Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Gold Rill Country House Hotel 

Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH, (0.4 miles, 0.7kms), Tel: 015394 35544, Email, www.wordsworth.org.uk

Wordsworth's most famous home where he lived from 1799 to 1808. This hub of art, literature and creativity has a programme of exhibitions and events from craft workshops, poetry readings and free children’s activities.

Waterhead Pier, Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EY, (4 miles, 6kms), Tel: 015394 43360, Email, www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Windermere Lake Cruises offer more than just a ferry service. We hold private charters, lunch cruises, buffet cruises, corporate hospitality, public sailings, group travel.Steamers and launches sail daily throughout the year from Waterhead.

Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA, (3 miles, 5kms), Tel: 015394 33250, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle/

A Victorian mock-gothic Castle, on the western shore of Lake Windermere. Empty of original furniture, guided tours, children's activities, café, grounds extending to the lake.

Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 36269, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hilltop

Beatrix Potter's small cottage, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.

Brockhole, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LJ, (5 miles, 8kms), Email, www.brockhole.co.uk

Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and information centre. Lakeshore access for all.

Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 017687 77230, Email, www.honister.com

The last working slate mine in England. Fully guided mine tours and Via Ferrata. Browse the visitor centre. Our Sky Hi cafe serves freshly prepared, locally sourced, pannins, soups and crepes.

The Old Laundry, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 88444, Email, www.hop-skip-jump.com

A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.

The Pier House, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0US, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 017684 82229, Email, www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

The ‘Steamers’ create the perfect opportunity to combine a cruise with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the lake District

Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NS, (6 miles, 9kms), Tel: 015394 36269, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatrixpottergallery

This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband, now houses an annually changing exhibition of Potter's original artwork.

The Promenade, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HQ, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 43360, Email, www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Windermere Lake Cruises offer more than a ferry service. We hold private charters, lunch cruises, buffet cruises, corporate hospitality, public sailings and group travel. Steamers and launches sail daily throughout the year from Bowness.

Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 015394 41366, Email, www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk

There's something for everyone at Coniston Boating Centre, both on and off the water…

The Studio, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SX, (0.2 miles, 0.3kms), Tel: 015394 35280, Email, www.heatoncooper.co.uk

Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.

Brockhole - Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LJ, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 01539 447186, Email, www.treetoptrek.co.uk

35 exciting treetop challenges designed to enable you to swing, climb, balance and fly your way through the ancient woodland canopy whilst discovering views previously reserved for the squirrels and bats!

The Boathouse, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QF, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 36541, Email, www.hawksheadtrout.com

Esthwaite Water is the largest stocked lake in the North West of England, offering renowned top of the water action in true loch style, set amidst breathtaking scenery. Tuition available. Tackle shop onsite.

Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB, (6 miles, 9kms), Tel: 015394 32628, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.

Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QZ, (0.5 miles, 0.9kms), Tel: 015394 35143, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grasmere

Coniston Pier, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AN, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 015394 32733, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gondola

Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.

Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJ, (3 miles, 5kms), Tel: 01729 860353, Email, www.whiteplatts.co.uk

Central Buildings, Market Cross, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BS, (3 miles, 5kms), Tel: 0844 225 0544, Email, www.thehubofambleside.co.uk

Situated at the heart of Ambleside, we are much more than just a tourist information centre. In 2007 Ambleside tourist information centre merged with the Post Office to provide visitors and locals with two vital services.

Main Car Park, Glenridding, CA11 0PA, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 017684 82414, Email

Coniston Boatlandings, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AN, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 017687 75753, Email, www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally friendly way to enjoy beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.

Ruskin Avenue, Coniston, LA21 8EH, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 015394 41533, Email, www.conistontic.org

Windermere, Cumbria, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 01539 822222

Boat Route: Ferry Nab, Bowness, Ferry House, Far Sawrey

Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HJ, (8 miles, 12kms), Email, www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

Situated on the shores of Windermere, Englands longest lake. Opposite the main steamer pier. Good range of local gifts, fully accessible. Wheelchairs available to hire.

Victoria Street, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1AD, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 46499, Email

A wide range of maps and guide books, local and national accommodation bookings. Gift shop, postcards and stamps, public internet access. French, Spanish, Polish, Italian spoken.

Lake Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3DE, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 015394 44176, Email, www.stmartin.org.uk

An ancient and historic church building with many architectural, decorative features and stained glass windows.