Cumbria and the Lake District have a wealth of great days out, not least those associated with our rich culture and history, linked to our World Heritage status. Here are five great National Trust attractions within easy reach of English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues.
Wray Castle
Wray Castle sits majestically on the western shore of the Lake Windermere and is great for family exploring, especially if you combine it by travelling to the attraction by bike, boat or on foot. This is a gothic looking castle complete with towers and turrets. Unlike many other National Trust properties, Wray Castle is not crammed with period furniture or paintings. Quite the contrary, it is relatively empty, which makes it great for inspiring children’s imaginations. They will love the castle-inspired activities like dressing up from the box of clothes provided, building their own castle, or crown making.
Check the website for the regular talks and walks, like Birds of Wray exploring the life of the resident birds, or Landmark in the Landscape, a 45 minute guided walk around the castle and grounds. Upping sticks at Sixty is another regular ten minute talk that explains how a couple from Liverpool built Wray Castle and chose life in the Lake District.
Admission
Adults £10, Child £5, Family £25
Parking £5 for 2 hours (free for N.T. members)
Townend House
This is a very important piece of social and farming history. Townend House was owned by the Brownes – an ordinary farming family living and working in the spectacular Troutbeck Valley from the 1700s. Their home welcomes you with a real fire that burns (most afternoons) in a cosy farmhouse kitchen, typical of the time, complete with an interesting collection of domestic tools and implements.
George Browne spent much of his time carving furniture, and you get a real glimpse of his character and personality through these pieces of well-loved wood. There’s a library with 1,500 books, all with evidence of use by the family, quite a number being the only remaining copies in the world. Elizabeth Browne’s cookery book is on display, containing 80 cookery recipes, such as bean cakes and Apricot paste, medicinal recipes, and 25 household instructions. On Thursday afternoons you can watch the dishes being re-created by staff in the farmhouse kitchen.
The cottage garden contains some beautiful prize-winning colourful flowers, and has been kept very much as the Brownes’ had it. There is also a trail from the garden to beautiful views of Windermere.
Admission
11am – 1pm Entry by guided tour only at 11 am and 12 noon on a first-come, first-served basis.
1 pm – 4.30 pm free flow visits (may close early due to poor light)
Adult £8, Child £4, Family £20 (Cash only)
Hill Top
The tales written by Beatrix Potter really come alive by visiting her home, packed full of her belongings and her character. This is a small house, and a very popular attraction, so you may need to wait to enter the house. Beatrix bought Hill Top, her much loved home in 1905 with the proceeds from the Tale of Peter Rabbit. It was from here that she was inspired to write many of her subsequent tales.
The cottage garden is a probably just as you have imagined it from her writings – a natural flurry of flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Admission
10 am – 4.30 pm daily (last entry to house 4 pm)
Adult £11.80, Child £5.90, Family £29.50
Sizergh Castle
Sizergh Castle is very much an important contribution to Cumbria’s history and heritage. Since the Battle of Agincourt, the Strickland family’s ancestors have played their part in defending the land. This 700 year history can be traced first-hand during a visit to Sizergh. Not only is there stunning medieval architecture, ancient crafted furniture and fine portrait paintings on show, but the castle sits in a beautiful, well-tended garden with surprises at every turn – woodland, meadow, lake, ponds, topiary and walled gardens
New for 2019, and seen for the first time in recent history, King James II’s silk Goan bedspread will be on display. This was a gift to the Strickland family in the 17th Century for their loyalty to the King.
Admission
House: Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 12 pm – 4 pm
Garden, Café & Shop: Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
Adult £12, Child £6, Family £30
Acorn Bank
With a fascinating history going back to the thirteenth century, Acorn Bank was first owned by the Knights Templar, who gave their name too the local town of Temple Sowerby. From 1543 to the 1930s Acorn Bank was occupied by Thomas Dalston, a gentleman landowner, and his descendants.
Famous for the gardens, and its huge herb collection – over 250 varieties – traditional fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. The produce is used to great effect in the Acorn Bank tea room, in soups, salads and sweet treats. In the house there is limited access as it is a work in progress, but you can visit the drawing room, entrance hall and the ascending stone cantilever staircase. There’s also a second-hand bookshop and gift shop. Daily guided tours are free, and are probably the best way to understand and experience the rich history of the house and gardens.
