Windermere attractions

Away from the madding crowds, visitors to the Lake District can find some incredible places to explore near the shores of Windermere.

Southeast Lakeland lacks the drama of up jutting and craggy volcanic rocks, such as may be seen in Central Lakeland. But, tucked away among its quieter hills are fascinating places. In the limestone country a few miles south of Kendal are Levens and Sizergh, two contrasting stately homes. Real tranquility can be found in picturesque Kentmere. This valley is perfect for visitors who want to enjoy some of the best Lake District Walks and hikes.

The destination on this route is Windermere, England's largest lake. The old steamers (now running on diesel) ply the lake and take the visitor to within sight of the rock turrets of the Langdale Pikes. Bowness Bay, a bustling place with some great hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast accommodation, which the writer Arthur Ransome referred to as Rio, has a fascinating waterfront and the country's finest collection of steamboats. The return to Kendal is through the Lyth Valley, back in limestone country. The limestone gives a special flavor to the fruit of a profusion of damson trees, which are white with blossom in May and boughbent by fruit in September and October, one of the best times to visit the lakes. Some of the best places to visit in the Lake District include:

A TRIP TO LEVENS HALL

Having left the M6 at Junction 36 for Kendal, follow the A591 as far as the intersection with the A6 then turn left for Levens Hall. This unusually proportioned house, home of the long-established Bagot family, proclaims its great age. A 13th century pele tower was incorporated into an Elizabethan mansion by the Bellinghams. Then a kinsman took over Levens: Colonel Graham, whose great contribution to the house was intricate furnishings, Jacobean style, set off by paneling, plasterwork and a range of fine art. Graham also commissioned the gardens, which are stunning and were designed by Monsieur Beaumont, the King's gardener, in 1690.

The original plans have survived, so the garden is true to the original concept. Light refreshments are served in the house. Just across the road from Levens Hall is parkland, adorned by venerable trees and open at all times there are public footpaths. To be seen in the park are dark phase fallow deer and black and white Bagot goats.

SIZERGH CASTLE CUMBRIA

Head back on the A6 until you reach the sign for Sizergh Castle, a Norse name meaning 'Sigrid's shieling'. Once the home of the Stricklands, Sizergh is now owned by the National Trust. As at Levens, the core of the building is a 13th century pele tower, and this was extended into a fine Elizabethan house. Of special note are the Elizabethan carved over mantels. Also on view are English and French furniture, and Stuart period portraits.

The garden, largely 18th century in character, has a large rockery which attracts thousands of visitors, and two small lakes. The grassland is kept in a natural state, and in spring and summer it is bright with bulbs and lime stone loving flowers, including orchids.

Kendal is easy to reach and lies just outside the Lake District National Park. The wool trade transformed the town and led to the construction in the 18th century of many small yards, some good examples of which remain and are worth exploring.
Kendal is now celebrated outside the Lake District as the home of Mint Cake, a slabby, mint flavored confection widely used by walkers and climbers but available to all. Park the car and follow one of the Discover Kendal trails, details of which are available from the Tourist Information Centre.

LAKE DISTRICT MUSEUMS

A broad riverside path west of the River Kent is traffic free and leads to Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum of Lakeland Life. Here is an outstanding collection of fine art, shown on a rotation basis, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and portrait painter George Romney (1734-1802). There are also interesting historical displays, with two rooms devoted to the life and work of Arthur Ransome (1884-1967), the author of Swallows and Amazons. Visit also the Kendal Museum near the railway station. This museum has imaginative displays relating to archaeology and natural history. There is a section comprising items associated with Alfred Wainwright, the celebrated guidebook compiler.

THINGS TO SEE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

As well as Lake District walks, hikes, events and plenty of children´s attractions, the region is also famous for its churches, monuments and museums.
By Abbot Hall is the Church of the Holy Trinity, which began to take shape in the 12th century and continued until it reached a grand scale through the generosity shown by the wool merchants who endowed it. One of the aisles is named after the Flemish weavers who were brought in to help the town become prosperous. The first impression on entering the building is one of vast size the church is I03ft (31m) wide. Displayed on the north wall is a helmet, said to have belonged to 'Robin the Devil', the nickname of Colonel Huddleston Philipson who rode his horse into church during divine service. He was seeking but did not find Colonel Briggs, one of his Cromwellian adversaries.

The Brewery Arts Centre, in High gate, is a lively multi-arts complex, incorporating theatre, cinema, live music, as well as the Green Room Restaurant, with garden patio and two bars. Kendal Leisure Centre is a large modern building, serving South Lakeland. There is no charge for the use of the car park, and facilities within the building include swimming. Many celebrities have appeared in productions at the theatre.

BURNESIDE LAKE DISTRICT

When you leave Kendal, avoid using the often congested A591 north by taking a right turn onto the B5284, just beyond the old County Hall, for Burneside, where the water of the Kent has been used as power for mills since corn was first ground here in 1283. The most venerable building in Burneside is the Hall, now a farmhouse, where lived the 'Burnesheads'. Like many another old building in this part of Cumbria, the house was an addition to a pele tower.

KENTMERE LAKE DISTRICT

Cross a bridge over the River Kent and continue on a minor road by Hagg Foot and Spring Foot. The woodland between the road and river is brightened in spring by clusters of small wild daffodils.If you are planning to visit the Lake District, take your time to explore the area around Kentmere. You can either book Lake District accommodation near Kentmere or check out the great hotels, guest houses and cottages near Windermere and Bowness.

Dorothy Farrer's Spring Wood, a mile east of Staveley, is a nature reserve of the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust (non-members need a permit), where in more open areas the springtime flora includes bluebell, dog's mercury, lords and ladies and early purple orchid. Cross another bridge, about a quarter of a mile from Staveley, and turn right to follow the road into secluded Kentmere. The road winds through a knobbly and well wooded landscape. The glint of water indicates what remains of Kentmere Tarn, which shrank considerably when the valley was drained to reclaim land for agriculture. Parking in Kentmere is carefully regulated.

There is usually space (for a fee) in a small field near the bridge. The road ends about a mile north of the village, beyond which is a rough track leading to Nan Bield Pass, which connects Kentmere with the Haweswater valley.

ST CUTHBERT'S CHURCH NEAR KENTMERE

St Cuthbert's Church sits on a ledge high above the valley and presides over a scattering of houses and farms. Amble along the little lanes and cross the tiny bridges, surrounded by an astonishing stone-scape. Keep bearing right, crossing a bridge over the River Kent and returning to the village on a lane between high walls.

There are views up the valley of fells in the Borrowdale volcanic zone, including Yoke and Mardale III Bell, beyond which is High Street. They are part of a horseshoe of high ridges which appeal to the tougher fell walkers. A much gentler stroll from the church is to Kentmere Hall, another building which developed from a simple pele tower, a sanctuary for the favored local people. The 15thcentury hall, which served as a farmhouse for a long time, can be seen from the road.

This region is perfect for walkers, hikers and strollers, who can enjoy Lake District Walks without having to be super-fit. If you are planning to stay in the Lake District take your time to check out the prices and special deals for weekend hotel breaks and special offers in Windermere, Kendal, Kentmere and Bowness.