If you are staying in Lancaster and you’re keen on the odd hike or two, there are some great Lancashire walks to tackle in the neighbouring countryside.
North Lancashire is a wonderful part of the country to explore. Using Lancaster House Hotel as the base for your stay, you can choose to walk around the City of Lancaster and immerse yourself in its rich history, or venture into the rural scenery of the county.
Taking a leisurely hike in Lancashire throws up a lot of options, so we’ve put together a short list of some of our favourite walks around Lancaster and beyond.
Walks around Lancaster – Wyre Estuary Country Park walk
This country park walk is part of the 45-mile Wyre Way. The estuary country park walk is about 3 miles with a circular route starting at the car park. It features woodland paths with plenty of wildlife, trailing south along the River Wyre and returning to the car park via a country lane.
The park has a café and visitor centre as well as places to picnic. There are also all terrain electric buggies for hire in advance to access many of the walks within the park.
Popular walks in and around Lancaster – Clougha Pike
One of the best walking trails in Lancaster is the Clougha Pike Circular. This moderately challenging Lancashire walk takes about 3 hours and offers some wonderful, sweeping views across the county.
Canal walks in Lancashire
Lancashire has a network of historic canals that crosses the county. There are some fantastic scenic towpaths which are great for walking along and enjoying the surrounding countryside and wildlife.
The Garstang and Lancaster canal walk is a picturesque 5-mile circular walk around Garstang. It follows along the Lancaster Canal, the River Wyre and passes Greenhalgh Castle. And there are some beautiful countryside views towards the Forest of Bowland hills. Indeed you can extend the walk and join the Forest of Bowland walk to make it a longer circular route.
The Pendle Canal is the focal point for four relatively easy circular walks ranging from two to five miles. There are also some walking sections along the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath and through Alkincoates Park Nature Reserve.
And if you want to spend a full day out walking in Lancashire, the Glasson Dock, Aldcliffe and Lancaster Canal circular trail is about 10 miles and is very popular with hikers and runners alike.
Walks around Lancaster – Crook O’Lune riverside walk
The Crook O’Lune riverside walk is a beautiful trek along the banks of the river Lune. Suitable for most abilities, it is in a figure of eight route which runs for just over 3 miles. And it features lots of lovely views of the surrounding countryside and old bridges. The terrain is mostly flat, starting and finishing at the car park where there are toilet facilities and picnic areas.
Famous walks near Lancaster – Pendle Hill
The highest point in the Ribble Valley, Pendle Hill just misses being tall enough to be classified as a mountain. In 1652 George Fox climbed Pendle Hill and had a vision on the hill which was the catalyst for him to start the Quaker movement. Whatever your motivation for climbing the hill, it remains the most popular walk in the county. And from the summit at 557 metres, you can see for miles in every direction.
There are various routes to the top, but one of the most straightforward is from Barley, the closest village.
Walking with the Witches
Walking with the Witches is a two loop walk, with both loops starting in the village of Barley. The western loop is 4 miles in distance, whilst the eastern loop is 3.5 miles long.
The trails reveal the story of witchcraft dating back 400 years, during a time of religious persecution and superstition. Two widows in Pendle were well used to peddling their remedies and spells. Cutting a long story short, both went on trial for witchcraft at Lancaster Castle along with several other ‘co-conspirators.’
The tragic story of forced confessions, exaggerations, family disloyalty and prosecutors bent on conviction meant all the accused swung from the gallows. This fascinating and sorrowful tale is brought to life in a rural countryside walk near Lancaster.
Hiking in North Lancashire – The Tolkien Trail
This 6-mile woodland trail in the Ribble Valley explores the area claimed to have inspired JRR Tolkien’s writing of The Lord of the Rings.
Certainly, Tolkien did much of his research and writing of the tale during his time at Stonyhurst College which is a feature of the walk. Some of the names that you will encounter along the Tolkien Trail have an uncanny resemblance to the Shire in the story. These include Shire Lane and the Shireburn Arms where the walk starts and finishes.
Lancashire walks in the Preston area
If you and your family our keen walkers, you may wish to venture further afield from Lancaster House Hotel to explore some other popular Lancashire walks. Here are a few that we think are worth taking on if you are walking in Lancashire.
Avenham and Miller Park
This is a fairly easy circular walking route that you could easily coax youngsters to take. It passes through two great parks – Avenham Park and Miller Park – located beside the River Ribble.
Avenham Park was designed in the mid 1800s by Edward Milner. It’s widely regarded as one of the best examples of Victorian period parkland in the North West. It features a natural amphitheatre, Japanese Rock Garden and water features.