A short stroll from the house, alongside the stream, you will find a working watermill. Although it fell into disrepair in the 1940s, a dedicated team of volunteers have worked with a passion to bring this back to life. The mill wheel is in operation most weekends, and the flour produced can be purchased in the shop on site.
There are also a series of beautiful woodland walks to enjoy with views across the Eden Valley to the Lake District.
Check the website for details of Orchard Drop-in Days, Plant Dye workshops, Blossom Surveys and Herb Garden Tours
Admission
10 am – 5 pm daily
Adult £8.80, Child £4.40, Family £22
Three Great Afternoon Teas to Choose From
We can think of no better way to end your history and heritage day out than with an Afternoon Tea from Low Wood Bay, Waterhead, or The Wild Boar Inn. Follow the links for more information, and to book a table.
Many of our English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues guests love animals, whether that is up close and personal, or with a healthy respect from a distance. In the Lake District we have a great selection of Animal Attractions that will educate, entertain and thrill visitors. Here are just five of our favourites…
Lake District Wildlife Park
Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick
Twenty-four acres of parkland, a beautiful setting, and a large selection of wild and domestic animals makes this a great day out. Throughout the day there are lots of presentations which bring you up close and personal with the Lake District Wildlife Park’s favourite animal characters.
There are also experiences that can be purchased and booked in advance, such as Hawk Walk where you are taught to recall, hold and fly owls, hawks and even an eagle. Lemur Encounter is an opportunity to interact with a host of ring tailed lemurs and learn about their inquisitive and gentle nature. You are very likely to be climbed upon during the Meet the Meercats experience – another mob of inquisitive critters.
Conservation is very much part of the agenda at the park, including the development of their own farmland and woodland on the Armathwaite Hall Estate and the active support of six endangered species programmes.
The café serves a great range of home cooked meals and snacks, or bring your own picnic as there are both outdoor and under cover areas for use of visitors.
Admission
March to October 10 am – 5 pm; November to February 10 am – 4 pm
Adult £9.95; Concession £8.95
Child £7.95; Under 3s FREE
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mini-mammals, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis provides a huge variety of sights and sounds. Plan your trip at the weekend or during school holidays and you will be treated to engaging talks and experiences throughout the day. These include reptile handling, lemur and meerkat feeds, bug talk, snow leopard and reptile talk. A fascinating and educational all-age experience.
Book an extra up-close experience on the day of your booking and have an extra twenty minutes of small-group time with Monkeys, Lemurs, Meerkats when you will be able to feed them and find out much more about their character and personality. Become a Zookeeper for a day and shadow a real life keeper, one-on-one, as he cares for a whole range of animals.
Admission
Open 10 am – 5 pm, daily
Adults £8.95; Concession £7.60
Child aged 3 – 15 £6.75
Family 2 adults + 2 children = £26.55
Family 2 adults + 3 children = £29.70
Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre
Lowther, near Penrith
You will want to have your camera ready for this fascinating collection of Hawks, Falcons, Vultures, Eagles and Owls from around the world. The Bird of Prey Centre hosts a two hour flying display between 2 pm and 4 pm, and you will be encouraged to take a turn at flying them yourself, closely supervised by the keepers.
There is also a strong focus on birds of prey conservation through education, research and breeding, with a rehabilitation programme for injured and orphaned birds.
Admission
Open from 6th April, 12 noon to 5 pm daily
Adults £9
Children 5 – 16 £5; Under 5s FREE.
Family Ticket £25 (2 adults up to 3 children)
Predator Experience
Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands
Predator Experience was voted ‘best magic moment’ on the 30th anniversary edition of BBC Countryfile 2018. Located on a five acre site, this hugely popular experience is run by Daniel and Dee Ashman who have, between them, over 50 years of professional experience with birds of prey and predatory animal management. Their knowledge and enthusiasm ensures an exciting, high adrenalin and memorable visit.
It is advised to book at least a month in advance (and that’s for weekdays!) as the experiences are much sought after. Geared around small groups, you are guaranteed lots of interactive time with the keepers and the animals they care for. Some of the experiences involve walking in the Lake District with the animals, such as Walking with Wolves, Eagle Experiences and Hawk Walks. Others are on a meet and greet basis, such as Wolf and Fox Encounter, where you will get up close to wolf hybrids, Maska and Kajika, and red foxes Fynn and Todd.
