Norfolk is a beautiful and historic county situated on the east coast of England and bordering Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Being a largely rural country with a low population density, Norfolk is a great place to experience a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Britain. Around every corner you will find pretty villages, historic churches, miles of unspoilt beaches, countryside and rivers teeming with wildlife.

The historic city of Norwich is Norfolk’s county town and visitors will find so much on offer in the vibrant regional capital. In particular shopping in Norwich is a delight. It is listed in the top five shopping destinations in Britain and visitors can be sure of finding just what they are after. There is a mix of high street brands, two shopping centres, four large department stores and a large number of independent shops, in addition to a permanent six-day market.

Some of the smaller towns in Norfolk, such as Holt, Diss, Swaffham, Burnham Market and Dalegate Market offer a more sedate shopping experience. Here you will find independent retailers and local suppliers and don’t forget the Norfolk farmers’ markets, the craft outlets, the art galleries, the local delis and those little gift shops with the perfect souvenir for you to take back home.

For anyone planning to visit Norfolk during the festive period, Thursford is an absolute must. This is the home of the most popular and spectacular Christmas show in Britain today. As if the dazzling Christmas Spectacular isn’t enough, you and your family can also become part of the ultimate Santa’s Magical Journey into Christmas, where children can visit Father Christmas in his very special house. However, Thursford is not only magnificent at Christmas. You can visit the amazing sights and sounds of the beautiful Thursford Collection, the world largest collection of steam engines and organs throughout the year.

North Norfolk is a holiday destination set apart in its location and it s character, a perfect destination for holidays and weekend breaks. Here you will find a wealth of superb places to stay including North Norfolk B&B accommodation, hotels, self catering cottages and caravan and camping parks.

The Norfolk Broads is one of the most popular inland waterways in Europe and provides the perfect setting for a holiday, short break or a day trip. The Norfolk Broads is also Britain’s largest protected wetland with status equivalent to a National Park. The beautiful, wild expanse of 125 miles of lock-free navigable rivers, shallow lakes, woodland, fens and grazing marshes, is home to some of the rarest plants and wildlife in the UK to the Swallowtail butterfly to the reclusive bittern.

There truly is no shortage of things to see and do in Norfolk from visitor centres, sightseeing tours, theatre productions, animal attractions and a wide range of outdoor activities including cycling and watersports.

Keswick, with some of the most spectacular scenery in England and located in the largest national park in England, the Lake District National Park.

Whilst fell walking is probably the most popular reason for visitors to Lakeland, there are other activities based around Keswick that are available for those who enjoy the Great Outdoors. Golf, Canoeing, Cricket, Bowls, Mini Golf and sailing are all provided nearby. There are Golf Courses at Keswick (at Threkeld, with great views of the surrounding hills on a course with only one bunker), at Cockermouth, Maryport, Workington and at St Bees, the westernmost point of the famous Coast to Coast walk. There are also courses at Kendal and Windermere, Penrith and Appleby, as well as many along the coast. Outdoor bowling, tennis and putting are found at Fitz Park, whilst Hope Park caters for miniature golf enthusiasts. Derwentwater provides facilities for sailing, canoeing and rowing.

Fell walking
Fell walking close to Keswick on Skiddaw or Blencathera provides the more adventurous with a challenge, whereas the Borrowdale and Newlands Valleys provide for more leisurely and reflective walking. A walk through wooded upland brings you to a small hill called Castlehead. From the top the views are exceptional, revealing the entire three-mile length of Derwentwater and a vista of Borrowdale that allows you to look into its distant jaws. Apart from devising your own walks, the Tourist Information Office have leaflets and information showing walks which afford good exercise and splendid views. When walking on the hills, planning and great care must be employed. Whilst objects of great beauty, the weather can make the hills dangerous places. A leaflet is available throughout the National Park, entitled ‘Enjoy the Hills in Safety’. Telephone 08700 550575 to use the National Park Authority’s 24-hour ‘Weather Service’.