Witton Park
Stretching over 480 acres, Witton Country Park features a reasonably challenging, but rewarding, circular walk. This well known Lancashire walk initially takes you through the park before climbing, at times steeply, through the dense woodland of Billinge Hill. There are some fabulous views of Lancashire and across to Darwen Moor from the top.
Sunnyhurst Wood
This moderate walk loops around Sunnyhurst Wood and Darwen Tower, near Darwen. The main feature of the walk is a beautiful lake. And of course the 700 plus species of plant, bird and mammal wildlife. The site was designated a Biological Heritage Site in 1993 by Lancashire Wildlife Trust. And it became a Local Nature Reserve in 2005. The walk can be steep in places and stout footwear is recommended.
Gawthorpe Circular Walk
Starting at Padiham town hall, the Gawthorpe circular walk is a 5 mile stretch and can be a little bit rough under foot. So we recommend you wear good walking boots. The walk takes you through Hagg Wood, one of only six ancient semi natural woodlands left in the area.
There are sculptures of interest as well as the ‘Trail of Words’ where the hand rails are carved with the words of local writers and children. You may well want to stop and explore Gawthorpe Hall, a grand residence built in the early 17th century and restored in the mid-1800s by Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament.
The interior of the hall is opulent and there are displays of Jacobean and Victorian furniture, and splendid paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.
Wayside Arts Trail
If art is your thing as well as walking, the Wayside Arts Trail near Burnley is worth a visit. This 8 mile circular walk takes in lots of creative works including the Panopticon ‘Singing Ringing Tree’. This is an impressive 3-metre-tall sculpture designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu. Its construction uses galvanised steel pipes which capture the energy of the wind to produce musical-sounding notes.
Lots of other natural and man-made sculptures and creative works have made this a fascinating Lancashire walk to undertake. The original impetus for the Art Trail was an education programme called ‘Land’. It involved professional artists working with schools and local communities to inspire them to make a positive change to their environment.
Walks in and around Lancaster – wheelchair friendly walks
We often get asked about scenic Lancashire walks and popular walks in and around Lancaster that offer wheelchair access paths and tramper trails. A trip out to Morecambe for a jaunt along the promenade is an obvious choice, but here are some others you may wish to consider.
Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs
Not many places in the country can offer easy access to the joys of the beaches and coastline for wheelchair users. But if you fancy a day out with a walk on the North Lancashire coast, Fleetwood is well worth a visit and has a wheelchair accessible beach.
A Fleetwood town resident, with help from the local community and council, recognised that wheelchair users had little access to the beach. So they formed a charity, raised funds and now have wheelchairs, harnesses and hoists that can be booked in advance.
Walks close to Lancaster – Forest of Bowland Tramper trails
There are four specific Tramper trails listed on the Forest of Bowland AONB website. Each walk has been graded between 1 and 5 in the Disabled Ramblers categories. There is something for those looking for a gentle ride but also for those in search of something more adventurous.
Where to stay when hiking in Lancashire
Whether you’re taking a day walk in Lancashire and in need of refreshment, or you’re in need of a hearty dinner, bed and breakfast treat, Lancaster House Hotel is the perfect spot.
Situated on the fringe of Lancaster with easy access to the M6 and within close driving distance of all the above walks and the Lake District, you will receive a warm welcome in the lap of luxury.
If you’re looking for things to do in the Lake District without a car and you are staying in Ambleside or at nearby Low Wood Bay, we’ve got plenty of ideas for a great day out.
So do you need a car in the Lake District? Once they get here, many of our guests and visitors wish for nothing more than to leave the car in the car park, pull on their boots and go exploring.
Car free days out in the Lake District are becoming increasingly popular, especially for the more environmentally conscious. Many of us now go out our way to get off the road and ditch the car once we’ve got to our holiday destination.
If you’re in the Lake District without a car, or you don’t want to drive anywhere, how about these top 5 car free days out?
No car Lake District – Stagshaw Garden
For places in the Lake District that you can visit without a car, Stagshaw Garden is a quiet gem. Just off the main road into Ambleside, this rambling and informal woodland garden is a blaze of colour and beautiful scents in spring and summer.
Visitors love the ‘secret garden’ feel with winding paths and unusual trees and plants. You can also sit and enjoy views out over Windermere and the Lake District fells.
Created by Cubby Acland, a former National Trust agent, the garden has an outstanding collection of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas and a stunning carpet of bluebells in the spring.
Grasmere via the stepping stones over River Rothay
Where is the best place to visit in the Lake District without a car? Well how about this for a walk from the middle of Ambleside?
