Browsing local shops within 8 miles of Hill of Oaks and Blakeholme Caravans 

Windermere Railway Station, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1AH, (6 miles, 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.

Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF, (3 miles, 6kms), 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.

Low Sizergh Farm, Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015395 60426, Email, www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk

National award-winning farm shop, tea room and craft gallery in a fabulous barn on a woking family dairy farm in the South Lakes.

Levens, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0PD, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015395 60321, Email, www.levenshall.co.uk

Elizabethan mansion and world famous topiary gardens designed by M Beaumont in 1694, fountain garden and buttery, licenced restaurant and gift shop.

Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NS, (5 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 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.

Low Newton, Newton-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JP, (5 miles, 8kms), Tel: 015395 31498, Email, www.yewtreebarn.co.uk

The perfect place to find design-led crafts, jewellery, art, ceramics, furniture, accessories, cards and gifts. Featuring quality makers and designers, many from Cumbria.

2 The Square, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NZ, (5 miles, 8kms), 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 Old Station, Victoria Street, Windermere, Cumbria, PR3 5BX, (5 miles, 9kms), Tel: 015394 46114, www.booths.co.uk

Specialist food store in regionally produced food and drink.

The Grizedale Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (4 miles, 6kms), Tel: 01229 860396, Email, www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk

Mountain bike hire centre based in Grizedale Forest.

Staveley Mill Yard, Back Lane, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9LN, (7 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 821443, Email, www.wheelbase.co.uk

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

Ings, Nr Windermere, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PY, (6 miles, 10kms), 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

Lake Windermere, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AT, (2 miles, 3kms), 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.

Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DB, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 015395 35297, Email, www.promart.info

Biggest open-air art and crafts gallery along the promenade of Grange-over-Sands in the English Lake District, Cumbria UK. Free to all visitors!

Speciality: Arts & Crafts

Hollow Clue, Crosthwaite, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8HX, (3 miles, 5kms), Tel: 015395 68203

My video production covers everything from weddings to television productions.

The Flower Stall, The Westmorland Shopping Centre, Kendal, Cumbria, (8 miles, 12kms), Tel: 01539 741575

The Pharmacy Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NS, (5 miles, 9kms), 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.

Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DP, (8 miles, 13kms), Tel: 015395 32085, Email

Ladies fashion, contemporary classics with a modern attitude, based in the lovely victorian coastal resort of Grange over Sands and now also in the historical ol grey town of Kendal, in the famous Wainwrights Yard.

Speciality: designer ladies fashion