Below is a list of activities and business in the area that should help to make your stay with 4 Winds Lakeland Tipis even better.

Calendar of Events in the Lake District 2012

Top Attractions in the Lake District

#01 - Low Wray Castle (Ambleside)

This is not a real castle but a private house built in in the Gothic Revival Style in 1840. It was built for Dr Dawson, a retired Liverpool surgeon, and is now owned by the National Trust. The house was built using his wife's inheritance from a gin fortune. Apparently she took one look at the house when it was finished, and refused to live in it. The architect, H.P. Horner, drank himself to death.

After Dr Dawson's death in 1875, when he was 96, the estate was inherited by his nephew, Preston Rawnsley. In 1877 Preston's cousin, Hardwicke Rawnsley, took up the appointment of vicar of Wray Church (next to the Castle and built at the same time by Dr Dawson). In 1929 Wray Castle and 64 acres of land were given to the National Trust by Sir Noton and Lady Barclay.

The grounds are open to the public, and are well worth visiting for the sake of the specimen trees - wellingtonia, redwood, gingkoa, weeping lime and varieties of beech. There is a mulberry tree planted by William Wordsworth in 1845. Watbarrow Wood is the wooded bank between the castle and the lake, and has several pleasant paths leading through it to the water's edge. There are spectacular views across Windermere. The castle is occasionally open to the public.

Over the last few years the grounds have been undergoing a major restoration by the National Trust, to try and restore them to how they would have looked when the house was built. This will give impressive views to Windermere lake from a variety of directions.

More information and some stunning photographs can be found at www.visitcumbria.com.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 33211	Low Wray Castle Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0JA	Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#02 - The Drunken Duck Inn (Ambleside)

Within 2 miles walking distance of 4 Winds Lakeland Tipis is the wonderful Drunken Duck Inn. The Inn serves delicious lunchtime snacks and treats then in the evening you can bookinto the restraint and sample their Al a carte menu. The Duck has been under the same family ownership since it was bought in April 1977. The present day Inn is an unstuffy mix of old and new, constantly evolving, but always sticking to the basic philosophy of offering good service, comfortable accommodation, excellent food, wine and beer in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The owners also run Chesters Café by the River (see below) and Barngates Brewery www.barngatesbrewery.co.uk.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 36347 E-Mail: info@drunkenduckinn.co.uk	The Drunken Duck Inn Barngates Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0NG	For more information see: www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#03 - Chesters Café By The River (Skelwith Bridge)

Karen Lawrence and Steph Barton have owned Chesters Café By The River since 1985. It moved to its current location alongside the River Brathay in February 2004 after an extensive refurbishment. Today it is a uniquely situated place to enjoy an extensive range of food and drink, directly linked to the café is Touchstone interiors which is an eclectic mix of modern gifts, interior decoration, books and speciality foods, not to be missed it is one of my favourite places!

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 34711 E-Mail: shop@chestersbytheriver.co.uk	Chesters Café By The River Skelwith Bridge Nr Ambleside Cumbria LA22 9NJ	For more information see: www.chesters-cafebytheriver.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#04 - Poppi Red (Hawkshead)

Poppi Red is a pamper emporium of pottery, jewellery, scarves, clothes, cushions, books and cards, unique ideas to delight friends, love ones and of course yourself. Great range of home ware and a fab coffee shop with amazing cupcakes. So you can sit back, relax and take in the delights of Hawkshead.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 36434 E-Mail: info@poppi-red.co.uk	Poppi Red Main Street Hawkshead Cumbria LA22 0NT	Open: 9am to 6pm - 7 days a week. For more information see: www.poppi-red.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#05 - Hawkshead Relish Company (Hawkshead)

Award winning hand made Relishes Pickles and Preserves. Makers of over 120 multi award winning handmade Relishes, Pickles and Preserves, all made in Hawkshead using the finest ingredients, no colourings, no preservatives and no artificial flavourings or padding out. Gluten Free.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 36614 E-Mail: info@hawksheadrelish.com	Relish The Square Hawkshead Cumbria LA22 0NZ	Open: 9:30am - 5:30pm (Sundays 10:00 - 5:30). For more information see: www.hawksheadrelish.com Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#06 - The Honeypot (Hawkshead)

