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may e-newsletter from cumbria tourism

May is marked by madness and mayhem, as the search for the new "Fool of Muncaster" commences at the annual Festival of Fools.

For those wanting a quieter life, why not escape for the May Bank Holidays to one of Cumbria's many Hidden Treasures?

news and special offers

Temple Sowerby House Hotel

Temple Sowerby House Hotel
Delightfully relaxing country house in the Eden Valley near Ullswater, with spectacular Lakeland, Pennine and Dales scenery close by.  Two and three night short breaks in May and June from £85pppn, including 2 Rosette dining in our restaurant, overlooking the peaceful walled garden. Discounts from 4th night on longer holidays.

May highlights

skiddaw

food with altitude

This month we follow Wordsworth up Skiddaw with news of a truly local feast served up by a Keswick chef with altitude. If you can't take the height, then maybe visiting one of Cumbria's 70 organic farms is on the cards, great for foodies and families. Have you heard about Cumbria's King of the Sizzle, or what makes a Cumberland sausage truly traditional? - find out all the secrets here. Perhaps it's the Italian influence, but read why Cumbria's food this month might be a little slow.
Content provided by
artisan-food.com.

 

a feast for the eyes and ears

This month should hit the right notes for the music lovers out there with the Ulverston International Music Festival, 30 May - 7 June, and the Keswick Jazz Festival, 7 - 11 May. For those seeking something for the eyes, drop in at Printfest, Ulverston, 3 - 4 May. A friendly exhibition and sale of prints from national and international artists. Alternatively step back in time with the "no such thing as society" exhibition at the Tullie House Museum, Carlisle, 10 May - 13 July. A photographic snapshot of the turbulant 60's - 80's era.

 

indulge your adventurous side at our outdoors festivals

It's year two for the Keswick Mountain Festival and it promises a fantastic 5 day line up crammed full of activities.  It's a showcase of all the adventurous activities you can experience in and around Keswick - be inspired and listen to a variety of speakers talking about their global adventures, try out new activities and improve existing skills. 14 - 18 May, Keswick.

Stretch your legs at the Ullswater Walking Festival.  Over a week long schedule of free guided walks, talks and activities in this beautiful Lakeland setting.10 - 18 May 2008, Glenridding.


Storrs Gate House

Storrs Gate House
Award-winning luxury guesthouse, opposite Lake Windermere. Experience our two new spacious four poster suites - the Jacobean, with adjoining lounge; the Victorian, with panelled walls, adjoining dressing room and stunning en-suite with walk-in power shower. Book any room for two nights, stay a third night at half price. Midweek during May. Please mention golakes newsletter when making your booking.

Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle Festival of Fools

Muncaster Castle's gardens are now in full bloom with one of the largest collections of Rhododendrons in Europe, a real treat!
The Festival of Fools runs Sunday 25 - Thursday 29 May. Five days of tom-foolery and family fun with Archery, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting and an 84 foot Pirate Ship!

Don't ruffle your feathers - take the bus!

Catch the Ospray Bus


Thanks to the Bassenthwaite Reflections Programme, if you are hoping to catch a glimpse of our famous Ospreys there is now a better way to get a birds eye view.  The new Osprey Bus provides sustainable transport around Bassenthwaite Lake, linking the Osprey viewing points (Whinlatter and Dodd), with other visitor attractions around the lake.

This service should provide visitors with a means of exploring this beautiful area without impacting on the local environment. The service will run weekends from the 1 April - 1 September and  every day over the summer holidays.
So leave your cars at home and travel the sustainable way. Click here for timetable details.


be inspired

call 0845 450 1199 to book your stay
(a £3 service fee applies)

things to do

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Birdoswald Roman Fort

Spanning 2000 years of history this fort is beside excellent stretches of Hadrian's Wall.

2 for 1 entry
Print page and present on admission. Single use. Valid until 31/10/08. Not valid: with other offers, event days, Bank Holiday weekends.

places to stay Back to top

Linthwaite House Hotel

The most 'unstuffy' country house hotel in the Lake District, Linthwaite enjoys one of the most spectacular hilltop locations set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens.

Dine Free with every night booked Sun-Thurs. From £85 pppn, including four course dinner (normally £50 pp) until 28 May 2008. Johansen's Most Excellent Country House Hotel.

