place is a gem, you ll be lucky to get availability as the repeat business is a sign of how popular this place is.

Would love to stay again!

“SIMPLY THE BEST”
5 of 5 stars
1 more review of May Cottage by Sallyberisford:

Date of review: 23 Mar 2011

Archangelos Guest House offers a choice of quality Bolton bed and breakfast and Bolton self catering accommodation with unparalleled quality and value. Just a few minutes from the motorway, and within easy reach of the Reebok Stadium, Middlebrook Retail and Leisure complex and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, there is no better place to stay.
Whether visiting on business or pleasure, a quiet comfortable night is assured, with private bathrooms and kitchens in either the studio apartment or full 3 bedroom house. Both properties include:

• Wi-Fi Internet Access
• Complimentary Welcome Pack
• Breathtaking Views
• BBQ & Garden Furniture
• Pet Friendly Bicycle Wash & Storage Facilities
• Off Road Parking
• English & German Languages Spoken
• 2 Minute Walk to West Pennine Moors

Please visit www.archangelos.co.uk for more details.

Norfolk is a beautiful and historic county situated on the east coast of England and bordering Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Being a largely rural country with a low population density, Norfolk is a great place to experience a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Britain. Around every corner you will find pretty villages, historic churches, miles of unspoilt beaches, countryside and rivers teeming with wildlife.

The historic city of Norwich is Norfolk’s county town and visitors will find so much on offer in the vibrant regional capital. In particular shopping in Norwich is a delight. It is listed in the top five shopping destinations in Britain and visitors can be sure of finding just what they are after. There is a mix of high street brands, two shopping centres, four large department stores and a large number of independent shops, in addition to a permanent six-day market.

Some of the smaller towns in Norfolk, such as Holt, Diss, Swaffham, Burnham Market and Dalegate Market offer a more sedate shopping experience. Here you will find independent retailers and local suppliers and don’t forget the Norfolk farmers’ markets, the craft outlets, the art galleries, the local delis and those little gift shops with the perfect souvenir for you to take back home.

For anyone planning to visit Norfolk during the festive period, Thursford is an absolute must. This is the home of the most popular and spectacular Christmas show in Britain today. As if the dazzling Christmas Spectacular isn’t enough, you and your family can also become part of the ultimate Santa’s Magical Journey into Christmas, where children can visit Father Christmas in his very special house. However, Thursford is not only magnificent at Christmas. You can visit the amazing sights and sounds of the beautiful Thursford Collection, the world largest collection of steam engines and organs throughout the year.

North Norfolk is a holiday destination set apart in its location and it s character, a perfect destination for holidays and weekend breaks. Here you will find a wealth of superb places to stay including North Norfolk bed and breakfast accommodation, hotels, self catering cottages and caravan and camping parks.

The Norfolk Broads is one of the most popular inland waterways in Europe and provides the perfect setting for a holiday, short break or a day trip. The Norfolk Broads is also Britain’s largest protected wetland with status equivalent to a National Park. The beautiful, wild expanse of 125 miles of lock-free navigable rivers, shallow lakes, woodland, fens and grazing marshes, is home to some of the rarest plants and wildlife in the UK to the Swallowtail butterfly to the reclusive bittern.

There truly is no shortage of things to see and do in Norfolk from visitor centres, sightseeing tours, theatre productions, animal attractions and a wide range of outdoor activities including cycling and watersports.

Built in traditional Lakeland stone and situated a few minutes walk from the centre of the village Dunmail House is an elegant and select 5* Grasmere Bed and Breakfast offering luxury accommodation with stunning views.

The whole house has an ambience of quality with all those little but meaningful touches that make the difference between average and something special. All our rooms have views either towards Helm Crag and Easedale to the front of the house or over the garden to Stone Arthur at the rear.

Our guest bedrooms offer a high standard of comfort and luxury – with a blend of tradition and high tech. From crisp white Egyptian cotton linen and Gilchrist and Soames pampering toiletries to stylish wide screen T.V. DVD / CD players and free wi-fi.

Wake up to a Dunmail Breakfast, which is served in our elegant dining room and sure to set you up for the day.  Our food is always freshly prepared using high quality local produce wherever possible. The jams & marmalades are made at Dunmail using fresh fruit from the garden when available.

Relax in our delightful guest lounge with books, magazines, games and an open fire in winter whilst enjoying the panoramic view of the surrounding fells.

