Lynda, our Low Wood Bay Concierge, is frequently asked, where are the best places to go in the area with children? Here are a few Half Term suggestions for our guests…
Boat Cruise to Bowness and Lakeside
From Waterhead, take Windermere Lake Cruises Freedom of the Lake family ticket. This gives a full 24 hours to explore the UK’s longest lake. Right in the heart of some beautiful scenery it’s also an exciting day out for the children – especially as you can stop off at various places along the way including Lakes Aquarium and Brockhole.
Lakes Aquarium
(Coates Family video in here?)
Otters, sharks, rays, diving ducks and marmoset monkeys are just some of the species on show. There’s lots to see and to learn. ‘Set off from a Lake District mountain top and follow the tranquil water flow to find jumping trout and river bank creatures. Leap over the paddy fields to Asia, homeland of the mischievous otters’. The underwater tunnel diving ducks will make you giggle.
Brockhole Visitor Centre
Set in beautiful gardens, there’s something for everyone at Brockhole, just a few minutes away from Low Wood Bay and Waterhead. There’s a fantastic adventure playground and for the older children there’s the adreneline rush of Treetop Trek. For those 3 years and over, there is the option of the Treetop Nets – trampoline and tunnel heaven! Rainy days there’s also an indoor soft play and creativity space.
Throughout the holidays and most weekends there are also events like birdwatching or raft building and regular ‘welly’ walks.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
We love this as a wet day alternative. Beginners of all ages can ‘have a go as’ the team there are passionate about making climbing accessible to all. There’s tuition and supervision from qualified instructors that help the children reach their own individual goal. There’s such a sense of achievement, sometimes having to overcome a little anxiety or fear of heights. The 35ft lead wall is a replica of a real crag taken from a mould of natural limestone.
Lakeland Motor Museum
This is where all the family can pick out their personal favourite – with over 30,000 exhibits it’s no mean feat! The collection is a real testament to UK motoring heritage with cars spanning over a manufacturing period of 100 years. There’s even a 1920s garage with a collection of old spanners, trolley jacks and puncture repair equipment. A real feature is the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition celebrating the 21 world land and water speed records that Malcolm and Donald Campbell secured in their series of cars and boats. There’s a full sized replica of the 1935 Bluebird car, the 1939 boat and 1976 jet hydroplane. It’s not all about cars though and there are some really interesting exhibitions featuring The Land Girls, Fashion through the ages, ‘how it used to be’ shop windows as well as information on local history.
The World of Peter Rabbit
You can’t visit the Lake District with children and not spend a happy hour wandering around the self-guided tour at The World of Peter Rabbit. How many of Peter Rabbit’s friends will you spot?
Mrs Tiggy Winkle doing her laundry
South Lakes Safari Zoo
This is a must-visit as a fantastic family day out with a huge collection of animals – kangaroos, monkeys and gibbons, lemurs, giraffes, hippopotamus, wolves, sloths, donkeys, reindeer, chipmunks, a giant anteater as well as a whole flock of different birds and reptiles galore. Feeding time for the big cats is a real spectacle and worth timing your visit around.
Low Wood Watersports Centre
In October there still time to hire motor boats and rowing boats from Low Wood Watersports Centre. Enjoy exploring the lake at your own pace, stopping off at public jetties along the eastern shore for lunch or a cuppa. For the more adventurous there’s waterskiing, wakeboarding, dinghy and keelboat sailing as well as canoeing and kayaking. Even better, English Lakes guests receive a 10% discount off all watersports activities.
A Few of our Favourite Places
These are just a few suggestions, but there are many more – do not hestitate to speak to Lynda for more information. We hope you get to enjoy your stay.
On a glorious day out in the Lake District there can be no better pastime than wandering through some of the finest examples of garden design in the country. With landscape architects the calibre of Thomas Mawson, Guillaume Beaumont and even William Wordsworth himself, you will find yourself spoilt for choice. Here are five that we think top the list.
