HOMES &
GARDENS
There are numerous sites throughout the Lake District National Park owned by the National Trust as well as privately owned houses.
Below are a few notable examples.
Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9SH
4 miles (6.4 km)
Set on the shores of Grasmere, Wordsworth's first home is an immaculately preserved example of a period house.
6 miles (9.7 km)
William Wordsworth's restored house opened to the public in 2012 is also located on the banks of Grasmere.
Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB
Located in Troutbeck this traditional Cumbrian farmhouse has been preserved in time over the last 400 years
Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF
8 miles (12.9 km)
The world famous home of Beatrix Potter in the quaint village of Near Sawrey. A number of sites in the village were used in her books.
South Lakeland, LA8 0PD
This beautiful hall is located to the south of Kendal just off the A6 and has one of the finest and oldest topiary gardens in the world.
Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DZ
A medieval house and gardens near Kendal and has an excellent farm shop.
Nr Ravensglass, CA18 1RD
Historic haunted castle close to Ravensglass but well worth the effort. A magnificent setting, Owl centre and beautiful gardens. Our favourite time to visit is in May and June when the show of rhododendrons is impressive.
Holker Estate, Cark-in-Cartmel, Nr Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL
On the road to Cark an impressive stately home belonging to the Duke of Northumberland. Gardens and house open to the public, restaurant and shop.
Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA
Set in an imposing position overlooking Windermere this mock Gothic castle is great from coffee or a lakeside picnic with various activities the children. It can be visited by ferry from Ambleside or
Bowness using Windermere Lake cruises.
Villages
Cumbria is famed for its Peaks and Fells, but the picturesque towns and villages, full of
enchanting architecture,
are home to thriving
stores, teashops, pubs and restaurants to explore.
Coniston
LA21 8DU
A perfect time in Coniston, take a walk to the lake and have tea at the Bluebird Cafe. 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. The teashop is not to be missed and has one of the best views in the Lake District and sells arguably the best cake. Visit the John Ruskin Museum on your return to the village which has plenty about both Ruskin and Arthur Ransome not to mention Donald Campbell's world speed water records set on Coniston where he met his untimely death.
Hawkshead
LA22 0NS
4 miles.
This iconic lakeland village made famous by its picturesque setting and its literary connections.
Wordsworth attended the grammar school at Hawkshead.
Grasmere
LA22 9SW
9 miles.
It is a 20 minute drive to this very pretty Lakeland village. Wordsworth is buried in the churchyard and adjacent to the churchyard is Sarah Nelson's world-famous gingerbread shop which is not to be missed.
Ambleside
LA22 9BU
8 miles.
It is a 10 or 15 minute drive from the house. There is a Roman fort and a variety of good shops if you need any walking gear. Be sure to look out for Old Bridge House and visit Stock Ghyll water falls an easy walk up from the town centre.
The Old Court House Gallery is always worth a look in Market Place as it is one of the largest independent contemporary art galleries in the north set over 3 floors exhibiting glass ceramics, paintings and sculpture together with jewellery.
Keswick
CA12 5DQ
24 miles.
This is the main town in the northern lakes.
Saturday is market day good for a walk around the shops. Look out for Treeby and Bolton and the Veridian Gallery which is owned and run by local artists.
If you need any outdoor clothing George Fischer is a great shop.