The gardens at Dunmail are something special with 360-degree views. Guests of our Grasmere B&B are welcome to sit and relax awhile in one of the varied individual seating areas and we are happy for you to enjoy your own aperitifs if you wish.
Complementary tea or coffee on arrival is often served in the garden – weather permitting.

Breamount House offers excellent Windermere Guest House accommodation in a traditional Victorian Lakeland house, which located midway between Windermere and Bowness.

The house was built in 1897 and has since been tastefully converted into a 4 star Guest House. Braemount has also achieved a Silver Award as a reflection of their high standard of service.

At Braemount House you will find everything you need for that truly romantic break including 4 poster beds, a luxury private suite and free use of a local leisure club with swimming pool, sauna and steam room.

Guests can start the day with a traditional full english breakfast or perhaps try Braemount’s scrumptious scrambled egg and smoked salmon speciality, and for those wanting something lighter or for vegetarians they have plenty of alternatives to offer. On warm summer days guests can even enjoy breakfast out on the terrace.

Braemount House offers a sunny, mature garden for guests to relax in and Lake Windermere is just a short stroll away.

Windermere and Bowness both have plenty to offer including an excellent array of shops, restaurants, visitor attractions and a cinema.

Oldfield House is a former Victorian Gentleman’s residence that now offers high quality Windermere B&B acommodation. The house is set in a quiet residential area away from the busy main road, yet is still within easy walking distance of Lake Windermere. This Windermere Guest House is the ideal location for your short break in the English Lake District, whether you are walking in the Mountains, exploring the world of Beatrix Potter or taking in all the other events and attractions the area has to offer.

The location allows a for very quiet night’s sleep, so if its relaxation you are after, then Oldfield House is place for you.

All rooms are appointed with many creature comforts with high quality linen, luxury Egyptian cotton towels, LCD Tv’s, beverage tray and bathroom ammenties. And for those worried about car parking, they have ample spaces available for guests.

For more details please visit www.oldfieldhouse.co.uk

The towns of Bowness and Windermere are arguably the most vibrant and popular places in whole of the Lake District. They are busy for most of the year with people coming to enjoy the facilities offered by Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. These include lake cruises to Waterhead in Ambleside and Lakeside at Newby Bridge, sailing, canoeing, fishing and the Windermere car ferry, which runs between Ferry Nab at Bowness and Far Sawrey.

Windermere is a great base for exploring the Lake District thanks to its excellent transport links. Windermere Railway station offers rail connections to Kendal and Oxenholme and it also has direct trains to and from Manchester Airport. Buses also run regularly from Windermere station including southbound journeys to Kendal and northbound journeys to Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick.

There is plenty for the whole family to do in and around Windermere including looking round some of the superb shops and visitor attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter where all 23 Peter Rabbit tales are brought to life in 3D. Other local places of interest include …

Blackwell Arts & Crafts:
House in Bowness which is a superb example of the Arts & Crafts movement;

Hilltop – Near Sawrey:
Take the ferry and visit the writer’s 17th century cottage at the other side of Lake Windermere and see it exactly as she left it complete with her furniture and china.

Lakes Aquarium:
The Lakes Aquarium is located on the Southern shore of Windermere and can be accessed by taking a lake steamer from Bowness to Lakeside at Newby Bridge. Here visitors have the chance to see many exotic and local fish.

William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage:
Here visitors can visit the home of England’s famous romantic poet at Grasmere. The adjacent Wordsworth Museum displays national treasures of the poet. There is an onsite tea room and gift shop.

The Lake District National Park Visitor Centre:
At Brockhole, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, ideal family entertainment with interactive exhibitions and adventure playground. Whatever the weather.

For more active visitors there are plenty of walking routes available around Windermere including walks to spectacular viewpoints at Orrest Head and Biskey Howe where you will find breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and as far out as Morecambe Bay on a clear day. Windermere Golf Club is a very picturesque course and here you can relax after your round in the golf club restaurant with great views of surrounding mountains.

To take full advantage of Windermere visitors should look to stay in a luxury Bowness-on-Windermere B&B where you will find the highest quality Lake District bed and breakfast  accommodation.

The House dates back to the 1900’s and was once the village shop. The atmosphere is one of charm and style usually associated with a luxurious Grasmere Bed & Breakfast.

The garden is a picture at all times of the year and with the dramatic backdrop of the Easedale Fells and the famed ‘Lion and the Lamb’ it is without doubt a special and memorable view.

An abundance of fresh flowers, picture lined walls, a real fire on cold days, fine Wedgwood Countryware china and stylish sympathetic décor are just some of the ingredients of this delightful Guest House.