Windermere Marina Village

Luxury holiday cottages nestled around our beautiful marina in the heart of the Lake District. Come and stay at the Lake Districts' premier inland marina and holiday resort. Our 5* apartments and luxury cottages boast an extraordinarily beautiful lakeside location. Enjoy free use of our on-site Leisure Club and Bar throughout your stay.

The Weary at Castle Carrock

Set in the sleepy village of Castle Carrock, The Weary has quickly become a destination for diners who wish to try our cutting edge food offerings as well as the contemporary design.  David Bellamy and the Norwegian Orienteering Team have both recently visited this beautiful, unspoilt area.
Cycling, walking, golfing or simply relaxing.  The Weary, where else. See our website for special offers.

Rainbow Camper Hire

New for 2008 - Classic 1970s VW Camper Vans now available for Self-Drive Hire. Put the colour and fun into your holiday with our classic camper vans. Whether you fancy some "me-time" alone, a honeymoon to remember or fun for all the family. Book now to take advantage of our special introductory tariff.

Crow How Country House

Situated in peaceful seclusion in the Rydal Valley, yet only 0.5 miles from Ambleside. This lovely Victorian house is ideal for walking/touring the Lake District.
Midweek special dinner/bed/breakfast breaks available, for three/four or five nights. Secluded rural setting. Four poster beds available. Please see website for full details.

Fisherbeck

This delightful 18 bedroomed non-smoking hotel with private parking, is perfectly located within Ambleside between the shops and lake Windermere, a short stroll to either.
Massive Savings on any three mid-week nights. Prices from £29.50pppn (excluding Bank Holidays).
Great location, great views, fantastic breakfast and lovely rooms.

Quince Cottage

Cosy, recently refurbished 300 year old cottage located in a quiet hamlet nestling between the Lakelanf Fells and North Pennines, 4 miles from Penrith. Many visitor attractions easily accessible and Ullswater only a 15 minute drive away. Call or contact owner on-line for further details - short breaks until July.

Appleby Manor Country House Hotel

Victorian-period features, open log fires, oak panelling, large conservatory, indoor leisure club, Cumbria in Bloom award-winning garden, relaxing and friendly atmosphere, excellent food.
Dine for Free!
Stay any two nights bed and breakfast, Sunday through Friday during May and enjoy complimentary dinner in our AA award winning restaurant both evenings. From just £75pppn.

Howe Keld

Howe Keld occupies a splendid location on the fringe of the town centre, 4 minutes walk from Lake Derwentwater, The Theatre by the Lake and facilities.
Why not take a break at the "New" Howe Keld? Rooms are more spacious and contemporary.  Three night breaks or longer at £40pppn b&b, in superior or luxury rooms. Kids go free with 2 paying adults.

Brackenrigg Inn

Overlooking Ullswater, award-winning food, fine wines and local ales, family friendly, AA 4-star inn, dogs welcome in some rooms, single rooms to spacious family suites.
A break by the Lake....and dinner "on the house"
3 nights b&b + dinner (1night) from £195. 5 nights b&b + dinner (2nights) from £245. Terms apply.

Stanwix Park Holiday Centre

Stanwix Park, a 5-star holiday centre has everything you need for a fabulous holiday or short break.
May weekend and Spring bank holiday vacancies. Apartments and caravans for hire. Tent and tourers welcome. Spring breaks from £138 for 4 People. Super facilities - Leisure Centre, Ten Pin Bowling, *Sunset Inn family club, *Dunes adult cabaret bar. Theme breaks, November "Country Music" and "Pop Rock".

White Cross Bay Holiday Park and Marina

South Lakeland Parks operate three high quality 5* holiday parks, all set in stunning lakeland locations.
£50 off your Lake Windermere Holiday
Save £50* on any holiday booked for May or June. This offer includes lodge and holiday accommodation across our 3 Lake District Parks. * excludes exclusive units.

Woodlands Hotel

The Woodlands Hotel and Pine Lodges near Grange-over-Sands are an ideal base for touring the beautiful English Lake District. Comfortable newly refurbished rooms. Friendly staff and great food. A real hidden gem.
Special mid-week deals in May.  25% reduction for 3 nights b&b (Sunday - Thursday). Normal price is £115.  Promotion price is just £90.  Just mention e-newsletter for discount.

Brunt Knott Farm Holiday Cottages

Four cosy cottages converted from stone barn & stables on small secluded 17thC hill farm above Staveley, between Kendal & Windermere, 5 miles. Retained beams/stone features. Peaceful hillside setting. Book your Spring / Summer breaks now!

Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL - www.golakes.co.uk

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