Showing posts with label Ambleside. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ambleside. Show all posts

Thursday 23 May 2013

New cycling initiative launched in the Lake District

TV presenter Helen Skelton, of Blue Peter fame, has become one of the first people to experience an innovative new cycling initiative in the the Lake District.

 
Skyride cycling initiative
The initiative aims to encourage people to experience the Lake District in a healthier, greener way

The event was the first in a series of 30 free guided group bike rides led by British Cycling trained Ride Leaders planned for the Lake District this summer.
 
Aimed at all age groups and experience levels, the Sky Ride Local rides encourage people to experience the Lake District in a healthier, greener way.

It is the first time Sky Ride Local has come to a National Park, and the GoLakes Travel programme has teamed up with British Cycling to bring the initiative to the region.

Between now and the end of September, Sky Ride Local rides will also take place around scenic spots such as Hawkshead, Coniston Bowness, Elterwater and Ambleside.
Starting points for the routes will also make the most of traffic-free cycle routes being enhanced through the GoLakes Travel programme, with many getting underway close to bike hire points. For some routes, there is even the option of hiring an electric bike.

Helen Skelton said: “I’m delighted to be one of the first to experience this new cycling initiative in what is probably one of the most perfect locations in the country to cycle. I love to leave the car at home and get out on my bike. Cycling is such an important sport for all ages to get involved in and this ride will bring cycling fans together from all different backgrounds and abilities to enjoy riding in such a stunning landscape”.

Claire Maclaine, GoLakes Travel Programme Manager added: “Sky Ride Local rides are a really exciting, way for people of all ages and abilities to explore experience and enjoy cycling in a unique natural setting. Go Lakes Travel is proud to be part of a fantastic year for cycling in Cumbria, with the county hosting the longest leg of the Tour of Britain in September. As part of this, we want to show that cycling is for everyone and what’s great about Sky Ride Local is that it’s free, accessible and genuinely aimed at building people’s confidence whether they’re a regular cyclist or not.”

To see the full list of Sky Ride Local rides in the Lake District, or to book a free place, visit: www.goskyride.com/lakes
 

Wednesday 8 May 2013

New Lake District ‘Bike Bus’ service launched

The Lake District is a popular destination for mountain biking, family cycling outings and road riding alike
The Lake District is a popular destination for mountain biking, family cycling outings and road riding alike (Seb Rogers/Future Publishing)

Saturday 4 May saw the launch of a new ‘Bike Bus’ service in the Lake District. The Stagecoach 800 runs the full length of England’s largest lake, Windermere, and has been specially converted to carry up to 12 bikes.

 
The new route includes the following popular stops around Windermere and links in with the ‘Bike Boat’ ferry shuttle from Brockhole to Wray:
  • Ambleside (Kelsick Road)
  • Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre
  • Windermere train station
  • Bowness-on-Windermere Pier
  • Fell Foot Park
  • Newby Bridge
  • Lakeland Motor Museum
  • Lakeside& Havethwaite Railway
For 2013, the Bike Bus will run on the following dates:
  • 4 May – 14 July (Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays)
  • 20 July – 1 September (daily)
  • 7 Sept – 28 Sept (weekends only)
Claire Maclaine, programme manager for the GoLakes, supporter of the Bike Bus service, said: “The Bike Bus is another great way to help people to explore and enjoy our stunning landscape without the hassle of loading up car bike racks and fighting for parking spaces at the other end. This regular service is geared up specifically for the needs of cyclists and is ideal for families to hop on and off at a range of locations running the full length of Windermere.”
 
Two new leaflets are being produced to complement the service, ‘Rides from the Bike Bus’ and ‘Days out from the Bike Bus’. Printed on waterproof paper, they will both be available from late May. Alternatively, a full timetable can be viewed online.
 
Sustrans’ National Cycle Network route 6 runs east from Windermere, linking riders with Kendal and going on through the Howgills and Yorkshire Dales. There’s also a short family friendly bridleway ride on the west side of Windermere, through National Trust land, that can be accessed via the ferry that runs from Bowness-on-Windermere.
 
It’s about 20km to cycle the length of the lake one way, and there are mainly minor roads and bridleways on the west side and main roads on the east.
 

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Catamaran aids Windermere ranger work

A catamaran will be used by rangers to patrol England's longest lake, to reflect a shift in leisure activities.

