Lake District News. Spring newsletter for travel writers

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.. Britain s Favourite View Britain s official favourite view is of Wastwater in the beautiful Wasdale Valley, chosen by thousands of viewers in an ITV programme.

1 Spring 2009 newsletter for travel writers Lake District News The Lake District, Cumbria has been voted Britain s greatest natural wonder in a survey for natural history TV channel Eden. The unique landscape of spectacular lakes and fells won overwhelmingly with almost a quarter of all votes. And that s not the only accolade that Cumbria boasts... Britain s Favourite View Britain s official favourite view is of Wastwater in the beautiful Wasdale Valley, chosen by thousands of viewers in an ITV programme. The three mile long lake is also England s deepest at 258ft and is overlooked by three mountains Lingmell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike. Best UK Destination Cumbria was named Best UK Destination 2008 at the prestigious British Travel Awards. The coveted award, part of the largest travel awards programme in Britain, was decided wholly by a public vote. Thousands named the area as the best place in the UK to take a holiday, with London and Cornwall taking second and third places. Best drive The scenic A591 which stretches 21 miles between Windermere and Keswick takes in no less than six lakes - Windermere, Rydal, Grasmere, Thirlmere, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake. It also includes some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the world including Dunmail Raise, the glacial valley of St John's in the Vale and the lower slopes of Helvellyn. It was named Britain s Best Drive in a poll by sat-nav firm, Garmin and voted one of the top three drives in Europe by European rent-acar specialists, Alamo. Most romantic The Lake District is the best place to book a romantic getaway if you want to impress your Valentine according to a survey by Laterooms.com. 31% of over 4,000 people questioned picked the area s dramatic fells and calming lakesides as their favourite spot for a UK mini-break. The Cotswolds came second with 17% of the votes and Bath won third place with 8%. The UK s Best Chef The Good Food Guide 2009 named Lakes-based restaurateur Simon Rogan as the Best Chef in the UK. Rogan runs the awardwinning L Enclume in the pretty village of Cartmel. Judges said: A kitchen cooking close to or at the top of its game. Highly individual showing faultless technique. L Enclume, Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel in Windermere and Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel in Ullswater have all retained their Michelin stars in the 2009 Michelin Guide to Britain & Ireland. England s longest lake, steepest road, tallest mountain and biggest liar The Lake District is home to England s longest lake (Windermere at 10.5 miles), its steepest road (Hardknott Pass), its tallest mountain (Scafell Pike at 3210ft) and the World's Biggest Liar Competition (politicians and lawyers are banned from entry!). This year's winner was John "Johnny Liar" Graham who spun a yarn about a magical ride to Scotland in a Wheelie Bin that went under the sea

.. A world premiere The Maid of Buttermere, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick 20 th March 18 th April This is the first ever dramatisation of Melvyn Bragg s novel The Maid of Buttermere, a story of

