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.”

Keen-sponsored hill clean-up will take place in Peak and Lake District's

John McHale, Reporter

 

Outdoor enthusiasts are being offered the chance to clean up the environment and join in action pursuits for a second year.

 

The Respect the Mountains Envirotrek Mountain Clean-Up sponsored by outdoor brand Keen, will this year take place at two venues.

 

A June clean-up in the Peak District will be followed a week later in the Lake District.

Clean up participants from a previous Envirotrek event

Participants will join in the clean-up in the morning and then will be provided with lunch before enjoying their choice of outdoor activities.

 

The Peak District event will be based at Castleton and the Lakeland one at Keswick.

 

A Keen spokesperson said: “Group leaders are allocated and all participants will be provided with cleaning and safety equipment and fully briefed with a safety talk.

 

“The clean-up finishes at around 12.30pm, with volunteers being rewarded for their mornings’ efforts with a hearty lunch – soup and bread in Lake District, a barbecue in the Peak – on the hillside.

 

“Participants get to spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying a range of fun outdoor pursuits organised by the Envirotrek leaders. In the Peak District this will include caving, climbing, rope activities and a ridge walk, whilst the Keswick event will feature climbing, canoeing and gill scrambling.

 

“There’s also a chance to win some great prizes including Keen footwear and gifts for the quirkiest litter found on the hill, with the day’s event closing at approximately 4pm.”

 

The English gatherings are part of a series of mountain clean-up events held across various European mountain destinations since 2009 including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and France.

 

The Keen spokesperson said: “With an estimated 16 million visitors to the Lakes and an incredible 22 million scheduled to visit the Peak District this year alone, the environmental footprint is considerable and so popular mountain destinations are becoming increasingly in need of on-the-ground action to clear them of waste in order to maintain their natural beauty and enjoyment for generations to come.

 

“Envirotrek helps to address this need, drawing together tourists, local communities and businesses to give something back to their environment while enjoying some playtime in the great outdoors.

 

“Through last year’s Envirotrek initiatives, more than 750kg of rubbish was cleared in 1,000 hours across five European countries.”

 

Anyone interested in taking part should register online at the Respect the Mountains or Keen websites.

 

The clean-ups will take place on 16 and 23 June.

 

An entrance fee of £9 is payable locally on the day. Children with a responsible adult are welcome; the fee for ages up to 12 is £4.50.

 

Keen said if you bought a pair of Keen footwear since August 2012 registration is free.

 

More details are on the two websites.

Save 30% off 7 night bookings in June and July in these luxurious and spacious properties in Perthshire, Scotland

Perthshire, Scotland properties offering 30% discounts off week bookings in June and July

Tay Views - sleeps 4

Tay Views, Perthshire, Scotland - Lounge

Tay Views, Perthshire, Scotland - Bedroom

A delightful centrally located first floor apartment with stunning views over the River Tay. In a B-listed building this apartment offers modern conveniences, furnished to a high standard with double glazed sash windows and high ceilings and wifi provided. Book it now http://tinyurl.com/d2gctpu
 

Locherlour Mill Cottage - sleeps 2/4 

Locherlour Mill Cottage, Perthshire, Scotland - Property

Locherlour Mill Cottage, Perthshire, Scotland - Lounge

 

This cottage has character, charm and warmth and has been decorated to a very high standard. A single floor luxurious and spacious annex. The cottage gives guests privacy, peace and quiet with your own entrance, parking area and courtyard with stunning south facing panoramic views. To book now http://tinyurl.com/bs2jjb5

 

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....

 

Talkin Tarn Picture

Talkin Tarn near Brampton, Carlisle

Talkin Tarn is a 65-acre lake amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland, making it the ideal place for active recreation or a quiet stroll.

Other Benefits
• Enjoy the sylvan setting of Talkin Tarn
• Walk the 1.3 mile circuit, feed the ducks, browse artworks
• Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs
• Children's play area next to tearoom

Book a cottage this weekend for a short break http://tinyurl.com/c4lc2ue

 

Talkin Tarn

 

Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally 4/5th May

Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally - Carlisle

 

The Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally will take place over the weekend of 4th/ 5th May and will be based in Carlisle with a ceremonial civic start in the city centre while rally headquarters, the Pirelli Rally Show and the central service area will all be located at Carlisle Racecourse.

