LAKE DISTRICT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
SOUTH LAKE DISTRICT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
AMBLESIDE
Hayes Garden World (Ambleside) For over 200 years Hayes have been in the business of nurserymen and the result is an award- winning display covering a vast site, much of it housed in a modern building of stunning design. Apart from plants there is an enormous range of garden/conservatory furnishings, equipment, landscaping accessories, gifts and tropical fish. Cafe serves refreshments and light meals.
Townend(Troutbeck near Ambleside) A wealthy Lake District yeoman farmer's house dating from the 1620's in the care of the National Trust.
BOWNESS- on- WINDERMERE (and Windermere Lake)
Blackwell (built 1898- 1900) is one of England's most important houses. Positioned in a dramatic Lakeland setting, it is a very rare example of the Arts and Crafts Movement with wonderfully rich interiors that have survived almost entirely intact. More Details
Windermere Steamboat Museum (Bowness- on- Windermere) A fine collection of Victorian and Edwardian steamboats The museum is closed at present for renovation. For details of progress visit http://www.lakelandartstrust.org.uk/steamboat/
Windermere Lake Cruises (Ambleside / Bowness / Lakeside) Scheduled services and cruises operated all year. Details +44 (0) 15394 43360
World of Beatrix Potter (Bowness- on- Windermere) Dioramas and audio/visual exhibition on the life of Beatrix Potter and the animal characters depicted in her children's books.
Fell Foot Park and Garden (Newby Bridge) A Restored Victorian garden and park covering seven hectares at the Southern end of Windermere lake close to Newby Bridge in the care of the National Trust. A ferry operates from Lakeside Station to link with the Windermere steamers and Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway. National Trust Tea Room and shop.
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (Lakeside Station) Steam trains now operate the surviving 3.5 miles of this branch railway which once linked Ulverston and the rest of the railway system to Lakeside(Windermere) until closure in the late 1960's. The trains meet at Lakeside Station with the steamers on Windermere, continuing to provide the link to Bowness and Ambleside which was the purpose behind the building of the line in the mid- 19th. century. Details (015395) 31594.
Lakeside Aquarium(Lakeside Station) Octopus, rays, sharks, fish, ducks, otters , frogs and microscopic aquatic life all displayed imaginatively in this new building adjacent to the Lakeside Station and pier. Details (015395) 30153.
HAWKSHEAD
NEWBY BRIDGE
Stott Park Bobbin Mill(near Newby Bridge) Working steam bobbin mill dating from early 19th century. Produces the timber bobbins which were used in the textile mills of Lancashire and Yorkshire in the pre- plastics age. English Heritage site. Details 015395 31087.
CONISTON
Coniston Water Cruise launches operate services around Coniston Water calling at Brantwood, Coniston, Torver and Waterhead. Details from Coniston Launch (015394) 36216 .
Gondola A superbly restored railway steamboat ferry of 1859. Built for service on Coniston Water,where it still operates, the opulence of the accommodation reflects the grandeur of the Victorian era. Operated by the National Trust.
Brantwood(Coniston) The home of John Ruskin ( 1872 to 1900 ) housing manuscripts and works of art by this 19th century artist, poet and social reformer. Open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Refreshments and meals available.
Hilltop(Sawrey) Home of Beatrix Potter,the Victorian authoress,whose best- known works are her stories for children including such characters as Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle. Situated at Sawrey on the B5285 between Bowness and Hawkshead(via Windermere ferry). In the care of the National Trust
GRASMERE
Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum (Grasmere) Situated on the A592 this was the home of poet William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808.
Rydal Mount (Grasmere) Home of William Wordsworth from (1813 to 1850). House with Tudor origins and later additions situated in attractive gardens with fine views of Windermere lake and the surrounding fells. Details (015394) 33002.
KENDAL
K Village Outlet Centre Discover the secret of smarter shopping. All under one roof K Village offers customers a range of famous name brands at discount prices with new stock arriving every day. Also on site is the K Village Heritage Centre where you can discover the history of shoemaking on the site.
Kendal Castle click for history
Levens Hall (near Kendal) Situated on the A6 between Kendal and Milnthorpe is this Elizabethan house and garden with fine topiary.
Sizergh Castle (near Kendal) 14th century pele tower with Tudor additions and gardens in the care of the National Trust.
ULLSWATER
Ullswater Steamers Cruise aboard Raven and Lady of the Lake which operate a scheduled service on Ullswater calling at Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. Details (01539) 721626.
Ullswater Steamers Cruise aboard Raven and Lady of the Lake which operate a scheduled service on Ullswater calling at Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. Details (01539) 721626.
South Lake District / Windermere
A picturesque little village situated east of Coniston with cottages, inns and shops (including Wordsworth's school and the Beatrix Potter Gallery) set out in attractive squares and alleys. Nearby is the village of Sawrey and Hilltop, the home of Beatrix Potter.