There are literally thousands of magnificent Lakeland views that we could show you, but we’ve had to narrow it down to ten. Here are our top picks to help you plan your Lake District break. 

Orrest Head

Twenty minute uphill walk to one of the most impressive views in the Lake District. Clearly marked, the walk starts on the A591, opposite the Windermere bus station. It’s an easy walk through woodlands and out onto an open fell top, with benches and a mountain viewing plaque. Great views over Windermere and the mountains beyond. From here there are paths leading off in various directions, or you can return to the village by the same route.

Grasmere & Rydal Water

Loughrigg Terrace is a path running along the side of Loughrigg Fell. From here you get great views of both Grasmere and Rydal Water. There are plenty of benches to stop and take in the splendour of the area. Autumn offers spectacular festival of warm orange and red bracken tones whilst late May turns the fellside a violet hue in bluebell season.

Gummer’s How

At the southern end of Windermere, a short but steep climb up Gummer’s How rewards you with great views across the lake and on a clear day a panoramic view taking in several of the Lake District’s central fells, Coniston Old Man and Morecambe Bay. 

Tarn Hows

Although not officially a lake, being a man-made body of water, Tarn Hows is one of the most popular and accessible walks in the Lake District. There are delightful views from the wooded path around the circular path.

Claife Heights

Claife Viewing Station is on the western shore of Windermere, very close to the Windermere Car Ferry terminal, and easily accessible as a foot passenger. Built in the 1790s, this would have been one of the first tourist attractions as the area became popular with visitors. The purpose of the windows was to help ‘frame’ the view and the coloured glass helps create a range of unusual effects.

Loughrigg Fell

Slightly over 1,000 feet, Loughrigg is small in comparison to many of the Lake District mountains. However, it provides some magnificent panoramic views of Grasmere and the surrounding mountains. 

Friar’s Crag

The bench at Friar’s Crag must be one of the most popular seats in the Lake District. An easy 20 minute walk from Keswick, you are rewarded with a spectacular view down Derwentwater, towards Borrowdale.  

Ashness Bridge & Surprise View

Two-in-one view, Ashness Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the Lake District. It is a small packhorse bridge, best viewed from above, looking down upon it. Walking across the bridge, it is a short walk to Surprise View where you get stunning views across Derwentwater.

Buttermere

There are many fantastic photo opportunities on the four and a half mile walk around Buttermere.  The tiny village of Buttermere has an air of calm with a beautiful little church a focal point. Magnificent views across the water to Fleetwith Pike and Warnscale Bottom from the village, and, on the northern shore, the famous ‘Buttermere tree’ – providing great Lake District photo opportunity.

View from Here

We couldn’t finish without showing you our very own view of Lake Windermere from our Fellside Pool. This could be you, if you book a room at Low Wood Bay. Call 0333 2203 105 or check the Low Wood Bay website.  

Visiting the small towns and villages around the Lake District will give you a real sense of the culture and heritage that we prize so highly. There are many to choose from, but we’ve suggested five to put on your Lake District itinerary. 

Ambleside

One of the most popular Lake District villages, Ambleside is a bustling and vibrant place to visit. It’s rural setting with narrow lanes and ginnels, surrounded by mountains on three sides and the lake to the south, make it seem compact and picturesque. Stone and slate built houses, including 38 listed buildings dating as far back as the 17th century, are of architectural interest and speak of the rich heritage of local quarrying.

Of particular note is Bridge House, a tiny house built over Stock Beck. Now owned by the National Trust, Bridge House is one of the most photographed houses in the Lake District. Previously however, it was used as a counting house for Rattle Ghyll Mill, a shop for a cobbler, a weaver and a chair maker, a tea room, as well as a home. It is free to pop in to view the scantily furnished rooms. You will be amazed that this once housed a family of eight people!  

It is worth taking a turn around Armitt Museum in the centre of the village. This has a collection of archaeological finds (there has been a settlement here since Roman times), paintings, books, manuscripts and local memorabilia. There’s also a room dedicated to the life of author and Lake District land owner, Beatrix Potter.

You should not visit Ambleside without taking a short walk up to Stock Ghyll Force, a magnificent 70 foot waterfall in a shady wooded area just above Ambleside. The force of the water was used to drive two water mills in their day.

Another pleasant stroll is through Stagshaw Gardens, situated on the edge of the village. This has a magnificent collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and other interesting shrubs, particularly

In August, Ambleside Sports is one of the best attended traditional Lakeland shows where you can experience, among a host of other interests, Lakeland wrestling and the local sport of hound racing.

