Eating out, and a walk or three.
For years my PR people have told me I should do a definitive Lakes' guide incorporating all the wonderful things to do and where to eat. I have started but not finished this many times. But the Blog allows me to drip feed this information instead, so from time to time I am going to recommend some of my favourite Lake District things.
Many of you will know the Jumble Room in Grasmere. It is a wonderful relaxed dining experience run by Andy and Chrissy Hill. Refreshing, colourful, beautifully designed. It's small (you need to book) but the food is robust well sourced and cooked. Service is perfect. One of the other things I love about it is the owners love of good music. That's their and my opinion of course and you can see a list of LP's they play on their web site. I think it's best for dinner. But of course you need to be back at Linthwaite for that, so try a light lunch instead, or maybe on the way home?
Another favourite place is the terrace at Lakeside Hotel, Newby Bridge. You can feed the ducks and actually dip your toes in the water the lake's that close. Food's great anytime all day but especially tea. If you see a ginger haired manager moving plant pots in and out of the conservatory that'll be Marcus. Say hi to him from me!
Ambleside: Opposite the Waterhead Hotel just by the jetties there is a very small cafe, serving at the last visit massive freshly cooked blueberry scones. You can take them out and sit on the deck overlooking the Lake and West to the Langdales. Perfick.
I suppose after all that eating I ought to recommend some walks to work it off. What about the mini three peaks challenge then? We are blessed with three lovely little miniature mountains nearby. The nearest is Post Knott, just across the road from Linthwaite. Then there's Orrest Head which is a mere 20 minute stroll uphill from the A590 in Windermere near Booths/Lakeland. And finally there is the magnificent Gummer's Howe, more like a half hour stroll up, but steepish in places. It is situated up the hill on the left when you drive down the lake opposite Fell Foot park at the lower east side of Windermere. You can really feel you deserve to eat again after those three.
For some serious walks visit the BootBoys site here http://tinyurl.com/3l8vr5r
What the Press say
"If petrol station flowers and a lacklustre card have landed you in hot water on Valentine's Day in the past, this year a more luxurious dip could ensure the path to true love runs smoothly. There can be few pleasures in life finer than sitting in a bubbling hot tub with a chilled glass of wine watching the sun set over a breath taking view of mountains and a sparkling lake.
But this February 14, that's exactly what one lucky couple will be experiencing in the elegant luxury of Linthwaite House. Set in a quiet location near Windermere, this romantic retreat, a member of the Pride of Britain consortium of independent hotels, is rapidly growing in popularity as a wedding venue.
Its charm comes not only form its handsome appearance and home-like hospitality, but the unique experience of staying there. From the open log fires and sumptuous sofas of Linthwaite's lounges and conservatories, its opulent bar and mind boggling wine list - attention is given to the tiniest detail.
Brightly coloured wellington boots line the hall to enjoy the hotel's pretty grounds or you can settle in with a jigsaw, a board game or a borrowed book and wile away the afternoon in tranquil comfort.
A programme of endless refurbishment means the hotel's rooms are constantly updated. Good quality furnishings, beautiful fabrics in muted colours and thrilling mod cons give you an urge to bounce on the bed with excitement when you enter the room.
Lovebirds can settle in with a romantic DVD, play special songs on an iPod docking station and even watch TV during a soak in the bath in some rooms.
Guests staying in the superb hot tub suite could easily lock themselves away from the world and soak away the aches and pains of a long walk or enjoy the exquisite views pre-breakfast.
But dodging the dining experience at Linthwaite House would be to miss something very special. Guests can dress to impress and enjoy pre dinner drinks and canapés, or simply rock up in comfy clothes and nobody bats an eyelid. Service is attentive and friendly without being intrusive and waiters appear as if by magic to top up your wine glass. With four courses of fine fare boasting indulgent options such as mosaic of rabbit confit and pan roasted diver scallops to start. Mains include roast fillet of Cumbrian beef and fillet of cod, mussel and clam risotto and tempting desserts like warm raspberry soufflé and bitter chocolate sorbet guarantee a mouth watering experience. Breakfast is just as impressive with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, a full Cumbrian or fresh fruit and cereals on offer.
When leaving Linthwaite, you do feel as though you have stayed somewhere special." Lisa Ettridge, The Blackpool Gazette, February 2012
What our Guests say
"... The thing that sets you apart from the rest is the attention to detail and the quality of service."
LM, Colne, January 2011