Levens Hall and Gardens
Levens Hall Gardens / CC 2.0 Steve Silverman
If you love topiary gardens, this is the place to visit. With over 100 pieces clipped in unusual designs, Levens Hall has the oldest and most extensive topiary garden in the world. The original designer was a Frenchman named Guillaume Beaumont and it was essentially a late-Renaissance (Baroque) parterre featuring mainly hedges and small topiary pieces. However, there is now so much more to see in the garden which retains many of the 17th century features whilst also embracing contemporary plantings.
Levens Hall Gardens / CC 2.0 Steve Silverman
Early in the season, beneath the topiary and the orchard trees, tulips, daisies and pansies feature in abundance and vibrancy. In summer a further 20,000 home-grown season flowers burst forth in glorious, co-ordinated hues. From mid-summer the rose garden is a spectacle not to be missed.
Open April to October, Sunday to Thursday 10 am – 5 pm
Graythwaite Hall Gardens
Thomas Mawson was a Lancashire lad who, from humble beginnings, went on to design some of the most important gardens and parks around the world. Some of his finest work is found in the Lake District where he was commissioned to lay out 20 major gardens in the Victorian and Edwardian era. Graythwaite was one of his first designs. Designed in the arts and crafts style, it remains true to Mawson’s vision – a mix of formal and informal areas across twelve acres.
Graythwaite Hall Gardens
The formal gardens have yew hedges in good company with sundials and gates designed by local architect Dan Gibson, who also designed the house at Brockhole. The daffodil field has maple trees and an arborium which has been planted to commemorate family births and marriages. In spring the rhododendrons, azaleas and shrubs are described as a ‘riot of colour’.
Open April to August, 10 am – 6 pm (The house is not open to visitors)
Holehird Gardens
Holehird Gardens – Looking towards the Langdale Pikes / CC 2.0 Peter
The magnificent Holehird Garden, another of Mawson’s commissions, fell into disrepair and neglect during WWII, but has been restored to its former glory under the expert hands of the Lakeland Horticultural Society and its volunteers. It is a seventeen-acre hillside garden – a beautiful spot for a picnic and walk around the grounds with views across Windermere. There are specimen trees and shrubs, a colourful walled garden, a lake, extensive rock and heather gardens, alpine houses and national collections of ferns, astilbe and hydrangeas.
Peacock Butterfly at Holehird Gardens. Windermere / CC 2.0 Sarah Wiltshire
On Wednesday mornings, from Easter to October, at 11.00 a.m. there are guided walks through the gardens for small parties.
Open April to October, dawn to dusk daily. Free entry, donations welcome
Rydal Mount Gardens
The main lawn, Rydal Mount Gardens / CC 2.0 Rose and Trev Clough
Rydal Mount was Wordsworth’s home from 1813 until his death in 1850. He often said the grounds were his office and indeed, tucked away from the house and overlooking the two lakes Windermere and Rydal Water, he built his “writing hut” where he did much of his composition.
Rydal Water from the garden at Rydal Mount / CC 2.0 David Nicholls
The extended Wordsworth family were all a keen gardeners and they created a large lawn bordered with flowering shrubs to the west of the house with four terraces, including Dora’s Terrace, above the lawn. There are rare shrubs and, in season, the daffodils, bluebells and rhododendrons produce a spectacular display of colour.
Clematis and wisteria on Rydal Mount / CC 2.0 Rose and Trev Clough
Dora’s Terrace was named after Wordsworth’s daughter, as was Dora’s Field. This was purchased by Wordsworth when he fell out with his landlady, Lady Anne le Fleming of Rydal Hall. Wordsworth anticipated having to leave Rydal, so he bought land next to the house, intending to build his own house there. However, he patched up his differences and scrapped his building plans. He then gave the property to his daughter, Dora. When she died, he and his wife Mary, planted Dora’s Field with daffodils as a sign of remembrance.