Keswick is geared up for activities and makes an excellent destination for families. Keswick hotels can be found with family friendly rooms and with excellent leisure facilities on site. These facilities include heated swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, putting greens and some even have games rooms with both board games and computer games such as Wii consoles installed. As there is no way of guaranteeing dry weather in the Lakes, on site facilities in Keswick hotels to keep children (and adults!) entertained is a real bonus.

Breamount House offers excellent Windermere B&B accommodation in a traditional Victorian Lakeland house, which located midway between Windermere and Bowness.

The house was built in 1897 and has since been tastefully converted into a 4 star Guest House. Braemount has also achieved a Silver Award as a reflection of their high standard of service.

At Braemount House you will find everything you need for that truly romantic break including 4 poster beds, a luxury private suite and free use of a local leisure club with swimming pool, sauna and steam room.

Guests can start the day with a traditional full english breakfast or perhaps try Braemount’s scrumptious scrambled egg and smoked salmon speciality, and for those wanting something lighter or for vegetarians they have plenty of alternatives to offer. On warm summer days guests can even enjoy breakfast out on the terrace.

Braemount House offers a sunny, mature garden for guests to relax in and Lake Windermere is just a short stroll away.

Windermere and Bowness both have plenty to offer including an excellent array of shops, restaurants, visitor attractions that include The World of Beatrix Potter and a even cinema.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park was established in 1954 and covers an area of 680 square miles.

The magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park offering dramatic scenery and spectacular walks – literally from many Yorkshire Dales hotels doorsteps.

For any walking abilities there are footpaths, peaks and trails to suit anyone including the famous Three Peaks of Whernside, Pen-Y-Ghent and Ingleborough.

Also in the immediate locality is some of the most dramatic limestone scenery in Europe, including the Ingleborough Cave, with its dazzling stalactites and stalagmites. Gaping Gill, the most dramatic of North Yorkshire’s pot holes, where water hurtles down in a single jet over 365ft to the floor. Another nearby natural feature is Malham Cove. Once a waterfall and now an impressive cliff topped by an extensive area of limestone pavement.

A short drive away is the picturesque market town of Kirkby Lonsdale with walks along the Lune Valley to the famous Ruskin’s View, with magnificent views of the hills beyond, and just a short walk from the town centre is the dramatic Devil’s Bridge.

The renowned Settle to Carlisle Railway – passing through some of the most spectacular Dales & Lakeland landscapes including the Ribblehead Viaduct – is a popular day out with Settle being just 5 miles away.

Other activities and attractions very much worth a visit are:-
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Falconry Centre
Gaping Gill
Ingleborough Cave
Settle to Carlisle Railway
Ingleton’s Waterfalls
Malham Cove
White Scar Caves
Skipton Castle
Yorkshire Castles

Enjoying a few days or even weeks in the Dales is probably one of the best ways of relaxing and appreciating the beautiful surroundings of this magnificent countryside. It is so varied and has so many different facets.

In order for you to fully enjoy your stay in the Yorkshire Dales, some Yorkshire Dales hotels have teamed up with the Yorkshire Dales Guides and can now offer a full itinerary of sporting and outdoor pursuits including fishing, shooting, pony trekking, quad biking and golf.
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The Lodore Falls Hotel in Borrowdale valley played host to past members of staff during a weekend reunion in Keswick. Over 60 ex staff and several current employees got together to renew friendships and memories.

The reunion attracted past employees from all over the world including Peter Dixon and his wife who travelled especially from Australia for the occasion and stayed on to see friends in the Lake District. Also present was Kurt Hartmann and his wife who travelled from Germany. Kurt was Head Chef at the Lodore Falls Hotel for 27 years and it was he who taught current Head Chef Mike Ward.