Cartmel

Although technically on the edge of the Lake District National Park, we’ve squeezed it in to our ‘must see’ villages as it is pretty as a picture. Built around the 12th century Cartmel Priory, there is an enduring beauty and air of peace that seems to emanate from the Church. The building itself has beautiful stained glass windows, ancient choir stalls and a real sense of history. Cartmel Priory Gatehouse is now a heritage centre that tells the rich and interesting story of the Priory and the village.

Emanating from the village square, with its traditional market cross, water pump and fish slabs, there are a pretty array of shops and tea rooms. Chris Evans described the village as, ‘a thimble full of diamonds’. One famous export of the village is Cartmel Village Shop’s Sticky Toffee Pudding – whatever else you do on holiday, make sure you sample some of this dark and delightful gooeyness.

Cartmel Race Course, like the rest of the village, is small and perfectly picturesque. There are races here in June, July and August when visitors surge to the village and the population temporarily explodes. There is, of course, an ancient tradition of racing in the village. The 16th century monks were known to have raced mules around the site for pleasure. The Racecourse also plays host to concerts and events throughout the season – Sir Cliff Richard himself will be performing at one of the Race meets in June 2019.  

Carrying forward the trading heritage of the village, the monthly food market, selling a wide range of locally produced foods and goods, is well worth a visit. A great place to soak up the atmosphere and sample Cumbrian culture and lifestyle.

Grasmere

Although there is one name always associated with this village, there’s more to Grasmere than the Lake District’s favourite son, William Wordsworth. Having said that, it is definitely worth a visit to Dove Cottage, his family home from 1799 to 1808. The 13th century Church at the heart of the village draws thousands of visitors each year. Here you can see the simple grave stones of William and his wife, Mary, and other members of their family.

Most of the buildings in the village are Victorian stone and slate construction, but there are also a mix of older buildings, including many of the farms in the area. Church Stile, now owned by the National Trust, is a row of 17th century cottages just across from the Church. It was here that William Wordsworth, his brother, John, and Coleridge stayed during their Lake District tour in 1797.

There is a plethora of quaint shops selling gifts, local produce and novelty items. The Heaton Cooper art gallery and studio is a delight. William Heaton Cooper bought a piece of land beside the village green in 1937 and the following year his art gallery and home were completed. It continues to draw many visitors each year. There are three galleries exhibiting the art work of the Heaton Cooper family, and there are over a hundred prints by various artists in the family. They also sell a wide range of artistic materials for those feeling inspired.

The popular Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop is a must for popping in to purchase a freshly baked slice or two of award-winning Grasmere Gingerbread. This recipe was created in 1854 by Victorian cook, Sarah Nelson. It remains unchanged, a delicious spicy-sweet biscuit-cake.

It is a short walk from the centre of the village to the edge of the lake, and a beautiful circular walk around all the way round. For those who would rather take to the water, there are rowing boats for hire.

Allan Bank, another former home of Wordsworth, is a superb National Trust property. Unlike any other, particularly for it’s very comfortable and informal atmosphere. Take a seat beside the cozy fire and read your book, or help yourself to a cuppa in the kitchen. There’s a dressing up room, art spaces and even indoor picnic areas.

Other local attractions include Grasmere Sports Day at the end of August. From late July to September, the Lake Artists Society exhibit their art in the village hall – this is always a treat with magnificent talent on display.

Keswick

With a name that means ‘Cheese Farm’, Keswick has a distinct market town heritage reaching back to 1276. The heart of the village is Market Square where the Grade II listed Moot Hall stands proud right at the centre. Today it houses the Information Centre. Previously it served its purpose as a covered market, courthouse, museum and a prison.

There are plenty of interesting and quirky shops and galleries that span out from Market Square. Each Saturday, following an 800 year tradition, there is a vibrant open market. This is a great opportunity to sample local produce or pick up a unique piece of local art or crafts.

Two public parks offer space for all the family to enjoy the beautiful Lake District setting. Hope Park sits between the village and the lake and offers crazy golf, pitch and put and some well-tended gardens. Fitz Park is a superb play area for children and has riverside picnic tables.

Most people will explore the lake that Keswick sits beside. Derwentwater, 3 miles long and a mile wide, is a short stroll from the centre of the village. There are paths around the shore of Derwentwater, but many people choose to board the Keswick Launches on the regular cruises around the lake.

Another popular attraction is the Pencil Museum, home to the very first pencil. Production began here in 1832 and this is a treasure trove of information about the history of pencil making. There are art workshops and interesting demonstrations.

About 1.5 miles south east of Keswick there is the intriguing Castlerigg Stone Circle. The original purpose of this 4000 year old circle is not known, but it is a dramatic sight with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Check out the Theatre by the Lake which is, as the name suggests, right beside the shores of Derwentwater. Just a few minutes walk from the village, it has outstanding views and a full itinerary of productions through the summer season.    