Weekend not to be missed, we have cottages available for this weekend with the weather set to be dry and sunny http://tinyurl.com/csxzck5

 

 

Cornwall Cottages - Save 15% off week bookings in May

Cornwall Cottages - Save 15% off

 

These three cottages in Cornwall are offering 15% off 7 night bookings throughout May.

The Old Barn sleeps 2 and is ideal for couples or a romantic getaway.
Sarahs Cottage sleeps 4 with a four poster bed and wood burning stove.
Primrose Cottage sleeps 4 close top the beach and is an ideal hideaway retreat.

All three cottages enjoy views over the garden and many activities are nearby such as walking, cycling, fishing, golf and pony trekking.

To book one of these cottages for May http://tinyurl.com/boky3fl

 

Sarahs Cottage

Primrose Cottage

The Old Barn

 

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 CLICK HERE to see the full range of availability

Devonshire House, Cartmel   Sleeps 8 Friday 3rd May for 7 nights SAVE £285 NOW ONLY £665 Ladstock Hall, Thornthwaite   Sleeps 10 Friday 3rd May for 7 nights SAVE £400 NOW ONLY £790 Lowther Beeches, Windermere   Sleeps 8 Friday 3rd May for 7 nights SAVE £800 NOW ONLY £995 Ethel's Escape, Fangfoss, Nr York   Sleeps 6 Friday 3rd May for 7 nights SAVE £260 NOW ONLY £690 Bay View House, Askham-in-Furness   Sleeps 5 Saturday 4th May for 7 nights SAVE £135 NOW ONLY £295 Old Bakers Cottage, Grasmere   Sleeps 4 Saturday 4th May for 7 nights SAVE £140 NOW ONLY £450 Manor Hall, Kirkoswald   Sleeps 6 Saturday 4th May for 7 nights SAVE £545 NOW ONLY £995 Willow Cottage, Watermillock   Sleeps 4/6 Saturday 4th May for 7 nights SAVE £400 NOW ONLY £855 Woodland View, Unthank   Sleeps 4 Friday 3rd May for 7 nights SAVE £90 NOW ONLY £300

Festival News - Whitehaven June 2013

Whitehaven Festival Friday 21st - 23rd June - Not to be missed!!

 The Whitehaven Festival a mix of Live Music, Street Theatre, visiting ships, Air Shows and markets that takes place in and around the beautiful Harbour area of Whitehaven.

Friday 21st June - McFly
Saturay 22nd June - Spectacular 70's Concert featuring Slade, The Sweet and Bruce Foxton's from The Jam performing hit songs from their collective 11 number 1's
Sunday 23rd June - Decades of Music, Afternoon Charity Concert and Bay City Rollers and more.

Let us help you find a cottage for this weekend http://tinyurl.com/catttyy


There is also the ever popular and growing Celebrity Chef area hosted by Jean Christophe Novelli and guests. This is fast becoming the most popular element of this weekend.

 

For more details http://www.richardsonsofwhitehaven.co.uk/whitehaven-festival

 

See more

 

Do you want to buy into an Investment opportunity

Investment Opportunities

New!!!

Come into our Windermere office or our Keswick office to view our holiday cottages that are available to buy, advice given to anyone thinking of purchasing in the north or south lakes area. We look forward to meeting you!

 

We can offer you many styles to suit your needs, such as Lodges, Cottages or Apartments many of which already have an excellent holiday letting record, and sold with future bookings.

 

Bassenthwaite Lodge for Sale

Rowan Cottage in Grasmere for Sale

                        

The Beeches, Fieldside Grange, Keswick for Sale

                                           
 For more opportunities http://www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk/lodges-for-sale

                                       http://www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk/lake-district-holiday-cottages-for-sale

 

We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions!

 

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.

