The biggest marina on Windermere is calling for the 10mph speed limit on England’s longest lake to be lifted in the week of its fifth anniversary.

This week, marks five years since a 10mph restriction was brought in – banning water-skiing, jet-skiing and power boating on the 10.5 mile long lake. Windermere was the only lake left in the whole of the Lake District where power-boating and water-skiing could take place.

Jason Dearden, Managing Director, runs Windermere Marina Village on the edge of the lake near Bowness, which is home to over 400 boat owners and draws visitors from the North West, North East and Cumbria, as well as around 11,000 visitors a year staying at its lakeside cottages and apartments. It is the biggest and most sheltered Marina on Windermere, and the largest in the whole of the North.

He believes a relaxation of the 2005 ban or a commitment to rethink it by the Lake District National Park Authority this year, would be a welcome gesture to tourism around the Lake following the floods, as well as assisting in the area’s economic recovery.

He also thinks that representations should be made to review the 10mph byelaw if there’s a change of Government after the general election.

One of the major reasons the ban was brought in was to reduce “conflict” between different types of people using the lake and make the lake more tranquil.

Mr Dearden believes Windermere is large enough to have a scheme which allows room for all types of waterborne activities – sailors, power-boaters, canoers and water-skiers – sharing the water harmoniously.

Mr Dearden said: “We are five years on from the ban and many tourism businesses would like to see a rethink because it unfairly excludes a proportion of visitors from enjoying England’s longest lake. We wouldn’t dream of banning certain visitors from enjoying Scafell Pike, so why have a rule which stops certain visitors wanting to enjoy Windermere.”

“If there is conflict between different types of people using the Lake, all we need to do is start looking at what those conflicts are and finding out how they can be managed – so everyone can enjoy Windermere.”

“We have to get out of the mindset of treating the lake like a village duck-pond and believing this byelaw somehow makes it quiet. It is the bigges and most popular lake in the Lake District and the most developed. There are over 16 lakes and bodies of waters across the Lake District if people are seeking total tranquillity.”

“In the Norfolk Broads, where there are a lot of waterways and a lot of water users, the national park authority there has a system which regulates what every users can do and it works. All we need to do is adopt a similar policy for Lake Windermere and it will really assist tourism. If we are trying to convert a younger audience of visitors to discover the Lakes, we have to offer what they want.”

Water-skiers, power-boaters and jet-skiers were an important visitor to the Marina as they often had a high-disposable income and made repeat visits – staying and spending in the local area as they pursued their hobbies.

Windermere Marina Village, a family-owned tourism business, is close to completing a £3 million upgrade of the Marina and taking bookings again for the new tourism season. Following the floods of last year, the water level of the lake rose 10 feet – swamping the Marina’s 29 ground level Windermere cottages meaning holiday cancellations. The Marina employs around 55 people and its 11,000 annual guests use local restaurants, shops, cafes and visitor attractions, making it a significant contributor to the local economy of Bowness and Windermere.

For more information, please contact Tracii Monet at Windermere Marina Village on 015394 46551 or visit http://www.wmv.co.uk

The BBC 2 Wake up to Wogan show lunches “Things that Money Cant Buy” auction for Children in Need on Monday 16th November with a Wainwright walking package staring Julia Bradbury and The Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick.

The Wainwright walks have been popularised by Julia Bradbury who often stays at the Skiddaw Hotel when filming in the Lake District. This unique package is set to appeal to walking fans who enjoy bracing walks, fresh air, beautiful surroundings and a touch of glamour too!

The package gives the final bidder and a friend the chance to join presenter Julia Bradbury and the production team from Skyworks TV for a day’s walking in the Lake District some time next year.

The guests will spend the first night as special guests at the Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick, before walking in the footsteps of the famous walker Alfred Wainwright. The walk may be filmed for TV broadcast, but at the very least, the winning pair will have their own private film of their walk – as well as signed DVD’s photo’s and memorabilia from the series.

Kevin Curran, General Manager of the Skiddaw Hotel, part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group said “The hotel is very popular for walking holidays and we already have a walking break named after Julia Bradbury and Wainwright  – it includes a copy of Wainwright’s Northern Fells book and a bathroom experience pack for relaxing after a days walking on the fells!

Julia likes to stay with us when she is filming in the Lake District, so we were delighted when she mentioned the opportunity to link in with Terry Wogan’s “Want Money can’t buy” auction. Fingers crossed for the bidding on Monday morning.”

A full list of the opportunities up for auction can be seen on the BBC 2 website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/wake-up-to-wogan/terrys-children-in-need-09-auction/monday/

It was pamper time at the Lodore Falls Hotel this week at a networking event organized by the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

The event was a sell out in only a few days and more than thirty ladies enjoyed an afternoon of relaxed networking between treatments and afternoon tea.

