The Drunken Duck

Hawkshead Hill LA22 0NG4.9 miles - view on map

Excellent beers, wine list and food at this gastro pub which is very popular, booking is definitely recommended. You can sit outside in the summer with great views across the valley.

01539 436347The Drunken Duck

The Punch Bowl

Crosthwaite, Lyth Valley, Cumbria LA8 8HR18.9 miles - view on map

Always busy, very smart gastro pub. Excellent food, booking recommended.

01539 568237The Punch Bowl

The Fulling Mill

Rydal Rd, Town Centre, Ambleside LA22 9AN8 miles - view on map

Another favourite of ours, a relaxed easy going atmosphere in a converted watermill in Ambleside town. Parking is next door in the main car park and booking is recommended.

01539 432137The Fulling Mill

L´Enclume

Cavendish Street, Cartmel Nr Grange over Sands, Cumbria LA11 6PZ21.3 miles - view on map

2 Michelin stars,10/10 good food guide. That really says it all! Go early and stroll around the stunning village of Cartmel with its ancient priory before dinner. Booking essential. A 35 min drive.

01539 536362L´Enclume

Rogan & Company

Devonshire Square, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 6QD20.4 miles - view on map

If you can’t get a table at L’Enclume try Simon Rogan’s bistro also in Cartmel, Rogan & Company.

01539 535917Rogan and Company

Zeffirellis

Compston Rd, Ambleside, LA22 9AD7.9 miles - view on map

If you want something a bit different, then you'll find excellent vegetarian food as well as great jazz music.

01539 433845Zeffirellis

Holbeck Ghyll

Holbeck Lane, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1LU9.6 miles - view on map

Our favourite, a traditional English country house hotel, 1 Michelin Star fine dining, great views over Windermere,ask if you can have a table next to the window, booking essential. A 20 min drive.

01539 432375Holbeck Ghyll

Miller Howe

Rayrigg Road Windermere, The Lake District, LA23 1EY11.7 miles - view on map

Another favourite,best in the summer evenings when you can appreciate the superb views across the Lake as the sun sets behind the Langdales. Contemporary British cuisine. Also good for afternoon tea and lunches. Booking essential.

01539 442536Miller Howe

Brantwood Cafe

Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD3.5 miles - view on map

At Brantwood, John Ruskins home overlooking the lake with stunning views and fab cakes. 3 miles in the car or take the steamer across the lake!

015394 41396Brantwood Cafe

Bluebird

Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AN0.9 miles - view on map

Great location right on the lake shore, nice lunches, afternoon tea or a glass of wine watching the boat traffic. Less than 1 mile or a 15 min walk. 

01539 441649Bluebird

Chesters By The River

Skelwith Bridge, Cumbria LA22 9NJ5.3 miles - view on map

Stylish cafe and shop right on the River Brathay, take a short walk to look at the river rapids then sit outside over looking the rushing water. 5 miles by car towards Ambleside.

01539 434711Chesters By The River

The Black Bull

1 Yewdale Rd, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8DU0.3 miles - view on map

This lovely pub has its own microbrewery in which they brew their own beer, Bluebird Bitter and Old Man Ale. These are made using only the finest natural ingredients available and use local mountain water.  

015394 41335The Black Bull

Hutchinsons

Kirkdale House, Tilberthwaite Avenue, Coniston, LA21 8ED0.4 miles - view on map

An excellent butcher at the rear of a what is essentially a small supermarket.

01539 441271

Ambleside

7.9 miles - view on map

There's a butchers, an organic fruit and vegetable shop and bakery shops worth a visit.

Coniston Artisan

6 Yewdale Road, Consiton, LA21 8DUAt the bottom of the road! - view on map

Local bread and chocolates, a must visit for those with a sweet tooth!

01539 441259

Sailing

Ferry Road, Ferry Nab, Bowness on Windermere LA23 3JH14 miles - view on map

Situated on Windermere, from have-a-go sessions to chartering your own boat, a stunning setting for an on-the-water day out.

07836 525992 or 01539 552338Sailing

Horse Riding

Bigland Hall Riding Centre, Bigland Hall, Backbarrow, Cumbria LA12 8PB15 miles - view on map

Hill top equestrian centre in the picturesque Levens valley , a 30 minute drive away.

