Saturday 10 November 2018



I Found Some Wonderful Artwork near Newby Bridge

 If you’re looking for arts and crafts a trip to Yew Tree Barn at High Newton just off the A590 is well worth a visit..

A visit to Yew Tree Barn is not complete unless you have a browse around the barn, or a visit to  Harry’s Cafe Bar. Their coffee is fantastic, there’s an interesting wine list, wherever possible they buy locally, everything is freshly cooked, there is a cosy seating area by the fire with newspapers and magazines, free wifi, and you will be very well looked after!
At the beginning of December, the barn holds its annual Christmas Fair.
 Watch the video to get a flavour of Yew Tree Barn.



Friday 23 March 2018

The 5 best places to eat in the Lake District


 Where are the 5 best places to eat in the Lakes?

In my opinion and in no particular order, these 5 always deliver a great meal.

Woodside and Fell View Cottages - quality accommodation in the Lakes

 One of the best places to visit in the Lakes is Cartmel.  Not only have you a Medieval village, Priory, fabulous shops, cafes and a race course but you also have 2 top restaurants!
L’Enclume has just been voted THE best restaurant in the UK. It is owned by Simon Rogan.    It’s a10 minute drive from Woodside in the village of CartmelL'enclume
Also in the village of Cartmel is Simon Rogan’s Bistro. Slightly simpler fayre than L’Enclume but still  excellent.
Rogans
Next up is The Swan (our local to Woodside Cottage ) I particularly like the ribs…fantastic. A beautiful setting on the banks of the River Leven and a few minutes drive from Woodside or a leisurely walk through the woods.
The Swan
The Crown at High Newton is an excellent pub/restaurant. The burgers are great.I always enjoy sitting outside on a Summer's afternoon for a drink.
the crown at High Newton
And finally a pub that never fails to deliver. A family run pub that was runner up in 2015 in “The friendliest pub in GB”competition.    
The Pheasant is in the village of Allithwaite (6 minutes walk away from Fell View and  20 mins away car, from Woodside) is run by Charlotte and her team. I recommend the duck!
The pheasant

Thursday 22 March 2018

A brilliant way to travel on Coniston water

An enjoyable way to travel on lake Coniston

Coniston Launch – lake cruises and group charters on Coniston Water in the Lake District

Photo: Our new boat Campbell on Coniston WaterConiston Launch   offers a variety of ways that you can enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water in the Lake District.

Regular scheduled cruises

  • regular services covering two different circular routes on Coniston Water – see the timetable and fares
  • stay on the boat for the full cruise or stop off at any of the jetties to catch a later boat back
  • combine a boat cruise with a walk around the shore of Coniston Water – see lakeshore walks and fell walks

Special cruises

7 day explorer ticket

groups and charters

visit Brantwood by boat

Visit Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, with our discounted combination ticket.
Brought to you by Fell View and Woodside Cottages    www.lakesgetaways.co.uk 

Saturday 17 March 2018

Blackwell Arts and Crafts House , just waiting to be explored!


Blackwell Arts and Crafts House

Blackwell Arts and Crafts House , just waiting to be explored!

Blackwell Arts and Crafts House is  not far from Newby Bridge and Windermere, and must be one of the most stunning arts and crafts houses in the country, and somewhere that is a must for a visit. The views from the terrace are amazing, looking out onto Lake Windermere. It is one of the most enchanting historic houses in the Lake District. When you visit you are invited to relax and immerse yourself in all the beauty and craftsmanship of Blackwell. You are encourage to sit and soak up the atmosphere in Blackwell’s fireplace inglenooks, which have fine examples of tiles by Arts & Crafts designer William de Morgan. The inviting window seats offer stunning views of the surrounding Lake District scenery. You can appreciate the house as it was originally intended, without roped-off areas.
Blackwell retains many of its original decorative features, including a rare hessian wall-hanging in the Dining Room, leaf-shaped door handles, curious window catches, spectacular plasterwork, stained glass and carved wooden panelling by Simpsons of Kendal. The rooms contain furniture and objects by many of the leading Arts & Crafts designers and studios – metalwork by WAS Benson, ceramics by Pilkingtons and Ruskin Pottery and furniture by Morris & Co., Stanley Webb Davies, Ernest Gimson and Baillie Scott himself.
Recent acquisitions of furniture by Baillie Scott are on display, including an oak and ebony inlaid barrel chair with slatted sides, sideboard and a set of dining chairs. Blackwell offers more than most historic houses with several rooms displaying historical exhibitions that explore different aspects of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