The price of experience Days range from £65 to £115
Aquarium of the Lakes
Lakeside, Newby Bridge
Although a relatively small exhibition, with around thirty displays of freshwater and seawater inhabitants, the Aquarium of the Lakes is great for introducing children to life below the water. It has species such as seahorse, salmon, trout, pike, rays and sharks. The underwater Lake Tunnel is a clear favourite, and if you are there at 4 pm, the duck diving is very entertaining. There’s also a good selection of wild fowl, as well as otters, snakes, tortoises, and a colony of leaf-cutter ants.
Make more of the experience by booking a Lakes Cruises, Yellow Cruise & Lakes Aquarium, a round trip from Bowness-on-Windermere, that stops at Lakeside and includes entrance to the aquarium.
Admission
10 am – 4.30 pm, daily
Adult £7.50; Seniors £6.50
Children £5.50
Explore the Lake District
English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues provide the perfect launch pad for your Lake District adventure. For more information on our rooms, restaurants and facilities take a look online.
The Lake District is home to Tebbey & Co and we are delighted that they will be helping to style our Wedding Showcase at The Wild Boar, and will be there on the day to meet prospective wedding couples.
With a background in event management, they delight clients by creating weddings and special events with a real sense of occasion, personality and an authentic atmosphere. One of our hand-picked local suppliers, we know they will be a real inspiration to anyone planning their wedding. We chatted with Emma, from Tebbey & Co about their vision and why she thinks The Wild Boar is a great venue for a wedding.
Strong Design and Amazing Atmospheres
In 2014 I established Tebbey & Co., my event design and planning company based in the Lake District. A few years later I added Narrative Hire – a dry hire collection of tablewares, styling props and furniture curated for weddings and events.
My intention was to get creative with all the hospitality and event management experience I’d built up. I wanted to create elevated gatherings with a strong design direction and amazing atmospheres.
I had worked my way through every food, beverage and hospitality angle before going on to study Event Management, and eventually setting up the business. This was the best foundation for a career in special events because it is a practical grounding for all my aesthetic planning. Being a gardener’s daughter and growing up on a shop floor helped too. Somehow by 2014 all avenues seemed to come together into Tebbey & Co.
Adding the Personal Touch
For one of our current clients, food is huge point of conversation. Provenance, quality of ingredients and a strong flavour portfolio is as important as the visual impact of the food – and this is their pivot point. For another client our design has hinged on loved botanical illustrations by a grandmother who had passed away. Sometimes we work with cultural motifs but whatever the personal elements, they’re integrated into something bigger and connected.
The Wild Boar – so much character!
If great food and comfort are your wedding goals, with amazing photographic backdrops both indoors and outdoors, The Wild Boar gives you all of that and more. It has so much character. Every wedding I’ve ever worked on has seen the couple and their families return year after because they connect to the place and their experience there. That’s special. It’s makes people want to come back because it is such an easy place to have the best day of your life with all your most loved people.
Wedding Showcase
The showcase is a close collaboration with floral designer Katie, from Made in Flowers, and Stationery designer, Victoria of Victoria Stott Design, to explore 3 palette zones. We’ll be showcasing different details on each table, but to allow visitors to keep a sense of the unique character of the venue we will be working in harmony with the space and décor of the Inn.
Feel and Flow of the Perfect Wedding
Every design relationship begins by talking and exchanging ideas and images to give a visual steer. As we go along we tease the values, family dynamics and hooks that will form the foundation of the overall event. We explore how the client wants their wedding day to feel and flow, and what they want the stand out moments to be. This is then distilled into an overarching storyboard and palette. Seasonality, the venue backdrop and local fayre often contribute to the look of an event. We then break this down into supplier briefs, assemble the team and put it altogether on the day.
There is a flexibility that comes with the creative elements and adapting to changes that crop up, but we try to underpin that by being clear and communicative project managers. I’m a tactile designer so I like to mix digital storyboards with physical samples that clients and I play around with over a cup of tea. It gets a conversation and ideas flowing. Most importantly, it makes sure that every client is in full control of their vision. I also really like to get to know who I’m working with – not only clients, but also suppliers. The better informed I am about how people work the better the final product.
The Wild Boar Wedding Showcase
Join us on Sunday 24th February 2019 between 12 and 4pm. This will provide the perfect opportunity to see The Wild Boar decorated by Tebbey & Co and a number of other hand-picked local suppliers.
Take a trip in The Wild Boar Land Rover to try a hand at clay pigeon shooting with Michael Coates and even try a go at Duck herding! So if you’re looking for an extra special wedding venue in Windermere then come along anytime from 12-4pm, we hope to see you there! Call 015394 45225 for more information.