01539 530333Horse Riding

Golf

Windermere Golf Club, Cleabarrow, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3NB14.9 miles - view on map

Windermere Golf Club in the heart of the English Lake District - a "mini-Gleneagles" with fantastic views over the surrounding lakes and fells.

01539 443123Golf

Balloon Rides

Pendle and Cumbria Balloon Flights, Brook Farm, Clayton-Le-Dale, BB1 9EX72.9 miles - view on map

An amazing experience offering a unique bird's eye view of the stunning local landscape.

01254 247014Balloon Rides

Outdoor Forest Adventure

Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ7.3 miles - view on map

Enjoy the original Go Ape experience, a 2 -3 hour tree top adventure including zip-wires, tarzan swing and aerial climbing. Also a walking and mountain-bike trail centre!

0845 094 9516Go Ape

Outdoor Adventures

Holmescales Activity Centre, Old Hutton, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0NB32.3 miles - view on map

From quad biking, to tank driving, paint balling and clay pigeon shooting, lots of outdoor adventure to be had!

01539 722147Outdoor Adventures

Lakeside Spa on Lake Windermere

Newby Bridge Cumbria LA12 8AT11.9 miles - view on map

Relax and pamper yourself with a day of indulgence at Lakeside Spa. From a dip in the pool to a massage or facial, this calming environment is conducive to slipping into holiday mode.

01539 530001Lakeside Spa

Racquet Sports

Parklands Country Club, Kendal Road, Bowness, Windermere LA23 3EP13.3 miles - view on map

From squash to badminton, yoga and aerobics, if you want to stay healthy during your stay there are lots of options available here. 

015394 42211Racquet Sports

Fishing

9.8 miles - view on map

The Lake District is a magically beautiful region of high peaks, open fells, lakes and sparkling rivers that offers some tremendous fishing amidst scenery that is both spectacular and intimate. 

Fishing

National Trust Homes and Gardens

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The National Trust handbook is on the book shelves in the living room. There are numerous sites to visit. NT and privately owned houses locally worth a mention are Dove Cottage and Allan Bank in Grasmere (Wordsworth), Hill Top at Near Sawrey and Townend at Troutbeck (Beatrice Potter), Levens Hall (south of Kendal off the A6, finest and oldest topiary garden in the world), Sizergh nr Kendal (excellent farm shop too) Brantwood, Coniston (Ruskin’s home), Muncaster Castle, Ravensglass worth the trip, historic haunted castle imposing setting, owl centre and fab gardens best in May/June when awash with rhododendrons) and Holker Hall in Cark.

Grasmere

9.8 miles - view on map

It's a 20-minute drive to this very pretty lakeland village, Wordsworth buried in the Churchyard, don’t miss Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread shop next to the church!

Keswick

24.3 miles - view on map

Visit this town in the northern lakes on a Saturday to enjoy market day. Good for a walk around the shops don’t miss Treeby & Bolton or the Viridian Gallery, George Fischer for outdoor gear.

Old Courthouse Gallery

Market Place, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9BU8 miles - view on map

One of the largest independent contemporary art galleries in the North of England. A spacious gallery over three floors, peruse furniture, glass, ceramics, sculpture, original paintings, prints and jewellery.

01539 432022Old Courthouse Gallery

A Perfect Time in Coniston

0.3 miles - view on map

Take a walk to Coniston Lake and have tea at The Blue Bird café. Hire a rowing boat for an hour in true Swallows and Amazons style. Take the Gondola boat or the Coniston launch around the lake and get dropped off at the jetty at Brantwood. Visit the beautiful house and John Ruskin’s Gardens. Visit the craft shop and finish with more Tea and cake at Jumping Jenny’s café and take in one of the best views in the Lake District. 
Visit The John Ruskin Museum and learn more about the famous Donald Campbell and the story of Coniston. 

Waterfalls

- view on map

In the unlikely event (!) it should rain, remember waterfalls will be in spate and that is the time to go and see them! See the Waterfall book on the living room shelf. Even though we all have sat nav if you are going off the beaten path you often need the benefit of having the O/S map with you even if you are just going for a drive!