The reunion began with afternoon tea at Lake District Hotels ltd Lodore Falls Hotel, followed by an evening trip into Keswick for drinks and a friendly pub catch up.
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A quiet little hotel nestled in the village of Far Sawrey near Ambleside and only a short walk to the famous National Trust home of Beatrix Potter – Hill Top Farm. This Lake District Inn offers good, clean and basic accommodation with hearty bar food served in its cosy Claife Crier bar. It is popular with walkers, cyclists and the weekend traveler alike, you will find a warm welcome at the Sawrey Hotel.  Families and those wishing to bring their pet away to the Lake District are all welcome at this Lake District Inn near Ambleside.

The Peak District spans an area of over 500 square miles lying mainly in Derbyshire but also stretching into the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, South and West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The Peak District was Britain’s first national park, designated in 1951 and is the fourth largest National Park in the UK.
It is a hugely popular national park due to its location with an estimated 20 million people living within a one hour drive. Being on the doorstep of Greater Manchester and Sheffield, this isn’t a huge surprise.

The region is divided into sections known as The Dark Peak, The White Peak, The Staffordshire Moorlands and the Derbyshire Dales. The highest point in the Peak District is Crowden Head on Kinder Scout at a height of 2070 feet above sea level. Kinder Scout is located in The Dark Peak area and can be accessed from Edale which is also the start of the Pennine Way. Most of the region is over 1000 metres above sea level but unlike the craggy Lake District and Snowdonia hills, the Peak District hills are more undulating being soft and rounded.

The appeal of a self catering holiday is growing. A self catering holiday can give a greater freedom and more space for families and allow multiple couples or friends to go away together, splitting costs and creating a good value holiday. Cottages in the Peak District can be found in many villages as well as off the beaten track should a totally “get away from it all” holiday be required. Derbyshire cottages can be found in an abundance of styles from unique character properties to spacious, luxury holiday cottages fitted with all the latest gadgets and conveniences.

Walking is the main activity here, both in the Dark Peak and in the hills to the north. The Pennine Way starting from Edale, winds its way up the Pennine chain. The White Peak covers the limestone dales towards the market town of Bakewell. In addition to walking, climbing ‘nursery slopes’ surround the Hope Valley can also be experienced. All the equipment and tuition required can be found Cycle Hire, Horse riding & Treking can be arranged locally, as can Day Fishing in Ladybower Reservoir (seasonal).

When staying in a Peak District cottage, there is never a shortage of activities. Of course going for a walk up one of the many peaks and experiencing the views is a must but there are hundreds of other attractions. Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, set in 1,000 acres of parkland: a magnificent house and gardens, model farmyard, adventure playground, shops & restaurant. Haddon Hall, a romantic fortified medieval manor, home of the Rutland family, with delightful terraced gardens and restaurant. Eyam Hall preserves the domestic scene of the 17th century, where the Wright family have come and gone for 300 years. Hardwick Hall was created by one of the great characters of the Elizabethan era, Bess of Hardwick. The original tapestries & needlework are displayed. The National Trust now administer Hardwick Hall and many others in this area Calke Abbey, Kedlestone, Sudbury, Gawsworth and the moorland estates of Longshaw & The High Peak.

Cartmel is a medieval village situated on the edge of the southern Lake District. The 12th century Cartmel Priory typifies this village both in architecture and history. It is still used for worship today as it has been for over 800 years and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The other main attraction for visitors to Cartmel is the racecourse. With the first recorded race said to have taken place on the mid 1800’s, Cartmel races continues to grow in stature and popularity year on year. The creation of a new grandstand, with the back drop of the beautiful southern Lake District coupled with catering to rival any top race event has really put Cartmel on the map.

Cartmel is very much becoming a gastronomic destination. Cartmel and its surrounding villages have some of the best examples of Lake District gastronomy in the whole of Cumbria and the Lake District. Even though many of the restaurants and public houses are located within historic buildings, the food served is right in the 21st century using the finest locally sourced produce that is found in an abundance in the south Lakeland area.

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of the most famous exports from Cartmel. The pudding is now sold all over the United Kingdom and even world with high class restaurants in London serving this still handmade in Cartmel pudding.

