Otterburn is situated in the North East of England in the county of Northumberland.

Otterburn is a small, idyllic village around 30 miles north of Newcastle in the Northumberland National Park and within the Cheviot Hills. In fact, it is located just 16 miles from the Scottish borders which makes it a fantastic place to stop off when visiting Scotland with Edinburgh only 75 miles away. For walkers staying in Otterburn, the Cheviots are a must to visit with nearly 40 peaks over 500 metres in height.

The major sites to see around the area are Hadrian’s Wall and Alnwick Castle of recent ‘Harry Potter’ fame, although there are a host of other attractions like  Beamish, Bamburgh Castle, Cragside House, Wallington House, St Aidan’s Winery, Barter Books, Northumbria Craft Centre, Otterburn Mill, Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Park to name just a few in the area.  If you fancy a day in the city Newcastle is under an hour’s drive away with its famous Metro Centre and its many, many, many shops providing excellent retail therapy!

The charm of Northumberland is its rolling countryside, diverse wildlife and heritage which come in abundance. Driving on roads such as the A696 is a pleasure running from Otterburn right down to Newcastle through some lovely villages. You will also drive past some of the most stunning castles in the whole of England. Having been part of the Roman Empire, Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. Bamburgh being the most famous and imposing of all the castles sitting on the Bamburgh coast. It is also the largest inhabited castle in England. Alnwick Castle is a mere 27 miles from Otterburn. Alnwick Castle celebrated its seven hundred years anniversary last year so it’s a great time to embrace the history, art and breathtaking scenery. You can take a stroll down the Alnwick Gardens or simply explore. A great venue to take the whole family.

Northumberland has one of the lowest population densities in the United Kingdom and it really does make for a complete getaway when visiting this area. There is space, room, endless unspoilt countryside but at the same time, some of the friendliest and accommodating people you’ll meet on your weekend away or holiday.

There are only a handful of Northumberland hotels in the Northumberland National Park which again accentuates the feeling of space and complete lack of overcrowding. You feel as if you are a world away from the pressures of modern life and yet Newcastle and its airport are under an hour away and Morpeth, Hexham and Jedburgh even closer.

When staying in a Northumbria hotel, you will be spoilt for choice of local produce. Northumberland is a paradise for game due to its landscape but the Cheviot lamb absolutely has to be sampled as well as the seafood which is often described as some of the best outside of Scotland.

Oldfield House is a former Victorian Gentleman’s residence that now offers high quality bed & breakfast accommodation in Windermere. The house is set in a quiet residential area away from the busy main road, yet is still within easy walking distance of Lake Windermere. This Windermere Guest House is the ideal location for your short break in the English Lake District, whether you are walking in the Mountains, exploring the world of Beatrix Potter or taking in all the other events and attractions the area has to offer.

The location allows a for very quiet night’s sleep, so if its relaxation you are after, then Oldfield House is place for you.

All rooms are appointed with many creature comforts with high quality linen, luxury Egyptian cotton towels, LCD Tv’s, beverage tray and bathroom ammenties. And for those worried about car parking, they have ample spaces available for guests.

For more details please visit www.oldfieldhouse.co.uk

Raise View House dates back to the 1900’s and was once the village shop. The atmosphere is one of charm and style usually associated with luxurious Grasmere B&B accommodation.

The garden is a picture at all times of the year and with the dramatic backdrop of the Easedale Fells and the famed ‘Lion and the Lamb’ it is without doubt a special and memorable view.

An abundance of fresh flowers, picture lined walls, a real fire on cold days, fine Wedgwood Countryware china and stylish sympathetic décor are just some of the ingredients of this delightful Guest House.

Proprietors, Karen and John, are true ‘Lake Lovers’ and their desire for guests to enjoy their stay at Raise View House is obvious.

The House is furnished to the highest standards and Karen’s flair for interior design is apparent. Farrow & Ball, The Little Greene Paint Company, Designers Guild, Laura Ashley, Jane Churchill, Nina

Campbell, The White Company & Colefax & Fowler are just some of the designer companies used in Raise View House to create this feeling of luxury but in relaxed surroundings.

You are encouraged to relax in the exquisitely furnished guest lounge where English Heritage colours and Designers Guild fabrics from the Royal Collection blend together to give a rich warm glow and possibly

enjoy your favourite ‘tipple’ from our well stocked honesty bar.

For our cat loving guests Oscar and Tilly will be delighted to welcome you to Raise View.

Carlisle is a unique city and boasts a renowned history with so much to see and do from its 11th century castle to its beautiful sandstone cathedral.

Many Carlisle hotels and b&b’s are conveniently located not just for exploring historic Carlisle but also the beautiful English Lake District, Eden Valley, the Scottish Borders and Hadrian’s Wall. Whether you are visiting friends or family, business or pleasure Carlisle has something to offer everyone.