Hawkshead

- view on map

Just a 5 to 20 minute drive this very pretty lakeland village, which is well worth a visit. Made famous by its picturesque setting and its literary connections. 

Ambleside

7.9 miles - view on map

Ambleside is just a 10-15 min drive from the house. From the Roman Fort to St Mary's Church with its 180-foot spire, 'Old Bridge House'  and the 'Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall' - bit of a walk uphill from the town centre is not to be missed, there are also various shops to explore here.

From the Cottage

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Walk One Don your walking boots on and walk up The Old Man of Coniston Mountain. The walk starts outside the gate. Go out of the gate of the property and turn left. Follow the road up the fellside. You will soon come to a waterfall in a steep gorge to your left. You can follow the track up to the Coppermines or you can branch left, either path will take you to the top of Coniston Old Man. Take the O/S map with you. You can achieve great views without walking to the very top, do as much or as little as you want. 
Walk Two If you are not feeling that energetic, simply take a gentle walk up to the waterfalls and over the old miners’ bridge that brings you out through a farm yard and past The Sun Inn pub.
Walk Three Another gentle walk is left out of the gates, walk for about 20 meters till you see a gate with a bridleway at the foot of the mountain, walk through gate and carry on until you come to the woodland. There is a path that goes for miles and you can see stunning bluebells when in season. You can also find Yew Tree Farm about 2 miles along the path. Miss Potter was filmed here. Also in this area is the waterfall Tom Gill and Hodge Close Quarry. Again take the O/S map and take great care if you explore the dramatic Hodge Close quarry.

Tarn Hows

3.9 miles - view on map

This is a must do. The most photographed spot in the Lakes. The walk around the Tarn takes about 40 mins and is on well made up paths and is fairly flat. Walk anti clockwise around the Tarn for the best views.There is a National Trust Car Park and toilets on site. It’s a 10 min drive. From Coniston take the signs to Hawkshead Hill and follow the signs to Tarn Hows.

Gummer´s How

17.8 miles - view on map

Gummers How is a fell on the south eastern shores of Windermere. If it’s a clear day the views from Gummer’s How are spectacular. You can see the peninsulas Ulverston Barrow Blackpool Tower Morecambe Bay and as almost the whole length of Windermere. It’s a 30 min drive from Coachman’s Cottage. Its a short 15-20 min walk from the free car park to the top. There is an excellent walk in the Good Walk Good Pub guide South Lakes from this spot. If you fancy a drink after your efforts, try The Swan at Newby Bridge (5 mins from Gummers How), sit overlooking the River Leven flowing out of the bottom of Windermere.  If driving form the west of Windermere drive to the Newby Bridge roundabout at the very bottom of lake Windermere and turn left to Bowness. When you see the sign for Fell Foot take the right hand turn after a few mins there is a Forestry Commission car park on the right. Park then cross the road and walk up Gummer’s How. If driving from Ambleside take the signs to Bowness then to Newby Bridge. Turn left at Fell Foot, then as above.

The Langdale Valley

- view on map

Another must do, the iconic Langdales. This is a lovely circular drive down the valley. It has fab views and passes a small tarn with a NT car park next to it . You could park here and walk to the Tarn (flat walk and short but very pretty (Julie Walters skinny dipped in it in the film She”ll Be Wearing Pink Pajamas). After the tarn and a short drive you pass a decent pub where you can sit out (weather permitting) called The Three Shires Inn. You follow the route and emerge back at Skelwith Bridge where we suggest you call at Chester’s where there is a nice tea room with a terrace next to the river and a very nice shop.

Directions Take the A593 towards Ambleside, just after Chesters turn left on the B5343 towards Elterwater and Chapel Stile. Follow this road passing Elterwater and Chapel Stile, past Old Dungeon Ghyll and New Dungeoen Ghyll car parks. Keep going past where the buses turn around, and when you think you have reached the end of the road and gone wrong, the road bears sharply to the left and begins to climb up the hill. Follow the road up the pass with its hairpin bends over the cattle grid and as it flattens out you will see Blea Tarn to your right. There is a carpark on your left. Park and enjoy the stunning scenery. If you want a walk from here Lingmoor is the fell to choose. Continue on this road passing the Three Shires Inn. At the T junction turn left to Little Langdale and stay on that road until it reaches the A593 again.