Open March to October, daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Rydal Hall Gardens
Rydal Hall Gardens / CC 2.0 alh1
Just a stone’s throw from Wordsworth’s former abode are the grand 19th Century Rydal Hall gardens. The building itself is now a commercially run enterprise, but visitors are invited to stroll around the grounds. There are thirty-four acres including the elegant Thomas Mawson-designed formal Italianate gardens to the front of the Hall. The informal woodland has a sculpture path, ponds, a waterfall and a restored grade II listed ‘Grot’ – Britain’s first bespoke viewing point dating from 1689.
Rydal Hall Gardens / CC 2.0 Gareth James
An early 19th century woodland path leads to the Community Vegetable Garden set in the Old Walled Kitchen Garden. The orchard boasts 30 northern varieties of apple dating back to the 1850s and a plethora of flowers and vegetables growing alongside each other.
Open every day, Free entry to gardens, donations invited
Afternoon Tea on the Lawn
Afternoon Tea in the gardens of Low Wood Bay
Afternoon Tea completes a day visiting these wonderful gardens. Low Wood Bay, with its view over Lake Windermere to the Lakeland fells, is in easy reach and serves several varieties of tea and a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes served with style in the traditional manner. Champagne can be added for the perfect end to a day in an English country garden.
With equally stunning views, but if Gin & Tonic is your tipple, why not try our G&Tea Afternoon Tea at Waterhead.
English Lakes are always delighted to host Car and Bike Clubs. They make such a grand spectacle lined up in all their resplendence at the entrance to the hotels, or as they sweep out of the car park en masse for a day’s adventure in the surrounding countryside.
Jaguar XK line up at The Midland[/caption]
Recently we welcomed two such groups – the Jaguar XK Club to The Midland, at the start and finish of their Coast to Coast rally, and the Harley Davidson Club to Lancaster House.
International Jaguar XK Club
Photo Credit: International Jaguar XK Club[/caption]
Cars Made for Driving!
The emphasis of the Jaguar XK Club is very much on using the cars – “the XK was designed to be driven!” With club members in more than fifty countries around the world, the club boasts Sir Stirling Moss as their Patron, the XK playing an important role in his early career.
Michael Griffiths, the Club’s northern representative, remembers The Midland from earlier in his life.
As a teenager I came to dances at The Midland. In the 1960’s we held our Car Club committee meetings in the Rotunda and our Illumination Rallies always finished at The Midland.
The 2016 Coast to Coast drive brought members from all over the UK together and many were eager to experience The Midland for the first time.
Photo Credit: International Jaguar XK Club[/caption]
Michael reports,
They thought the hotel was wonderful. In fact, they have insisted that we book again for next September. The staff were absolutely superb, from ensuring the cars were looked after in the car park to the wonderful meals that we enjoyed in the restaurant overlooking the bay.
Harley Davidson Owners Club
Lancaster House welcomed 47 members of the Bristol-based Great Western Chapter Harley Davidson Club. They enjoyed fine weather for their long weekend tour through the Cotswolds to Bletchley Park, on to Whitby through the Yorkshire Dales and Lancashire before heading home.
Yvonne Roberts, tour organiser said,
We enjoyed our stay at Lancaster House and we were pleased that parking had been reserved for our 30 bikes. Chef even organised a 7 am breakfast for us so that we could get on the road bright and early.
Club members enjoy fortnightly rideouts, led by Harley trained Road Captains and experienced marshalls. Mid year they have their own rally ‘Hogs in the Hayfields’. The group have lots of fun touring scenic Britain but are also involved in valuable charity work. At the moment they are supporting Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service, a Blood Bikes charity based in the South West of England.
Here to help you organise your next Car or Bike Tour
There’s so much to think about when planning a tour for a group of individuals – from food choices, venue, type of bed, time of breakfast. Our sales team has a wealth of experience in tailoring arrangements to meet your specific needs. Whether you are considering our beautiful Lake District Hotels or delights of Lancashire, whether your group is 5 or 105, call 015394 39455 and we will help get you on the road to your next adventure.
Guests at English Lakes Hotels, Resorts and Venues always find either Sam the Dog or Boris the Boar waiting to greet them in their bedroom at the hotels. These cuddly toys are there to welcome our junior guests, but can also be purchased and taken home. They have found their way all around the world – you may even have seen Sam’s exploits in space!