Along the City of Carlisle’s northern extent is the Solway Firth, which forms the western section of the Anglo-Scottish border, and thus divides the city from Dumfries and Galloway, one of the council areas of Scotland. To the east is the English county of Northumberland; to the south is the district of Eden and to the west and south-west the borough of Allerdale, both in the county of Cumbria.

There are plenty of things to do when staying in Carlisle hotels and bed and breakfasts. Information for a selection  can be found below:

Arts, Music, Theatre
High Head Sculpture Valley - Magnificent life-size sculptures imaginatively displayed in a natural woodland valley
The Sands Centre - Cumbria’s premier sports and live arts venue
Stanwix Theatre    Situated on the main campus of Cumbria Institute of the Arts, this 216 seat theatre was completely refurbished in 2000.
Tullie House Museum - Discover Carlisle’s Millennium Gallery with its spectacular mix of traditional and cutting edge works.

Attractions
Gretna green Story and Blacksmith’s Shop - World Famous – become part of Gretna’s romantic history
Linton Tweeds - History of weaving and see the 100 year old looms in use

Cycle Routes
Carlisle and Eden Valley Circular Cycle Route - 112 mile route with shorter loops taking in the beautiful Eden Valley. More information and a Route Guide (£1.50) can be obtained from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre.
The Reivers Cyle Route - This 175 mile route from Tynemourth to Whitehaven, passes through Carlisle before travelling north to the Scottish Borders.
The Hadrians Cycle Way - This is a new 174 mile long distance cycle route from Ravensglass to Southshields. Most of the route is now open with the remaining sections open from 2007.

Forts and Museums
Birdoswald Roman Fort and Visitor Centre - Extremely picturesque setting along the wall, overlooking river Irthing gorge
Guildhall Museum - The Guildhall Museum situated in the heart of the city of Carlisle, has been the home to Carlisle’s historic Trade Guilds for over 500 years
Tullie House Museum - Discover Carlisle’s Millennium Gallery with its spectacular mix of traditional and cutting edge works.

Golf
Aglionby Golf Club, Carlisle    Tel: 01228 513029
Brampton Golf Club        Tel: 01697 72255
Eden Golf Course        Tel: 01228 573003
Stoney Holme Golf Club        Tel: 01228 625511
Silloth Golf Club        Tel: 016973 31304

Historic Sites
Border & Kings Regiment Museum    Two floors of displays tell the story of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment from 1702 to date, with uniforms, weapons, silver, paintings and medals.
Carlisle Castle    Formidable medieval fortress reveals the past of this historic city
Carlisle Cathedral - Founded in 1122, Carlisle Cathedral is an impressive building, dominating the skyline from across the city.
Lanercost Priory - Founded in 1166, sited in peaceful valley of the River Irthing
Ravenglass Roman Bath House - Remains of a bath house established in AD130 are among the most complete in Britain.

Natural History
The Cumberland Bird Of Prey Centre - Provides courses and activities as well as displays and corporate events.
Kingmoor Nature Reserve (north and South) - Explore historic woodland and a variety of natural history in these two nature reserves
Talkin Tarn Country Park - 65 acre lake amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland, making it the ideal place for active recreation or a quite stroll.

Shops and Markets
Carlisle Cathedral Shop    A range of gifts and cathedral souvenirs
Cranstons - Traditional butchers with a large range of products made by this family firm.
Cumbrian Cottage Farm Shop - Home-made ice-creams are sold in their farm shop alongside cheeses, fresh vegetables, cakes, jams and pickles
Harrison and Hetherington Farmers Market - Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Second Friday of the month
The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle - Great shopping with some of the best high street names
The Victorian Market Hall, Carlisle - One of the few covered Victorian Markets remaining in the Country, selling everything from fresh meat and vegetables, haberdashery, clothes, florists, stationery and much more.

Sport
Carlisle Racecourse - Carlisle Racecourse is situated at Blackwell on the outskirts of Carlisle and is set in beautiful open countryside
The Sands Centre - Cumbria’s premier sports and live arts venue
Sheepmount stadium - The Sheepmount Stadium is home to Carlisle’s six lane, synthetic, athletics facility as well as numerous cricket, hockey, football and rugby pitches.

Walking
Hadrians Wall Path National Trail - Walking the 84 mile (135km), provides a continuous long distance path from Wallsend on the River Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria and passes through picturesque scenery on both sides of the Border. Many Carlisle hotels are only a short distance from the line of the National Trail, perfect for a short stay en-route for the final leg of your journey
Cumbrian Way - The Cumbrian Way is a 68 mile walk providing an excellent introduction to the English Lake District, England’s most mountainous area.