Wast Water - A Scenic Drive and Day Out

Remote western lakes very remote, beautiful scenery away from the tourists. Take a picnic. It’s an hours drive and well worth it. Wast Water voted recently best view in England. You need the SW Area O/S map with you for this one, don’t attempt without it!

Directions Take the A593 throughTorver towards Broughton Mills. Then follow the signs to High Dunnderdale then Ulpha.  You really need the O/S as well as Sat Nav.
At Ulpha follow the signs to Wast Water or Eskdale Green. Pass over Birker Fell (if you come to any odd gates across the road, it’s ok, open them and close behind you).
You drop down into Eskdale Green, bear left and follow the signs to Santon Bridge, then right to Nether Wasdale and then right to Wast Water and Wasdale Head. Wasdale head is the far end of the Lake. Great Views of Scafell the highest point in England and Great Gable at the end of the lake. There is a pub at Wasdale Head.

Retrace you steps to get home. We often stop at the Bowerhouse Inn which has a nice garden. (Details in Good Walk Good Pub)

Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Fort - Scenic drive

12.4 miles - view on map

This is round circular drive over 2 dramatic passes with great views and a Roman Fort. There are lots of pretty places to stop on this route. For pubs see Good Walk Good Pub. Do not even think about doing this in bad weather!

Directions From Coniston head towards Ambleside. Now you need the O/S map, just before Skelwith Bridge turn left to Little Langdale. After Little Langdale Tarn turn left towards the Wrynose Pass. Go over the pass and at Cockley Beck keep right to Hardknott Pass. Stop and look at the fort, then continue down the pass towards Eskdale Green. Turn left before you reach Eskdale Green towards Ulpha and at Ulpha take the signs to Broughton In Furness. Pick up the A593 towards Torver and return to Coniston.

Cat Bells

29.5 miles - view on map

This is one of our favourites, made popular by the BBC recently. Not high and an easy ridge walk with great views of Derwent Water. Go through Keswick and get on the road running south along the western side of the lake. We park just past Swinside Lodge on the side of the road. Walk up the north face of Cat Bells and along the ridge. After the saddle you can drop down either side and walk back to the car either lakeside or valley side as you prefer.

Keswick and the Northern Lakes

24.3 miles - view on map

Keswick is half an hours drive. The northern lakes scenery is more rugged than the south. Market day is Saturday. As you arrive in Keswick take the signs for B5289 as you leave the main centre at the roundabout turn right signed Lakeside and Hope Park. This is the car park next to the theatre with toilets. You can walk on the flat by the lake. Then walk into Keswick town centre by leaving the car park with Hope Park on your left bear right under the underpass and up the road. Pubs here are rubbish, we go to Cafe Bar 26 which is on your left just before George Fisher which has the best selection of walking gear. Other shops worth looking at are Treeby & Bolton which has a nice cafe and Viridian Gallery run by local artists. Treeby is between George Fisher and the main square. Viridian is up the very top of the residential road opposite George Fisher.

Watendlath

28.6 miles - view on map

Shown on the map to the south east of Derwent Water.  A very dramatic scenic drive with superb views of Derwent Water. Leave Keswick on the B5289 to Borrowdale. After 5 mins look out for a small road on the leftsigned Ashness Bridge and Watendlath. Drive up the road keep going and eventually it ends at Watendlath farm and Tarn.  You can get coffee ice cream here and I think there are toilets too. Its a very remote peaceful spot.

Castle Crag

29 miles - view on map

Leave Keswick on the B5289 to Borrowdale. You will pass Lodore Falls which may be worth a look depending on how much water there is around! You also pass the Bowder Stone which is worth the 10 min walk to it. Both shown on the above map. Castle Crag also shown above is a low but spectacular fell, and features in the Good Walk Good Pub book and Tom Bowker.  It is definitely worth the short interesting walk to the top. When in the Borrowdale valley go to the Langstrath County Inn at Stonethwaite which is the best pub in the valley (lunch 12-2) but do soup outside of this.