 

Lake Windermere launch and boat hire area
Lake Windermere Launch Area
 
The Lake District National Park Authority said it would provide a more stable platform for their work on Windermere than the inflatable and motorboat currently used.

The Cheetah catamaran is similar to vessels used by police and the Environment Agency.

Rangers enforce by-laws, offer safety advice and carry out conservation work.

Park management ranger Sara Spicer said: "We are encouraging a shift from fast watersports towards sailing, paddle craft and open water swimming.

"As the emphasis alters, so does our role.

"These days an important part of our work is watching out for the ever-growing number of swimmers, advising them to be visible and boat users to be on the look-out for them."

Tuesday 30 April 2013

Spring Bank Holiday Specials - Fantastic properties with huge discounts - Save up to £800 off!!


 
Amazing May Bank Holiday Offers
 
Save up to £800!
 
 
Please see a small selection of offers below or
to see the full range of availability

Devonshire House,
Cartmel
Devonshire House, Cartmel, lounge, Lakes Cottage Holidays  Devonshire House, Cartmel, master bedroom, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Sleeps 8
Friday 3rd May for 7 nights
SAVE £285 NOW ONLY £665
Ladstock Hall,
Thornthwaite
Ladstock Hall, self catering holiday cottage in Thornthwaite, Keswick sleeping 10, Lakes Cottage Holidays  Ladstock Hall, Lounge, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Sleeps 10
Friday 3rd May for 7 nights
SAVE £400 NOW ONLY £790

Lowther Beeches,
Windermere
Lowther Beeches, self catering holiday cottage, Windermere, Lakes Cottage holidays  Lowther Beeches, Windermere, Outdoor Unheated Swimming Pool, Lakes Cottage holidays
Sleeps 8
Friday 3rd May for 7 nights
SAVE £800 NOW ONLY £995
Ethel's Escape,
Fangfoss, Nr York
Ethel's Escape, Bricknell Cottages, self catering Cottage Holiday Group  Ethel's Escape, Bricknell Cottages, self catering Cottage Holiday Group
Sleeps 6
Friday 3rd May for 7 nights
SAVE £260 NOW ONLY £690
Bay View House,
Askham-in-Furness
Bay View House, self catering holiday cottage in Askham in Furness, Living Room, Lakes Cottage Holidays  Bay View House,Surrounding View,  Askham in Furness, South Lakes, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Sleeps 5
Saturday 4th May for 7 nights
SAVE £135 NOW ONLY £295
Old Bakers Cottage,
Grasmere
Old Bakers Cottage, lounge, Lakes Cottage Holidays  Old Bakers Cottage, twin bedroom, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Sleeps 4
Saturday 4th May for 7 nights
SAVE £140 NOW ONLY £450
Manor Hall,
Kirkoswald
Staffield Hall, Kirkoswald, lakes Cottage Holidays  Manor Hall, dining room, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Sleeps 6
Saturday 4th May for 7 nights
SAVE £545 NOW ONLY £995
Willow Cottage,
Watermillock
Willow Cottage, Garden Entrance, Lakes Cottage Holidays  Willow Cottage, lounge, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Sleeps 4/6
Saturday 4th May for 7 nights
SAVE £400 NOW ONLY £855
Woodland View,
Unthank
Woodland View, Bedroom, Lakes Cottage Holidays  Woodland View, Unthank, Nr Ullswater, self catering holiday cottage, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Sleeps 4
Friday 3rd May for 7 nights
SAVE £90 NOW ONLY £300

Thursday 18 October 2012

New Apartments in Ambleside - Waterhead Apartments

 

We have acquired 4 new apartments in the Waterhead area of Ambleside. These are 2 bedroom apartments, Choose from either a ground floor or first floor apartment with a balcony. There are on-site leisure facilities, which include a pool, whirlpool and sauna. There are also local pubs, reastaurants and shops not far from the doorstep of these apartments.

 
The location of waterhead, can be seen as a village within a village and does have some of its own shops, bars and restaurants. Just a 10 minute walk would see you in the middle of Ambleside village. Access to the largest lake in England is but a stroll down to the piers from the apartments.

These modern apartments will appeal to groups and families wanting to have easy access to Lake Windermere or to explore the Ambleside area as well as surrounding areas.