When it comes to places to stay, visitors will find Carlisle offers a wide range of quality accommodation, from friendly budget priced Carlisle bed and breakfast right the way through to luxury Carlisle hotels. Whether you want a peaceful country retreat or a convenient city centre stop over you are sure to find the ideal place to stay.

Spas date back to Roman times where relaxation, rejuvenation and healing were sought through hot mineral spring water. Still today, spas offer many of the same services offered at spas in Roman times and they still stand for the same, relaxation, rejuvenation and healing.

Combining a spa treatment with a holiday or weekend away is becoming more and more popular and thankfully now, you do not have to go abroad and spend a fortune in order to do so. With the stresses of work and family life, the ability for total relaxation and making the most out of a much deserved weekend break is a must and places such as hotels Surrey have seen high quality spas hotels opening recently.
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Bassenthwaite Lake
Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest of the Lake District at approximately 4 miles long and ¾ miles wide. Despite its size this long and narrow lake is very shallow, at its deepest point it reaches a depth of just 70 feet. The Lake is easily accessible with the A66 dual carriageway running along the western edge. The laybys are extremely popular for people wanting to take pictures and a spot of bird watching.

Coniston Water
Coniston is the third largest of the lakes and is approximately 5 miles long and ½ a mile wide. The lake is hugely popular with tourist due to its large expanse of water, which contains a number of tranquil islands, as well as the stunning scenery. The lake was famously the setting for the book Swallows and Amazons as well as the setting for Donald Campbell’s ill fated attempt to break the water speed record.

Derwentwater
Derwentwater is approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide making it the widest lake in the Lake District. The lake has a number of islands within, one of which contains Derwent Island House which is open to the public just 5 days a year. The huge Skiddaw overlooking the lake and the nearby market town of Keswick make Derwent one of the most popular lakes for visitors.

Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest of all the lakes in the Lake District at approximately 9 miles long and ¾ of a mile wide. Regarded by many as the most beautiful of all the lakes, Ullswater often finds itself compared to lakes in Switzerland, such as Lucerne. This favourable comparison is thanks to the beautiful scenery with mountains to one side and green fields and woodland on the other. The lake is great for water sports, with canoeing, sailing and wind surfing particularly popular. There are also the more relaxing steamer boats that take you on a cruise of the lake.

Windermere
Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and is the largest in the whole of England at approximately 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. As well as being the largest of the lakes Windermere is also the most well known and has long been a very popular attraction for tourists. Many of the tourists who do visit end up taking part in at least one of the many on water activities available. These range from wake boarding, sailing and canoeing to a more sedate pleasure cruise.

About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Borrowdale Gates, one of the best hotels in Keswick.

It was reported that around 24% of the British adult population went away for the 2009 August Bank Holiday weekend. The August Bank Holiday weekend has always been one of the busiest and most popular Bank Holidays to go away. It is in a prime summer month and also the last Bank Holiday before Christmas. The weekend is one of the last before children return to school and the timing of it is ideal for both tourists taking their first break of the summer or as a short get away for those who have taken a holiday earlier in the summer.

Getting away for August Bank Holiday in the UK is a great idea especially in 2010. The Sterling to Euro exchange rate is still fairly poor and with holidays and prices abroad rising, staying in the UK has been a popular choice this summer. A long weekend is an excellent choice if money is tight and a holiday for a whole week is unaffordable. Another reason could be or if the time off work cannot be had.

Cumbria - The Lake District is a great place to visit for a Bank Holiday weekend as it is easily accessible, has a wide range of locations, activities and places to stay and visit and offers something different from a city break or holiday abroad. Keeping children entertained is easy in the Lake District with such a broad range of Lake District places to visit and activities. Listed below are a selection from across the region.
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For years now Windermere and its surrounding areas have been popular with a broad range of people.

Windermere is a popular destination for people of all ages, all tastes and all interests. Of course, Windermere is very famous as a base for walking the Lakeland fells and for doing many other outdoor activities but more and more visitors are coming to Windermere for a bit of luxury.

To add to the already long list of Windermere’s attributes and lures comes luxury. Windermere has some of the most stunning buildings with many of the larger residences being luxury Lake District hotels. In recent years, some of the luxury hotels have taken their attention to detail to another level. They have refurbished, redesigned, added on, decorated and paid even more attention to detail than before. Windermere now has some of the best hotels in the country and more than rival some of the famous hotels in south.

Dining has become a more prevalent factor in many hotels these days. Hotel restaurants often used to be of a pretty poor standard even when the hotel itself was of a high standard. Michelin starred restaurants are now common practice in hotels with big name chefs taking control at these luxury complexes.

Windermere couldn’t be in a better location for a restaurant to obtain top quality produce. Cumbria the Lake District has some of the finest local produce in the country from lamb and sausage to cheese, bread and cream. It really isn’t hard to understand why the Lake District is also now home to some of the finest restaurants in the north of England. Being relatively close to the coats means even the freshest seafood can be found.