Coniston

Nestled under The Old Man of Coniston, this village is a hive of walkers and climbers. The original settlement was based around Coniston Hall, a 16th century farmhouse. The re-vitalised copper mining industry in the mid-1800s brought new life to the area.

The village is situated beside Coniston Water which is five miles long and half a mile wide. Most people take a cruise down the lake in one of the two launch services, the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola, or the Coniston Launch. Both services have a stopping off point at Brantwood.

Brantwood was the home of John Ruskin from 1872 until his death in 1900. This historic house is crammed with Ruskin’s character, his paintings, furniture and personal effects. Visitors are free to roam around the house and gardens and there are activities for children to participate in. From the gardens there are superb views of Coniston Water and the surrounding mountains. There are fine examples of exotic plants as well as ancient woodland and a riot of colour.

Donald Campbell is famous for his successful water speed record on Coniston Water in 1955. Sadly, he died attempting the record again in 1967. There is a memorial to him on the village green.

Another famous character associated with Coniston is Arthur Ransome who based several of the locations in his book, Swallows and Amazons, around places known to him around the lake.

Very close to Coniston is the National Trust owned Tarn Hows, a man-made lake, that fits beautifully into its setting. It offers a 1.75 mile accessible circular walk around the water with great views – a lovely place for a picnic and a paddle.

The Lake District has enjoyed recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. The opening of Windermere Jetty, museum of boats, steam and stories, is a fitting addition to the area and showcases the fascinating history and heritage of life on and around our lakes.

Managing Director Simon Berry and Liz Moss, Chief Operating Officer at Lakeland Arts and Windermere Jetty

Family Connection

Norman Buckley, Great Uncle of Simon and Tim Berry

One particular boat exhibited at Windermere Jetty has a very personal connection to English Lakes, and is a source of nostalgia and pride for the Berry family.

Norman Buckley MBE, great uncle of managing director, Simon Berry, and original owner of Low Wood Bay, secured no fewer than four world water speed records on Lake Windermere in the 1950s. Mr Buckley launched several speed attempts from the lake shore in his own designed and built boats. His speed boat, Miss Windermere IV, is now housed at Windermere Jetty. 

World Speed Record

Norman Buckley and Donald Campbell prior to speed record attempt

In Pathe News footage from 1956, Donald Campbell is seen shaking hands with Mr Buckley as he departs in an attempt at the one hour world waterspeed record. The record was held by German speedster Charles von Mayenburg who had covered over 64 miles in 60 minutes. Mr Buckley, then a 48-year-old solicitor from Manchester, drove his boat at an average speed of over 79 mph during his hour on the course.

English Lakes Managing Director, Simon Berry, commented

“It’s a fantastic story to recall. The record attempt was filmed from the historic Windermere Jetty by Donald Campbell, with great uncle Norman’s Jaguar engine boat Miss Windermere III running smoothly”.

Windermere Jetty

We can thoroughly recommend a visit to the steamboat museum. Arrive by boat on a Windermere Lake Cruise launch, or take a stroll along from Bowness-on-Windermere. You will be treated to sights, sounds and smells of steam launches, sailing yachts, motor boats and record-breaking speed boats. The exhibits are spread across the site in exhibition galleries, the boathouse, and on the water. There’s also a live conservation workshop where you can observe the historic boats as they are painstakingly restored.

Osprey, restored Edwardian steamer

There are daily heritage boat trips on Osprey, a fully restored Edwardian steamer, and free twice daily Conservation Conversation talks outside the Conservation workshop. On 16th May, 6 pm former Curator, Meredith Greiling, will give an in-depth lecture about the boats in the collection, looking at their significance both to Windermere and the wider part they play in the national story.  

Visitors can pre-book their tickets online, including lake trips on Osprey.

Admission:

March – October, 10.30 am to 5 pm (4 pm Nov – Feb)

Book a Break in the Lakes

Our Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is the perfect place to start your Lake District adventure. Call 0330 4042 929 or take a look online to check out our full range of facilities for all the family.

Low Wood Bay was privileged to host the initial leg of the 11th Flying Scotsman Vintage Motor Rally. The exciting and challenging route started from the hotel early on 5th April, before travelling through the Northern Pennines, the Scottish borders and finishing in Gleneagles. 

One of the competitors, and seasoned rally driver, Bill Cleyndert took a moment to tell us why he loves endurance rallying, and how he first met Betsy, his 1928 Ford.         