As well as the famous stepping stones across the River Rothay, this walk provides stunning views over Rydal Water and Grasmere. There are caves to explore under Loughrigg, and tearooms and art galleries aplenty in Grasmere village itself. Explore Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount (both former dwelling places of William Wordsworth) and St Oswald’s parish church where you can view the grave stones of Wordsworth’s family. For a car free day out in the Lake District, this one is chockful of heritage, culture and history in the middle of some of the area’s most spectacular natural scenery.
Windermere Lake Cruises boat trip to Bowness-on-Windermere
Getting out on the water is an obvious antidote if you’re visiting the Lake District without a car.
Hop aboard with Windermere Lake Cruises from the pier in Ambleside and in just half an hour or so you can land at Bowness. This bustling tourist centre has a distinct holiday feel.
There’s a lovely ten-minute walk from Bowness pier along the lake shoreline to Cockshott Point. And of course Bowness is home to the famous World of Beatrix Potter attraction which is hugely popular with families.
There is nothing better on a summer afternoon to break the journey on the way back at Brockhole and walk around the lovely gardens. Drop in at the visitor centre or, for the more adventurous, have a go at the Treetop Trek aerial adventure.
Car free days out in the Lake District – Zeffirellis in Ambleside
It’s often sensible to have a wet weather plan in the Lake District if you don’t have the car. So how about visiting an award-winning food, film and music venue?
Zeffirellis is not only a cinema featuring contemporary movies and selected art house films, but it’s also got a sparkling live music scene.
Keep an eye on its special events page as it regularly features live and recorded shows from the world of theatre, opera and dance.
Lake District without a car – Bike boat to Wray Castle
Another fantastic no car Lake District day out is to take the ‘Bike Boat’ from Brockhole over to Wray Castle on the western shore of Windermere.
And if you haven’t brought your bikes, you can easily hire them from Brockhole Visitor Centre. Wray Castle is a mock-gothic castle with turrets and towers. Kids will love the big empty rooms they can dress up and let imaginations run wild.
There’s a choice of cycle routes from Wray. Why not try the car-free shoreline path to Harrowslack, suitable for all ages and abilities? And there are also quiet roads and bridleways for the more experienced cyclist. From Harrowslack, it’s a short ferry ride back across the lake to Bowness where you can get the Bike Bus back to Brockhole.
How do you get around Windermere without a car?
With a bit of sound planning, visiting the Lake District without a car can still provide a world of opportunity. If you decide to come to Windermere by train and you want to explore the area without a car, there are plenty of reliable bus and cycle routes, walking trails to explore as well as ferry and cruise options on the lake.
Are you looking for Lake District zoos or wildlife parks to visit during your holiday stay with English Lakes Hotels?
Many of our guests and their kids love animals, and a trip to a Lake District zoo is high up on their list of things to do on their holiday. Whether it’s getting up close and personal with one of the world’s deadliest animals, or admiring them with healthy respect from a distance, a trip to a zoo in the Lake District is always a fun family day out.
So, the Lake District has a good selection of zoos, wildlife parks and animal attractions from which to choose. Here’s a short list of our top 5 Lake District zoos and local animal attractions that will educate, entertain and thrill you in equal measure.
Lake District zoos – South Lakes Safari zoo
One of the most well-known zoos in the Lake District, the South Lakes Safari Zoo near Ulverston features more than a thousand animals. Some of these are rare or endangered species. And the wildlife park provides them with a home in the style of their own particular natural environment.
From big African beasts such as lions, zebra, wildebeest and the Southern white rhino, to Sumatran tigers and the intemperate honey badger, this Lake District zoo has a wide range of animals to marvel at.
Lake District Wildlife Park
Set in 24 acres of beautiful parkland near Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, the Lake District Wildlife Park has a large selection of wild and domestic animals.
Throughout the day there are different presentations which bring you up close and personal with the Lake District Wildlife Park’s favourite animal characters.
The Lemur talk 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 Meercats experience – another mob of inquisitive critters.
There are also experiences and advance bookings for falconry and hawk walks where you are taught to call, hold and fly different birds of prey.
Conservation is very much part of the agenda at the park. This includes the development of farmland and woodland on the estate and active support on six endangered species programmes.
The café serves a range of meals and snacks. There are also picnic spots, as well as a gift shop, and outdoor and indoor play areas for children.
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
Owned and run by The Lakeland Trust for Natural Sciences), this Lake District zoo near Milnthorpe prides itself on conservation and education.
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis provides a huge variety of sights and sounds. It features over 100 wild species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
There are plenty of hands-on displays, engaging talks and experiences throughout the day. These include reptile handling, lemur, monkey and meerkat feeding sessions and talks.
Another bonus for the children is the chance to become a zookeeper for a day. The kids can shadow a real life keeper and help take care of a whole range of animals.