2 Marvellous Mother s Days March the 22nd is Mother s Day and we have a range of unusual, enjoyable, value-for-money events and activies on offer. Here are Cumbria Tourism s sugge stions for special ways to treat special ladies... A world premiere The Maid of Buttermere, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick 20 th March 18 th April This is the first ever dramatisation of Melvyn Bragg s novel The Maid of Buttermere, a story of passion, love and deception set in Keswick and Buttermere in the early 19 th century. It forms part of the theatre s 10 th anniversary celebrations and has its opening night on Friday the 20 th of March in perfect time for Mother s Day. Tickets from just / An indulgent afternoon tea Sizergh Castle, near Kendal 22 nd March, 1.30pm 3.30pm Take a classic afternoon tea in regal style. Sizergh Castle is a medieval house encircled by stunning gardens. For per person you can explore the exceptional rooms, enjoy a relaxed walk around the gardens and then sample the delights of a traditional afternoon tea in majestic surroundings. The tea includes a selection of delicious finger sandwiches and scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, so you may need to save your walk around the grounds until afterwards to burn off some of the calories! A cooking-free retreat Ennerdale Country House Hotel, Cleator 20 th 22 nd March The Ennerdale Country House Hotel is a delightful Grade II listed building with Grade I listed features and fireplaces. Set in over five acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, the hotel has 30 ensuite bedrooms, all individually designed and well-appointed, providing an idea base for exploring the Western Lake District. For just 45 per person per night guests can enjoy a kitchen-free Mothers Day Break which includes dinner, bed and breakfast and Mother s Day luncheon. Fabulous value. A lakeside picnic Storrs Hall, Windermere Available all year Storrs Hall on the shores of Windermere is renowned for its Ultimate Picnic. Priced at for two people it s a feast of some of the best ingredients in the world Loch Fyne Oysters, Beluga Caviar, British Rare White Beef There are seven platters in total, finishing with a dessert selection which includes exotic fruit trifle with gold leaf vairhona chocolate shavings and accompanied with good wine and Cristal champagne. For those who can t quite stretch to this but still want to give a Mother s Day treat, Storrs Hall can also offer picnic hampers priced at 25 and 30 per head. A creative outlet Art Course, RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve 21 st March, 11am 4pm Give your mum a relaxing and inspiring break from normality with this special art course. Using charcoal from South Lakes coppice she can get arty under the guidance of Marianne Birkby and learn to draw bitterns and other birds. The day costs 22 (or 20 for RSPB members) and includes all her materials and a tasty lunch / A swish spa stay The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge 22 nd March Set on the idyllic banks of the River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, The Swan is perfect for family friendly luxury providing Egyptian cotton bedding and L Occitane toiletries for grown ups and toys in rooms and bedtime milk and cookies for children. They are offering a Mother s Day package for 80 per person and this includes a three course Sunday lunch, bed and breakfast on the Sunday night and a 30 minute facial, manicure or pedicure just for the mums. A complimentary museum meander A World of Miniature, near Carlisle 22 nd March This unique museum contains one of the world's top collections of quality miniatures. These are not simply dolls house models, these are fully working items made with breath-taking skill and craftsmanship a tiny chest of drawers with functioning hinges and teeny locks; an exact reproduction of Van Gogh s Irises smaller than a Post-it Note; and the world's smallest teddy bear, with working jointed limbs, measuring only 3.5mm. On Mother s Day all mums can gain free admission to this fabulous collection. A mini makeover for mums-to-be The Langdale Spa, near Ambleside Available all year The Spa at Langdale Estates boasts an impressive range of relaxation facilities, including a 20m swimming pool complete with massage seat and whirlpool spa bath, a steam room, sanarium and tropical shower. For 105 you can treat mums-to-be to their Mama et Bebe spa day which offers three hours of treatments including back massage, foot and hand exfoliation and mask, express manicure and pedicure and a facial, plus a light lunch. A Michelin starred meal Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere 22 nd March Celebrated as one of the Lake District's finest country house hotels, Holbeck Ghyll is surrounded by acres of woodland in a majestic location overlooking Windermere. Their food is renowned and they have proudly retained their Michelin star since This Mother s Day you can indulge in a decadent three course lunch for per person and mums will be given an Espa gift to take home with them.

Here are Cumbria Tourism s sugge stions for the Ea ster Holidays.