With its top quality food, beautiful historical buildings, race course and spectacular scenery, it’s not hard to believe that Cartmel attracts a cosmopolitan visitor. Luckily, Cartmel offers some stunning luxury Lake District self catering properties including Ford House in Cartmel which sleeps up to 10 people. When attending the races, what better place to stay in than a beautiful Grade II listed manor house or a beautiful double-fronted period property in Cartmel.

Nearby attractions also include Holker Hall (a stately home with lovely gardens and grounds and a cafe, Cark-in-Cartmel), the Lakeland Motor Museum (In addition to vintage and classic motors, the museum now features of faithfully recreated period shop fronts and also has a themed gift shop. It is now located at its new site in Backbarrow, on the main A590) and Brantwood (an historic house & gardens which used to be the home of John Ruskin with a shop, café and terrace on the east side of Coniston Water).

The towns of Bowness and Windermere are arguably the most vibrant and popular places in whole of the Lake District. They are busy for most of the year with people coming to enjoy the facilities offered by Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. These include lake cruises to Waterhead in Ambleside and Lakeside at Newby Bridge, sailing, canoeing, fishing and the Windermere car ferry, which runs between Ferry Nab at Bowness and Far Sawrey.

Windermere is a great base for exploring the Lake District thanks to its excellent transport links. Windermere Railway station offers rail connections to Kendal and Oxenholme and it also has direct trains to and from Manchester Airport. Buses also run regularly from Windermere station including southbound journeys to Kendal and northbound journeys to Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick.

There is plenty for the whole family to do in and around Windermere including looking round some of the superb shops and visitor attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter where all 23 Peter Rabbit tales are brought to life in 3D. Other local places of interest include …

Blackwell Arts & Crafts:
House in Bowness which is a superb example of the Arts & Crafts movement;

Hilltop - Near Sawrey:
Take the ferry and visit the writer’s 17th century cottage at the other side of Lake Windermere and see it exactly as she left it complete with her furniture and china.

Lakes Aquarium:
The Lakes Aquarium is located on the Southern shore of Windermere and can be accessed by taking a lake steamer from Bowness to Lakeside at Newby Bridge. Here visitors have the chance to see many exotic and local fish.

William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage:
Here visitors can visit the home of England’s famous romantic poet at Grasmere. The adjacent Wordsworth Museum displays national treasures of the poet. There is an onsite tea room and gift shop.

The Lake District National Park Visitor Centre:
At Brockhole, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, ideal family entertainment with interactive exhibitions and adventure playground. Whatever the weather.

For more active visitors there are plenty of walking routes available around Windermere including walks to spectacular viewpoints at Orrest Head and Biskey Howe where you will find breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and as far out as Morecambe Bay on a clear day. Windermere Golf Club is a very picturesque course and here you can relax after your round in the golf club restaurant with great views of surrounding mountains.

To take full advantage of Windermere visitors should look to stay in a luxury Bowness Bed and Breakfast where you will find the highest quality Lake District Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

The picturesque village of Ambleside is located at the very heart of the Lake District National Park at the head of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. For a small village of just 2000 residents there is plenty for visitors to the area to see and do. There is a plethora of specialist shop including independent outdoor stores, art galleries and craft shops. There is also an excellent choice of places to eat and drink including traditional pubs and restaurants that cater for just about all tastes including Thai, Italian, English, Continental, Indian and Chinese cuisine.

When it comes to Historic Houses and Gardens visitors will find a wealth of properties available within a short distance of Ambleside. These include …

Brockhole Visitor Centre:
Located near Windermere with beautiful grounds, lakeshore access, children’s adventure playground, café gift shop full disability access and plenty of parking. Various events throughout the year.

Rydal Mount:
William Wordsworth’s home for 37 years until his death in 1850. He moved here in 1813 with his wife, 3 children (two had died the previous year), sister Dorothy and sister-in-law Sara Hutchinson and adapted the home to suit his lifestyle - adding another storey to accommodate his library. Some of his personal effects are on view including letters relating to his appointment as Poet Laureate. Outside, the four-acre fellside garden, landscaped by Wordsworth, was designed to blend in with the surrounding land and is virtually unchanged today.