 

Blackwell Arts and Crafts House
The original gardens were laid out by Arts & Crafts garden designer, Thomas Mawson, in a series of terraces to achieve the very best views from the house over the lake towards the Coniston fells. Today, Blackwell is bordered by beautiful flower beds set against a terrace of York stone paving, providing shelter for garden chairs and tables, surrounded by fragrant flowers and herbs. On the lower terrace there is a long sweep of lawn where visitors can stroll and take in the intoxicating beauty of the Lake District whatever the season.
Opening Times
Every day, 10.30am – 5pm
Tea Room open from 10am
Winter closing time: 4pm (Nov – Feb)
Closed 25 & 26 Dec 2016 and 2 – 12 Jan 2018
Admission 2017
Adult £8.80 (without donation £8)
Kids and full-time students FREE

Thursday 8 March 2018

I Found The Best Foodie Village in the Lakes


I Found The Best Bakery near Newby Bridge

I Found The Best Foodie Village in the Lakes

Woodside and Fell View Cottages- Quality accommodation in the Lakes

 I went to Cartmel Village. A few minutes from Woodside and on Fell View’s door step!
Cartmel is unique! It’s a medieval village with an ancient Priory and the smallest race course in England!  This "foodie" village has a great array of eating places and food shops as well as a monthly food market

The popular country market Market is held every third Friday of the month and features the finest food from around the area including Farmers, Growers, Artisan Producers and Speciality Food Merchants. Stallholders include:
  • Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire cheese
  • Sillfield Farm (pork, wild boar & local meats)
  • Furness Fish & Game
  • Kell’s Veg
  • Kitridding Farm Shop (home reared beef & lamb)
  • David Knipe (poultry)
  • Cartmel Cheeses
  • The Pudding Room
  • Hotwines at The Red Pepper
  • Country Fare (cakes and baked goods)
  • Chilli Pepper Company (chilli plants, chutneys & other foods)
  • Hazelmere Bakery
Further details Tel. David Unsworth 015395 36025;  mob: 07966 681706
Cartmel Village
It’s a lovely place to wander around at any time of year . Not only has it an artisan bakery but there are many other interesting places to visit in this medieval village. Wine bars, bistros, cafe bars, coffee shops, pubs and top class restaurants! You can see why it has a reputation of being the best “foodie” village in the Lakes.
And when you have finished eating and drinking there are gift shops, vintage clothing and antique shops, chocolate shops and of course ice cream shops!


Wednesday 7 March 2018

Morecambe Bay Cycle Ride


Morecambe Bay Cycle Ride



Morecambe Bay Cycle Ride

Woodside and Fell View Cottages- Quality accommodation in the lakes





Morecambe Bay’s fantasic cycle way. Have your own big adventure on two wheels! 

From Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness to Glass Dock, Lancashire, the award-winning Bay Cycle Way (NCN 700) is 130km of relatively flat cycle routes around the Bay.
It is a family-friendly, long distance route, suitable for entry-level touring cyclists. And importantly it is designed so that you’ll never be far from a loo, a view or a brew!
if your staying at Fell view this section of the route is ideal for a short ride.

Cartmel Peninsula
The route carries on towards the little village of Greenodd before crossing the Leven Estuary and on through Roudsea Woods in preparation for the climb up aptly named Bigland Hill. Catch your breath at the top before coasting downhill towards foody capital Cartmel (of sticky-toffee-pudding fame), and through to Flookburgh where the famous Morecambe Bay shrimps are available, in season – look out for signs at fishermen’s homes.
Moving back towards the coastline, the route passes through the genteel Edwardian town of Grange-over-Sands before heading back inland along the quiet old road adjacent to the A590 towards Witherslack and Levens villages and the historic house and stunning topiary gardens of Levens Hall.
Arnside and Silverdale area
Meander along the marsh road through the diverse natural habitat of the country’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Arnside and Silverdale and visit the largest reed bed in Northwest England at Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve – home to otters, red deer and breeding birds such as bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers.

Saturday 3 March 2018

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) not to be missed.


An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) not to be missed.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) not to be missed.