Delicatessen and specialist gift food shop Hawkshead Quality local produce and gift foods - The Honeypot is a local family run business for over 10 years. Stocking a wide range of local produce, Meats, cheese, jams, marmalade, chutney, Wilson’s Kendal mintcake and the famous Cartmel sticky toffee pudding. Fresh bread, cakes and pies are delivered every day. Hampers made to order in baskets or boxes.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 36267 E-Mail: fionawilson@daisybroadband.co.uk	The Honeypot The Square Hawkshead Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0NZ	Open: 7 days a week, 9 - 6 summer 9 - 5 winter. For more information see: www.honeypotfoods.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#07 - Gone Fishing! (Hawkshead)

Esthwaite Water
Situated close to Hawkshead, Esthwaite Water is the largest stocked lake in the North West of England, offering great fishing with some breathtaking scenery. A site of Special Scientific Interest and also a RAMSAR Site because of its International Importance as a wetland, it has a large population of wild birds and in the summer you could be competing with the Ospreys that visit the lake.

On site:

• Bank, Row and Motor Boat fishing (own boat or hire)
• Tackle hire and large onsite tackle shop
• Fishing tuition
• Farm shop and fish sales

Learning to fish
If you fancy learning to fish, but can’t tell a spinner from a reel, then fishing lessons are available. Anyone can learn and it’s so easy to have a try at Esthwaite. There is no need for any tackle or equipment. Children must be min age 10yrs. and accompanied by an adult.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 36541	Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery The Boat House Ridding Wood Hawkshead Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0QF	Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#08 - Lucy’s of Ambleside (Ambleside)

Lucy’s of Ambleside is the famous delicatessen and food emporium.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 32288	Lucy’s of Ambleside Church Street Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0BU	For more information see: www.lucysofambleside.co.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#09 - Hayes Garden World (Ambleside)

Hayes Garden World (Ambleside) Anyone who's watched this vast garden centre grow over the years will know how good it has become. It's certainly one of the largest and best cared for in England - probably due to the personal service offered by the Hayes family. As they say, Hayes Garden World really is sheer inspiration.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 33434 E-Mail: richard.hayes@hayesgardenworld.co.uk	Hayes Garden World Lake Road Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0DW	Open: Monday - Saturday 09:00 - 18:00, Sunday 11:00 - 17:00 Closed 25th December, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday. Directions: Head towards Ambleside on the A5911. Bear right at the lights and the centre is 500 yards on the left. For more information see: www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#10 - The Lakes Discovery Museum @ The Armitt (Ambleside)

Experience 2000 years of local history! There are artefacts from the Roman occupation of Ambleside, Kurt Schwitters Ambleside's artist exhibition, Beatrix Potter watercolours, information on John Ruskin, a historic Lake District library, interactive displays, workshops, talks and changing exhibitions. The museum shop sells "Made-in-Cumbria" gifts (which we on this website totally support) and antique books, CD's and so on.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 31212 E-Mail: info@armitt.com	The Lakes Discovery Museum The Armitt Rydal Road Ambleside Cumbria LA22 9BL	Open: 10:00 - 17:00 daily except Christmas. Directions: In the grounds of St Martins College, Ambleside, opposite Rydal Road main car park. For more information see: www.thelakesdiscoverymuseum.org.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#11 - Lake District Visitors' Centre (Brockhole)

Idyllically situated on the shores of Windermere, and admission is free, though you have to pay for the car park. There are interactive exhibitions, the Mawson gardens, an adventure playground, a shop, cafe and information centre. You can enjoy lakeshore access, and catch a cruise to or from Waterhead (the northern end of the lake, a short distance from Ambleside). I haven't been for some years, so no doubt it's even better now; even then it was certainly a superb introduction to Lakeland life and culture.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 46601 E-Mail: infodesk@lake-district.gov.uk	Lake District Visitor Centre Brockhole Windermere Cumbria LA23 1LJ	Open: Daily 1st April - 29th Oct. Grounds open all year. Please phone for extended winter opening. Directions: Conveniently located on A591 between Windermere and Ambleside, or cruise from Waterhead, Ambleside. (Waterhead is the real end of Windermere, and it's just a short walk to Ambleside from there). For more information see: www.lake-district.gov.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#12 - The Beatrix Potter Exhibition (Bowness)

The Beatrix Potter Exhibition in Bowness, which has recently been, refurbished.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 46601 E-Mail: information@hop-skip-jump.com Google Map: Click »	The World of Beatrix Potter Bowness-on-Windermere Cumbria LA23 3BX	For more information see: www.hop-skip-jump.com. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#13 - Grizedale Forest (Grizdale)