We have a well-established Housekeeping team at Lancaster House, with many years’ experience and, moreover, who love their job.
Meet Hannah, Jenny, Emma, and of course Gail, our Housekeeping Manager. They enjoy preparing the hotel for Conferences, Weddings and for our Leisure guests. We caught up with them to find out what keeps them motivated and loving life at Lancaster House.
Tell us about your housekeeping journey?
Hannah: In 2012, my brother who was a Chef here, told me about a vacancy in the team. The hours were perfect as I had a young child. Since then I’ve increased my hours and I’m now Assistant Housekeeper.
Jenny: I started as a casual member of the team six years ago, and then to linen porter and room checker. Then I went on to do my NVQ 3 in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership, and now I am Assistant Housekeeper.
Emma: After five years at a Holiday Home park in the Lake District, I moved to Lancaster House in 2015. I’ve always been passionate about housekeeping, so when I saw the vacancy online, I knew instantly that Lancaster House was somewhere I would love to further my Housekeeping career.
Gail: Originally I wanted to become a mechanic, but my Mum said ‘No’. So I did a college course in Hotel Reception and Accommodation Services. At the age of sixteen I joined the team at Lancaster House, the new up and coming hotel in the area at the time. Twenty years later, I’m still here!
What’s in a housekeeping day?
Hannah: First of all we allocate rooms to individual housekeepers. When cleaned, the rooms are inspected to make sure they are perfect for guests. I personally like to walk the path of the guest to ensure everything looks and smells beautiful, to ensure a faultless stay. We always aim to have the departure rooms cleaned first to ensure 3 pm check-in.
Gail: We start with public areas in the morning, followed by bedrooms, then corridors and stairwells.
Housekeeping Tips?
Hannah: Always carry a cloth. Always be prepared to work hard. A Berocca never goes amiss to boost your vitamin intake (I take mine in a Prosecco glass).
Emma: This may not be a housekeeping tip, but it is something I’ve always lived by … attention to detail! I believe in things being perfectly placed. We see tidiness straight away, whether it is the cushions plumped and straight, or the tea tray neat and tidy. I strongly believe a good eye for detail is a must.
Favourite room in the hotel?
Hannah: The staff brew room! No, seriously, that’s a difficult one because I like different rooms for different reasons. I love our bridal suite, Room 118, the colour scheme, huge bed and large modern bathroom. But I also very much like room 211, one of our luxury suites, as it is a corner room, so very spacious with French doors and an amazing view.
Jenny: Room 118 because of the nice walk in shower, luxury bath, super king size bed, and the lovely window seat looking out towards Heysham.
Emma: I agree, Room 118. Chic stylish décor, beautiful countryside views and luxuriously large bathroom.
As a team we are keeping it green
Hannah: We are big on green. We recycle everything possible. We clean and fill and clean our own refillable water bottle system. Plastic bottle tops are sent to a charity that make use of them.
Emma: We use microfibre cloths which are re-usable and reduce the number of cleaning products we need to use. The fibres have superior absorbency and are great for picking up trapped dirt. We are all very strict re-cyclers. ‘As a team we are keeping it green’.
Gail: We’ve maintained our Green Tourism Gold standard, so we must be doing something right.
Best bit of the job?
Hannah: The people. Not just within housekeeping, but across all departments. It’s like working with a second family. Everyone seems to really care for each other, and wouldn’t go passed you without a ‘good morning’ smile, or friendly gesture. It’s a very pleasant place to work.
Emma: Clean rooms, and happy feedback from guests.
Gail: Going home knowing you are giving the guests the best experience you can.
What do you love about Lancaster House?
Hannah: Again, the people. But also the fantastic opportunities and benefits from working here. The gym membership for yourself, your partner and children. Great to help keep the kids entertained on days off. Birthday B&B stay each year with evening meal. It’s lovely working for a family run business who show care and always make you feel appreciated for the work that goes into running a successful hotel.
Jenny: Definitely agree, the people!
Emma: The housekeeping team – we are all so passionate about the job we do. Every day is a new challenge. We all pull together and make every day a rewarding and successful one.
Gail: It is like a big family. There are good times and hard times, but we always come together to help each other out.
How do you go the extra mile for guests?