3 Easter escapades The Lake District, Cumbria is a must-see destination this Ea ster. In addition to the spectacular landscape it is so famous for, Cumbria is offering a host of entertaining escapades not to mention excellent value-formoney. Here are Cumbria Tourism s sugge stions for the Ea ster Holidays... The Great Peter Rabbit Easter Egg Hunt, World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness-on-Windermere 8 th 14 th April This huge Easter Egg Hunt returns! Families can search throughout the whole of Cumbria for 100 unique eggs. 10 of the eggs have fantastic prizes and there is one extra-special egg with a huge prize. There will be a dedicated website to chart the progress of the hunt, so those taking part can see what eggs have been found where. It is free for everyone to enter. /peterrabbit Romanus Britannicus, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass 10 th & 13 th April On the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, heritage engines haul trains of cosy covered and open-top carriages from the coastal village of Ravenglass to the foot of England's highest mountain. This Easter they re celebrating the Bank Holidays in Roman style. For kids there will be a quiz and colouring activities while grown ups can enjoy guided tours of a Roman Bath House. Anyone buying a full line return ticket can receive a voucher to cruise on an Ullswater 'Steamer' at half-price. / Eggs-ellent Easter Crafts, Holker Hall, near Grange-over-Sands 6 th 8 th April Holker Hall is one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. As well as the beautiful house and gardens, visitors can also explore the motor museum, lifestyle shop, food hall and restaurant. To mark Easter, Holker is offering activities for kids including plant pot decorating, seed planting with herbs, egg decorating, colouring, puzzles and story-telling. Standard admission applies and there is a small charge of 1.50 per child for the plant pot and egg decorating activities. Fabulous Fairy Trail, Carlisle Castle, Carlisle 10 th -13 th April Impressive and forbidding, Carlisle Castle is a formidable fortress with an absorbing 900 year history. From the 10 th to the 13 th April, children can enjoy an Easter Fairy Trail while discovering the castle. Concealed within the grounds are mini model Victorian fairies who promise a yummy Easter treat to those that can find them. Tickets are 4.50 for grown ups, 2.30 for kids while under fives and English Heritage Members go free. show=nav Mucky Makey Fun, The Beacon, Whitehaven 16 th & 17 th April Situated on Whitehaven's harbour side, The Beacon traces the heritage of the area, using local characters, audio-visual displays and fascinating museum pieces. On the 16 th and 17 th of April The Beacon is inviting kids to their Mucky Fun With Clay workshops which are inspired by the sculptures and portraits of their latest exhibition Full Circle. Advance booking is essential and children should wear old clothes as they will get dirty. Suitable for ages 3-12, tickets cost 2 per child. Activities Week, various locations throughout Cumbria Easter holidays As part of its campaign to become Adventure Capital of the UK by 2012, Cumbria Tourism has teamed up with some of the county s activity providers to offer half price activities over the Easter holidays. Acti vities Week will offer abseiling, canoeing, gorge scrambling, hill walking and rock climbing with skilled instructors to people of all ages and abilities and will cost just 20 or less per half day session. All the activities can be booked by calling Destination Cumbria on just one number Jack and the Beanstalk, Upfront Gallery and Puppet Theatre, near Penrith 5 th 19 th April The Upfront Gallery presents a programme of exhibitions in four individual gallery spaces, a peaceful sculpture garden, an award winning vegetarian cafe and a gift shop. From the 5 th to the 19 th April their Puppet Theatre is showing Jack and the Beanstalk which introduces Daisy the cow, a strange violin playing elf and a very scary giant, and is combined with a musical score based on traditional English folk tunes. Tickets are 6 for all ages and the show lasts for around an hour and a half. Creative Culture, Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere 14 th 19 th April Over Easter, families can drop into the Activity Room opposite Dove Cottage & enjoy a range of creative pastimes including learning all about Wordsworth, his poetry, his family and his home at Dove Cottage. Children can paint scenes from Wordsworth's poems, create a Lake District landscape, compose a poem, make their own Dove Cottage guide book and play with jigsaws, quizzes and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult and the special Easter activities are included in the standard admission price. Spring Baby Brilliance, Eden Ostrich World, near Penrith 4 th -19 th April Eden Ostrich World is a working farm with a difference. Their Easter activities this year include Easter crafts and trail, handson sessions with spring baby animals, trailor and tractor rides, face painting and a bouncy castle, and they run through the whole of the Easter holidays. There is no extra charge for the Easter Activities which are included as part of the standard admission price and what s more, if you go to their website you can print off a voucher for 10% off your ticket.

Michelin starred munchies This spring, two Michelin star restaurants in the Lake District, Cumbria are rolling out the first ever Michelin starred packed lunch for the masses. Credit crunch cuisine.

or as elitist as can often be perceived. This unique cuisine for the credit crunch will come with a recession-busting retail price of just 9.

Michelin starred alfresco dining on the top of a fell, in a rowing boat on a lake...anywhere.

