Shhh...
So you thought you knew the Lake District ...
Don't tell anybody but....
If you are looking for something a little different to do...
Walking with Wolves
A walk with a difference …
​You might well expect to go for the odd walk whilst in the Lakes, but what about going for a wander with a wolf or a walk with a hawk? Predator Experience, just a few miles south in Aynside, offer a range of animal experiences including falconry tuition and a whole range of animal encounters. A really special day out..
Blow your own ...
Just don't drop it!
Cumbria Crystal is the last producer of hand-blown and hand-cut luxury English crystal in the UK. Based 9 miles away in Ulverston, they offer hands on glass blowing experiences from a 15 minute "Blow your own bauble" to a full blown (pun intended!) one-to-one glass blowing day.
Visit a temple
‘There is no house in England like Conishead’ Simon Jenkins - England's Thousand Best Houses
Conishead Priory was originally founded as a hospital by Augustinian monks in 1160, and the present house, which is a Grade II listed example of Victorian Gothic architecture, is currently being restored by the Buddhist community. You can visit the magnificent and recently-built Temple for World Peace, café, gift shop and gardens, and its relaxed woodland walks take you to the beach and breath taking views across Morecambe Bay.
Sir Arthur lived here too ..
And lived a fascinating life ..
Everyone is well aware that Beatrix Potter lived inthe Lakes, but Sir Arthur Ransome was also a local resident and is buried, with his wife in Rusland Churchyard, just half a mile away. All of the locations in the book, and the recent film, are local and you can have an enjoyable time following the trail around Coniston and the fells between here and there.
Beautiful Gardens
in a beautiful place
There are lots of large gardens open in the area from Graythwaite to Holker, but there are also a lot of smaller gardens just open for a day or two each year. The National Garden Scheme is well and truly active in the central lakes. Andy's Dad was the area co-ordinator for a number of years and, even though he has now retired from the lists, the number and quality of gardens available to visit in the area is extraordinary. Check out the dates of open gardens close to us before you visit.
Plough your own furrow
Or drive your own train ..
Steam Engines, Shire horses and tractors...
How about a day out driving a pair of shire horses, or driving a steam engine? Old Hall Farm, just 4 miles away in Bouth, offer full day experiences on their historic working farm.
Indulge yourself
because you are worth it ....
After a long walk in the fells, what could be better than a lovely foot or back massage? The Beauty Rooms​ is a new salon based in the village of Hawkshead. You can have a half hour foot and leg massage to rejuvenate those tired muscles, or indulge in my favourite, a "Deeper than Deep" hot stones massage.