Hannah: The team is always thinking about how we can go one step further for our guests and colleagues. This can range from putting a fridge in a room if guests have brought food, or going out of your way for a colleague just to make their day a little easier. Jimmy, our public area cleaner, is a great example of someone who is always there with a helping hand – nothing is ever too much trouble for him and his answer is always a ‘yes’. He also does a lot of work for a local cancer care charity.
Gail: If we know that people are coming to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries, we love to put in extra touches to decorate the room and give the guests a surprise.
Large Hotel with ‘Small Hotel’, Friendly Feel
Say ‘hi’ next time you meet Hannah, Emma, Jenny and Gail in the corridors of Lancaster House. They exemplify all that we are proud of here at the hotel. Whether you are booked in as a Conference guest, or having a short break in the historic city of Lancaster, you will be sure to have sparkling clean rooms, and a friendly ‘Good Morning’.
Check out Lancaster House rooms here.
Our English Lakes Culinary Academy is going from strength to strength.
A second cohort of budding young Chefs are already into their first year of learning. To celebrate the success of the apprenticeship and to showcase the skills of our three second year Chefs, Ashley, Matt and Jack, will be hosting a Blue Smoke on the Bay event on 25th February. They are taking over the kitchen and serving up a sumptuous three course meal fit to make their mentors proud. Find out more about the evening and how you can book your place for this special event here.
Second cohort of young Culinary Academy chefs starting their career in the kitchen
A Year in English Lakes Culinary Academy
Matt Lemm, one of the young pioneers of our Culinary Academy reflects on a year in the kitchen and the classroom.
Matt hard at work in the Blue Smoke on the Bay kitchen
Welcomed as Part of the Family
Matt: Low Wood Bay can only be described as family. To have the privilege of learning there was an experience that can’t be matched. Lessons I learnt varied from simple skills like vegetable prep to complex skills like sending weddings of 200, or prepping a whole sirloin on the bone.
Under the watchful eye of Resort Chef, Marc Sanders
Resort Chef, Marc Sanders, and the rest of the kitchen team, always made me feel that any question I asked wasn’t a stupid one, but a question that was worth asking. That was always a great feeling. Any time I had my confidence knocked they were always there to pick me up and, if I did mess up, they always went through it with me so that I knew what to do next time
Lessons in Life, as well as Cookery
Matt: When Blue Smoke opened, I was moved there to continue my learning under Chef Tyrone. I had already worked with him in the main Low Wood Bay kitchen when he was sous chef. I learnt a lot from him during my time at Blue Smoke. This went beyond practical skills. He taught me lots about having a good mental attitude. Previously, I tended to panic when I had a lot of checks on. If you have ever have the chance to work with this man you will see he is the most relaxed, chilled out chef you will ever meet! It didn’t seem to matter how many checks he had on, he never seemed rushed.
Chef Tyrone, the calmest chef in the kitchen
Chef taught me that you can’t make food cook faster than it can cook. If you try, you compromise the quality of the food. The lesson is always to take your time and make sure everything that leaves the kitchen is of the highest quality. That way, the customers forget the wait for the food. When the food is that good, waiting doesn’t matter so much.
Learning from the Best
Matt: When I wasn’t learning at Low Wood Bay, I was at college learning from Chef Steven Doherty. The opportunity to learn from him was why applied to be on the apprenticeship. He taught two ways of doing everything we learnt with him – the modern way and traditional way of doing it. This is important because in any high end job I apply for in the future I could be asked either of way of doing something, e.g. like breaking down a whole chicken. Having that knowledge means I would have an advantage over others.
A selection of the food served at Blue Smoke on the Bay
Matt: Also, the stories he has from his experience as 3 Michelin star chef, and as chef at our level, and all stages in between, is amazing. They vary from how times have changed in the culinary world, to the friendly competition he used to have to see who could make the fastest omelette, and stories of the amazing people he has worked with.
I mentioned at the beginning how Low Wood Bay is family. This because there is a feeling around the place that makes you feel included. It’s incredible to create an atmosphere like that it in a big resort such as Low Wood Bay. Since I left for The Midland, I still see people I worked with at Low Wood Bay as I made true friends. From day one I always seemed welcome, and never a hindrance, which I know can happen to apprentices in other places.
Steven Doherty, Simon Berry (English Lakes managing director), Marc Sanders (Resort chef) in the kitchen with the apprentice chefs
Book Your Place at The Table
The kitchen takeover on 25th February will start with canapés and Prosecco at 6.30 pm before being seated for dinner. The dinner will be cooked completely by our fantastic chefs, with Steven Doherty overseeing the evening to make sure our guests have the best evening. You are warmly invited to book a table for this celebratory event and support our young chefs, by calling 015394 33338 to book a table.
