Browsing local shops within 8 miles of Laurel Court 

Cark in Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL, (5 miles, 8kms), 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, (2 miles, 3kms), 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.

Low Newton, Newton-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JP, (8 miles, 12kms), 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.

Lake Windermere, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AT, (8 miles, 13kms), 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

7 Cavendish Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1SF, (8 miles, 13kms), Tel: 01229 837790

Spectacular collection of designer gowns and accessories for all occasions.

Speciality: Bridal gowns.

Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DP, (8 miles, 12kms), 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

67-69 Cavendish Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1QD, (8 miles, 13kms), Tel: 01229 820698

The shop is a retail outlet for Barrow & District Blind Society for the Blind Ltd. Known for its vast array of fancy goods, the shop is a must for visitors to Barrow.