 

£100,000 bequest puts new life into William Wordsworth's former home at Grasmere (From The Westmorland Gazette)

£100,000 bequest puts new life into William Wordsworth's former home at Grasmere

By Hannah Upton

 

NATIONAL Trust workers at a former Lake District home of William Wordsworth were left open-mouthed when a surprise benefactor turned up with a cheque for £100,000.

 

Allan Bank in Grasmere, which was later home to one of the trust's founders, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, was opened to the public for the first time last year after it was devastated by fire in 2011.

 

Staff had no idea that when they showed visitor Antony Elliot around the Georgian villa that he would present them with the donation on behalf of his cousin Brenda Donoghue.

 

The former nurse left the bequest to the National Trust in the Lake District when she died last April, aged 83.

 

After visiting the house, Mr Elliot declared she would have approved of restoration work there as she loved gardens and literature.

 

He said: "My cousin loved books and beautiful colourful gardens and, though she had no children of her own, she delighted in seeing children play.

 

"Restoring the house and garden at Allan Bank for future generations is a wonderful and fitting memorial to her and I look forward to seeing her legacy come to life."

 

Manager Dave Almond said: "This will allow us to continue some of the vital work needed to restore and conserve Allan Bank.

 

"This is the first step in a very exciting project that will allow us to recreate the original views and restore the kitchen garden, as well as creating more spaces for books and reading.

 

"Mrs Donoghue's gift will ensure that we can continue to bring Allan Bank back to life."

 

Visitor services supervisor Elaine Taylor said Mr Elliot, who visited the house with his wife and son, had already pledged to return to Allan Bank in the summer.

 

She said a lot of the work done at the home, which has mostly bare walls and basic furniture, has been to keep a relaxed, interactive feel where visitors could enjoy a 'home from home'.

 

"Children and adults can play freely here, inside and out, they can create paintings of the views from the house, spot red squirrels in the grounds, take part in crafting, or just sit and read quietly.

 

"When we first opened we asked visitors to suggest what we should do with the house, and they said leave it as it is."

 

Wordsworth leased the property, which he previously said marred his views from Dove Cottage, for three years from 1808.

 

The house is open seven days a week and staff said they were always on the lookout for volunteers to welcome visitors.

 

via £100,000 bequest puts new life into William Wordsworth's former home at Grasmere (From The Westmorland Gazette).

Cartmel Races how to find a cottage quickly and easy for this area

Launch of our Cartmel Cottages Landing Page

We have designed another landing page specifically for the Cartmel area in the Lake District. This page was designed and launched to help you find some interesting historical cottages in this area of the Lakes. As this area is steeped in history and has the added bonus of the Cartmel Races which everyone loves to go to. There are also many cycling, shopping, and walking opportunities available in this area, as well as this being an extremely picturesque part of the Lake District. So if you need to find accommodation to holiday in this area or because you want to attend an event such as the races then this page will help you find what you want much quicker.

A diverse area that would appeal to all, you will find that your holiday may be too short due to all the possibilities. 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 Cartmel 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....

Dawn Marie Elite Wedding show, today between 1pm and 4pm

Planning your Wedding and need to find an ideal honeymoon spot!!!

The Cottage Holiday Group are exhibiting at the Dawn Marie Elite Wedding show, today between 1pm and 4pm. You really can arrange your wedding in one unique Show!

Come and meet us along with the region’s  top wedding photographers, videographers, jewellers, florists, bridal houses, menswear, cake suppliers, gifts, stationers, venues, DJ’s, sparkly accessories, cars, a ‘Stateside Powder Room’, candy bar, chocolate fountain, dental and cosmetic services, hair and make-up specialists, magician, casino, photo booth, musicians and more…

There will be over 80 exhibitors spread out over three Hall balconies and in Northern Rock Foundation Hall. This really is a truly stunning show for the bride who expects the best.

We have a great range of properties for your honeymoon http://www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk/property/boathouse-duke-of-portland-pooley-bridge-nr-ullswater-21859.htm

or

http://www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk/romantic_breaks.htm

 

Let us help you make your magical day that more special!

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.