In the scenic Lune Valley, Kirby Lonsdale is classed as a Lake District town; as with several of the villages in the Dentdale area it has fluctuated between Yorkshire and Cumbria over the years, but from any perspective the reality is enviable location with a wealth of outstanding natural beauty and superb scenery on the doorstep. (more…)

Now is the time to get out and enjoy the summer break, by taking advantage of the fantastic events on offer and the excellent late availability prices of our cottages in the Lake District. We’ve even given you a head start by including a few fantastic events which might interest you below…

Have Tea With Mrs Tiggy-Winkle!!

Kids will love this fantastic event taking place at The World of Beatrix Potter™ in beautiful Bowness-on-Windermere. You’ll be treated to a party lunch with Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and ‘Beatrix Potter’ as the guest of honour! Kids will enjoy the story telling, cakes and opportunity to explore the whole World of Beatrix Potter™, they’ll also be given a free present as well!

Details of how to take advantage of this special event are given below, but hurry this event is extremely popular, booking is essential, so don’t miss out and book today!

Date: Wednesday 24^th August 2011

Time: 1pm

Ages: All ages

Venue: The World of Beatrix Potter™, Bowness-on-Windermere ( See On Google Maps)

Admission: £8 per person

Find out more about this and other events at The World of Beatrix Potter™ events page.

Why not discover Geocaching this summer?

Geocaching is the new trend of high tech treasure hunting, combining both the traditional thrill of treasuring hunting with the accuracy of GPS; don’t worry though despite having GPS, it can be just as challenging and enjoyable as ever!

Even better news, the Lake District National Park is holding an introductory session exploring the new trendy sport of Geocaching, so you can get top tips from the experts. Details of the session are given below. Geocaching is something to be enjoyed by young and old and is especially fun for families to take part in.

Date: 13^th August 2011

Time: Sessions start at both 11am and 2pm

Ages: 8+

Venue: Brockhole, Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere (See On Google Maps)

Admission: £8 per person

Further details can be found on the National Park Website.

Traditional Sheep Dog Trials

If you’re visiting the Lake District then why not experience the excitement of watching sheep dog trials. Popular events with both locals and tourists, they give visitors an opportunity to watch a traditional technique demonstrated by experienced hands, which is effective but also enchanting and entertaining as well.

The show also has a range of stands offering tempting local delicacies, unique fashion articles and other traditional Cumbrian specialities. The catering tent uses local produce to produce some truly tasty treats, so why not experience both a pastime of Cumbria and some fantastic foods at the same time?

There’s no need to book as spectators are welcome and encouraged to come to every event.  Key details about the Rydal show are shown below, we highly recommend a visit as it certainly offers something for everyone.

Date: 11^th August 2011 (This is their 108^th show!)

Time: 9am

Ages: All Ages

Venue: Rydal Park, Ambleside (See On Google Maps)

More details and a programme of events can be found on the Rydal Show Website.

All you need now is your accommodation!

With all of those fantastic events taking place, all you need to do now is book your Lake District accommodation with us. We have cottages available in locations near to all of the events mentioned, whether you’re looking at holiday cottages in Bowness-on-Windermere for the Beatrix Potter event,cottages in Windermere to go Geocaching or cottages in Ambleside for the Rydal Show, we’ve got quality cottages ready to accommodate you on your Lake District adventure.

Gateway to the Forest of Bowland AONB, our Clitheroe cottages nestle in and around the ancient town in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley. Dating back to Saxon times, this interesting old town features a number of distinctive attractions. Looming over the cobbled streets, Clitheroe Castle perches on a huge limestone outcrop. Visit the Castle Museum, meander through the landscaped gardens and look out for quirky sculptures made of stone and metal. (more…)

For today’s cottage spotlight, we’re looking at an Edwardian townhouse in the centre of Windermere.

Number 16, which is currently free to book from December 4th to December 27th, boasts some truly incredible views. If you click here and take a look at the photos, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Included in the rent of this property is a leisure pass at the nearby Old England Hotel. This means you can use the heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym and also get 10% off spa treatments.

To keep the adults busy in the day, Number 16 is situated close to a cinema, shops and restaurants. To keep the kids busy, there is a games room with a Playstation, table football and more.

As I mentioned, this property has availability for a Christmas booking in December. Why not get everyone together under one roof during the festive season?


If you haven’t yet read part one of this guide to Kendal, you can read it here.

Time to sightsee! Learn fascinating facts about the area at the Kendal Museum. Discover the unique traditions of times gone by at the Museum of Lakeland Life. Admire the 13th Century Parish Church, boasting no less than five aisles! View magnificent pieces of art at Abbot Hall Gallery. Enjoy music, dance, comedy, film and drama at the Brewery Arts Centre. Explore the ruins of Kendal Castle and take in the panoramic views of the circling fells. If you’re holidaying with children, follow the Alphabet Trail of the Serpentine Woods. Farm trails, riverside picnics, canal trips, indoor climbing centre, putting green – there are all kinds of adventures depending on their taste. And on the doorstep of your Kendal cottage are Sizergh Castle with its stunning rock garden and Levens Hall, an exquisite Elizabethan mansion that plays host to the Lakes’ hottest annual event – the Chilli-Fest!

With so much to see and do, satisfy your appetite and sample the region’s mouth-watering fare. Kendal features a huge choice of eateries, from trendy pavement cafés and elegant restaurants to cosy inns, quaint little tearooms and fast-food takeaways. Otherwise, find the local butcher’s and buy some Cumberland sausages – the perfect ingredients for a sizzling supper back in your Kendal holiday cottage!