We have lived now in Bowness on Windermere, one of the most popular and picturesque villages within the Lake District National Park, for 15.5 years. During this period, we have managed to explore a tiny sector of the Lakes, but nothing as much as we would like to. This year, I think, we will try to discover more of the beautiful Lakes, including tiny and little known hamlets and areas off the beaten track. Indeed, of late, we have been doing our best to make time for getting out and about. And I am pleased to report that we have found some gems (to us) that we would never have come across if we had not gone a-wandering!
And here are some of those places we enjoyed: for their beauty; for their peacefulness; for their uniqueness; for the experience of escape into Nature’s amphitheatre. The Lake District National Park was not voted a UNESCO World Heritage Site for nothing; and I do hope that our readers and guests will come and join us in these ‘adventures’, where amazing views and local Lakeland charm await. Come discover some of Britain’s most beautiful and iconic landscapes in the Lake District National Park.
Kirkston Pass is accessible only one mile from Blenheim Lodge in Bowness on Windermere. At the top of the Pass is the third highest inn in England, the Kirkstone Pass Inn. The Kirkstone Rambler is a public bus service that goes along the Pass between Penrith and Windermere. It is Service 508, and timetables are apt to change with the seasons, so please do check before trying to make your way there by public transport.
Cumbria’s coastal scenery could not be more different than the Lake District’s fell-side terrain. One of the places we visited in 2017 was Canal Foot, on the edge of the Leven Estuary, about a 25-minute drive from Blenheim Lodge.
The Ulverston Canal was completed in 1796 and is the straightest canal in the UK.
Ulverston, also well known as the home of Laurel and Hardy, continues to maintain its status as an industrial town.
Fishermen enjoy angling in the Ulverston Canal. At Blenheim Lodge, we offer our anglers the use of a WAADA fishing permit on a first come first served basis free of charge, saving our guests approximately £20 per day on fishing permits. (One caveat: I am unsure as to whether this permit covers fishing at Ulverston.)
Lakeland’s beautiful tarns, waters and its only lake, Bassenthwaite, are known worldwide. Windermere, both the Lake District’s and England’s largest body of water is quite literally a 5-minute walk from our doorstep. Indeed, 10 of our guest rooms at Blenheim Lodge overlook Windermere, (often known as Lake Windermere to differentiate it from Windermere town). There isn’t actually a lake in Windermere town itself – England’s largest lake is located in Bowness on Windermere, and extends both north to Waterhead and south to Lakeside. Bowness on Windermere is right in the centre; and Blenheim Lodge is located in Bowness.
In actual fact, the picture above shows ONLY a part of the view of Lake Windermere from the bedroom, with more far-reaching views to the left of the photo which could not be captured in one full shot by my trusty mobile phone. (Please see below for just part of another aspect of these stunning panoramic views.)
Loughrigg Tarn is a favourite with us. This is a small body of water about 40 minutes’ ride from Blenheim Lodge. Loughrigg Fell is also accessible to walkers following a route from Ambleside, about four miles from our Bowness Bed and Breakfast.
These are just some of the places we have explored this year. We do hope that our guests and readers will make the time and take the opportunity to come discover these stunning landscapes for themselves. We are quite happy to help organise tours to and from our house if you prefer not to drive to some of the scenic spots further away. Many are within walking distance, such as Brant Fell upon which sits Blenheim Lodge) and Lake Windermere, of course. More are easily accessible by ferry from Bowness Pier, just five minutes’ walk from Blenheim Lodge. Then, there are the buses too.
If you are coming to The Lakes, do please contact us for accommodation and rates. We are currently running Winter and Spring offers of 10% off 3 or more nights’ midweek breaks as well as £50 off weekly stays, and also have Valentine’s Day breaks available. Our contact details are below, and we are always happy to answer any enquiries and/or to book out bed and breakfast accommodation by telephone or email. Alternatively, if you prefer to book online, please click the BOOK NOW button on the top right hand side of this BLOG or on any page on our website to take you to our booking platform where you can choose the rooms you like. We have single, double, twin and triple en-suite rooms available.
Look forward to welcoming you!
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.’