And for adults, there’s the chance for a one-on-one meet the carnivores big cat experience to get up close and stick feed the zoo’s own snow leopards.
Lakes Aquarium
The Lakes Aquarium near Newby Bridge is another interesting Lake District wildlife park to visit. From the famous Clownfish in Finding Nemo to the terrifying piranhas of the Amazon, there are numerous displays of freshwater and seawater creatures.
As a Lake District zoo which explores the underwater world, the Lakes Aquarium is great for introducing children to different species such as seahorse, salmon, trout, pike, rays and sharks. The underwater lake tunnel is a favourite, as is the duck diving display.
And as well as the fish, other inhabitants at the Lakes Aquarium include reptiles, amphibians, wildfowl and mammals who relish life in and around the water. There are otters, snakes, tortoises and even a colony of leaf-cutter ants.
You can also make more of the experience by booking a Windermere Lake Cruises round trip from Bowness-on-Windermere to Lakeside and the aquarium.
Predator Experience
By definition, not quite a Lake District zoo, but Predator Experience won ‘best magic moment’ on the 30th anniversary edition of BBC Countryfile. Located on a 5-acre site near Grange-over-Sands, it is a hugely popular Lake District wildlife attraction. It offers the chance to walk with wolves and spend time in the company of a host of natural predators.
Other options include eagle experiences and hawk walks. And there are meet and greet opportunities such as the wolf and fox encounter, where you will get up close to wolf hybrids and red foxes.
It is advised to book weeks in advance as the experiences are highly popular. Geared around small groups, you are guaranteed lots of interactive time with the keepers and their animals.
Falconry experiences at Low Wood Bay and The Wild Boar
So when you get here for your stay with us, why not book the family in for a session with these fascinating birds of prey.
For couples tying the knot and looking for an exclusive Lake District wedding venue, The Wild Boar Estate takes some beating.
So it proved for newlyweds Kerry and Craig, who chose to book out the whole venue for their nuptials.
The bride and groom had a difficult decision to make on where to marry. The beautiful Greek Island of Paxos was a favourite, but a wedding in the Lake District got the nod in the end.
“Paxos and the Lake District are both special places to us,” explains Kerry. “And we wanted somewhere to reflect us as people, what we enjoy and where we are our most relaxed.”
A home from home wedding in the Lake District
A key factor in their decision was the ability to secure a real gem amongst exclusive wedding venues in the Lake District. An autumn wedding fitted with the couple’s work schedule. Indeed, The Wild Boar’s exclusive use availability, plus the warmth of its open fires, won the day.
“The Wild Boar wedding offer in the Lakes won us both over,” says Kerry. “We knew we wanted exclusive use of the venue. More guests would be able to join us, with as many as possible staying over on site. And it gave us a relaxing venue with a touch of luxury, great food, wine and real ale to cater for everyone’s tastes.”
A high street meeting becomes a wedding day in Windermere
So how did Kerry and Craig first meet? Both were running their own businesses, coincidentally on the hight street of their village.
The romance blossomed and the rest is history. Soon, Craig’s proposal came during a surprise birthday trip for Kerry. And with the Amalfi coast in Italy a spectacular backdrop, he asked for Kerry’s hand on the balcony, at sunset, overlooking the sea.
Planning their ideal Lake District wedding
So there was much to do to plan and organise their big day. Working with The Wild Boar Estate’s wedding co-ordinator Amy Smethurst, Kerry and Craig started to piece together their choices for the wedding breakfast, table settings, flower arrangements, decorations and of course their respective outfits.
Kerry’s gown and veil was designed and made by Charlotte at Wilden Bride, Epsom, Surrey. And her boots were fashioned by Freya Rose.
Craig’s suit was bespoke by Gieves and Hawkes, Saville Row. An added plus was the addition of a flat cap by Lawrence and Foster of Castleford, and boots by Barbour.
For their Wild Boar wedding breakfast, the couple plumped for white onion and thyme soup with cheese scones, Sunday roast dinner and apple crumble with custard.
Kerry adds: “For an extra touch, we had beer mats designed and made for place names, and calligraphy written by The Creative Nib. My vision was for an autumnal banquet style, with gold candelabra in differing sizes.
“And we had small compotes bowls with selections of seasonal flowers in ivory, plum, green, navy and peach. We added fern and hellebore plants scattered amount dreamy Spanish moss to soften the look, all finished off with plums and grapes.”
On the formal wedding invitations, the couple added a note that hats were to be encouraged. And on the day there were guests sporting fedoras, fascinators and flat caps galore.
Wedding cakes and floral decorations
And of course no Lake District wedding venue would be complete without a delicious cake to mark the occasion. Kerry and Craig chose a small wedding cake made by the mother of one of the bridesmaid’s. And it was decorated with fresh flowers and fruit. Harwoods Patisserie created a selection of mini cakes.