Proprietors, Karen and John, are true ‘Lake Lovers’ and their desire for guests to enjoy their stay at Raise View House is obvious.

The House is furnished to the highest standards and Karen’s flair for interior design is apparent. Farrow & Ball, The Little Greene Paint Company, Designers Guild, Laura Ashley, Jane Churchill, Nina Campbell, The White Company & Colefax & Fowler are just some of the designer companies used in Raise View House to create this feeling of luxury but in relaxed surroundings.

You are encouraged to relax in the exquisitely furnished guest lounge where English Heritage colours and Designers Guild fabrics from the Royal Collection blend together to give a rich warm glow and possibly enjoy your favourite ‘tipple’ from our well stocked honesty bar.

Ambleside Lodge offers high quality Lake District bed and breakfast accommodation situated in Ambleside at the heart of the Lake District, just a two minute walk from the town centre and about five minutes walk to Lake Windermere.

This former Gentleman’s residence originally built circa 1875 has been beautifully restored and tastefully decorated and it now provides elegant Lake District B&B accommodation in Ambleside.

The house features some exceptional examples of original oak panelling, dating back to 1654, and brought here in 1875 from local churches, the skills and craftsmanship that were used, can now be shared by all, in the different rooms throughout the building. Most of the walls are between 2 and 3 feet thick and are primarily constructed from Lakeland stone.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at Firgarth in Windermere. Firgarth is an elegant Victorian house built in Lakeland stone around 1875, with views to the rear over Wynlass Beck.

Firgarth’s Windermere accommodation has the advantage of car parking, and is situated just a short walk from Windermere centre, with its many shops and restaurants and rail/bus station. We make an ideal base for touring, walking or just a relaxing break at any time of year.

Just take a 15 minute walk through ‘Millerground’ to the shores of Lake Windermere or alternatively climb to ‘Orrest Head’ from where stunning views of Lake Windermere and Morecombe Bay can be enjoyed. Firgarth offers eight bedrooms comprising of double, single, four poster and king size double which are all ensuite. All rooms are centrally heated and decorated in a combination of modern and traditional design, all have colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and a range of toiletries.

The border city of Carlisle not only the most northerly city in England, it is also the only city located in the County of Cumbria. It is also the largest city in England by area because it includes the towns of Brampton and Longtown as well as many outlying villages including Dalston and Wetherall. In total the city of Carlisle covers an area totalling four hundred and two square miles. The city is traversed by several major rivers, including the Caldew, Eden, and Petteril.
Commercially, Carlisle is linked to the rest of England via the M6 motorway, and to the Scottish Lowlands via the A74(M) and M74 motorways. By rail, it is located on the main West Coast line that runs between Glasgow and London.

Carlisle is an historic city and its origins can be traced back to a 1st-century Romain outpost associated with Hadrian’s Wall. The Brythonic settlement that expanded from this outpost was destroyed by the Danes in 875. Thereafter the region formed part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland, until colonised under King William II of England in 1092. William II built Carlisle Castle, which houses a military museum. Carlisle Cathedral, founded in the 12th century, is one of the smallest in England.

Along the City of Carlisle’s northern extent is the Solway Firth, which forms the western section of the Anglo-Scottish border, and thus divides the city from Dumfries and Galloway, one of the council areas of Scotland. To the east is the English county of Northumberland; to the south is the district of Eden and to the west and south-west the borough of Allerdale, both in the county of Cumbria.

Carlisle is a great place to visit as the city offers great shopping potential as well as an excellent choice of bars, restaurants and visitor attractions including Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle Castle, The Millennium Gallery and Carlisle Cathedral.

When it comes to places to stay, visitors will find Carlisle offers a wide range of quality accommodation, from a friendly budget priced Carlisle b&b right through to luxury Carlisle hotels. Whether you want a peaceful country retreat or a convenient city centre stop over you are sure to find the ideal place to stay.

There are plenty of things to do in and around Carlisle including the Border Reivers cycle trail, which covers over a hundred miles of unspoilt countryside with a choice of three circular cycle routes to cater for all levels of cyclists. You could walk in the footsteps of the Legions, along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail and around the beautiful surrounding areas or take a trip on Hadrian’s Wall Bus, visiting some of the market towns and villages along the way. You could also choose to relax and enjoy the views from the Carlisle to Settle Railway – the most spectacular railway journey in England.