Steven Doherty comments…
“It’s been a wonderful and privileged journey for myself and the English Lakes apprentices.This is a watershed moment for all concerned and should pave the way for future recruitment and meaningful training.
With the new work based training and accreditation it should create both a platform for English Lakes kitchens and the apprentices themselves. Who knows what stars of the future we may have helped to create within English Lakes?”
In December 2018, Low Wood Bay hosted a two day intensive film masterclass with the ten finalists from ‘The Pitch’ film competition.
The Pitch is a dynamic filmmaker competition where potential candidates submit a 2 minute video explaining their film’s storyline. The competition entries pass through a series of panels and a public vote before the finalists are announced. The competition, in it’s tenth year, is supported by Low Wood Bay, each of the ten finalists having been invited to attend a two day residential masterclass at Low Wood Bay before their final story pitch.
Simon Berry with the ten Pitch finalists at Low Wood Bay
The masterclass at Low Wood Bay was an opportunity for the ten hopefuls to benefit from the storytelling expertise of David Baboulene, a highly qualified story consultant. Through his multi-media project The Primary Colours of Story, designed to help filmmakers improve their writing and the quality of their stories, David shared his skills in understanding the craft of storytelling. This gave the Hollywood hopefuls valuable advice as they prepared their pitch for presentation at Pinewood Studios in mid-January.
Simon Berry, Chairman and Managing Director of English Lakes Resorts & Venues said,
“We enjoyed welcoming the ten finalists and David Baboulene to Low Wood Bay Resort. Many film makers visiting Cumbria in the past have been truly inspired by their surroundings, so we know these film makers will benefit from the opportunity and leave with the same experience”.
Winner Announced
Luke being presented with his prize by Ray Panthaki
We are now delighted to share the news that the Pitch Winner has just been announced as Luke Bradford, a freelance Film Director, for his film drama White Gold. The judging panel of five, including Toyah Willcox and actor/director Ray Panthaki of Colette and ITV-hit Marcella fame, were so impressed that they awarded Luke the top investment at Pinewood Studios.
White Gold is set in a persecuted albino community in Tanzania. Based on three characters, Adil, his albino wife, Mansa, who had her arm hacked off by Natron, a witch doctor. The theme running through the story is that of forgiveness rather than revenge. Having met the albino community himself, Luke has a real passion to expose their plight and wants the world to hear their story.
Luke pitching his film, White Gold
As part of the coveted prize, a cash production budget of £30K, Luke will now begin making White Gold with Reel Issues Film (RIF). The process will involve working alongside leading film professionals to develop the story and characters to come up with the strongest script possible. By early to mid-summer 2019, he will be ready to shoot his film. Thereafter, Luke will be Hollywood bound to meet industry professionals during the American Film Market.
Previous Pitch winners have gone on to award winning success with their short films, opening up opportunities in the film industry that may not otherwise have been available.
Putting the finishing touches to the Low Wood Bay refurbishment, we enlisted the help of Myerscough College horticulture students to manage the seasonal planting of tubs and baskets around the resort. As part of their horticulture course module, the students have to learn about seasonal plants appropriate for outdoor planters, so this was a great ‘live’ project for them.
Myerscough students with their lecturers at Low Wood Bay
Winter/Spring Selection
The group of students delivered planters they put together at the college as part of their course. Their choice of plants included Hellebores (winter roses), Erica (heathers), Viola, Dianthus (Sweet William), and a range of ivy plants to ensure that the hotel grounds will be awash with colour in spring.
Paul Bell, our Maintenance Manager at Low Wood Bay, said,
“Myerscough College has a really strong reputation for its horticulture courses and we wanted to give some of their students the opportunity to apply their practical skills to a commercial project.
Lecturer in Horticulture at Myerscough College, Kate Lynch, adds:
“Well done to our horticulture students, who have worked with our staff to create these winter containers for Low Wood Bay. They have produced beautiful work”.
Passion for Plants
Three of the students tell us a little about themselves, their passion for plants and how they got into horticulture.