The couple’s pre-ceremony song was Embryonic Journey by Jefferson Airplane. And they chose Neil Young’s Harvest Moon for their last dance to wrap up the big day.
Kerry also had her own team of skilled florists amongst the guests. They took it upon themselves to construct several large-scale floral installations. That included the main entrance and ceremony room.
Kerry adds: “Having my friends from the floristry industry join us to celebrate and have them decorate the entrance to the venue with a jaw dropping Autumnal floral arch was a special memory. All the more so as they were allowed to forage from the woodland around.
“Even The Wild Boar Estate’s Land Rover, ‘The Mad Pig’ got a floral make over, covered in wild foliage and flowers.”
Wild wedding celebrations in the Lake District
Kerry and Craig took the idea of a wild wedding to the next level. Alongside the canapes and family photographs, there was a surprise ‘Wild Boar-nament’. This included indoor games, clay pigeon shooting and a quiz after their wedding breakfast. They announced the winners with a victory shot of Fireball.
Kerry and Craig had chosen to have a sweetheart top table – just for the two of them. That meant they could look around the room to see all their favourite people having a great time. They also cherished that rare wedding day opportunity to talk to each other.
They had a beautiful celebrant lead ceremony in the main restaurant filled with personal vows and their favourite songs. As the ceremony ended the bride and groom thanked each of their guests row by row until they were the last two people in the room.
So from the warmth of the exclusive use of a Lake District wedding venue, Kerry and Craig jetted off for their honeymoon. They chose Tenerife for some much-needed winter sun, but they’re already planning a second honeymoon too, possibly in Thailand.
If you are an avid classical music fan and keen to find out more about concerts in Lancaster and North Lancashire, you might want to check out the Haffner Orchestra.
Lancaster House Hotel has sponsored the Haffner Orchestra’s latest sell-out concert in the Great Hall at Lancaster University.
The hotel is right next door to the university campus. So we are always looking for opportunities to work together, support each other and help promote the City of Lancaster.
And of course Lancaster House is a great place to stay when attending a concert in North Lancashire. The venue is also within easy driving distance for live music in Blackpool and concerts in the Lake District.
One of the best classical music concerts in Lancashire
Over 600 people enjoyed a spectacular evening of classical music. To set the scene, the Lancaster House Hotel team hosted an intimate gathering with pre-concert drinks and canapes at the venue.
Prior to the start of the Lancaster University concert, Haffner Orchestra musical director Alex Robinson and highly respected UK pianist Martin Roscoe delivered an insightful talk.
With a nod to the film history of the area, the highlight of the first half of the concert was Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, which featured in Brief Encounter.
Martin Roscoe kindly gave up his time at the interval to mix with our guests while they tucked in to festive treats.
Supporting the music scene in North Lancashire
The concert culminated in an exciting second half headlined with Finnish composer Sibelius’ Symphony No.2.
Lancaster House Hotel general manager Emma Underwood said: “This was a tremendous concert and a night we were proud to be involved in. Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or curious about the genre, coming to music concerts in Lancashire to see talented musicians performing together live is magical.
“It was great to mingle with our guests and other concertgoers to discuss the performance. In some cases the conversations continued over a nightcap back at the Sandeman Bar in the hotel.”
Lancaster House is also supporting the Haffner Orchestra with sponsorship for two further concerts in March and June 2024.
History of the orchestra
The Haffner Orchestra has a proud history as the City of Lancaster’s symphony orchestra. Established in 1976, it consists of a host of amateur and local professionals. They come together for three official music concerts in Lancashire each year.
The orchestra’s talented musicians and polished direction allows it to deliver an array of well-known music pieces, from classical and baroque periods to more contemporary commissions.
Music for the local community
The orchestra team also loves to deliver occasional community performances. As part of the Lancaster Music Festival, Festa Italia’ and ‘Light up Lancaster’ events, it has played in the city’s market square, Marketgate and St Nicholas’ Arcade. Smaller groups of its musicians will thrill more intimate audiences in pubs and other venues too.
The Haffner Orchestra also offers workshops, masterclasses and one-off concerts to encourage greater musical education for the local Lancaster community.
For further information about the Haffner Orchestra and classical music concerts in Lancaster, visit www.haffnerorchestra.org
One of our most popular rural wedding venues near Windermere has appointed a new specialist to organise its weddings and events for couples getting married. Amy Smethurst has joined the team at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues as The Wild Boar wedding co-ordinator.
Having worked in the hospitality sector in a front-of-house customer service role for over 5 years, starting in waitering and latterly as a duty manager, Amy was itching for change and new challenges.
