The Lake District National Park is, as usual, chock full of things to see and do. This first weekend in July 2015 is no different. Activities range from the more mundane to some more exciting events. Here are a few to whet your appetite should you be considering a weekend break in the Lake District.
If you like antiques and collectibles, whether to browse or to buy, then head to the Cartmel Antiques Fair. The picturesque village of Cartmel is officially located outside National Park boundaries, but is truly one of the prettiest places to visit in Cumbria. The Fair opens on 2nd July and runs to 5th July, between 10 am to 5 pm. Held at the Village Hall, its central location is a boon for visitors who might then wish to explore the rest of this lovely village, including the 800-year old Cartmel Priory. Cartmel is only a 15-minute ride from our B&B, Blenheim Lodge, in Bowness-on-Windermere.

On Saturday, why not experience a truly unique outing with horses? Entitled ‘Feeling Safe around Horses’, this event ‘is a day at the High House Centre in Staveley for those who would like to feel more at ease with horses. The High House horses are calm and friendly, and you will learn how to connect with horses and experience the joy that being with horses can bring. The cost for the day is £60 per person. Contact Erica Donnison on 07771 602665 for further information and to book.’ Staveley is located just outside the Lake District National Park, a 10-minute ride from our guest house, Blenheim Lodge.
If Lakeland traditions appeal, then perhaps the Ambleside Rushbearing event on 4th July may tick some boxes.
Ambleside Rushbearing is a traditional rushbearing procession and ceremony when Ambleside re-enacts a tradition dating back over 400 years, when fresh rushes were gathered to strew on the earthen floor of churches and other important buildings. This was intended to insulate them and keep them sweet smelling, with rushes being a general term for rushes, reeds and sweet smelling grasses. Today rushes are cut from nearby lake shores and are decorated with mosses, flowers and greenery. The bearings in the procession vary from large ornate devices, such as hoops, staves and crosses, to simple sheafs carried by children.
The decorating of the large wooden church bearings takes place from 9:30am outside St.Mary’s Church. The procession led by Burneside Brass Band gathers from 2:15pm outside Ambleside Primary School. Visitors, as well as locals, are invited to participate in the procession, as long as they carry a decorated bearing. The procession ends with a short service back at the church and children who have walked are rewarded with a slice of gingerbread. Rushbearing Sports follows the sports, which includes the Loughrigg Fell Race.
(www.yourguide2thelakedistrict.co.uk/events/4619/ambleside-rushbearing)

For a rather more unusual activity during your Lakeland weekend, try volunteering with the Friends of Wasdale.
Join Friends of the Lake District for a free mass volunteering conservation event with a host of activities to take part in, including Scafell Litter Pick, Dry Stone Walling, Rhododendron Bashing, Bridge Building, Upland Path Maintenance with Fix the Fells and Arty Crafty Woodland Activities. Lots of cake will be available to fuel the volunteers.
Wasdale boasts England’s highest mountain in Scafell Pike and the deepest lake in Wastwater. The Fell Care Day is an opportunity to get involved in caring for this spectacular landscape through practical conservation and learning activities along with some of theFriends of the Lake District’s partner organisations, such as the National Trust and Lake District National Park.
Booking for all activities is essential. Please contact Ruth Kirk on 01539 720788.

These are just some of the activities available this weekend in Cumbria and the Lake District National Park. Of course there is always the stupendous scenery to admire in the Lakes, the many historic villages and hamlets to discover, marvellous gardens and interesting homes of the great and famous, and good food to provide fuel for exploring this gorgeous area on foot, by private or public transport, or even, where available, in watercraft.
Come and join us in the Lakes. Come and stay at Blenheim Lodge, where our rooms overlook incredible views of Lake Windermere and the woodlands of Brantfell. Come . . . and welcome!

Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’
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