Sam the dog on the edge of Space
Sam brings another valuable benefit to young people in our community. Proceeds from the sale of Sam and Boris are donated to local charities and organisations that support children with specific needs.
Recently, it was a delight to witness the significant impact that Sam’s donation has made to a group of local children at Sandside Lodge School who have been able to take ownership of Smartbox Eye Gaze equipment.
Danielle with her sons, Archie and Harrison
Danielle Gaskin, the mother of one of the pupils explains what this means for her son, Harrison.
The eye gaze camera equipment that Sandside Lodge School were able to purchase with help from English Lakes Hotels & Sam’s Club generous donation has opened up a whole new world of communication for many students, one being my son Harrison, aged 13. Harrison has a rare type of epilepsy that has contributed to what is called ‘global developmental delay’. He has no speech and has limited understanding of his environment. Since 4 years old the school have encouraged Harrison to communicate by picture association & tried to build on this with ’cause & effect’ exercises. Harrison has been able to focus on simple pictures to make ‘choices’.
Since he has been working with the eye gaze camera and building on the ability to focus as a way of being able to communicate, it has given him the opportunity to engage & interact with people, making it exciting & fun, but opening up a world of understanding for him! His teachers have already said that he visibly shows his happiness & joy in his sessions as when he holds his focus on a highlighted area on the screen for a set number of seconds that will then smash a bottle, or water a seed to make a flower grow, or look at a familiar face and ‘custard pie’ it (one of his favourites!) This delights him as his understanding grows that he is in control!
This basic skill can then be increased for him to make choices and eventually to recognise simple words so that he can communicate his wishes and needs to us. I cannot say how overwhelmed and blessed I am, as are the teachers. Working with at least five children so far, they have been able to see them connect & ‘have a voice’ through this equipment! It has been so empowering to the students academically, socially & personally. One teacher told me she had cried seeing one child ‘come alive’ when realising she was being heard through the screen.
I can never fully put into words how this has impacted my son and those students at Sandside Lodge but I hope this has given a glimpse into how it will enhance their lives and open up amazing opportunities for them to participate more completely in life!
To keep up to date with Sam’s adventures like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @englishlakes.
22 Miles in 22 Days
Swim22 Challenge – the distance of The English Channel
We are extremely proud of Douglas Dale, English Lakes Operations Director, who has taken on the Diabetes UK Swim 22 challenge and completed it in record time. The challenge is to swim 22 miles – the same distance as swimming the English Channel – within thirteen weeks, Douglas smashed this target and completed the challenge in just nine weeks. He has donated to this worthwhile charity and hopes that his efforts will help raise awareness of the dangers of diabetes, something he knows about only too well…
Living with Diabetes
Douglas has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over twenty-five years. It is quite a shock to learn that your pancreas, which produces insulin to control the amount of glucose in the blood, has stopped working. Type 1 Diabetes means the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin at all, as opposed to Type 2 Diabetes when it doesn’t produce enough, or when the body’s cells don’t react to insulin.
If Diabetes isn’t managed well it can cause blindness, amputations, stroke, heart attacks, kidney disease and, for some, early death. The statistics are quite startling. In the UK, 700 people a day are told they have Diabetes, and there are around 4.5 million people in the UK living with the condition.
Diabetes UK has a mission to ensure that those suffering from Diabetes are given the very best care and support to manage the condition. They are also active in improving health care and working to prevent Diabetes Type 2 which is reaching epidemic proportions.
One Day, A Cure
For years Douglas managed his diabetes by injecting himself regularly with insulin. It would have been unthinkable 25 years ago that syringes and needles would not be needed to manage the condition. Nowadays, Douglas uses an Omnipod, a personalised system that delivers insulin when it is needed, delivered with the push of a button and no needles in sight. It is waterproof and allows Douglas complete freedom to swim as and when he chooses without removing the device.
