TV star votes Penrith high street best in Britain

By Victoria Brenan

        

Penrith has been praised as having the best high street by Great British Bake-Off host Mel Giedroyc.

 

Mel Giedroyc



She said she had been visiting the town “since the year dot” after her mum grew up in the northern Lake District.

 

As part of a campaign launched by the Daily Telegraph – Reinventing the High Street – Mel sung the praises of Penrith and said it had her favourite high street.

 

“My attachment to Penrith’s high street is part nostalgia,” she said. “My mum grew up in the northern Lakes and so I’ve been going to Penrith every summer since the year dot.

 

“Now, when I go back with my own children, I love the fact that Arnisons, the department store with more than a hint of Grace Brothers, is still there on Middlegate, and Grahams, the deli in Market Square, continues to serve you everything over the counter. But my reasons are not all sepia-tinted.”

 

She said Penrith had a tourist trade because of its proximity to the Lake District but was no “chocolate-boxey high street.”

 

“The red stone suggests something more practical and it retains a strong sense of its own identity that enables it to mix the old with the new and still stay real,” she added.

 

“There are chains and a Morrisons. Plus, it is a community place, with a real sense of local people getting on with things as the minutes slip by on the clock tower. It is resolutely normal, but it manages to make normal shopping feel as if it isn’t a chore.”

 

 

Lake District in Cumbria ranks as third most popular UK 'staycation' hotspot

The Lake District is the third most popular domestic holiday hotspot for UK residents, new figures have shown.

 

Despite the dismal weather and tight household budgets, 2013 is going to be a record year for the ‘staycation’ trend as 65 per cent of Britons opt to take their summer holiday at home this year.

 

The holiday report reveals that the Lake District, which came second last year, ranked third behind London and Edinburgh.

 

For the first time in five years, Cornwall has lost its crown as the nation’s top 'staycation' destination and dropped to fourth.

 

The figures show a significant increase on the past two years, when 41 per cent and 35 per cent of Britons respectively took a domestic break.

 

With the average trip costing Britons £399.28 this year - a £34.19 reduction from last year - it is estimated this investment will boost the UK tourism industry by £12bn - up £3.3bn from last year.

 

The findings have been revealed in a new holiday index by Travelodge.

 

The hotel chain’s fifth annual holiday report surveyed 3,000 British adults to investigate their summer holiday intentions.

 

It revealed that 42 per cent of these people are taking a week’s holiday in the UK this summer, 15 per cent are indulging in a two-week break on British shores, and a third are splitting their holidays over three short domestic breaks so they can visit a series of locations.

 

Grant Hearn, Travelodge CEO said: “The 'staycation' trend accelerating to record levels and boosting our economy by £12bn this year is a very welcome sign, and hopefully this is the start of our 2012 Olympics legacy gain.

 

“During 2012, our capital city was showcased in its true glory to all corners of the UK and the world, and it’s a great result that London has been crowned as the top 'staycation' destination for 2013.

 

“However we cannot rest on our laurels, as one of Britain’s biggest business sectors, the opportunity to grow is still great.

 

“We are not yet near to unlocking the true potential of our industry.”

New Lake District ‘Bike Bus’ service launched

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.

 

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 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."

Introducing The Lake District Dairy Co. Quark – a new, naturally fat free dairy ingredient

Introducing The Lake District Dairy Co. Quark 

A naturally fat free dairy ingredient, that’s set to add a new range of culinary options for health conscious consumers nationwide. Launching nationally this week in a variety of flavours; Original, Lemon, and Vanilla - The Lake District Dairy Co. British Quark offers itself as a truly versatile dairy ingredient that is great for cooking, mixing and baking.

For more information:  http://clarion.pressdoc.com/45082-introducing-the-lake-district-dairy-co-quark-dairy-s-new-guilt-free-everyday-cooking-ingredient

Carlisle Cottages Landing Page

Try our Carlisle Cottages Landing Page

 

Why not try our Carlisle landing page to find a cottage this weekend for the Pirelli Rally, being hosted in Carlisle.

 

As this area is steeped in history, offering many activities for couples, families and larger groups. There are also many cycling, shopping, and walking opportunities available in this area, as well as this being an extremely scenic and informative part of Cumbria. So if you need to find accommodation to holiday in this area or because you want to attend an event such as the Pirelli Rally then this page will help you find what you want much quicker.

 

The format and layout is similar to all our other landing pages, keeping it nicely conformed and easier for you to navigate through these pages to find exactly what you require in less time, giving you more time to dream of your holiday, rather than fretting over whether you can find something.

 

You can find our Carlisle Cottages landing page by clicking on the highlighted text. Pass the webpage onto your friends and family as you never know when it may come in handy. +1 this post at the bottom of the screen or alternatively like us on our facebook page or tweet us. Our aim is to help you find the right cottage at the right price in the right area.

 

Using this page will help you to find and book your holiday cottage much quicker and easier, just try it....

 

Lake District ospreys: new pair at Bassenthwaite

Lake District ospreys: new pair at Bassenthwaite

 

The birds have been identified as a new pair

A pair of Ospreys has set up home in the Lake District, with experts hoping for a 13th breeding season.

The birds are thought to be different to ones which have nested at the site in previous years.

 

A total of 24 chicks have been raised near Bassenthwaite since 2001, when ospreys returned to the area after an absence of more than 150 years.

 

The Lake District Osprey Project (LDOP) said it would be "fantastic" if more arrived.

 

Distinctive markings

Nathan Fox, of the LDOP, said: "We are really excited to have these two birds at the nest site.

