THE LOCAL AREA
The Lakes is on our doorstep - pic above Bassenthwaite
Kendal
Kendal, overlooked by the ruins of a 12th century castle and situated on the banks of the River Kent, is well worth a visit. Settlement in the beautiful valley of the River Kent is known at least as far back as Roman times. Kendal is the largest town in South Lakeland and, being stone built, has the nick name of the "Auld Grey Town".
The town, once an important centre for the wool trade, now offers a great range of shops and cafés as well as the vibrant Brewery Arts Centre and other cultural centres like the Abbot Hall Art Gallery.
Cycling routes are available for touring in and around the town. For cycling routes, have a look at "Cycling around Kendal" .
A market is held in Kendal on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a farmers market on the last Friday of the month. There is also a indoor market 6 days a week.
Kirkby Lonsdale
Kirkby Lonsdale is a charming market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park set in the Lune Valley. The area has inspired artists such as Constable and Turner, and offers ancient Norman Churches, mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, and is full of numerous 17th and 18th century buildings. The scenic beauty of the River Lune is spectacular. John Ruskin thought Kirkby Lonsdale and the surrounding area one of the most beautiful in England. The town is known for its 'Ruskin's View'.
The splendid historic buildings – many dating back hundreds of years - that line the Kirkby Lonsdale quaint streets and squares now accommodate an impressive range of independent shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, together offering a unique experience that’s increasingly difficult to find on the modern high street.
Arnside & Silverdale
The historic villages of Arnside and Silverdale sit snugly on the coastline of Morecambe Bay in a spot that’s been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty thanks to its rich diversity of habitats and wildlife. Its deciduous woodlands, limestone grasslands and coastal salt marshes are enclosed by low limestone hills creating a perfect environment for rare butterflies and marshland birds.
You can discover the rich birdlife on a visit to RSPB Leighton Moss in Silverdale, where the largest reed bed in the north-west attracts more than 100 species of bird, including breeding bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers. Spring is the best time of year to spot colourful butterflies flitting along the reserve trails. There’s a shop and cosy tea room serving delicious slabs of cake and home-cooked meals where you can warm up afterwards.
The quaint village of Arnside is a tempting spot with a pretty Victorian parade of shops along the promenade and a choice of pubs from which to enjoy the spectacular sunset overlooking the Bay. There are plenty of easy walks in the surrounding woodland. Why not head up to Arnside Knott to enjoy the sea views?.
The Lake District
The Lake District is an ideal destination for lovers of the great outdoors; it's a region of breath-taking natural beauty, from the highest fells to the quietest valleys and from the sands of the Cumbrian coast to the rolling hills of North Yorkshire. Explore the 16 renowned and encompassing bodies of water that make up the Lake District, including the tranquil Buttermere, Rydal and Wast Water, plus the ever-popular Coniston and Windermere. Seasoned walkers can take up the challenge of mighty Skiddaw, Scafell Pike (England's highest mountain) and the ever-popular Helvellyn, while less agile visitors can enjoy strolls at lower levels around the shores of several of the smaller lakes, including Grasmere.
Places to Visit in the Lake District
There is endless choice when it comes to great villages to visit in the area. Some of the most popular Lake District towns include Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cartmel, Coniston, Grasmere, Keswick.