Browsing local shops within 8 miles of Hill Crest Country Guest House 

Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF, (7 miles, 11kms), 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 Old Bank, The Promenade, Arnside, Lancashire, LA5 0HA, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 01524 761762, Email, www.gallery-h.co.uk

Leading international contemporary and traditional design collections of fine art, furniture and jewellery pieces. Exhibitions are held throughout the year. Online shopping at www.galleryh.co.uk

Cark in Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL, (4 miles, 7kms), Tel: 015395 58328, Email, www.holker.co.uk

Family home to the Cavendish's, Victorian wing, glorious gardens and parkland, woodlands, food hall, gift shop and courtyard cafe.

A5087 Coast Road, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQ, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 01229 584029, Email, www.manjushri.org

Superb example of a romantic Gothic mansion with unique Kadampa Buddhist Temple dedicated to World Peace. Fascinating 1-hour guided tour of the house and Temple brings alive the history of the Priory since 1160. Beautiful woodland gardens.

The Boathouse, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QF, (7 miles, 11kms), 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, (3 miles, 5kms), 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.

The Grizedale Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 01229 860396, Email, www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk

Mountain bike hire centre based in Grizedale Forest.

Lake Windermere, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AT, (2 miles, 4kms), 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, (5 miles, 8kms), 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, (7 miles, 10kms), Tel: 015395 68203

My video production covers everything from weddings to television productions.

Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DP, (5 miles, 8kms), 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