Grizedale Forest with its plethora of mountain bike tracks and the GO APE.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 0845 643 92 15	Go Ape Grizedale Hawkshead Cumbria LA22 0QJ	For more information see: www.goape.co.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#14 - Aquarium Of The Lakes (Lakeside)

www.lakesaquarium.co.uk.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: +44 (0)15395 30153 Fax: +44 (0)15395 30152 E-Mail: info@lakesaquarium.co.uk	Lakes Aquarium Lakeside Newby Bridge Cumbria LA12 8AS	For more information see: www.lakesaquarium.co.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#15 - Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House (Bowness)

This elegant Arts and Crafts Movement house and garden commands spectacular views across Lake Windermere. The restored furnished interiors include original features such as stained glass windows and carved oak panelling. Changing historical and contemporary exhibitions of the applied arts are held in the upper galleries. It's an amazing place, in the sense that such a perfect example of the Arts and Crafts movement should have survived so completely. A fascinating example of British art - and a tribute to the power of the industrialist who had it built.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 46139 E-Mail: info@blackwell.org.uk	Blackwell The Arts & Crafts House Bowness-on-Windermere Cumbria LA23 3JT	Open: Daily 10.30-17.00 13 Feb - 24 Dec (Closing 16.00 Feb, Mar, Nov & Dec). For more information see: www.blackwell.org.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#16 - Windermere Lake Cruises(Windermere)

The old steamers (now, of course, driven by diesel engines) have had a long history. Brought in pieces from the shipbuilders at Barrow, they were assembled at various times over the past 150 years on the shore of Windermere. After passing through the hands of good old British Railways, and being somewhat neglected in the process, they have moved into the good care of the Windermere Steamboat Company. Any adult who visited the Lakes as a child will have fond memories of the excitement of setting out for a day trip down the Lake, and even with the passage of time, a trip on these beautifully restored steamers has lost none of its appeal for children and adults alike!

The boats operate every day between Ambleside, Bowness and Lake Side, near Newby Bridge. Seasonal connections operate for Brockhole, Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, Fell Foot and Ferry House.

Evening Cruises and Jazz/Buffet Cruises operate during the summer. Island cruises sail daily from Bowness. You can also enjoy Santa Specials and Christmas Lunch Cruises.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015395 31188 E-Mail: mail@windermere-lakecruises.co.uk	Windermere Lake Cruises Winander House Glebe Road Bowness-on-Windermere Cumbria LA23 3HE	Open: Daily during daylight hours throughout the year except Christmas Day. First cruise departs Bowness 10.00 (earlier in summer). For more information see: www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#17 - Plenty of Walks (Everywhere!!!)

Plenty of fabulous walks for the Lake District are detailed at www.go4awalk.com.

#18 - Mill Yard Studios (Staveley)

A working space for artists, Exhibitions and open days, Specialist courses and workshops. A fantastic studio in the cultural village of Staveley nr. Windermere hosted by David Penn and Pam Williamson.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 01539 721836 E-Mail: david_penn_paint@hotmail.com	Mill Yard Studios 3 Mill Yard Staveley Cumbria LA8 9LR	For more information see: www.millyardstudios.co.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#19 - Go APE (Grizdale)

high wire forest adventure, best tourism experience 2005. In the heart of the Lake Districts Grizedale Forest.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 01539 721836 E-Mail: david_penn_paint@hotmail.com	Mill Yard Studios 3 Mill Yard Staveley Cumbria LA8 9LR	For more information see: www.millyardstudios.co.uk. Please mention 4 winds Lakeland Tipis when visiting or booking!

#20 - Lake District Llamas (Keswick)

Why not have a truly unique experience and go llama trekking? Lake District Llama Trekking offers llama treks and picnics in different locations in the area. For more info see: www.lakedistrictllamas.co.uk.

#21 - Low Sizergh Barn (Sizergh)

Low Sizergh Barn has won many awards for its organic local produce and its working organic dairy farm. Why not visit its newly refurbished café (refurbished by local bespoke furniture designer John Purcell www.outofthewoods.co.uk) where you can view the organic dairy herd being milked.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015395 60426 E-Mail: info@lowsizerghbarn.co.uk	Low Sizergh Barn Low Sizergh Farm Sizergh Kendal Cumbria LA8 8AE	For more information see: www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#22 - Wilfs Café (Staveley)

Visit Wilf’s Café in Staveley nr. Kendal for locally sourced vegetarian food and a real hip place to hang out. You can enjoy free guided walks on Fridays and Sundays in the summer months.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 01539 822329 E-Mail: info@wilfs-cafe.co.uk	Wilf's Cafe Mill Yard Staveley Kendal LA8 9LR	For more information see: www.wilfs-cafe.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#23 - Surf The Turf (Sedgewick)