WATERHEAD APARTMENTS, AMBLESIDE

 
Waterhead Apartments - Ambleside Lake District Cottages

Waterhead Apartments Leisure Facilities includes pool

Accommodation Details

· Sleeps 4/6· Lounge with TV, DVD player, hi-fi system, double sofa bed, dining area and access to the balcony.
· Bedrooms 2· Kitchen with electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and microwave.
· Bathrooms 1· Double bedroom with TV.
· Price Band WA £500 - £750 pw· Twin bedroom.
· Cottage Holiday Group 4*· Bathroom with shower over bath, hand basin and WC.
· Pets No· Drying cupboard.
· Changeover Saturday· All electric, bed linen and towels provided.
· Open Fire or WB Stove No· Cot and highchair available.
· Wi-Fi available for a small charge.
· Private parking.
· Balcony or patio area per apartment along with shared use of a private courtyard with barbeque facilities and laundry room.
 

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Demise of the Brockhole monkey puzzle tree 


Brockhole are having to restore the views which visitors have come to enjoy. In order to do this certain memorial trees and the monkey puzzle tree have to be cut down.

Although this feature is much loved and many photos have been taken of it, it more than just an ornamental tree, it tells the cultural story of the Gaddum family, the original owners of the site, who planted it.

So the solution is to take a cutting from the original tree in order to replant the monkey puzzle tree in a better location that does not obstruct the views.

The planting of a new Monkey Puzzle tree demonstrates that this vision is not just about now but about the long-term future. Restoring what is essential, and ensuring that Brockhole remains relevant now and tomorrow.
 

What are your views on this?

 

Saturday 30 June 2012

Anatomy of our Landing Pages

Objective

Our main website is huge and offers a lot for the more savvy world wide web user, but what about those that are less comfortable with using websites, clicking on links or using custom searches? Combine this with the issue that we are all strapped for time in this ever quickening world where workloads increase and play time seems to decrease or at the very least we think we have less time for relaxation and doing the fun things we want in life.

This is where you start looking for a holiday, either a few days or a week of getting away from the rat race to unwind, chill and spend time with those we love. The last thing you want is to spend hours trying to find accommodation that may be suitable, ticks all your boxes, then possibly find that it may not be available. This is where our landing page comes into play. It has the main function of speeding up the search process by offering you a few choices that we have learnt through our experience in this market, which is what guests want and seek when looking for a holiday.

Summing up, we have minimised the stress of trying to figure out our main page and get you staraight to the particular area that you are interested in, from there you will be shown the current availability making your decision easier and quicker.

Structure

We believe we have minimised the steps in finding a suitable cottage, lodge, mobile home or apartment. We start with the basics of all landing pages showing who we are and what we offer. We have used pictures from the area, lakes, cottages or activities so you can get a feeling of what the area would be like, vusually.

There are 6 images, 3 in the top row and 3 below the main text, which describes the area giving you a flavour of the area and what is offered. The top row consists of the top queries that the majority of holiday seekers are looking for currently. Pet friendly, romantic and short break accommodation are the highest asked for queries. The bottom row gives you the options for browsing the accommodation available in this area and late availability. The new cottages is promote further growth so we can offer more selection for guests, thereby meeting their demands.

The image and text below the image will allow you, once clicked, to go straight to a list of cottages with prices and the date when it would be available, from there you could book in 1 step if happy with your choice. These are all specific searches that involve using multiple criteria to provide the guest with an informed choice to choose from.

Conclusion

We have provided a useful time conserving method to find accommodation in the specific areas of the Lake District National Park. In turn, this will reduce the stress and frustration that we all go through when wanting to find the ideal holiday, and hopefully will also help you in your decision making, highlighting important considerations that one may overlook when searching.

Remember we are only a phone call away if you have want to discuss any issue that you may find important or crucial to your enjoyment when on holiday. Our landing pages can not cover everything, but are merely tools to help simplify your search and reduce your time spent trawling through the very vast world wide web.

We hope you found this article interesting and if you have any questions, please let me know and I will reply as soon as I can, this also goes if you like or dislike our idea, article or thoughts. We pride ourselves on quality and choice of cottages, and are always open to suggestions.

Wednesday 27 June 2012

Latest News

Launch of a Landing Page


We have been planning and discussing the format for a landing page to help our guests who would be looking for cottages in a specific area of the Lake District. In this case it was for Ambleside.

See how our Ambleside Lake District Cottages landing page looks. If you like it tell us on our facebook page or tweet us. If you like the page tell your friends and family, perhaps they are looking for a self catering holiday in this part of the Lake District.

The next post will be explaining the layout and use of the landing page as displayed below.


Picture showing our ambleside lake district cottages landing page