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Things to Do

The Lake District offers a wealth of opportunities for days out and things to do on holiday.  The area is justly famous as one of the most scenic parts of England.  Troutbeck Cottage, located between Windermere and Ambleside, is ideally placed to explore this magnificent part of the country.  Our cottage has a selection of information and leaflets covering attractions throughout the Lake District.

The villages of Windermere and Ambleside are close by and offer a diverse range of shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs.  Windermere Cruises sail every day from Bowness and Waterhead, and in the summer the boats also stop at Brockhole, a short walk from Troutbeck Bridge.  There is a bus stop very close to the cottage with regular bus services between Lancaster and Keswick and Kendal and Grasmere.  Opposite the cottage is a petrol station with a well-stocked grocery store and a selection of walking maps.  There is a Choices leisure club 5 minutes walk away with fitness centre and swimming pool (day passes available).

The walking opportunities in the Lake District are without parallel in England – from a gentle stroll around one of the smaller lakes such as Grasmere, to full-day fell walks, such as the ascent of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.  From the cottage door you can enjoy a good day’s walk to the Kentmere valley, or to Wansfell above Ambleside.  A shorter walk leads to Orrest Head, with a wonderful panorama of the Lakeland Fells.

The Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole has lots to offer for all ages – there are 30 acres of gardens and grounds to explore, probably the best adventure playground in the Lake District, interactive exhibitions, special events and more.

The Lake District has many literary connections.  The village of Grasmere is less than 20 minutes drive away, and is famous for its association with the Lakeland poets – most notably William Wordsworth who is buried at Grasmere Church.  His residences at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount are both open to the public and the Visitor Centre at Dove Cottage hosts frequently-changing exhibitions.  Grasmere is also the home of the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

Only slightly further afield, Keswick is the gateway to the northern Lake District, and offers more shopping opportunities with its Saturday market.  The local beauty spots of the Langdale Valley, Ullswater, Coniston Water and Buttermere are easily accessible, all being within an hours drive.

The Lake District makes an ideal all-year destination.  Autumn brings spectacular scenery as the leaves change colour, whilst winter has its own wild beauty as the mountains take on a mantle of snow.

With so many things to do and see it is impossible to cover it all in just one visit and many of our guests are regular visitors.

Winter walk
Winter walk
Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere
Blackwell
Blackwell
Grasmere
Grasmere
Rydal Mount
Rydal Mount
Lunch Al Fresco at the Cafe Italia, Windermere
Cafe Italia, Windermere