    Bill and Betsy at Low Wood Bay

Opening Up a Whole New World

I got involved in rallying about 10 years ago encouraged by Philip Young (the founder of The Endurance Rally Association, and rightly credited with the success of the rally scene as it is today). Since entering my first rally it has rather taken over my life and opened up a world that I feel privileged to belong to. We have travelled the world and met the most amazing people whilst enjoying our cars to the full.

For this year’s Flying Scotsman (our 8th) I will be driving my favourite car, Betsy, a 1928 Ford Model A. Betsy and I go back a long way and we have had some amazing experiences together, including past Flying Scotsmans, the Peking to Paris rally in 2013, the Sahara Rally (which we won outright) and numerous other events.

Whimsical and Fun

I came across Betsy in Holland whilst negotiating on another car back in 2006. I couldn’t get the deal that I wanted on the car that I had gone to see, but this bright, shiny whimsical car caught my eye sitting in the back of the showroom. To cut a long story short, I came away with two cars that day – hence, unexpectedly, I became the custodian of Betsy not realising just how much fun lay ahead of us!

This will be my 8th Flying Scotsman. I hadn’t a clue about rallying when I first started, the 2011 Flying Scotsman being my first vintage rally. Since then I’ve learned a lot, experienced a huge amount and have had pretty good success. My best result on the Scotsman was coming 2nd overall in 2015.

One Big Adventure

Life is one big adventure when rallying. I have met the most amazing people, seen the world and had my most amazing experiences whilst rallying. It has been, and continues to be a privilege that I hope I can enjoy for some time to come.

As always, this year’s Flying Scotsman is expected to be tough. Leigh Powley has kindly offered to sit next to me as navigator. I’ve known Leigh for a number of years and he is a very experienced navigator although this will be our first event together. We have a good chance of success but as always luck will have a bit part to play, luck and Betsy behaving herself!

Betsy, Bill and Leigh Take First Place

Congratulations and thanks to Bill who, we are delighted to report, did indeed, take first place in the 11th Flying Scotsman Rally. It was great to meet you, and we wish you and Betsy many more years of happy motoring

Low Wood Bay – a Great Rally Stopover

We are happy to tailor a rally pit stop at Low Wood Bay to meet your requirements. Take a look at the features on offer within the resort, or call 015394 39469 to speak to one of the team.

With details of the return of the Low Wood Bay season of Dragon Boating classes on Windermere, there is something here for experienced paddlers, but, brand new for 2019, a Beginner’s Guide to get you into the rhythm. 

Spring Season at The Health Club

Spring is here and slowly but surely The Health Club at Low Wood Bay outdoor classes are budding into life. Soon you’ll see us working out on the front lawn, water bottles dripping with condensation under the summer sun and, of course, you’ll see our Nordic walkers pulling their poles through the dirt of our local fells, talking about everything and anything as they disappear into the distance.

Dragon Boat Classes 

But that’s not all you’ll see as the days get longer and the temperatures rise. Monday nights, if you cast your ears toward the lake between 6 and 7pm, you may hear the faint beat of an approaching drum, and the smooth stroke of a troop of paddlers as they break the water. Possibly even the distant laugh of a crew member as they are engulfed by splashes that maybe… maybe… could have been avoided.

Begin Here …

However, this well-oiled machine was not made in a day. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Dragon Boat team here at Low Wood Bay, we have an evening session perfect for you! Every Thursdayfrom 6pm to 7pm,  we offer a Beginners Guide to Dragon Boating, designed specifically to get you up to scratch and confident enough to progress onto Monday night sessions.

Dragon Bay Boat Race

By 29th April our teams of paddlers will have improved and be working week by week to iron out any creases, becoming one perfect uniform collection. The end goal is to take part in The Dragon Bay Boat Race held here at Low Wood Bay. This will be our third year competing in the tournament-style Regatta. The first year we finished a tantalisingly close second, and last year we managed to take the pole position.  The day involves a series of races, fancy dress, tug of war, and other fun sporting events which will take place on Sunday 7th July 2019.

Book Now to Avoid Disappointment

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Low Wood Club Dragon Boat Team, or a returning member from last year wanting to know any more information, please contact The Low Wood Club reception on 01539 439344 and ask to speak to Andy, Nathan or Joe.

Dragon Boat classes start Monday 29th April 2019 with team training sessions Monday 6-7pm and taster sessions Thursday 6-7pm, available to book now. All safety equipment is provided and we recommend you wrap up warm.

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.

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 healthy balance in life, rest and relaxation is vital – particularly as part of a good fitness regime. It was difficult to narrow our choice down to four, but here are our top recommendations when it comes to resting at Low Wood Bay resort. 