4 Michelin starred munchies This spring, two Michelin star restaurants in the Lake District, Cumbria are rolling out the first ever Michelin starred packed lunch for the masses. Credit crunch cuisine...the Michelin starred packed lunch The gorgeous gourmet goodies will showcase Michelin dining to holidaymakers in Cumbria and help to spread the word that Michelin starred dining isn t as expensive or as elitist as can often be perceived. This unique cuisine for the credit crunch will come with a recession-busting retail price of just 9.99 per packed lunch and will be tastefully presented, packed up and portable, ready for walkers to enjoy amongst the stunning Cumbrian scenery. Michelin starred alfresco dining on the top of a fell, in a rowing boat on a lake...anywhere. The unique pack-up-picnics are being served up by renowned chefs at two prestigious restaurants, The Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel on Lake Ullswater which has won the Michelin star accolade 13 times in as many years and the Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel overlooking Lake Windermere, which was named in the top 25 restaurants in Britain by the Good Food Guide 2009, and was also proud winner of Best Wine List of the Year. There will be no Tupperware, curling ham triangles, squashed crisps or warm Granny Smiths in these lunches. The Holbeck Ghyll lunch will come complete with extravagant delicacies like potted rabbit, confit Chicken, smoked salmon, mixed leaf salads, artichokes and truffle shavings. What s more, there will be an indulgent dessert of the day, a selection of scrummy British & French Cheeses, delicious fruit cake and sparkling Hildon Water to wash it down with. The Sharrow Bay lunch will make the most of the best of local produce and will offer a fabulous selection of local cheeses, biscuits and home-made chutney, pasta salad, cous cous, rice salad and potato salad, a choice of roast fillet of beef, homemade quiche, ballantine of salmon, terrine of guinea fowl, honey-baked local ham or locally smoked salmon, plus tea bread, fruit salad and a bottle of Evian Water to finish. There will be more information on our Michelin starred munchies on our website so look out for details on how to book your alfresco feast in the coming weeks.

Cumbria s Culture news... In the Lake District, Cumbria, the landscape and culture are inextricably linked.

through the veins of culture in Cumbria. A new generation of creative adventurers are reaffirming its unique environment as a place of innovation and inspiration.

.. Reach for the Sky, throughout Cumbria 23rd 31st May 2009 Lakes Alive is a new season of world-class performance and arts events in the spectacular landscapes of the Lake District, Cumbria.

5 Cumbria s Culture news... In the Lake District, Cumbria, the landscape and culture are inextricably linked. The Lakeland landscapes do more than just inspire, they have helped to mould some of the leading revolutionary, political and social thinkers of history and that same pioneering spirit still pulse s through the veins of culture in Cumbria. A new generation of creative adventurers are reaffirming its unique environment as a place of innovation and inspiration. Whether old thinkers or new, there is no better way to experience their work than in the landscape itself... Reach for the Sky, throughout Cumbria 23rd 31st May 2009 Lakes Alive is a new season of world-class performance and arts events in the spectacular landscapes of the Lake District, Cumbria. Reach for the Sky is a major part of the Lakes Alive programme and its launch week promises an unforgettable series of six international live aerial spectacles across the county. These include powerful and dramatic aerial performances, acrobats building human castles, a death-defying high-wire walk, a magical, fairy-tale show and breath-taking displays from Europe s leading circus and dance performers. All Reach for the Sky events are free. Open Studios, throughout Cumbria 11th 13th April Those looking for something a bit different this Easter Bank Holiday weekend can head off the beaten track and discover creative talent in Cumbria s first applied arts Open Studios event. Over 40 of the region s designer/makers will open their studio doors, welcoming visitors inside to discover the wealth of exciting and original applied arts talent in Cumbria. There will be opportunities to observe and become inspired by the creative process as well as the chance to purchase unique pieces of work direct from the artists themselves. Set out on the Maid Trails, Keswick and Buttermere areas The Maid of Buttermere was one of history s great romances: the true story of a passionate love affair between an aristocrat and a young woman whose radiant beauty had become legendary. Colonel Alexander Hope s passion was genuine but he was not: His real name was John Hatfield and his criminal career ended on the gallows at Carlisle. Melvyn Bragg s novel is one of the more recent retellings of a true story which has fascinated writers since Now Lisa Evans has adapted Bragg s novel for the stage in a production at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. Theatre by the Lake has devised a special series of Maid Trails to take you into the heart of the glorious Lake District landscape in which the unforgettable story unfolds. Spring Music Festivals, Ireby, Ulverston and Dent Cumbria plays host to a range of music festivals throughout the spring; from classical to traditional Lakeland folk Ireby Music Festival, Ireby 22nd 23rd May Ulverston International Music Festival, Ulverston, 5th 13th June Dent Folk Festival, Dent, 26th 28th June

offers visitors a tranquil, yet accessible, retreat. Just a short distance from Bowness-on- Windermere, the park is in a world of its own with breathtaking views and an abundance of woodland wildlife.