Woodside and Fell View Cottages-Quality accommodation in the Lakes 

Today I thought I would share with you an area that is often overlooked as it’s just outside the Lake District National Park. It’s Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s across the Morecambe Bay and opposite Grange over Sands. http://www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk/
This extraordinary place is famous for its amazing wildlife, stunning scenery, and superb walks. From the simple beauty of the lady’s-slipper orchid to the shining sands of Morecambe Bay, the area is simply awe-inspiring.
A great way to visit the area is by train, if you fancy a day off from driving, as there’s a station at both Arnside and Silverdale.
There are 5 major villages to enjoy: Arnside, Silverdale, Beetham, The Yealands and Wharton all worth an explore! From a Victorian seaside resort to a village with connections to the first president of the United States, the villages of the AONB will take you back in time and reveal an interesting history.
Other attractions include :
 Heron Corn Mill is an 18th century Grade II* listed water mill and important local heritage site and visitor attraction within the AONB.   http://www.heronmill.org
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is an all-weather attraction. Where you can meet the Meerkats,  and  stroke a snake (if you want to!)   http://wildlifeoasis.co.uk/
RSPB Leighton Moss    http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/leightonmoss/ 
Leighton Hall and Hawk Garden
Leighton Hall is the historic home of the world-renowned Gillow furniture making family, a stunning location for a day out     :http://www.leightonhall.co.uk/ 
A great place to visit in the area is the Heritage Centre and Refreshment Room at Carnforth station which offers you the chance to take a step back in time! Opened in 2003 following an extensive renovation project, the centre attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience the 1940s’ atmosphere of David Lean’s film ‘Brief Encounter’ which was filmed here.  http://www.carnforthstation.co.uk/

Wednesday 28 February 2018



A Great Walk With A Dog near Newby Bridge

Woodside and Fell View Cottages- quality accommodation in the Lakes 

One of the best walks in the Central Lakes is up to, and around High Dam.It’s a lake that was much favoured by Wainwright. In fact he said “It is far superior to Tarn Hows” High praise indeed!
It’s a picturesque tarn near Finsthwaite and Lakeside at the southern end of Windermere. A dam was built across the southern end of the tarn in the early 1800s to supply water to the bobbin mill at Stott Park a few miles away. It is surrounded by mixed woodlands of oak, birches, larch and Scots pine to name a few that we spotted. The woodland floor is scattered with bilberry, bracken and heather.
High Dam is a circular route that can be extended up to Stott Park Heights which will afford you a view down on to Lake Windermere.
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Saturday 24 February 2018

A liitle bit of motoring history that shouldn't be missed!


A Little Bit Of History near Newby Bridge

A Little Bit Of History near Newby Bridge

Woodside and Fell View Cottages- quality accommodation in the lakes 

Not far from Newby Bridge is the Motor Museum at Backbarrow (which you can walk to through the lanes from Woodside,)  It’ s a great afternoon out. When I went I didn’t think I would find it that interesting, however I was so wrong!!!
There are so many fantastic cars to see, even if you’re not a car enthusiast. You just can’t help but enjoy this museum.
And when you fancy a cuppa or lunch, you can just go next door to Cafe Ambio for some great food. Their coronation chicken sandwiches are my favourite.
And yes! dogs are welcome in the museum and on the terrace at the cafe.
https://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/

Sunday 18 February 2018

A Monet Masterpiece to View in Kendal


A Monet Masterpiece to View in Kendal

A Monet Masterpiece to View in Kendal

Monet Masterpiece in the Abbot Hall Art Gallery Kendal. An event not to be missed

Woodside and Fell View Cottages-Quality  accommodation in the lakes

See a masterpiece by one of the world’s most famous painters in Kendal. Claude Monet’s Haystacks: Snow Effect, will be displayed at Abbot Hall Art Gallery from Friday 12 January until 28 April.
The painting, dated 1891, is from a series of work widely regarded as among Monet’s best and is loaned from the National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh. It is believed to be the very first time that a Monet has been on display in Cumbria and cements Abbot Hall’s commitment to show work by iconic international artists.

