Maple Cottage - The Local Area
Situated in South Lakeland and with good access to major roads, visitors to Maple Cottage will be spoilt for choice when planning their daily itinerary. The North Lakes, Furness Peninsular, Lancashire coast and Yorkshire Dales are all within easy reach.
The 'centre' of South Lakeland and only 14 miles from the cottage is Lake Windermere. As well as many picturesque towns and villages around the lake, such as Bowness and Hawkshead, there are many attractions to be visited including Fell Foot Country Park, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the Aquarium of the Lakes, the World of Beatrix Potter and the Steamer service which runs the length of the lake.
The nearest main town is Kendal, famous for its quaint yards and streets. There are many attractions including the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Brewery Arts Centre, Lakes Leisure Centre, Quaker Tapestry Exhibition and the 1657 Chocolate House.
To the southern side of the Kent Estuary, visible from the cottage, lies the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounding Arnside Knott. Home to rare butterflies and alpine plants, there are many beautiful walks in the area with wonderful views over Morecambe Bay and the estuary.
The Cartmel Peninsula has many attractions. Cartmel itself is centred around the beautiful 12th century Priory and 14th century Gatehouse. It is also home to England's smallest National Hunt racecourse. There are excellent shops and several good places to eat. The nearby Edwardian seaside of Grange-over-Sands and boasts an excellent choice of tea rooms together with walks along the 'prom' and ornamental ponds.
Head inland to Coniston, peace and tranquillity surround both the lake and the village. Not far away is Grizedale Forest where there is a Visitors' Centre, cycle hire, country walks, sculpture trail and Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin.
Other attractions in the local area and well worth a mention are:-
Levens Hall and Gardens - within an easy walk. An Elizabethan house, home of the Bagot family, containing Jacobean furniture, plasterwork and panelling. World famous topiary gardens, lunches and gift shop.
RSPB Reserve at Leighton Moss - a large reedbed in a part wooded limestone valley close to Morecambe Bay. Breeding site of the rare Bittern. Five hides, walks, gifts and café.
Sizergh Castle and Gardens N.T. - A fortified mansion with wonderful grounds and walks including the National trust's largest limestone rock garden. Close by is the award winning Low Sizergh Barn, Farm Shop, Tearoom and Craft gallery.
Kirby Lonsdale - historic market town on the River Lune. A popular tourist attraction which is famous for the medieval Devil's Bridge mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Other attractions are Ruskin's View, 11th century parish church and lovely riverside walks.
For the golfer there are several courses in the area including Grange-over- Sands, Windermere and Kendal. Other activities which can be found locally are horse riding, fishing, quad biking, paint balling and of course walking with many footpaths leading from the door. We are also just off the Cumbria Cycleway.
These are just a sample of the attractions available. In the cottage there are maps, guide books and up to date leaflets for your reference.
For further information please see www.lakelandgateway.info