As well as supporting Diabetic sufferers, Diabetes UK are the leading charitable funder of research into the condition and continue the quest to understand the causes of diabetes and, ultimately, find a cure.
Swimming – A Great Way to Keep Fit and Stay Active
Although there is no way to prevent Type 1 Diabetes, keeping fit and active, and adopting a healthy diet, is an important factor in reducing the chances of getting Diabetes Type 2. Swmming is an
Douglas completed the Swim22 challenge in the pools at the Health Club at Low Wood Bay and at Sandpiper Club, Lancaster House. He set himself the target of swimming 106 lengths, or 1 mile, each time he visited the Clubs so that he would complete the challenge in 22 days. There is still time to challenge yourself for Swim22, or just challenge yourself to start your own fitness challenge.
Above, the pool at Low Wood Bay. Below, the Sandpiper Club
Congratulations Douglas!
A special day in the English Lakes calendar, 24th March was when we announced the winners of our 2016 Employees of the Year. Directors and nominees attended a beautiful lunch at Lancaster House, eager to have the winners of seven different categories, including the prestigious MRWB Award, announced. A short citation taken from the nominations was read, and the winners received certificates and champagne.
Front of House Team Member of the Year
Often the first contact with guests on entering our premises, the criteria for this person are professionalism, knowledge of the company and complete customer focus
24 Nominations, 3 Shortlisted Nominees
- Jeanette Simpson, The Wild Boar
- Debbie Oliver, Low Wood Bay
- Daniel Nevinson, Low Wood Bay Health Club
and the winner is…
Debbie Oliver, Low Wood Bay
Always there when you need her, Debbie has a wealth of knowledge that you can’t put a value on, and is the foundation and heart of Low Wood Bay Reception. She always has a smile on her face and brings an uplifting warmth to the atmosphere of the hotel. We salute Debbie for over 15 years in her role at Low Wood Bay.
Chef of the Year
Nominees in this category exhibit skill, enthusiasm and professionalism and are integral to the smooth running of our food operation.
23 Nominations, 4 Shortlisted Nominees
- Eddie Livingstone, The Midland
- Philip Gavin, Low Wood Bay
- Ben Barker, Waterhead
- Nick Martin, Waterhead
- and the winner is…
Nick Martin, Waterhead
Dedicated to the progression of the menu and food production at Waterhead, in just over a year and a half Nick has transformed the offering and taken it to new heights in terms of creativity and quality. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge to the team, and encourages and motivates everyone in the kitchen.
F & B Team Member of the Year
Awarded to the person who has shown outstanding ability and knowledge in their field and customer focus throughout the year.
21 Nominations, 4 Shortlisted Nominees
- Daniel Fox, Waterhead
- Alin Pastragus, The Wild Boar
- Jamie Walker, The Midland
- Paul Cristian Banu, The Wild Boar
and the winner is …
Jamie Walker, The Midland
Jamie’s knowledge of the products he serves is fantastic, and his creations are phenomenal. He was integral in helping to put together the gin menu at The Midland and the great selection of rums and vodkas. He is always enthusiastic and wants only the best for the guests, the Rotunda, his colleagues and the hotel.
Housekeeping Team Member of the Year
Essential in the hospitality industry – the nominees for this category bring an extra shine with their attention to detail, quality standards and customer focus.
14 nominations, 4 shortlisted nominees
- Tammy Wilkinson, Low Wood Bay
- Jimmy Smylie, Lancaster House
- Gail Atkinson-Barlow, Lancaster
- Enrique Olmedo, Waterhead
and the winner is … Gail Atkinson-Barlow
A key player in the department, Gail is well respected and will take her hat off to anything to ensure the smooth running of the hotel. Her care and commitment shines through every day, and is delighted when she can go the extra mile for guests. Very popular with her colleagues, she is the go-to girl for colleagues who need a friendly ear and good advice.
Support Staff Team Member of the Year
The criteria for this award is consistent service that goes above and beyond expectations and makes raving fans out of their colleagues.