Monet, a founder of French impressionist painting, produced over 30 haystacks paintings. He worked at different times of day and season to capture the effect changing light had on their form.
The haystacks in this painting stood in a field to the west of Monet’s house in Giverney, France, where his famous water lily gardens were situated. In autumn and the relatively mild winter of 1890, Monet persuaded the local farmer to leave the stacks in his field so he could make a series of paintings. In Haystacks: Snow Effect the haystacks are almost reduced to shadow in the glowing winter light.
There are 25 paintings from Monet’s Haystacks series held at galleries around the globe including Tokyo, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris and now Kendal. This is your chance to see a Monet masterpiece in Cumbria.

Event details

Dates Times
Fri 12 Jan – Wed 28 Feb 2018 10:30 to 16:00
Thu 1 Mar – Sat 28 Apr 2018 10:30 to 17:00

Prices

Adults £7.70 / £7.00 without donation.
Friends, students and children free

Thursday 15 February 2018

Unusual Things You Can See near Newby Bridge

Unusual Things You Can See near Newby Bridge

Unusual Things You Can See near Newby Bridge

Woodside and Fell View Cottages -quality accommodation in the Lakes

My thanks to https://where2walk.co.uk/lake_district/gummers-how/

 A Great Walk With A Great View!

Start Point: SD 389876. There is a small car park on the Fell Foot side road 1 mile north of Newby Bridge.
Height to Climb: 88ms (289 feet)
Terrain: An easy path to the summit and back but a myriad of smaller paths offer great opportunities to explore and vary the route.
Eating & Drinking: There is nothing nearer than Newby Bridge but the outcrops make great picnic spots
Gummers How walk map

Gummer’s How walk

Access is from the Fell Foot Brow road from the southern end of Windermere off the A592. There is a small car park before you get to Sow How Lane if you are coming up from the lake. The path is well trodden and easy to follow, although eroded in places, so watch for small diversions whilst the landscape recovers.
Although not detailed, this map will give you a rough idea of how far the walk is from the road and you will see that from gaining a little height you will have access to views across Windermere and to the fells beyond – quite breath taking.
Wainwright neglected to include Gummer’s How in his 7 main guides, probably due to its insignificant height (less than 400 foot of climbing), but added it later to his Outlying Fells collection. His amusing description here challenges any walker to reach the summit but if they fail to he suggests the potential climber invests in pipe and slippers rather than walking boots! It is simple, can take no more than 1/2 an hour up and down but is worthy of greater exploration. Little rocky outcrops and heather clad slopes are the order of the day on Gummer’s How. It offers great views both up Windermere and also down beyond Newby Bridge to the sea. With nothing else of any interest on the east shoreline of Windermere Gummer’s How is a real find and should be included for all who stay in the area.
Recommend: Although Wainwright talks of the elderly I would add that it is a great first family walk, a worthy summit and has little scrambles ideal for younger children.
View from Gummer's How

Monday 12 February 2018

Fabulous places to visit in the lakes when it’s chilly outside.

Fabulous places to visit in the lakes when it’s chilly outside.

 Woodside and Fell View Cottages-quality accommodation in the lakes

Winter Beauty….. sounds romantic. Winter walks …….sounds romantic but not all of us want to walk the fells in the Winter, so I have put together my top 4 places to visit in the Winter months when you stay at Woodside.

The mountains, lakes, valleys and woodlands might be a bracing place to be in the Winter months, but it is a wonderful place for winter walking, cycling, family activities and much more.
And, when the snow falls, there are plenty of slopes for sledging and for building snowmen, which the kids will love! This is the Bobbin Mill across the road, just waiting for those snowmen to be built!
And, with early dark nights and clear winter skies, it is a perfect time to get looking up at the stars.
After a day out hiking the snowy fells (be prepared as the weather can be very unpredictable) or having enjoyed a cruise across lake Windermere from Lakeside  you can get all warm and toasty in front of the fire at Woodside.  Or venture out to The Swan for a great meal.