There are a wide range of activities available within easy reach of Carlisle including a range of watersports at Talkin Tarn, such as canoeing, rowing, wind surfing and sailing. Other activities including horse riding and pony trekking at the Bailey Mill and Cargo Riding Centres, plus fishing on the rivers Eden, Esk and their tributaries are well known for salmon, sea trout and brown trout.

There is no better location that Keswick on Derwentwater when it comes to walking in the Lake District. There are a plethora of mountains within easy reach of Keswick including some of the highest mountains in England such as Scafell Pike, Skiddaw, Helvellyn, Great Gable and Pillar, which are all over 2,900 feet tall.

For anyone feeling less adventurous there lots of other enjoyable walks in the area including a choice of lakeside paths around Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and Thirlmere, you can explore neighbouring valleys and secluded places, plus to the West of Keswick you will find the wonderful Whinlatter forest which offers a number of different forest trails.
Of course walking is not the only outdoor pursuit available in Keswick on Derwentwater there are opportunities for mountain climbing, mountain biking, sailing and kayaking to name a few.

Keswick on Derwentwater and the Northern Lakes covers one half of the Lake District National Park. This is the perfect area to choose for gentle relaxation or for an action packed family adventure holiday with lots of activities and attractions.

The picturesque market town of Keswick, nestled on the shores of Derwentwater, has a wide array of shops, restaurants and galleries. Explore the five major lakes, beautiful valleys and unspoilt villages.

For visitors to Keswick and North Lakes there is a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, whether you prefer a Keswick B&B, hotels, caravan sites or Keswick cottages, the choice is yours.

When it comes to places to visit and things to do during your stay you will find Keswick has plenty to offer including Derwentwater lake cruises, Cumberland Pencil Museum, Castlerigg Stone Circle, Trotters World of Animals, Cars of the Stars Motor Museum, Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens and the Keswick Brewing Company.
When it comes to eating out in Keswick visitors will find an excellent choice of quality restaurants, pubs and hotels. Many different cuisines are catered for including traditional English bar meals with many places specialising in local ingredients. You will also find Italian restaurants, Indian restaurants and even a Mexican restaurant. Fine dining is available at some of the top hotels in the area including Armathwaite Hall, Lodore Falls Hotel and Swinside Lodge in Borrowdale.

Kendal is an ideal base when visiting the south and central Lakes also across to the western Lake District and even the Yorkshire Dales.

Kendal is the biggest town in the south and central Lakes area and has great transport links should you not have a car. The number 555 Stagecoach bus goes from Kendal town centre right up to Keswick along and operates and hourly service. The bus journey alone is worth going on as you pass Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, views towards Skiddaw and Helvellyn finally arriving at Keswick. In fact, the A591 was voted “Britain’s Best Road” by sat nav users last year. Oxenholme – The Lake District train station is just a few minutes from the centre of Kendal which is a West Coast Mainline stop. Trains to and from London, Glasgow and Edinburgh operate from here also a local service to Windermere via Kendal.

When staying in or around Kendal there are many places to that are worth a visit. The Kendal Museum and Abbot Hall Gallery are both excellent attractions with exhibitions changing regularly including work from local artists as well as Bridget Riley and Henry Moore. The local produce available in this area means there are a number of artisan producers and delis stocking food from around the region. The Cumberland sausage and Damson Gin really are worth a try!

The choice of accommodation is varied in Kendal from large and small hotels to self catering properties and some lovely Kendal Bed and Breakfast properties. Staying on the outskirts of Kendal is an excellent idea getting both the convenience to Kendal with all its amenities whilst staying in a quiet location.

Helsington is located just one mile from the centre of Kendal making it the perfect location to stay when visiting the “Auld Grey Town”. It is situated at the southern end of Kendal and is reached very easily from the main A591 road. Helsington has one of the prettiest churches in the south Lakes. Set on the side of a hill, the views from the church are magnificent. The Lyth Valley right round to Morecambe Bay can all be taken in.

As well as the church, Helsington Laithes Manor is another notable building. The original building is believed to date from the 13th Century, when the Manor of Helsington belonged to Margaret de Ros. The West end of the main block is of medieval origin, probably late 15th C. It is said to have a chapel with a pre? Reformation window. Helsington Manor was owned by Marmaduke de Thwenge. At his death in 1323 it passed to his son, William de Thwenge and in 1374 the property, in the estate of Thomas de Thwenge, passed to Robert de Lumley. The year 1511 brings the first reference to Helsington Laithes which passed to Sir George Lumley. The House then came into the hands of Henry VIII, who in 1539 leased it to Sir Thomas Seymour, for 21 years from Michaelmas 1540.