16 nominations and 6 shortlisted nominees
- Tim Farmer, Accounts Dept
- Jennifer Greenhalgh, Group Sales
- Julie Elliott, Accounts Dept
- Val Still, Group Opportunities
- Denise Barnes, CRS
- Vanessa Thackray, Lancaster House Personnel
and the joint winners are …
Denise Barnes, CRS and Julie Elliott, Accounts Dept, English Lakes
Julie has been in the department for almost two years now, and I don’t know what we would do without her. She is a real asset to the team – hardworking, friendly and with a nothing-is-too-much-trouble attitude.
A dedicated member of the CRS and well respected by all her colleagues, Denise is known as a thinker and a researcher. In 2016 she took it upon herself to monitor how many people called into the hotels to buy EL vouchers, only to be told they had to contact CRS or go via the website. Denise then suggested we sell the vouchers at the Reception of each unit – a suggestion which yielded almost £8.5K in the run up to Christmas alone.
Unsung Hero
Nominees for this award perform an excellent job, helping the smooth running and performance of the company – normally out of the limelight.
31 Nominations, 7 Shortlisted Nominees
- Paul Brown, Low Wood Bay Watersports
- Ondrej Heczko, Waterhead
- Jade Hackett, Sandpiper Club
- Dorota Suwala, The Midland
- Harvie Rollins, English Lakes
- Jimmy Smylie, Lancaster House
- Michael Parker, Low Wood Bay
and the winner is… Michael Parker, Low Wood Bay, who, unfortunately, was unable to attend the event.
Mick has worked as Night Manager for 17 years at Low Wood and has witnessed the dramas (staff and guests) and dealt with awkward scenarios, drunken guests, cleaned up sick and worse. Through all this he has remained calm and completely professional. He is the greatest support to Low Wood, doing night audits and banking – and will spend an entire night finding 5p if the banking is out.
MRWB Award
This is our annual award made in memory of Michael Berry and awarded to the individual team member who, by their effort, has made the most significant contribution to the success of the company in the previous twelve month period.
25 Nominations, 3 Shortlisted Nominees:
and the winner is…
Approachable, always on hand, hard working, inspiring, respect – just some of the words that the team use to describe Mark. He has taken The Midland to a new standard of quality and service, and created a positive, safe workplace where team members feel valued and appreciated. Mark has brought his passion for hospitality to the job, and is generous with his time in coaching others. Mark Needham – the heart of The Midland.
Special Thanks to…
Mrs Jean Berry, wife of the late Michael Berry, who presented the prizes.
and…
Noah Jay, Lancaster House, who came in on his day off to take the photos!
Looking for suggestions for family activities in the Lake District over the Easter holidays. Here’s a few we’ve selected for you …
Where is Peter Rabbit?
Easter Treasure Trail
Wednesday 12th April 2017, from 10 am
Suggested minimum donation of £4 to WaterAid project, Malawi
Search around some lovely Lake District landscape for 100 hand-crafted limited edition ceramic eggs until they are all found. Great prizes to be won, including tickets for fantastic family attractions. To participate register online. You will then receive an email with a link to an interactive Google map and clues, which goes live on April 12th.
Boat Hire on Lake Windermere
Low Wood Bay Watersports
Explore England’s largest lake at your own pace in a rowing boat. Breathtaking views. Public jetties along the eastern shore allow you to get off the boat and explore the lakeside towns.
£16 per hour for 1-2 people
£21 per hour for 3 – 4 people
£24 per hour for 5 people
Hotel residents can enjoy a discount of 10%
Mini Monster Fun
Brockhole on Windermere
Friday, 21 April 2017, sessions at 10.30am, 12.15pm, 1.45pm and 3.15pm
£5 per child
Bug Hunt in the Brockhole Gardens. Investigate plants and creatures in the gardens and then create a monster on a stick to take home with you. Age 6 plus (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Night Sky Safari
Hawkshead
Saturday, 22nd April
Adults £10 Child £5 and Family £25
Join professional astronomer, Robert Ince, for an evening of Stargazing at Grizedale. Suitable for children 8 and over. Bookable online.