Zeph Nettleton, aged 16 from Kendal
I have been home schooled since the age of 5 and have always had a passion for the outdoors. I heard about Myerscough College and applied to do the Level 1 Land Based Studies which includes horticulture, and I started in September 2018. I really enjoy the course and haven’t looked back. We have our own allotment to grow vegetables, we keep chickens and learn a lot about other aspects of growing, and maintaining plants both indoors and outdoors. Part of the course allows me to work in the commercial Plant World at Myerscough which has a garden centre and glasshouses where I learn about propagation.
Oliver Brunton, aged 16, from Preston
I have been coming to Myerscough College for 2 years now. I first started coming as part of a 14-16 programme from school one day a week and I loved the opportunity to work with my hands and want to be a landscaper. I am now doing the Level 2 Practical Horticulture skills City & Guilds course full time at Myerscough and learning lots of new skills.
CJ Jones, aged 18, Residential student from Manchester
I didn’t enjoy high school, found it difficult due to my Asperger’s and always ended up in the isolation unit. However my mum heard about Myerscough College and I applied to do the Level 1 course two years ago. I passed that course and then moved on to the Level 2 Practical Horticulture Skills City & Guilds course full time. I live in the residential blocks and love living here and have made lots of new friends. I enjoy horticulture, especially the propagation unit, making new plants from stem and leaf cuttings. I love gardening with my grandad and my best skill is being able to remember the Latin plant names. I always get 100% in the tests.
Great work guys! We have been so impressed with your work that you are invited back to do our summer tubs later in the year.
We are preparing for our Wild Boar Inn Wedding Showcase in February. Here’s a peak at one of the wedding suppliers that will be attending. Something a little different for your Hen Party, or even a wedding guest experience.
Wedding Event with a Difference
Here’s a wedding experience with a difference. Ever wondered what it takes for a farmer to round up his sheep quickly and efficiently? Well, now is the chance for your wedding party to get up close and watch a Sheepdog Demo. The stars are the well trained, intelligent border collie sheepdogs working a complicated agility course to round up a herd of Runner Ducks! Younger members of the party can even have a go trying to get the ducks through a couple of tunnels.
Hilarious Hen Party
Or perhaps it is an event that would tick the right box for your Hen Party.
Al and Chris Bradley, semi-retired farmers, run the hugely popular Lake District Sheepdog Experience. Their courses get fantastic reviews and are open to anyone, with lots of added hilarity around Hen ‘Do’s.
Chris comments,
‘Hen parties are usually a great success. They are just so full of jollity and we have such a laugh. We set out an agility course for them with tunnels, slides and water. Al and I head different teams and become quite child-like and competitive ourselves!’
Weddings, Hen Parties and corporate events are treated to the amusing spectacle of Runner Ducks, simply because they are easier to transport to your venue.
Lake District Sheepdog Experience
The Lake District sheepdog experience takes place at Al and Chris’ Totterbank Farm at Crosthwaite. One or two handlers (with family and friend spectators) are taught how to work with the sheep dogs to round up their black Hebridean sheep.
The couple were inspired to start sheepdog handling courses when they discovered that guests to their Lake District B&B were distracted from eating their breakfast by the fascination of watching Al training the sheep dogs. The business grew from there and Al and Chris have welcomed people from all around the world to learn their art.
‘We love to meet people from all walks of life. We’ve worked with stars from Coronation Street and Loose Women, a Russian diplomat, a Japanese TV director who filmed us and a 90-year-old who had sheep herding on her bucket list. City dwellers love the experience and we’ve found that people who can’t speak English often excel because they just copy Al and pick up his tone. Recently we had a visit from an Alzheimer’s group who are going to make regular bookings. They were great to work with and one man, in particular, came to life when he was working with our dogs.’
Al has been around sheep and sheep dogs all his life and he spends all day, every day with his beloved dogs when he can. It’s Al who will teach you the quiet commands, body language and confidence necessary for building a trusted relationship with the dogs.
‘Our dogs are highly trained but also have to have a good temperament. All are individuals but as we train them we must make sure that they are super people-friendly and they aren’t fearful of young people.’
Wild Boar Wedding Showcase
So whether you want a Sheepdog Demo for your wedding day, a Hen Party experience with a difference, or a pre-wedding Lake District Sheepdog Experience for you and your partner, Chris and Al are more than happy to tailor something for you.
Come along to The Wild Boar Wedding Showcase on 24th February, 12 noon – 4 pm and meet Al and Chris in person, as well as a host of other wedding suppliers.