 

"It's interesting they are different birds to previous years.

 

"The female is unringed and we believe she is a different bird, but the male, who is also unringed, is definitely a new visitor here as he has distinctive markings."

 

The Lake District Osprey Project is managed by a partnership of the Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park Authority and the RSPB.

 

Volunteers provide 24-hour nest protection, and staff the viewpoint at Dodd Wood and the Whinlatter Visitor Centre, where there are plans to screen live "nest-cam" pictures.

 

via BBC News - Lake District ospreys: new pair at Bassenthwaite.

 

Keswick Mountain Festival teams up to help National Trust

Keswick Mountain Festival teams up to help National Trust

John McHale, Reporter

 

A charity that owns and manages large swathes of the Lake District will benefit from a mountain festival in the area.

 

Keswick Mountain Festival announced the National Trust as its official charity partner for the 2013 event.

 

Organisers of the May festival said during the lead up to the festival and throughout the event, visitors will be encouraged to make donations to the trust.

 

The site of the festival village is on National Trust land in Crow Park and the trust will have a strong presence there during the event, offering information about its work and sites, and fundraising.

 

In addition, a percentage of sales from the KMF Buff, designed by local schoolgirl Rosie Walker, will be donated to the National Trust.

 

Lucy Scrase, festival director, said: “Keswick Mountain Festival is a celebration of the outdoors, here in the Lake District and throughout the UK.

 

“Many of the most popular destinations in our country are on National Trust land and we are keen to support the trust’s efforts to take care of that land and continue to enable the public to visit and enjoy the amazing landscapes we have in the UK.

 

“By teaming with the trust, we hope to be able to highlight the great work that the organisation does and raise some money to help sustain that.”

 

Mike Innerdale, the trust’s assistant director for Cumbria and Lake District, said: “Keswick Mountain Festival shares many of the National Trust’s values: we both want to see families enjoying their time in the outdoors.

 

“Keswick Mountain Festival offers a unique introduction to this amazing landscape and it’s a great place to start building a love of the Lakes.”

 

Now in its seventh year, Keswick Mountain Festival will run from 15 to 19 May.

 

via grough — Keswick Mountain Festival teams up to help National Trust.

 

How to Get Your Lost Luggage and Unclaimed Baggage Back | Airport Lost and Found - Worldwide Lost and Found Database

How to Get Your Lost Luggage and Unclaimed Baggage Back

Posted by Airport Lost and Found Staff

 

The Woes Of Airport Lost And Found

 

Millions of bags are lost or mishandled every year. Because of the headache it causes, many frequent flyers try to fit all of their belongings into their carry-ons whenever possible. Even the most well-known and trusted airport, such as DFW and JFK, lose hundreds of bags a year.

 

Bags are lost for a variety of reasons. Among the most common causes are bag-tag mix-up and mistake identity. Over half of misplaced bags happen to passengers with connecting flight, especially in cases where there are short layovers. Passengers are encouraged to be part of the solution by making sure proper contact information is on their luggage. Some even suggest tying a brightly colored bow or ribbon to luggage to make it stand out. This can make finding it at the baggage claim much easier and reduces the chance someone else will take the wrong bag accidentally.

 

In addition to lost checked-baggage, there are many individuals items people loose at the airport. Some items are lost throughout the airport others are left behind on plane seats. When returned to terminal employees, they are stored in airport lost and found areas, often right with unclaimed and lost bags.

 

In the case of missing items, it is best to take immediate action. Find an employee and report your problem, providing as much detail as possible on the missing items. Additionally, here at AirportLostAndFound.com, we can help you locate your missing articles. On our site you can file a lost property claim or search our listing of found items. Individuals can also post items they have found. We work with a large number of airports to get your items back to you in a timely manner. Most large American airports are included in our database including Atlanta, Newark, Denver, San Francisco, Miami, Minneapolis, Ronald Reagan National Washington, Detroit and Chicago.

 

Check out our infographic for some helpful information on lost baggage and then feel free to explore the rest of our website.

 

unclaimed baggage

 

via How to Get Your Lost Luggage and Unclaimed Baggage Back | Airport Lost and Found - Worldwide Lost and Found Database.

Duchess of Cambridge to visit Lake District

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge will be near Windermere on the 22nd March

 

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, is to visit Great Tower Scout Camp in the Lake District on Friday 22nd March.

Kate is a volunteer in the Scout Association and will be joining other adult volunteers who will receive training in how to work ...with Cubs and Scouts.

This training will then be used by Kate who will help to look after 24 Cub Scouts, who are participating in a pack holiday event at the 250-acre Scout activity centre which is close to Windermere.

As part of their programme, the Cub Scouts, from Cumbria and Manchester, will get a chance to try out tree-climbing, belaying, outdoor cooking and fire-lighting under the guidance of Kate and other volunteers.

We have availability for cottages in the area for the weekend -  http://tinyurl.com/cxnzgs6

 

Complimentary Golf plus £100 off your stay at our new luxury property!

Introducing our new property...   Golfer's Retreat, Kendal, South Lakes   Sleeps 4 Complimentary Golf   Introductory offer: £100 off full week holidays during June, July and August 2013   With complimentary golf included for 4 people this luxury ground floor apartment overlooking the first tee at Carus Green Golf Course is sure to appeal to the discerning client who enjoys a round of golf. The 2 bedroom apartment provides modern, contemporary accommodation all on one level, within a short drive of Kendal and Windermere.

Snowy Picture

Geltsdale enjoyed a nice layer of snow yesterday.

 

 

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