Attention to detail is key for a luxury hotel from the service to rooms and outside areas. One hotel in Windermere which has seen recent refurbishment has produced a collection of rooms without compromise, most with patio doors leading onto the gardens and with either spa baths or hot tubs. They have also created luxury suites in a renovated Lake house with many having stunning views over a private lake. Constant refurbishment is essential in luxury hotels for complete perfection. Its gardens are as well looked after as the inside of the hotel with different seating areas. Their aim was to create a terrace that comprised different ‘rooms’ for people to sit in. This has been created by breaking up the terrace with different materials and features such as ponds with water features and raised beds. During the day, the south-facing terrace enjoys the sunshine, and at dusk the sunset can often be enjoyed with pre-dinner cocktails. On warm evenings the terrace is candle lit. Pathways lead from the terrace to the south gardens and to the wild meadow and llama paddock.

The special services available set luxury Windermere hotels apart from the rest. Organisation of spa treatments for example, private dining rooms, chauffeurs and touches such as the turning down of bed covers at night.

Ambleside Lodge, was originally built circa 1875 as a Gentleman‘s residence, and was named “Rothay Holme“ after the River Rothay which flows from Grasmere into Lake Windermere. Owning most of the land surrounding the church, both sides of the river and down to the lake, it commanded a respectable and enviable position in the community.

In 1912 it was then bought by the local council, and used primarily as council offices until 1978. The field was used for the local sheep auctions on the last Friday of every month, and one of the ground floor rooms was occupied by the local dentist.

The third owner of the property was the National trust, whom for 14 years used the building as their offices, and then finally after being empty for two years Rothay Holme was returned to private ownership.

Beautifully restored, and tastefully decorated, it reopened its doors to provide quality and elegant Lake District Bed and Breakfast accommodation to those visiting the National Park.

If you are searching for luxury Hotels in the Lake District, or Grasmere Hotels, consider Rothay Garden, no ordinary Lakeland Hotel. We’re one of the finest luxury Lake District hotels, the newest contemporary four star hotel in Cumbria. The hotel is situated on the edge of picturesque Grasmere village, nestling in two acres of classic Lake District riverside gardens, surrounded by the majestic Lakeland fells.

Wordsworth made Grasmere his home and it is easy to see why he was inspired by the Lake District views. The recent £2 million redevelopment has ensured we are one of the highest rated of all hotels in Grasmere and Ambleside, challenging the very best luxury Lake District hotels. The hotel has 25 beautiful bedrooms, five loft suites, an elegant candlelit conservatory restaurant overlooking the gardens, chic lounge bars and two AA rosette dining, which all combine to ensure you have the Lake District short break or holiday that you deserve.

Just outside our Grasmere hotel, the renowned Lake District awaits you - Grasmere really is the ‘jewel of the Lakes’ and Rothay Garden is the most centrally situated of the Lake District boutique hotels for the Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick area.

Mojos Bistro in Windermere serves superb, freshly prepared food in a relaxed and inviting setting.  They offer a wide range of meals including modern European dishes such as Swordfish, mixed together with traditional classics such as beef & ale pie, Cumberland sausage & mash and a range of high quality Fillet and Sirloin steaks.

This Windermere restaurant is owner managed so you can be assured of consistently high quality food, plus friendly and attentive service. Mojos is open 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday), except Bank Holidays (Tuesday to Sunday) and we serve food between 6pm and 9pm.

There is a beautiful function room available on the first floor for private dining, groups and birthday parties.

Hansons Used Caravans specialise in the buying, selling and transporting of quality used mobile homes and static caravans throughout the UK and Europe.

They provide second hand static caravans and quality used touring mobile homes to a varied customer base including;

• Full ownership on or off a holiday park
• Additional storage units
• Temporary accommodation
• Self build / renovation projects
• Staff accommodation for companies with seasonal work

Mobile homes range in price from £500 to £20,000 and should they not have a suitable caravan in stock, they guarantee to source one.

Various layout options are available (e.g. 2 or 3 bedrooms, double / single glazing) and all used static caravans and secondhand tourers are fully cleaned and prepared to a very high standard before they are delivered, enabling our customers to be able to move straight in.

Hansons Used Caravans are always looking to purchase static caravans and touring mobile homes. If you are looking to sell your mobile home or tourer, then please call Hanson on 01759 304996 / 07980 669774 for a quotation.

In additon to caravan sales, Hansons also provide caravan transport throughout the UK and Europe and they provide timed deliveries. This is a very specialised service, which can be difficult to source as various “wide load permits” are required. Hansons offer free quotations and site surveys regardless of whether you purchased your static caravan from them.