The Atrium

Choose your seat in the Atrium at Low Wood Bay – around the fire pit, at the seat by the window with grandstand views overlooking the lake and fells, or any of the other cozy and contemporary corners –  this is a perfect space for R & R. Let the friendly team at Norman’s Juice and Coffee Bar replenish you with healthy snacks and smoothies, or a few naughty niceties and great tasting coffee. You could easily while away an hour or two catching up with friends, or engrossed in a book or favourite magazine.

The Snug

Our laid back beauty experience at Low Wood Bay, The Snug is the place to book a hair appointment, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials and men’s grooming. We might call them ‘needs must’ treatments, but you will find the atmosphere easy-going, unhurried and friendly. 

Spa Treatments

We have a full range of facialbodyhands & feet treatments at The Spa at Low Wood Bay. Berry & Birch, our signature range, is completely natural without synthetics, parabens or skin irritants and is designed to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.  Our ESPA range uses only the purest and most natural ingredients, carefully blended by highly trained dermatologists and aroma therapists. The results deliver both instant benefits and protect the long term health and beauty of the skin. Put yourself in the hands of our experienced therapists, relax and let them take the strain. You will feel like a new you.  

Blue Smoke on the Bay

Take time out with friends and family in the elegant surroundings and friendly atmosphere of Blue Smoke on the Bay. The star of the show, and where the real theatre takes place, is our 3 metre long double wood-fired grill. Enjoy delights such as Hot Wood-Smoked Salmon, Jerk Chicken Strips, The Bricklayer, or Gratinated Lobster Thermidor.  Whether it is brunchlunch or dinner, by the time you push back from the table we know you will be refreshed, replenished and raring to go!

On 5th February 2016 we are delighted to be welcoming to Low Wood Bay, Lewis Gordon Pugh, environmental adventurer, and guest speaker at the World Open Water Swimming Awards hosted by ChillSwim.

Lewis Gordon Pugh, 'The Human Polar Bear'

Lewis Gordon Pugh, ‘The Human Polar Bear’

These awards honour individuals, events and contributions to the world of open water swimming. Pugh has been dubbed ‘The Human Polar Bear’ for his super-human swimming exploits in the coldest waters of our planet.

A growing number of swimmers have completed the ‘ice mile’ which is a one-mile swim in waters of 5 degrees or less. This is how the Outdoor Swimming Society describes the water at this temperature:

Jumping in is likely to impair breathing in the uninitiated, as breath comes in big jolting grasps and it feels like someone has clamped on an ice neck brace. Water has bite, skin smarts and burns. This is winter swimming. Limbs soon become weak – 25 metres can be an achievement – and only takes a minute or two at the lower end of temperatures before skin becomes a lurid purple-orange-red when you exit.

So that’s at around 5 degrees, to put it in context Pugh has completed many sub-zero swims, coming to fame in 2007 for his 1 mile swim across the Geographic North Pole in water temperatures of minus 1.7 degrees.

Although open water swimming was a sporting passion for Pugh from the age of 17 years old, it is so much more than that these days. In 2003 having completed an impressive list of pioneering open water swims, he focussed his attention on the coldest and most hostile waters of the world. He left his career as a Maritime Lawyer and fully embraced what he now calls his ‘Mission’, to inspire people around the world to protect and preserve our oceans and all that live in them, for a peaceful and sustainable future.

Oceans cover 70% of the earth’s surface and we rely on them entirely for our survival. I have seen drastic changes in my lifetime because of our actions.

Already United Nations Patron of the Oceans, in 2015 National Geographic bestowed the title ‘Adventurer of the Year’, and it has been some year. Campaigning for Marine Protected Area status for the Ross Sea in Antarctica, which is at present almost completely free from pollution, Pugh undertook five 1 km sub-zero swims in Antarctica over the course of three weeks, facing the most extreme swimming conditions known to man.

Marine Protected Area status for the Ross Sea would mean the maritime equivalent of our National Park status – something that is very close to our heart here at English Lakes. The area that we are talking about is the combined size of UK, Germany and France.

One of this remarkable adventurer’s favourite quotes, which comes as a challenge to us all, is Nelson Mandela’s infamous words,

Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation.

Without doubt, The World Open Water Swimming Awards at Low Wood Bay on 5th February will be an inspirational evening.

Chilly Lake Windermere in Winter, the venue for the Big Chillswim

Chilly Lake Windermere in Winter, the venue for the Big Chillswim

Looking After the Lake District National Park

Recognising the privilege of living and working in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, English Lakes endeavours to ensure that we are helping to look after the countryside for generations to come. To date, our Visitor Giving Scheme has contributed over £160,000 to various projects on land and in local waters.

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