She had always been fascinated by the wedding scene and so when her brother announced he was getting married, Amy immediately volunteered to organise his big day. Little did she know that this would result in a change in career direction.
Thankfully, Amy did a great job – the siblings are still talking to each other at any rate! – and the experience inspired her to apply for the role of The Wild Boar weddings co-ordinator when she noticed the job advert online.
“I was a bit hesitant to apply at first,” she explains. “But I knew I had strong customer service skills and the ability to build a rapport with clients, plus the experience of organising my brother’s wedding was genuinely exhilarating, especially when the caterer pulled out at the last minute due to a freak injury!”
Amy’s first job was to get up to speed with all the weddings at The Wild Boar for the 2023 season, some of which were already in advanced stages, whilst others needed to be accelerated to ensure everything was ready in time.
One of the most important aspects of her initial induction and training for the role was to work in partnership with the wedding team at nearby sister hotel Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa.
She has organised around a dozen weddings in the 2023 season thus far, with the biggest event catering for 130 guests and the smallest, an intimate family wedding for a small group of 11.
Better still has been Amy’s response to the ongoing challenge of spreading the word about what The Wild Boar has to offer for wedding parties and couples.
Organising Lake District weddings with a difference
She recently attended the Lakes Weddings showcase event, sharing a stall with her wedding co-ordinator colleagues from Lancaster House and Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. And has also been heavily involved in the planning and delivery of a ‘Wild Wedding Suppliers Brunch’ at the venue.
Amy’s ability to communicate clearly what the venue is all about has resulted in the booking of an increasing number of ‘show arounds’ for couples seeking out the best place in the Lake District to get married. A complimentary Wild Boar afternoon tea may just have been a factor!
“We’re not in competition with each other though,” explains Amy. “Each of our venues cater for very different demographics and clientele in terms of wedding planning. At The Wild Boar, we very much embrace the ‘wild’ theme and a certain inclination for the more quirky, informal and outdoorsy elements of what couples are looking for as part of their nuptials.
In fact the success we’ve had this year has been very much to do with teamwork and the support I’ve had, especially from the team at Low Wood Bay who gave me the chance to train with them and help out with some of their events to pick up handy tips and experience.
The new job was perfect for Amy’s home life too. Whilst trying to break into the wedding organising side of hospitality, she was also looking to move to Kendal with her girlfriend. The new job has allowed her to do so and she passed her driving test in the nick of time the week before starting the job.
Great wedding experiences at The Wild Boar
Amy is already receiving some heart-warming feedback from couples who have recently tied the knot at the venue:
“We cannot thank you enough for everything you did for us on our day and beyond that! From start to finish you made everything so easy. We had the most amazing wedding at The Wild Boar, every single member of staff was kind and helpful and made us feel extremely special.”
Hannah and Brad
“You were amazing on the build-up to our wedding, and on the day you were so calm, thorough and reassuring the whole time and you paid attention to the smallest details. We cannot thank you enough.”
Kate and Adam
“The set up you made was beyond anything we’d imagined. The tables looked so beautiful and everything was perfect. The details you put up were just amazing. The whole day ran so smoothly. Everyone said how amazing the food was. All the staff were so friendly, from when we dropped stuff off to check out, thank you all so much, you really made the day.”
Amy and Callum
Where do you go if you fancy a slap-up Mrs Miggin’s breakfast in the Lake District?
Fell walkers seeking to fuel themselves before tackling a full day’s hiking might want to take a little detour to The Wild Boar Inn to experience arguably the most sumptuous and varied breakfast in Windermere.
Those who have braved the night camping or glamping may decide to eschew the embers of the previous night’s barbecue and head out to Crook to tuck into a big breakfast fry up at the hotel too.
The breakfast menu at The Wild Boar caters for everyone’s palate, from a traditional full English through to a varied platter offering delicious sweet and savoury mouthfuls.
From 8:00am each weekday morning, The Wild Boar Inn’s culinary team is up, ready and waiting so serve not only our guests but also non-residents seeking a bit of breakfast adventure.
Could The Wild Boar Inn be your favourite breakfast stop in the Lake District?
The centrepiece of The Wild Boar Inn’s popular Lake District breakfast offering includes everything you would expect: Cumberland sausage, locally sourced back bacon, slow cooked tomatoes, grilled flat cap mushrooms, Bury black pudding, baked beans and a choice of eggs, plus the option of the less than traditional hash browns – an influence perhaps from the US.
For the more adventurous looking for a meaty start to the day, there’s steak and eggs featuring an in-house smoked medallion of beef fillet with duck egg and wild mushrooms and hollandaise.
