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.

Windermere
Windermere, situated in the heart of the Lake District is an ideal place to stay with easy access to the beautiful Lakeland villages of Hawkshead and Troutbeck; the quieter valleys of Winster and Lyth, Bowness with its restaurants, shops and cafes. Blackwell, Arts and Crafts house or the beautiful garden of Holehird nearby.

Our cottages on the west shore of the Lake boast glorious views across the water - ideal for those who love to paddle, sail or fish from their doorstep. Abandon your car for the week and use the Cross Lakes Experience, bus and boat, to get across the Lake, or to visit Hawkshead, Bowness and Sawrey. There are plenty of cycle routes too. Grizedale is just 6 miles away, offering plenty of cycling for all abilities.

Beatrix Potter once owned many of the farms and cottages in the area and her legacy still lives on. Visit Hill Top in Near Sawrey, her 17th century farmhouse, where she wrote many of her famous tales or see her original artwork on display at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead.

National Trust places nearby: Hill Top, Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead and Claife, Bridge House, Stagshaw Garden, Townend. Shop and pub: Hawkshead, National Trust Tower Bank Arms in Near Sawrey. Tea-room/café/restaurant: restaurants in Hawkshead. Other attractions: Windermere Air Show in July, The Ambleside Sports and The Grasmere Sports in September, Hawkshead Agricultural show in August, Sawrey May Queen celebrations, Grizedale forest. Activities: walking, fishing, boating, pony trekking, cycling.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 90