The Lake District in north-western England is a place of great natural beauty and abundant in history. While Bassenthwaite Lake is the only body of water in the district actually classified as a lake, there are several others known as tarns and waters including Windermere which is the largest in the area. Majestic mountain peaks and dense forests surround the lake, tarns, and waters creating an amazing setting for outdoor activities of all types. Historically, the Lake District was the well-known haunt of literary greats and poets like John Ruskin and William Wordsworth, and many cultural events and venues pay tribute to their work. With its many attractions and stunning scenery, it is no wonder the area is fast becoming the main destination for weekend holidays.

Enjoying Outdoor Pleasures in The Lake District

 
The pristine, lovely lakes beckon visitors to hire a boat and explore the waterways. The Coniston Boating Centre in the Lake District National Park provides visitors with a variety of water recreation activities as well as biking trails for land adventures. Water craft of all types including motor boats, sail boats  and canoes peacefully troll the waters at Coniston. The boating centre offers safety instruction with all equipment hires to ensure guests have a safe and memorable time on the Coniston waters. Water recreation activities continue at Windermere which extends for 10 miles and contains several small islets. Fishermen especially enjoy the fact that Windermere has a great abundance of trout, pike, and perch.

The forests surrounding the lakes have not been forgotten by Lake District tourist attraction operators. An outfit called Tree Top Trek at Windermere presents visitors with aerial physical challenges sure to send one’s heart racing. Visitors race through the trees on ziplines and test their balance and nerves on Tree Top Trek’s specially crafted rope obstacle courses. Tree Top Trek outdoor adventures is great fun for family groups, company parties, and couples.

One of the best ways to tour the quaint villages and engaging countryside around the lakes is by bike. Motorists share the road with bikes, and visitors stop whenever they desire to visit an eye-catching attraction. The clean air and exercise gained from biking the countryside surrounding the Lake District is the perfect weekend tonic for lethargic, weekday office workers. Motor cycles are also available for hire at the Lakes Escape which provides all-inclusive motor cycle tour packages to popular area attractions.

Other Distinctive Cultural Attractions Of The Lake District

 
The Lake District is home to a very unique museum featuring some of the world’s most exquisite collection of miniatures. The miniature museum is a must see for doll house collectors, artists, and anyone else fascinated by the details of these pint-sized works of art. Their collection includes 1/12 scale versions of antique living room, dining room, and other furniture pieces. Miniature paintings, embroidery, and musical instruments are also on display at the Miniature Museum. The level of detail is astounding, and the museum is sure to impress all who walk through its doors.

John Ruskin was a famed author, social activist, and later philanthropist of the Lake District. His late secretary started a museum in the area in his honour in the early 1900s, and one has been in operation in the Lake District ever since. This museum features some of Ruskin’s early handwritten transcripts and surprisingly skilful childhood paintings. Although John Ruskin’s later years were reportedly marred by mental illness, his ideals of social justice remained a guiding point for his peers and contemporaries. The talented man raised amongst the British élite advocated for universal education and better housing for all.

One collectible of John Ruskin somehow did not make it to the Ruskin Museum; his row-boat named “Jumping Jenny” is on display at its namesake the Jumping Jenny Tea Rooms. Jumping Jenny is a great place to relax while taking in afternoon tea or grabbing a quick cup of coffee. Their nutritious, palate tempting meals made from fresh, local produce is particularly noteworthy as well.

Why not treat yourself to a Lakes Escape this Spring or Summer and enjoy everything the Lake District has to offer….

Today feels a little sad; the Christmas decorations are coming down which means it’s all over again for another year.

Christmas to most people means getting a nice long break from work, enjoying staying at home with the family, eating too much, playing games, watching re-runs of Only Fools and Horses and so on, but for those of us working in Hotels it’s very different, it’s our busiest time of year and so we work longer hours and therefore spend more time at the Hotel than we do at home.

Most people would think that this sounds horrendous but after 15 years I’ve come to love it and really wouldn’t have it any other way.  I get to enjoy Christmas with hundreds of different people, many of whom I see every year at Christmas, an extended Beech Hill Christmas family.  I get to enjoy the best Christmas day lunch (cooked by my favourite Chefs) with my family who come to stay at the Hotel for the three day break.  I have New Years Eve with the friends that I have worked with for the past 7 years; glass of Champagne in hand and watching the fireworks over the Lake, rather than fighting the crowds in the pubs and clubs.

You see I really get the best of all worlds; great food, time with friends and family and free entertainment, without the boredom, the expense, the washing up and best of all no cutting pointless little crosses into the bottom of brussel sprouts!  So to everyone who visited over the festive period, for Christmas parties, Christmas and New Year breaks, and getaways in between, thank you for making my Christmas extra special.

Donna Myers

Sales and Reservations Manager