6 Press visit inspiration for value for money breaks... Approximate cost for two: 80 Arrive at Park Cliffe Camping and Caravanning Estate, Windermere Set in 25 acres of picturesque, unspoilt countryside, Park Cliffe Camping and Caravanning Estate offers visitors a tranquil, yet accessible, retreat. Just a short distance from Bowness-on- Windermere, the park is in a world of its own with breathtaking views and an abundance of woodland wildlife. It offers a restaurant, shop and launderette as well as good shower blocks with toasty underfloor heating, dry changing spaces and hairdryers. Those wanting to put the glamping into their camping can hire one of their private bathrooms for the duration of their stay! Park Cliffe is currently one of three places shortlisted as the best caravan park in England. Prices are from just per night for a pitch for a two-man tent and a car. A sail and a steam train... Windermere is the largest lake in England at 10.5 miles long and up to 200ft deep in places. Take a relaxing and romantic trip with Windermere Lake Cruises along the whole lake or take in sections to soak up the inspiring scenery. Trips include cruises around the lake s islands and between the many ports, including Brockhole, Fell Foot, Bowness and Lakeside. Windermere Lake Cruises offer a number of special value tickets linked with local attractions...for per person you can sail down to Lakeside and then join the Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam locomotive that hauls the carriages through the rugged Leven Valley. There is a lovely cafe at Haverthwaite where you can break your journey for lunch. A relaxing, nostalgic trip. A wonderful walk... Grizedale Forest Park near Ambleside offers a visitor centre, shop and café, as well as eight stunning walking trails ranging from the easy access Ridding Wood Trail to the strenuous Silurian Way. There are 70 renowned forest sculptures to discover en route and the walking trails are all free to use. A meal and a movie... For delicious food, the latest films and contemporary jazz performances, couples should head to Zefirellis cinema, restaurant and jazz bar. Live jazz music can be enjoyed on Fridays and Saturdays in the relaxed café bar and nearly all performances are free. Those who fancy catching up on the latest film releases can enjoy a tasty two course dinner and a movie in prereserved seats for just each. Approximate cost for two: 261 Arrive at The Randy Pike, Hawkshead The owners of the well-loved Jumble Room in Grasmere have launched their own B&B business at their home near Hawkshead. Their spacious, dressed-to-perfection, luxury suites have super king beds draped in Frette linens, bathrooms fit only for a king or queen, flat screen TVs, fluffy bathrobes, luxury toiletries and ipod docks. Standard room rates of 200 per room per night include an exceptional breakfast (as well as abundant traditional options you can also choose from dishes like smoked haddock kedgeree or crostini with roasted red peppers, fresh basil pesto and Hawkshead Goats Cheese) which is delivered to your room and can be taken at any time. You ll also have access to your own Boudoir Larder of complimentary treats, tailored to your tastes but usually including delicious local cheeses and chutneys, home-baked cakes, elderflower presse, raspberry juice and little bottles of champagne. The owners will even run you to the Jumble Room and back if you fancy enjoying dinner there. A romantic rowing boat ride Take a rowing boat out onto Windermere England s longest lake. The peaceful waters are surrounded by spectacular scenery providing an idyllic setting. A rowing boat for two costs just 10 for an hour from the Low Wood Activity Centre. A lunch with a view... After your trip on Windermere, head to the plush Linthwaite House Hotel to enjoy lunch on their terrace overlooking the lake. Their award-winning restaurant serves modern British food in ample portions, immaculately presented. Indulge in a rocket and goats cheese salad with grilled vegetables and red onion relish for just 5.95 and if you feel like spoiling yourself splurge on their divine chocolate torte with crème Chantilly and fresh raspberries for An exclusive afternoon tea Above Lake Windermere, in its own 67 acre estate, nestles this exclusive gem of a hotel. Known to have been frequented by stars such as Tom Cruise, The Samling boasts luxurious suites, award-winning food, spectacular views and incredible service. Their Gourmand dinner menu costs 67 per person, but you can sample their fabulous food for less as they offer a delightful afternoon tea at just per person. You ll need to book in advance as The Samling is very popular. * This is a standard press trip for guidance only. Alternative trips can be arranged to other areas of the Lake District, Cumbria by calling the PR team on or by ing pressoffice@cumbriatourism.org.

Best Western GRASMERE RED LION H O T E L. A taste of luxury in the glorious heart of Lakeland

Best Western GRASMERE RED LION H O T E L A taste of luxury in the glorious heart of Lakeland A TASTE OF LAKELAND LUXURY A taste of luxury in the glorious heart of Lakeland Set deep in the heart of Wordsworth