The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has been organizing a variety of different events for members and this is the second time they have gathered at the Lodore Falls Hotel this year. Earlier in May the Chamber hosted an event at the hotel which was aimed at women. The positive feedback from that evening lead Suzanne Caldwell, the Chambers Enterprise & Development Manager to organize this Spa pamper networking event.

Suzanne said “We recently held a golf day which was mainly attended by men so we thought SPA networking afternoon would be perfect for businesswomen who can use the day to meet new contacts and take time to address their work life balance. The Lodore Falls Hotel is a fantastic venue, they are used to catering for groups and events and the food is always first class. The facilities are excellent and we have been well looked after – we enjoyed afternoon tea in our robes and felt very comfortable doing so!”

Kit Graves, Director of the luxury Lake District Hotels Ltd Group said “Christine Bibby our Spa Manager has worked hard to make sure our Chamber guest had chance to experience SPA treatments in peace and tranquility – there were a lot of treatments and it was important to us that they didn’t feel rushed. They were certainly very relaxed when they enjoyed their afternoon tea and I am sure a lot of networking was done too – just in a more informal way!”

Anyone interested in finding out more about organizing group Spa Days at the hotel should contact Christine at the Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/spabreaks. For more information about events held by the Chamber of Commerce in Cumbria visit http://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/

The Borrowdale Hotel steps back in time with an exhibition of old photographs depicting life in the Borrowdale valley hundreds of years ago. The exhibition is set to run until the end of October.

The display, by kind permission of Patricia Roscamp, is made up from historical photographs that have been hung in the Borrowdale Hotel bar. It is quite fitting that the photographic exhibition is being held at the Borrowdale hotel in the Lake District – built over 140 years ago it was the first purpose built hotel in the valley.

General Manager Stephen Wilcock is also marking the occasion by introducing a luncheon and dinner menu that is representative of the 1800’s. Dinner guests can choose from today’s a-la-carte menu, or choose dishes from a menu available to guests in the 19th century. The menu is as close to tradition as possible, but certainly doesn’t go as far as Heston Blumenthal’s Tudor feasts shown on TV last autumn. Diners can choose from two, three or four courses which includes Victorian favourites like ‘Ham Hock Terrine with pureed peas, roast goose and an old fashioned desert of Lemon Posset with almond brandy.

Head Chef Peter Starauscheck has tried to replicate 19th century dishes wherever possible, but knows tastes have changed! “Local ingredients and seasonality have always been important, but Chef’s in 1800 would have goose on the menu any time of the year – today geese are generally available around Christmas, so we had to place a special order to ensure we could include Goose on the menu. Once the Pheasant season begins we will be introducing a three bird roast of goose stuffed with a chicken and pheasant.”

Lunch time visitors to this Lake District hotel can sample the ‘Bygone Days two or three course luncheon’ while they peruse the photos and history of the valley; potted salmon with pink peppercorns, egg, lemon, peppers and a tomato vinaigrette, or chunky vegetable and bacon soup, followed by slow braised shoulder of mutton served upon stewed pearl barley and vegetables. Proper puddings were certainly fashionable in the early 1800’s and a rhubarb and Bramley apple crumble mixed with oats and nuts would be warmly welcomed – then and now.

Stephen Wilcock said “we have completed most of the hotel refurbishment and thought the exhibition would be a good opportunity for local people to come and have a look. We have mounted the old pictures and hung them in the bar so visitors can see how the valley used to look while they enjoy lunch afternoon tea or dinner. Adding a 19th century dinner menu certainly tested Chef – but like today, they would have used as many local lake District ingredients as possible and diners will be delighted when they see what we can offer.”

For more details on the exhibition and details of the 19th century dinner menu at the Borrowdale Hotel please contact the General Manager – Stephen Wilcock on 017687 77224, http://www.lakedistricthotels.net or http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/borrowdalehotel/index.htm.

Windermere Marina Village are offering cycling enthusiasts a £50 discount on self-catering cottage breaks if they ditch their cars and arrive by bike.

With Windermere station a mere 10 minute ride away and numerous trails on our doorstep you won’t need a car to get the most out of your biking break. Four-star self-catering cottages, secure bike storage and a wash down station ensure you and your bike are well catered for at Windermere Marina Village.

Occupying an enviable position on Windermere Lake, the marina is the largest in the North of England offering not only moorings but also Windermere cottages. The cottages overlooking the marina are spacious, well-equipped and offer you a little luxury after a day out cycling. Many of the cottages have double rooms that can be converted to twins offering flexibility for groups and can be booked for 3, 4 or 7 night breaks. