Congratulations are certainly in order for the longest serving member of staff at English Lakes, Maria Walker, who celebrates thirty years in the company this month. Here, she shares a little of her English Lakes journey. (more…)

"I'm bored", "There's nothing to do", "This is boring!" All familiar phrases in homes up and down our land. Why not take a look at what's going on in museums, parks and stately homes around your area - many are free or relatively inexpensive.
For visitors to our Lake District Hotels, we've highlighted five activities for you to choose from this October half-term. (more…)

Three members of the Lofty family – Mel and his daughters Gemma and Sam – all chose the same wedding venue, Low Wood Bay. Mel tied the knot recently at Low Wood Bay so we caught up with the whole family. 
It was the baby of the family, Gemma, Wedding & Events Manager for the hotel and her husband, Nevil, General Manager, who led the way marrying at the hotel where they both now work. (more…)

There is so much to see and do in the Lake District, so whether you are here on a short hotel break in the Lakes or just visiting the area for the day, here are five of our favourite easy walks with children. (more…)

In theory, walking with children in The Lake District should be a delight and a family bonding activity. However, the reality can sometimes fall a little short.
If memory serves me correctly (and it is a few years ago now), getting my young children out on a family walk in the Lake District could be as painful as sticking pins in my eyes! Apart from the initial wails of protest followed by the multitudinous reasons why they couldn’t possibly join their parents on a pleasant Sunday afternoon stroll, there was the inevitable and literal dragging of heels and the prolonged sulks which seemed to evaporate only as we reached our tea shop destination.
Despite the initial moans and groans, once the kids are out in the fresh air they soon discover there is so much to explore. So if you are planning a family day out here are our top 10 suggestions that might be worth experimenting with ... (more…)

There is so much to see and do in and around Lancaster. If you are planning on visiting this beautiful part of North Lancashire this summer, check out our top picks that the whole family will enjoy and a special family offer for Lancaster House Hotel.

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How many of us have dreamed of writing and publishing a children’s book? Me, for one!
Now tell me, how many of us have actually achieved it? Sadly, I’m sure like many others, not me! However, meet two plucky women from Cumbria who had that dream and in December 2013 picked up the proof that the dream had become a reality.
Claire Mansfield and Amy Onyango are the creators of Felltarn Friends, a children’s activity book that will keep younger members of the family amused for hours on end and, I predict, will be ‘best friend’ to all visiting families to The Lake District who come across this little gem.

Cleverly crafted and beautifully illustrated, this 96-page book is literally packed with things to learn, craft and colour and discover. Claire and Amy have meticulously researched activities and family days out in the area, ably assisted by their children aged between 2 and 10. (more…)

English Lakes is a supplier of hotels in the Lake District and is a proud supporter of Open Arms International and we are pleased to announce Elliot Berry is currently  preparing to journey to Kenya to counsel orphaned children.
Elliot, 21, from Troutbeck, plans to stay permanently and work with children living in the Open Arms International village near Eldoret, in the far west of the East African country.
The village offers a home and education to children who have been orphaned, abandoned or removed from their own homes due to conflict, neglect or abuse.
Elliot spent three months working at the village two years ago and the experience inspired him to return.
Elliot’s move to Kenya follows the completion of a new orphan home at the village, built with £45,000 raised by staff and directors here at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. Elliot’s parents – his father Simon is chairman and managing director of English Lakes – recently returned from a visit to the orphanage as part of its official opening.
The new house will be home to up to 19 children, together with two ‘house parents’ who will move in with their own children.
The village currently looks after approximately 45 children. It has a number of orphan homes, a school, farm, a medical centre and accommodation for visitors. Elliot will be staying in separate accommodation nearby.

Simon says: “I am really proud of Elliott. He is an intelligent, determined and kind young man and the work he will be doing in Kenya will be incredibly valuable.
“I am also delighted that he will be working with Open Arms; it is a fantastic charity, and one that our family has supported for some years now. “
Elliot is going to be totally self-funded when he is in Kenya, so he needs to raise money to pay for his flights, accommodation, food and living expenses. He has organised a fundraising dinner at Low Wood Bay on 24 February and is hoping to raise £10,000.
Tickets are £30 each and guests will enjoy a four-course dinner with a presentation by Elliot about the Open Arms International project. There will be a raffle, silent auction and opportunity to pledge support, there will also be some traditional Kenyan entertainment.
To get a ticket or for more information on Elliot’s move please contact him on 07747560294.