There are menu options for the more discerning eye too, such as treacle cured salmon with wholegrain rye bread and scrambled eggs or Lancashire Cheese Rarebit with smoked streaky bacon and fried duck egg.
From lemon curd French toast with vanilla bean mascarpone and toasted hazelnuts through to wild mushrooms, spinach and poached eggs on sourdough, there’s something for everyone to savour.
Many of the hotel’s breakfast servings are gluten free dishes, with vegetarian options including a Potato Rosti with wild mushrooms, baby spinach, poached egg and hollandaise sauce. There is also a delicious selection of artisan breads and croissants.
A Windermere trip out for breakfast – what will you choose?
The full English breakfast can mean slightly different variations depending on the diner and indeed the chef. To this writer, it’s sausage, bacon and eggs as the staple, with the side addition of mushrooms, grilled tomato and fried bread. The coffee needs to be served hot when the breakfast arrives, but the real key is that the eggs are still warm when served.
Others will demand the inclusion of black pudding of course, and perhaps a side ramekin of baked beans to boot.
Historically, the tradition of the full English breakfast anecdotally goes as far back as the 1400s, with the country’s gentry maintaining the idea of hospitable Anglo-Saxon cuisine and practices. They developed a reputation for tremendous breakfast feasts for family, friends and visitors passing through.
Those foundations were fortified on the country estates and the concept of a hearty morning meal before the landed gentry went off to hunt. The Victorians made the idea into a more formal affair, and a chance to display their social status and wealth, before the Edwardians established the main constituents of the full English fry up.
It was in the early decades of the 20th century that the nuts and bolts of the English breakfast fry up we know today started to become the standard across the country. This is around the period where the idea was no longer exclusive to the wealthier in society. Indeed the full English breakfast was rapidly embraced as a wholesome, filling way to start the working day. By the 1950s, it was commonplace across all areas and walks of life.
Today at The Wild Boar Inn, it’s fell walkers, hikers, ravenous campers and glampers and local residents who seek us out on a casual weekday morning for a hearty breakfast trip out from Windermere.
And breakfast here does not always have to be a social occasion – indeed it’s part of our cultural fabric to sit with family, friend or partner and perhaps not utter a single word as you scan the newspaper (or the ubiquitous mobile phone!) as you ready yourself for the serious business of the day ahead.
We all know that there are some wonderful things to do in the Lake District National Park. It is after all, an exceptional example of nature’s playground, with the fells to hike, valleys to explore and the shores of the lakes inviting you to take to the water for a swim or boating trip.
At Low Wood Bay, you’ll find that we’ve gone that extra mile in terms of outdoor activities. As well as the outdoor spa facilities for those who want a bit of R&R whilst taking in the spectacular views of the Langdales, there’s also the Watersports Centre which offers pretty much all you can think of in terms of boating, paddleboarding or even wake surfing.
Many of our guests yearn for something more to bring them closer to the natural world, and that’s why we’ve teamed up with Lake District Falconry to offer intimate hawk walks in the Lake District, allowing participants to get up close to birds of prey and even have them fly to their outstretched gloved hand.
How to get into Hawk Walks in the Lake District
We first started working with the falconers and their birds at The Wild Boar Inn, where our 72 acres of woodlands make the perfect tree canopy cover to see the raptors fly, swoop and dive in a natural environment.
And so we decided to help create a falconry centre here on the shores of Windermere, using Low Wood Bay’s extensive grounds and the backdrop of spectacular Lake District scenery to offer ‘hawk walks’ for guests and visitors.
What is a Hawk Walk?
Sessions start with the experienced falconers introducing one of the raptors, allowing participants to wear a falconry glove and have the bird of prey perch on their fist. This is followed by the opportunity to fly the hawk to and from the glove with expert guidance from an experienced falconer.
A bird’s eye view of Windermere and the fells
General manager at the spa Mark Needham says: “We’re very lucky to be able to offer our guests some of the best views across Windermere here at Low Wood Bay. So what better place to allow them an even closer step to nature by trying their hand at falconry.
“During the hawk walks, there’s a chance to take on the role of the falconer, donning the gauntlet and calling the birds to you. It’s a great way to experience the unique bond between these birds and humans. We have a number of hawk walk packages to choose from, including options to make a day of it with spa usage and a two-course lunch or afternoon tea.”
As an integral part of the sessions, participants also learn about the behavioural habits of the birds and watch one of the hawks perform a simulated hunt using artificial prey.
Stephen Lea from Lake District Falconry says: “It’s great to add such a spectacular venue for our exclusive hawk walk experiences. Low Wood Bay guests can get to know our beautiful hawks and immerse themselves in their world against the spectacular backdrop of Windermere and the Lakeland Fells.” Find out more book your falconry experience.