Wedding at The Wild Boar Photo: Lisa Aldersley
There are so many reasons that wedding couples choose Low Wood Bay as their Lake District venue. Here are just five of those reasons …
Stunning Location
It has to be near the top of most couple’s wedding list. Stunning panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the Lake District Fells. A fantastic backdrop for timeless photographs that will always get a ‘Wow’ from family and friends. Not only can you enjoy the spectacle from our galleried lounge, or the Low Wood Bay gardens, but many of our wedding parties step right into the picture by taking a cruise on the Lake. Board a Lakes Cruise from our private Low Wood Bay jetty. What better way to create the perfect celebration.
Hazel and Ryan’s wedding, photo: James Hicks Photography
Beth and Andy’s wedding, photo: Dave Greaves Photography
Great Food
You choose! You won’t find any set menus here – let your imagination and taste buds run riot and Chef will do everything he can to oblige. You will be invited along to a taster session to finalise your choices and re-assure you that your guests will be enjoying only the finest quality food and drink available.
Flexible Celebration Space
Large, small, or in between, we have the right space for your wedding celebration. We have elegant rooms for an intimate gathering of 2 – 26 people, our Windermere Restaurant will comfortably seat 50 – 150 people, or our Lakes Suite has grand open spaces for up to 280 guests. A dedicated wedding co-ordinator will give you a show round and help you choose the right room for your Lake District wedding.
The Spa at Low Wood Bay
Having an onsite Spa with luxurious treatments and Spa Day experiences is not always a wedding necessity, but it is certainly a distinct advantage. Relax before or after your big day by taking a Thermal Journey and making the most of our indoor and outdoor Spa experience. Perhaps your guests would enjoy The Spa Regatta, spa facilities with the choice of a massage or manicure, or Cabin Crew – a great way for friends and family to get together – with a facial or Berry & Birch oil scrub before enjoying lunch or afternoon tea. The Hideaway is our ultimate luxury Spa retreat for couples and could easily be added either side of your wedding celebrations.
All in One
Having your wedding ceremony and reception in the same location has many advantages, including saving time travelling and keeping everybody together over the course of your day. Low Wood Bay is licenced for civil ceremonies and our Gallery Lounge is a very special place to exchange your vows. With spectacular views, high vaulted ceiling, exquisite lighting and red carpet entrance – a perfect place to say your ‘I do’.
Low Wood Bay Wedding Fayre
To find out first-hand about all the features of a Low Wood Bay wedding, make sure you come along to our Wedding Fayre on Sunday, 20th January, 11 am – 4 pm. Canapes and prosecco on arrival, a whole host of local wedding exhibitors, and a Catwalk show featuring stunning wedding gowns.
For more information on our Wedding Fayre, or to book a wedding showround, call 0333 4141 304.
For a post Christmas treat there are still a few days left to book tickets to see Peter Pan at The Dukes in Lancaster. Why not book a mid-week family stay at Lancaster House in order to enjoy an evening at the theatre. We sent along our very own Lancaster House theatre critic, John Jesmont, to see the eternally youthful Peter Pan on stage at The Dukes. This is what he had to say…
Get Hooked on Peter Pan
I would thoroughly recommend a trip to The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster to see the Christmas production of the classic story “Peter Pan”.
Set on Christmas Eve, Peter Pan and Tink take Wendy Darling on the adventure of a lifetime, meeting the mischievous Lost Boys and the terrifying pirate Captain Hook along the way.
Sing, Laugh, Gasp out Loud
This play is an ideal seasonal offering for all the family complete with Pirates, Fairies and a Crocodile – and yes, you will believe a boy can fly. Sing along, laugh, gasp and catch some fairy dust, as J. M. Barrie’s tale is cleverly adapted for all the family by Dukes Artistic Director, Sarah Punshon.
The small cast’s enthusiasm is infectious as they perform as a number of the story’s iconic characters. The songs are catchy throughout – complete with a punk style anthem from the eponymous hero himself.
The Dukes is one of the North West’s leading arts venues, it’s not only a theatre, but home to an independent cinema, arts hub and a very pleasant cafe bar, all showing a wide variety of productions throughout the year.
To book tickets for the theatre, call The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org
Lancaster House, A Home from Home
Rated the top hotel in Lancaster by Trip Adviser, Lancaster is a large hotel with a friendly family atmosphere. Great facilities including swimming pool, sauna and hot tub, gym and the Foodworks Restaurant which serves superb Lancashire food with a modern twist.
For a great mid-week family break, call
