Browsing leisure activities within 8 miles of Mellfell Cottages 

Askham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PF, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 01931 712 348, www.askhamhall.co.uk

Askham Hall has 12-acres of beautiful gardens (with an edible theme), an animal viewing area and a stylish rustic café.

Rookin House Farm, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0SS, (4 miles, 6kms), Tel: 017684 83561, Email, www.rookinhouse.co.uk

Wide range of activities including horse riding, quad biking, go-karting, archery, clay pigeon shooting and Stalwart Army truck. The first stop for paintball in Cumbria. We operate 2 paintball sites and also have a mobile unit.

Barton House, 21 North End, Wirksworth, DE4 4FG, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 01629 821900, Email, www.contours.co.uk

Self-guided and guided walking holidays, short breaks and weekends throughout Cumbria and the rest of Britain.

The Bank Barn, Berrier, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0XD, (6 miles, 10kms), Tel: 017684 83859, Email, www.rogersavage.co.uk

A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.

Type: Experience

The Pier House, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0US, (3 miles, 5kms), 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

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ, (7 miles, 11kms), Tel: 01768 868000, Email, www.rheged.com

With 10 fantastic shops, 3 tasty cafes, pottery painting, indoor & outdoor play, a giant cinema screen, plus 5 exhibitions a year in our Gallery, 4 TIC pods and lots of family events in the school holidays, there is plenty to do at Rheged.

Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS, (1 miles, 2kms), Tel: 017684 82356, Email, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aira-force-and-ullswater

The tumbling waterfall of Aira Force, drops an impressive 65 feet and can be reached by strolling through ancient woodland and landscaped glades. The perfect place for a family and picnic.

(7 miles, 12kms)

Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir surrounded by 2000 acres of spruce and larch.

Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0QQ, (3 miles, 5kms), Tel: 01539 822222

(2 miles, 2kms)

Ullswater is the second largest lake at 7.5 miles long. Its is very deep and at picturesque with a lake road affording some lovely scenery.

(6 miles, 9kms)

Despite opposition, Haweswater was made into a reservoir in 1929 swallowing the villages of Mardale and Measand which can be seen when water is low.

Cumbria, (4 miles, 7kms), Tel: 0845 272 0004

Pooley Bridge is situated on the river Eamont, below Dunmallard Hill, at the northern tip of Ullswater, one of Lakeland's most attractive lakes.

CA, (7 miles, 11kms)

From a 17th-century mining community at the base of Blencathra to 19th-century water resource at the foot of Helvellyn, the two communities of Threlkeld and Thirlmere are linked by the lovely Vale of St John.

Ullswater Valley, (1 miles, 2kms)