Ulverston Walk Fest
With an Archaeological Theme
Saturday 22 April – Monday 1 May 2017
Thirty-two guided walks to suit all abilities. Discover a wealth of information about the areas mining past and other historic sites. Walks programmes available in South Lakes and Furness outlets, libraries etc from the beginning of March 2017.
Great Places to Finish the Day
No day out is complete without some well-deserved refreshments. Stop off at Low Wood Bay, Waterhead or The Wild Boar for some tasty treats.
Following a season of BBC programmes on the issues surrounding mental health, and particularly how sport or exercise can benefit our psychological well-being, we feel privileged that ex-serviceman, Ryan, participating in a Help for Heroes expedition to the Lake District has shared his story with us.
One in four people in the UK experience mental health problems each year, and yet it can still carry a stigma and cause the sufferer to feel isolated and alone. As courageous individuals start to open up about how mental health issues have affected them, and how they have found the road to recovery, hopefully more people will be encouraged to seek that all-important help that can combat this often hidden and silent illness.
A Promising Career
I joined the army in 2013 and completed my basic training. I learned new skills like field craft, shooting, map reading, first aid and drill. I was really pleased to receive the Harris trophy award for top student in education. Moving on to phase 2 of my training at the Royal Logistic Corps, I got almost to the end of the training when I had to leave for health reasons.
Mental Health Can be Isolating
When I got out of army I had a break down suffering with mental health problems. I felt isolated and like I had no one to turn to. Eventually I pushed myself to approach Help for Heroes and started getting the support I needed. In association with the North East Military Vehicle Club, they were organising a trip to the Lake District, including water sports activities at Low Wood Bay and a trip to Honister Slate Mine. I put my name down and was really pleased when I got accepted.
Low Wood Bay Hosts Lake District Adventure Break for Help for Heroes
Doris and David Forster and the team were so lovely and very encouraging and got me through the week with no problem. If it wasn’t for such a supportive team I would not have had the confidence to take part. I’ve kept in touch with the Forsters since and all I can say is that Doris and David have a special place in my heart because they are such lovely people.
Low Wood Bay Hosts Lake District Adventure Break for Help for Heroes
If it hadn’t been for Help for Heroes and the North East Military Vehicle Club I really don’t know where I would be right now. I am going back to the Lake District Hotels in May this year and really looking forward to another challenging adventure.
Getting kitted out to do the Via Ferrata
The expedition to Honister Slate Mine
Low Wood Bay Watersports
We are open seven days a week from 1st April to 31st October and we have an extensive range of watersports in a fabulous location. Our experienced team to help you to get out on the lake to have some fun and discover your potential. Contact us on 015394 39441 for more information.
An increasing number of English Lakes Conference guests are discovering that once the business in the conference room is done for the day, there’s still time to explore their beautiful surroundings in the Lake District and even participate in activities or light-hearted events.
Here’s a few examples of how groups have made the most of our stunning Lake District Hotels and Lancashire scenery.
Cosy Retreat
Undermillbeck, the perfect conference facility at The Wild Boar
A team of delegates linked to the medical profession, and gathering from across the country, were very impressed with Undermillbeck, The Wild Boar’s purpose-built meeting and conference facility. With a cosy inglenook fire and located next to our on-site micro-brewery and the Inn’s Smokehouse, Chris commented;
“What an excellent location, we could smell the beer brewing in the micro-brewery next door!”
A Wee Dram
That evening we hosted our regular Whisky Tasting evening with George, The Wild Boar’s Master of Malt. This was open to Conference and leisure guests as well as our local whisky connoisseurs.
Learning New Skills Together
A half day sailing event on Windermere, around Low Wood Bay, the perfect activity to enjoy in the Lake District.
“We learnt some basic sailing skills whilst taking in the scenery around the Lake”
Survival Challenge in The Wild Boar Woods
After that it was on to our Survival Challenge – archery, axe throwing, fire lighting and shelter building.
