The Cartmel Peninsula extends between the Leven Estuary in the west and the Kent Estuary in the east. It is home to a number of attractions including the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the Lakes Aquarium, Holker Hall & Gardens, the Lakeland Motor Museum, Predator Experience, Fell Foot Park and the town of Cartmel, with its Priory, Racecourse and gastronomic delights.
Head to the tourist centre of Ambleside, at the head of Lake Windermere, for great shops and eateries. Just to the north lies Grasmere, “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, according to William Wordsworth, who lived there for 14 years. Visit William Wordsworth’s former houses at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount and try the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread.
Just 15 minutes drive away we have unspoilt beaches at Haverigg and Silecroft, great for walking, mountain biking and kiting, or head west to where the Lake District National Park extends down to the coast, Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass old Roman Harbour and “La’al Ratty” steam heritage railway, Georgian Whitehaven or Wasdale Head, the usual starting point for the ascent of Sca Fell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
Coniston Water is our nearest large lake: The childrens’ book “Swallows and Amazons” was set around the lake and Donald Campbell was killed here attempting to regain his water speed record in 1967. The picturesque village of Coniston lies at its northern end, just a half hour’s drive away through the Furness Fells. One of the Lake District’s iconic mountains, the Old Man of Coniston, looks down on village from the west. Hire a sailing boat or take the Coniston Launch or Steam Yacht Gondola across the lake and visit Beatrix Potter’s Tarn Hows or Brantwood House, the former home of John Ruskin.
The idyllic Duddon Valley is on our doorstep – head north from Duddon Bridge for tranquil walks and spectacular views. From Ulpha, head north-west to Eskdale or drive the spectacular Hardknott and Wrynose mountain passes. Walk on the deserted Birker, Ulpha and Harter Fells, to Stanley and Birker Force, two of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Lake District, or to Devoke Water, the largest tarn in the Lake District.
The Furness Peninsula is the stretch of land that can be seen from High Lowscales across the other side of the Duddon Estuary. The Peninsula is home to the cute town of Broughton-in-Furness, the market town of Ulverston and the port of Barrow-in-Furness (the large buildings you can see in the distance are where the UK’s submarines are still made!).
Head to the area between the Windermere and Coniston lakes for great walking, mountain biking and Segway in the Grizedale Forest, the gorgeous village of Hawkshead and “Hill Top”, Beatrix Potter’s house.
There is more to the old market town of Kendal than mint cake – its attractions include Low Sizergh Barn, Sizergh Castle, Levens Hall, Kendal Castle, Kendal Museum, the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry and the Lakeland Climbing Centre.