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Lake District Holidays

April 12, 2010 by jenhicks  
Filed under Where To Go & What To See

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Whether it is for green motives or cost constraints, families who would normally go abroad for their holidays are in for some surprises when they head for the Lake District this summer.

Savvy guests are demanding more from Lake District hotels who in turn, are being more creative in what they offer guests.  Guests are re-introducing their families to the Lake District because it is compact (35miles) and offers very diverse attractions that will appeal to all members of the family.

The UK in general, of course does have a downside in the weather but what the UK lacks in sunshine, it makes up for in activities and good old fashioned fun. The Lake District is especially suited to families with its vast choice of activities. Firstly there are the fells. Walking and taking in the spectacular scenery in the Lake District is not only good exercise but it is free. Other activities in Cumbria and the Lake District are Muncaster Castle, the World Owl Trust, Ravenglass Steam Railway, Lake District Coast Aquarium, Puzzling Place and Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick, Beatrix Potter Museum and cycling tours at Grizedale Forest. A trip to the Lakes isn’t complete without a boat trip. Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater are the main lakes for boat trips. It gives a different perspective on the fells from the water than on land.

An organized Lake District holiday break takes away all the stress of having to think of what to do each day. An organized package takes care of all the booking of venues and has an itinerary each day. This kind of holiday helps families get the most out of their Lake District holiday and can include activities such as sailing, walking, museum trips, picnics and cycling. Many have been designed to enable families to spend time together but also making consideration for the parents by giving them a few hours of freedom with the children only activities.

The Euro is not the only reason UK family holidays and Lake District holidays are predicted to increase. The awareness of climate change and the impact of flying on the environment is something that is making families think twice about going abroad. A return flight from London to Barcelona for example produces half of tonne of carbon dioxide per person. That is an awful lot when compared with a return car journey from London to the Lake District which creates a 10th of a tonne of carbon dioxide. Once a family has realized what good they are doing for their children’s future, money saved and most importantly, how much fun can be had on a holiday in the UK, it is sure to make the UK tourism industry flourish once again.

So really, who needs the hassle of travelling abroad, waiting around in depressing airports and arriving at disappointing destinations anymore? You can choose a destination like the Lake District where you and the children can arrive and leave, when it suits you and the hospitality is second to none. Educationally, children get so much more out of an activity holiday where they are challenged, learn and experience new things. As with a selection of these special activity packages available in places such as luxury hotels in the Lake District, parents can enjoy their Lake District holidays just as much as the children.

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Things To Do When Staying In Penrith Hotels and B&B’s

March 30, 2010 by jenand  
Filed under Where To Go & What To See

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Penrith is a welcoming market town and a great base from which to explore Eden. The town of Penrtih, with its beautiful red sandstone buildings has fascinating yards and alleyways to discover, pleasant open spaces and a selection of places to stay from fine hotels in Penrith to cosy guest houses and self catering cottages.

A lovely walk up through the wooded slopes of Beacon Hill to the Beacon “Pike” Monument, built in 1719 of local red sandstone, rewards you with great views over the town and lake district fells beyond. The Rotary Club of Penrith have produced a leaflet with details of an “Access for all Walk” – a self guided tour of Penrith. The route has been chosen to make the walk accessible to all, including those with disabilities. To download a copy, please visit the Rotary Club website. Back down in the town, explore the ruins of Penrith Castle, dating back to the 14th century, set in an attractive public park where you can play tennis, bowls, crazy golf, pitch and putt or simply watch the world go by! There’s a children’s playground and paddling pool too.

Many visitors come to Penrith for its unique specialist shops offering local produce – fine foods like Penrith Toffee Fudge, loved by the Royal Family and traditional Cumberland Sausage together with all sorts of local crafts. A Specialist Shops leaflet for Penrith is available.

Eating out in Penrith is a pleasure, there’s a good choice too, ranging from inns with home cooking, restaurants with international cuisine, cafes and tea shops.
Don’t miss Penrith Farmers’ Market, held every 3rd Tuesday in the Market Square, where you can cut down the food miles and enjoy locally produced and sourced goods. The newly named Charter Market, a traditional street market is also held every Tuesday in Great Dockray.

Penrith Museum, housed in the former 17th century Robinsons school building gives a fascinating insight into the history of Penrith, local geology and archaeology and houses an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions.

Dating back to Norman times, St, Andrew’s Church in the centre of Penrith is surrounded by historic buildings with a peaceful outdoor seating area. Look out for the “Giants Grave” in St. Andrew’s Churchyard!

If you are feeling active, the recently extended Penrith Leisure Centre has swimming pools, gym, indoor climbing wall, large sports hall and indoor bowls hall.

The town has an award-winning station on the main west coast London to Glasgow railway line and is served by National Express buses. The C2C cycle route passes through Penrith and the town has been designated Cumbria’s first Cycling Hub, which means cyclists are made extra welcome and will find excellent facilities and specially designed routes starting from Penrith along with many of the Penrith hotels, B&B’s and guest houses being cyclist friendly.

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Charming Small Hotels & Restaurants Southern France (Charming Small Hotel Guides) (Paperback)

July 28, 2009 by Traveler  
Filed under Travel France Guides

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Charming Small Hotels & Restaurants Southern France (Charming Small Hotel Guides)