Armitt Museum & Library:
Combined museum, library and art gallery that explores the history of Ambleside and its surroundings from Roman times to the present day, with emphasis on literary and artistic connections. There are Roman and later artefacts, exquisite watercolours of fungi by Beatrix Potter, historic photographs of old Ambleside, paintings and collages by Kurt Schwitters (influential pioneer of Merz assemblage art), and an archive of over 10,000 local resource books. Regularly changing exhibitions of artwork. Hands-on activities include interactive computer screens, a children’s ‘archaeological dig’ and block printing.

Townend, Troutbeck:
This yeoman’s farmhouse, a fine example of Lake District vernacular architecture was the home of many generations of the Browne family from the early 17th Century until 1943. As the same family lived here for so many years, the house is very well preserved. Inside the oak pannelling and most of the ornately carved furniture and equipment were originally owned by the family. 

Bridge House:
This much photographed tiny house on a bridge over Stock Beck was built as an apple store in 1723. It is one of the few buildings in Cumbria to have retained its original wrestler slates on the roof ridge. In 1926, local subscribers bought Bridge House and handed it to the National Trust, who own the property today.

Galava Roman Fort:
The Romans built a fort here in AD 120, on a raised platform to avoid flooding from the rivers Rothay and Brathay. Before being abandoned by the Romans shortly before AD400. On site there are interpretation panels provide information on how the fort would have looked and operated.

Brantwood Coniston:
The former home of John Ruskin, explore Brentwood’s estate and gardens or experience contempory art at the Sevren Studio. To take full advantage of Ambleside visitors should look to stay in one of the area’s fine hotels, B&Bs, self catering holiday homes, or perhaps a luxury Ambleside Guest House. A guide to holiday accommodation in the area is available on www.staylakedistrict.co.uk.

Lying to the west of the Coniston Mountain Range, between the southern reach of the Duddon Valley and the wide gentle plains of the Duddon Estuary, Broughton is a bustling town, full of activities, and a perfect base for exploring one of Cumbria’s most unspoiled and dramatic landscapes.

The history of Broughton dates back many centuries with the oldest building thought to be the church of St Mary Magdelene, first built as part of an eleventh century Saxon settlement. The church today is the result of a major restoration taken place in 1873 by the firm of Paley and Austin.

Over time, Broughton became an important market town, a centre of the wool trade and the manufacture of the oak baskets known as swills. Among the little back streets you would have found blacksmiths, millers, tanners, dressmakers and cobblers carrying out their crafts in readiness for the weekly markets.

During the reign of Elizabeth I the town was granted a charter giving permission to hold fairs. To this day, each year on the 1st August, there is the ceremonial ‘Reading of the Charter’, where pennies are thrown to the children.

Today many of the houses and buildings are Georgian, centred on the elegant town square, built by the Lord of the Manor to resemble a London Square. The Market Hall, a fine structure, was built in 1766, originally housing small lock up shops and is now the home of the Tourist Information Centre, exhibiting locally produced glassware, ceramics and paintings. In the centre of the square is a fine obelisk, erected to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George III in 1810, and stands next to both the ancient fish slabs, used to sell fish caught in the River Duddon and Estuary, and the village stocks for those who broke the laws or behaved in an unseemly manner.

For day to day needs Broughton is perfectly self contained with some good shops, inns and restaurants. On Prince’s Street there is Melville Tysons Grocer and Butcher. The shelves groan with preserves, chutneys, wine and pastas; the deli counter has a fabulous selection of cheeses, hams, salami, olives and pastries and the butcher sells the finest cuts, many from locally produced fell bred stock. Next door is the Village Bakery and Cafe. Using only the finest produce to bake their wonderful fresh breads, pastries and cakes the aroma as you pass is enough to draw anybody inside. Finally on Prince’s Street, is the Post Office selling local maps, books, ice cream and general goods.

To take full advantage of Broughton in Furness visitors should look to stay in one the area’s fine Lake District cottages and self catering holiday homes.