Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of West Vale Country House 

The Promenade, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HQ, (2 miles, 3kms), 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.

Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NS, (2 miles, 4kms), 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.

Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF, (0.5 miles, 0.8kms), 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.

Lakeside Pier Visitor Centre, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AS, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015394 43360, Email, www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Steamers and launches sail daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside. Additional summer routes. Timetabled services.

Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH, (8 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.

Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (3 miles, 4kms), Tel: 01229 860010, Email, www.visitlakelandforests.co.uk

Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to sculpture in the forest. The visitor centre includes the forest shop, Cafe in the Forest and Grizedale Mountain Bikes bike hire and shop.

Brockhole, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LJ, (4 miles, 6kms), Email, www.brockhole.co.uk

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

Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA, (6 miles, 9kms), 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.

Barn Close, Ayside, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HY, (8 miles, 12kms), Email, www.predatorexperience.co.uk

Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland by lake Windermere or the thrill of the Lakeland fells. Eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Gift vouchers are available.

Waterhead Pier, Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EY, (5 miles, 8kms), 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.

Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AS, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015395 30153, Email, www.lakesaquarium.co.uk

Explore worlds of watery fun at Lakes Aquarium. Discover otters, pike, perch and char aswell as marmoset monkeys, caiman and British sharks and rays.

The Old Laundry, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX, (2 miles, 3kms), 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.

Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD, (4 miles, 7kms), Tel: 015394 41396, Email, www.brantwood.org.uk

Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.

Coniston Pier, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AN, (4 miles, 7kms), 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.

Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QZ, (8 miles, 13kms), Tel: 015394 35143, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grasmere

Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8TA, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 015395 30400, Email, www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk

A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.

The Boathouse, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QF, (1 miles, 2kms), 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.

Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8NN, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015395 31273, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Discover this lakeshore Victorian park on the east shore of Windermere. Just the place for families to enjoy access to Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.

Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB, (4 miles, 7kms), 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.

Brockhole - Lake District Visitor Centre, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LJ, (4 miles, 6kms), 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!

Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (3 miles, 4kms), Tel: 0845 6439215, Email, goape.co.uk/days-out/grizedale

Take to the trees and tackle an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides high above the forest floor. A great experience to share with friends and family, providing lots of thrills and laughs.

The Studio, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SX, (8 miles, 13kms), 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.

Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015394 41366, Email, www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk

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

Birkrigg, Urswick, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0PG, (6 miles, 9kms)

Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows, Romano-British farmsteads.

Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 2LF, (6 miles, 9kms)

Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights, none more than 2' high and suggesting perhaps the kerb of a destroyed cairn.

Carlisle, Cumbria, LA8 8LX, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 816300, Email, www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/