The Lake District
The spectacular Lake District is considered by many to be the jewel in England’s crown, offering the country’s highest mountains, most stunning scenery, and loveliest countryside. Above all, it is a place to seek out active enjoyment; to walk, climb on the mountains, to sail and fish on the lakes. The National Trust protects about a quarter of the Lake District, including the central fell area, the major valley heads, and six of the main lakes and much of their shoreline. Among the National Trust’s historic properties are two houses of immense literary heritage. The Georgian Wordsworth House in Cockermouth is the birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth, and Hill Top, a petite 17th-century house, in the hamlet of Near Sawrey, is where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her children’s stories.

Acorn Bank and Gardens
This peaceful corner of Cumbria is the ideal place from which to explore some of the most beautiful parts of north-west England. The Eden Valley nestles between the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the north Pennines. But there is no shortage of activities within the Valley itself including cycle routes, mountain climbing, gentle riverside walks, traditional towns including Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen and plenty of country pubs and heritage sites. Acorn Bank Garden is open to the public and has an amazing collection of herbs and orchard gardens. Enjoy the woodland walk along Crowdundle Beck, full of wild flowers and beautiful trees, to the partially restored Acorn Bank watermill.