If culture and heritage are you thing, why not combine your stay in North Lancashire with a day trip from Lancaster House Hotel to Leighton Hall?
Set within the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Carnforth, the history of the hall goes back nearly 800 years and there is plenty to explore. Our receptionist Carolyn paid a visit on a ‘big day out’:
I’d always thought Leighton Hall with its gardens, tearooms and activities would be well worth a visit, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Nestled in wide expanses of picturesque rural land, the history of the hall goes back to 1246 but the welcome and tour of the beautiful manor is by no means dated.
The hall is still home to the current owners, Lucy Gillow Arthurs and Daniel Arthurs, whose ancestors have lived there across many generations. They have been kind enough to open their home to the public to share their history and vast collection of art and furniture.
From the warm welcome at the gate, the customer friendly tour of the hall and its grounds and the delicious home-made cakes and drinks in the café, we immediately felt relaxed.
Unlike so many other country estates and rural houses open to the public, Leighton Hall has ‘no ropes or boundaries’ in it rooms. Guests are encouraged to sit down in the Gillow dining chairs and to feel the quality of the bird’s eye maple wood in the bedroom furniture of Lady Reynold’s bedroom.
From the luxury of a modern Lancashire hotel to the grandeur of a country house
The tour starts in the grand entrance hall, and you immediately see the magical ‘flying staircase’ beneath which nestles a beautiful Daisy table. The guide tells the history of some of the paintings and the clock displayed here and talks about the mystery of the Daisy table.
The tour talk was delivered in a friendly, chatty manner and we had the opportunity to ask questions as we went along.
There’s plenty of time too to admire the antique pieces of furniture positioned around the rooms, with explanations as to whence some of the pieces were sourced, or what they were used for.
Drawers and cupboards doors are opened to reveal the insides of many curious pieces collected over many years. Many are Gillow manufactured but there are some contrasting French pieces showing marked differences in their design.
Some were highly practical in their use and would have been used on a daily basis. Others were used to house intriguing collections that family members acquired on their travels and showed off to visitors in days gone by.
In the music room, we were encouraged to relax and take a seat whilst discovering the history of the room and renowned performers who have entertained the family and their guests in the past. The cosy drawing room and its bay window extension allow for a moment to enjoy the countryside views too.
A visit upstairs to the principal bedroom of Sir James and Lady Reynolds reveals a very different style of furniture which was not made by the Gillows. The highly ornate bed, matching wardrobes and drawers give a contrasting vibe to the furnishings of other rooms.
There is small, intimate chapel in the hall where the family used to go to pray and attend services in the privacy of their own home.
We also got a peek at the servants’ quarters downstairs: seeing all the bells to summon staff to the many different rooms around the house was quite an eye opener. Learning each bell’s individual tone to respond to the correct room must have been a nightmare.
Lots to see and do during your North Lancashire hotel stay
Following the very informative and entertaining tour of the hall, we were treated to a highly skilled falconry display. The recall demonstrated by one of the birds would make any dog owner envious, instantly responding to the trainer and returning to the ground on command.
Our day was brought to a satisfying conclusion with a trip to the tearooms where you can enjoy a drink and snack on the homemade cakes, either sitting inside or outside in the sheltered courtyard area.
The hall also has a lot to offer children with its Teddy Bear Hunt competition in the summer, a play area and a maze. There’s a trail to find tree faces, an area to indulge in brass rubbings, an insect hotel and bee corner too, or you and your family can simply take a gentle stroll through the beautiful woodland area or take some time to admire the walled garden.
For further information or to organise a visit during your stay at Lancaster House Hotel, go to www.leightonhall.co.uk
Front of House Operations Manager at Lancaster House Lynn Porter took her children for a big day out in Lancaster at the Williamson Park’s Butterfly house and mini zoo.
It’s not always easy to find interactive activities which are fun, immersive and educational for your children, especially during the school holidays.
But there’s a little treat in store for kids of all ages at Williamson Park in Lancaster, where they can extend their science and biology knowledge in a little oasis of wildlife, thanks to the Butterfly House and mini zoo.
Once an Edwardian tropical palm house, families can now explore the building which is a maze of different habitats for a diverse range of butterfly species. And children can quickly learn about the life cycles of the butterflies, caterpillars and pupae, as well as catching a glimpse of exotic animals such as a marmoset, Koi carp or a tortoise.
“One of the most challenging things we found was trying to photograph the butterflies – it’s pretty tricky trying to get them to pose or be still for very long! But the kids were thrilled with the experience and it’s a great environment for them to explore and find out more about nature. All in all, they had a great time, and loved the mini beasts as well, although Arlo wasn’t that keen when a butterfly landed on him.”