Fun for the whole family! Boards, helmets, and pads available for hire and for sale. Our qualified instructors will help you progress from the fun of the beginners green run through to the excitement of the intermediate blue slope and onto the sheer exhilaration of the expert black run boarder-X track.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 07740 861 019 E-Mail: surf-the-turf@hotmail.co.uk	Surf The Turf (Across from the Maize Maze) Rains Hall farm Sedgwick Cumbria	For more information see: www.surf-the-turf-.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#24 - The Masons Arms (Strawberry Bank)

We offer good local wholesome food, freshly prepared, using top quality produce. We carry an excellent and affordable range of wines and we are proud of our extensive selection of great beers from around the world. Our recent refurbishment has retained the traditional bar and terrace features and a new fifty seat dining room reflects our desire to create a unique and special dining experience. In addition we have provided canopies and heaters to our outdoor terrace area, allowing our guests to dine, relax and enjoy the spectacular location of the Masons Arms.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015395 68486 E-Mail: info@masonsarmss trawberrybank.co.uk	The Masons Arms Strawberry Bank Cartmel Fell Cumbria LA11 6NW	For more information see: www.masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#25 - Cruise on Steam Yacht Gondola (Coniston)

A short walk along the lake shore from Hoathwaite site.

Their sailing season runs from 1st April to 2nd November in 2012.
All cruises depart from Coniston pier, calling in at Brantwood and Monk Coniston. Half lake cruises take place every day, with full lake cruises on Saturdays (11am), Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays at 2pm.

Cruises depart Coniston pier (LA21 8AN):

• Mondays and Thursdays: 11am, 12noon, 2pm (Explorer: full lake), 4pm
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 11am, 12noon, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
• Saturdays: 11am (Walkers' Cruise: full lake), 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
• Sundays: 11am, 12noon, 2pm (Wild Cat Island: full lake), 4pm

Address	Info
LA21 8AN	For more information see: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gondola/ Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#26 - Brantwood House and Gardens (Coniston)

The former home of eminent Victorian social reformer, writer and artist. Explore Brantwood’s fascinating and extensive estate with one of their very knowledgeable guides. Easter to October: every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 2.15pm. No additional charge. No pre-booking required.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 41396 E-Mail: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk	Brantwood Coniston LA21 8AD Cumbria	For more information see: www.brantwood.org.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#27 - Bluebird Cafe by the pier (Coniston)

Situated on the shores of Coniston Water we are in a unique and idyllic location - the perfect place to take a break, relax and enjoy the view. They offer a varied choice of freshly prepared food and drink including a selection of beers and wine, together with assorted gifts and Campbell and Bluebird memorabilia.

Watch the boats go by and survey the magnificent view from the cafe which has been beautifully refurbished.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 41649 E-Mail: eat@thebluebirdcafe.co.uk trawberrybank.co.uk	The Bluebird Café Lake Road Coniston Cumbria LA21 8AN	For more information see: www.thebluebirdcafe.co.uk Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#28 - The Ruskin Museum (Coniston)

There has been a Ruskin Museum in Coniston since 1901, when W.G. Collingwood, a local artist and antiquarian who had been Ruskin's secretary, set it up both as a memorial to Ruskin and a celebration of the area's heritage. Therefore, although the museum has a Ruskin collection, there are also exhibits relating to the coppermines, slate, geology, lace, farming and Donald Campbell. The museum was extended in 1999 with the help of a Heritage Lottery grant; additional building with modern design-work, computer displays, and hands-on exhibits have transformed the look of the two galleries.

Find out about the Campbells and their dare devil speed attempts on Coniston Water as well as the 'Swallows and Amazons' connections and much much more.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 41164	Ruskin Museum Coniston Cumbria England LA21 8DU	For more information see: www.ruskinmuseum.com Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#29 - Hire a Canoe or learn to sail (Coniston)

at Coniston Boating Centre by Coniston Pier. Electric bikes for hire. Visit the Coniston attractions group website for events and news.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel: 015394 41366 E-Mail: conistonbc@lakedistrict.gov.uk		For more information see: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/conistonboatingcentre Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!

#30 - Wood Carving & Bushcraft Courses

at Woodmatters Kendal, Cumbria. Autumn courses in spoon carving, rustic bench and stool making and family bushcraft days 22 September - 3 November 2012.

Contact	Address	Info
Tel:07702 256 425 E-Mail: gareth@woodmatters.org.uk	13 Old Lound, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7EH	For more information see: Woodmatters courses webpage Please mention 4 winds Lakeland tipis when visiting or booking!