Browsing local shops within 8 miles of Kirkwood Guest House 

Church Cottage, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SW, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015394 35428, Email, www.grasmeregingerbread.co.uk

Church cottage originally built in 1630 as the village school. Established in 1854 as Sarah Nelson's Original Celebrated Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

Speciality: Gingerbread, Rum Butter, Local Produce & Ginger themed products.

Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH, (7 miles, 12kms), 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.

Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NS, (4 miles, 6kms), 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.

Windermere Railway Station, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1AH, (0.5 miles, 0.9kms), Tel: 015394 44544, Email, www.countrylaneslakedistrict.co.uk

Hire a bike from the local cycle hire experts. We offer quality cycle hire, spares and repairs, route information and maps, day trips, short breaks and longer tours.

Lacet House, Kelsick Road, Ambleside, LA22 0AS, (4 miles, 7kms), Tel: 015394 31127, Email, www.catchofthedeli.co.uk

New Delicatessen and fishmonger in Ambleside stocking fresh and local produce. We provide free local delivery, local discount card and special personal orders on request.

1 Station Yard, Station Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BT, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 731886, Email, www.stainton-wines.co.uk

Wine merchant.

Lound Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7FH, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 732363, Email, www.kvillage.co.uk

With 17 premium factory outlets selling famous brands at up to 60% discount, K Village - The Lakes Outlet offers smarter shopping in comfort and style. Stroll along the riverside terrace and enjoy Cafes and restaurants.

Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF, (3 miles, 5kms), 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.

The Studio, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SX, (8 miles, 12kms), 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.

2 The Square, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NZ, (4 miles, 6kms), Tel: 015394 36614, Email, www.hawksheadrelish.com

Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made products available to taste before you buy. Hampers made up whilst you wait.

The Boathouse, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QF, (4 miles, 6kms), 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.

Unit 2, Queen Katherines Avenue, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6DU, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 822222

Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4LR, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 740060, Email, www.westmorlandshopping.com

Main indoor town centre shopping centre.

Staveley Mill Yard, Back Lane, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9LN, (4 miles, 6kms), Tel: 01539 821443, Email, www.wheelbase.co.uk

The UK's largest cycles store at the foot of glorious Kentmere Valley.

The Old Station, Victoria Street, Windermere, Cumbria, PR3 5BX, (0.5 miles, 0.7kms), Tel: 015394 46114, www.booths.co.uk

Specialist food store in regionally produced food and drink.

113 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4RF, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 01539 822222

Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AN, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015394 31245, www.bike-treks.co.uk

11 Wainwrights Yard, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4DP, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 742370, www.booths.co.uk

Specialist food store in regionally produced food and drink.

The Grizedale Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 01229 860396, Email, www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk

Mountain bike hire centre based in Grizedale Forest.

Ings, Nr Windermere, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PY, (2 miles, 4kms), Tel: 01539 821309, Email, www.watermillinn.co.uk

The Watermill Inn is a traditional family-run free house within the Lake District National Park.

Speciality: Coniston Bluebird beef & ale pie, venison casserole, local lamb

Abbot Hall, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AL, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 722464, Email, www.abbothall.org.uk

Abbot Hall is one of Britain's finest independent art galleries in a beautiful setting beside the river Kent and overlooked by the ruins of Kendal castle.

Lake Windermere, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AT, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 015395 30001, Email, www.lakesidehotel.co.uk/SpecialOccasions_Weddings.htm

Lakeside Hotel, possibly the finest four star hotel in the Lake District has a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Windermere.

The Pharmacy Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NS, (4 miles, 6kms), Tel: 015394 36201

Collins & Butterworth is an independent Pharmacy in the heart of the Lake District. Based in the honey pot village of Hawkshead, it provides a range of medical advice and support.

8 New Shambles, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4TS, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 722033

Bridal shop.

The Flower Stall, The Westmorland Shopping Centre, Kendal, Cumbria, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 01539 741575

17 Market Place, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4TP, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 740015

Photographer.