“Then back to The Wild Boar for a lovely meal – tired but glad we had packed so much into our day.”
Lake District Dash
Car Clubs are regular visitors to both our Lake District Hotels and Lancashire Hotels. Chelsea Car Club held their Lake District Dash at Low Wood Bay.
They did take time out of the driver’s seat to enjoy all that the hotel had to offer, but spent quite a bit of time on what they described as …
“some of the most thrilling and challenging driving you will find on UK roads”
A Vintage View
At a more leisurely pace, perhaps, The Midland is no stranger to welcoming vintage cars clubs throughout the year. They make quite a sight against the magnificent backdrop of Morecambe Bay.
Coast to Coast
The Best Conferences are Informative and Fun
Conference at Low Wood Bay
Popular with our corporate clients – Clay Pigeon Shooting at The Wild Boar
There is something to suit every business meeting and conference requirement within the English Lakes family of hotels.
Whether you are a retail business or a property refurbishment company.
Once business is concluded, there are numerous options for team building and social events.
Our conference sales team are happy to chat with you about your specific requirements.
Telephone: 015394 39440
Or Click the links below to view more information on our venues
Lancaster House | Low Wood Bay | Waterhead | The Midland | The Wild Boar
Stuck for inspiration for Mother’s Day? Here are a few suggestions you may not have considered yet. Whether you think she’d like an adrenaline rush, new skill for life, a stylish cocktail or sumptuous Sunday lunch, we hope something here will inspire you…
Arrive ‘n’ Drive
One for High-energy Mums! Arrive ‘n’ Drive karting is a 30-minute spin around the Club Circuit in a Honda powered Le Mans Twin 200GX kart. The Three Sister’s Circuit is the North West’s most challenging outdoor race track and go karting circuit. No previous experience necessary and it is fun, fun, fun!
Price: £40, vouchers available
Three, Two, One, Bake Off!
Remember John Whaite, previous Great British Bake Off winner? Who wouldn’t love to spend a day in his kitchen learning how to create the perfect Afternoon Tea or scrumptious puddings and pies? John Whaites Kitchen is based in Wrightington in the heart of rural Lancashire. There’s a range of hands-on classes from fine patisserie to rustic home cooking. The classes, taught by John, start with breakfast and coffee. After the day’s lesson, the group sit down together and enjoy the fruit of their labours with a glass of fizz.
Tact alert: This is not a mother’s day present ‘because Mum can’t bake’, but ‘because Mum loves to bake’.
Price: £200
Cocktails at The Ravilious Rotunda
An afternoon or evening of sophisticated glamour at The Midland, our sea-side art deco gem. Jamie, our Rotunda Bar Manager, has been concocting some very special sassy cocktails. Whether yours is a Midland Manhattan, Apple Pie Margharita, Jack Frost or the Cocktail of the Week, there’s something for every Mummy. Enjoy them in the laid back atmosphere of The Ravilious Rotunda overlooking the bay.
Price: from £7
Blacksmith for a Day
Traditional blacksmithing is a craft that has deep and enduring roots in our culture and history. Located at Yew Tree Barn near Grange-over-Sand, Bespokers Forge is home to Artist Blacksmith John Law. He has opened up the forge to give people the opportunity to try this ancient craft for themselves, under his expert guidance. A one day course for a maximum of 4 people includes lunch and drinks. Basic blacksmithing techniques are taught in the morning, and the afternoon is spent on ‘a project’ of your choosing.
Price: £90
Sunday Roast – Mum’s Day Off
Treat Mum to a Sunday Roast Sharing Board at The Foodworks, Lancaster House. Choose from roasted rump of beef and Yorkshires, or loin of pork and crispy crackling. Enjoy with mash and roast potatoes, carrot, swede and savoy cabbage, with lashings of gravy of course. Other choices available from our Sunday menu. Just because it’s Mother’s Day… a free glass of bubbly for Mum on arrival.
Great news for you too… there’s no washing up!
Price: For two people £28.00; family of four (2 Adults 2 Kids) £35.00
To book call 01524 844822