My top selection for indoor places to visit when at Woodside in the Winter months.
  1. The Aquarium of the Lakes, Newby Bridge
A lovely little aquarium on the southern shore of Windermere at Lakeside, with freshwater and marine life, featuring an underwater otter tunnel and stingrays.
www.lakesaquarium.co.uk
Aquarium of the lakes
  1. Lakeland Motor Museum, Backbarrow
The museum has the largest collection of motoring memorabilia in the country. It has more than 300,000 exhibits which trace the development of road transport throughout the 20th Century.
There’s also a tribute section to legendary racing father and son Malcom and Donald Campbell, a 1920s garage and a 1950s cafĂ© – so there’s lots to do on a visit here and dogs are welcome.
www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk
Motor museum and dogs
  1. Lakeland The perfect place to hear about exciting new products, recipes, offers and competitions from the home of creative kitchenware.
The home of the kitchen gadget!  Things you didn’t even know existed! Things you didn’t even know you wanted till you saw it! All this and more, especially on the run up to Christmas. Lakeland is packed with ideas for you and your home, and on a winter’s  afternoon a perfect place to call into when in Windermere. They have an excellent restaurant too.
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/LakelandUK
Lakeland plastics
4.  Hawkshead Village for great shops and cafes. The Hawkshead Relish shop is a must.
Hawkshead relish shop
What ever you do , enjoy your stay in the Lakes in the Winter, a warm welcome awaits you.
Snow at woodside

Friday 9 February 2018

A little taste of brilliant bakes, wonderful wines and fabulous food!

A little taste of brilliant bakes, wonderful wines and fabulous food!

Low Sizergh Barn is a great place to visit on a Winter’s afternoon. in fact any time of year. The range of food they stock is fabulous: fresh breads, wines, cheeses, savories, cakes as well as raw milk! Then a quick visit to the tearoom where again the food is excellent and if you time it right, you can watch the cows ( through a glass window) being milked. Kids love this. And if that’s not enough you can browse the gift department and ladies do visit the clothing gallery and for those who want a walk, you can take the farm trail.
Low Sizergh Farm, Sizergh, Kendal LA8 8AE
Woodside cottage and fell view cottage  For quality accommodation



Steak

Tuesday 6 February 2018

3 Great Places You Must Take Your Camera near Newby Bridge

High Dam must be the top of my list. High Dam is a peaceful quiet lake near the foot of Lake Windermere and the village of Finsthwaite. When I say a hidden gem, anyone who has visited would agree. Peace, a quality walk and serenity can be yours! alfred Wainwright thought this lake "Far superior to Tarn Hows" High praise indeed.

My second choice is Tarn Hows near Hawkshead. this is a very popular lake and as such can be very busy in the Summer.

My third choice must be Gummer’s  How. looking down on to lake Windermere with Lakeside in the distance.

Sunday 4 February 2018

A Magnificent Church in Finsthwaite

Built in 1874, the church of St Peter replaced an earlier chapel constructed in 1724-5. It was designed by Paley and Austin, the well known Lancaster firm of architects, and won a prize in a competition to design a church suitable for an alpine area. It is a grade II* listed building. A lych gate was added in 1914. The parish clock, which is situated in the tower, was installed in 1918 as a monument to the Fallen of the parish. It was completely renovated and electrified by public subscription in 2005. A set of tubular bells is housed in the tower, and these were refurbished and computerized in 2012. St Peter’s has a dedicated, hard-working congregation with attendance averaging about 18 from an electoral roll of 42. The congregation currently enjoy both BCP and CW services.

One of the graves in the graveyard belongs to the Finsthwaite Princess, Clementina Johannes Sobieski Douglas of Waterside, who was buried on 16th May 1771. It is widely believed she was the daughter of Prince Charles Edward, the Young Pretender, by Clemintina Walkinshaw.
Services
1st Sunday: 9.30am Holy Communion CW
2nd Sunday: 11.00am United Service with Haverthwaite and Staveley-in-Cartmel – Holy Communion CW
3rd Sunday: 11.00am Holy Communion BCP
4th Sunday: 6.00pm Evensong BCP
5th Sunday: 11.00am United Service with Haverthwaite and Staveley-in-Cartmel – Holy Communion CW
http://www.finsthwaitechurch.uk/

Friday 19 January 2018

High Dam - a chance to be at one with nature

High Dam is a small lake near the western shores of Lake Windermere. This peaceful lake is a true hidden gem. Alfred Wainwright once said it is, "Far superior to Tarn Hows." High praise indeed!
There are several walks up to the lake each with its own delights!
Once at the first dam the peace descends and the chance to marvel at this unique lake is yours to enjoy.
It is a circular route around the 2 lakes which can be extended at the far end to take you up to Stott Park heights, which affords the most spectacular view down on to Lake Windermere.


We have 2 boutique cottages in the Lakes available  for short breaks and holidays.
www.lakesgetaways.co.uk