Southern Lakeland · their mileage guide, verbatim
Their own guide begins at home: a whole week can disappear into the woodlands and countryside around Witherslack before the Lakes proper get a look in. When they do, everything from Levens Hall's topiary to Wordsworth's daffodils sits within an easy drive.
Witherslack itself
Walk to the Derby Arms, a cosy pub known for food and real ale; the community shop next door; horseback sessions at the Equestrian Centre; the church of St Paul's.
Levens
Levens Hall: an Elizabethan house with awe inspiring topiary and a wood panelled tea room.
Grange over Sands
Cumbria's Victorian gem: the promenade, and pies from the famous Higginsons Butchers to bring home for dinner.
Sizergh
The National Trust's medieval Sizergh Castle, and a latte at Low Sizergh Barn while the cows are milked below.
Cartmel
Roganville to foodies: L'Enclume and Rogan & Company, the original sticky toffee pudding, and the Cartmel Races.
Newby Bridge
The Lakeland Motor Museum, Fell Foot Park at Windermere's southern tip, and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
Kendal
The old market town: the ruined castle above the River Kent, the Brewery Arts Centre, the 1657 Chocolate House.
The famous Lakes
Grasmere and Wordsworth's daffodils, Ambleside's fells and outdoor shops, and a cruise on Windermere from Bowness.
Close to home
Leave the car on the gravel
On foot
Walk down to the local: the Derby Arms is a cosy Ainscough pub, well known for its food and real ale, with a well stocked community shop next door and the beautiful church of St Paul’s in the village.
The fells
The central Lake District fells are close, so there is no shortage of walking, Whitbarrow Scar among the family’s favourites. Bring a bike and head off for the day with a picnic, or book a session on horseback at the Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre.
Without the car
The X6 bus runs hourly on the A590 near the Derby Arms, trains run to Grange over Sands, and petrol is a mile away on the A590. Bikes can be stored in the porch or the barn.
Morecambe Bay spreads out before you as you stroll through ancient woodland.
Call Elaine · 015395 52387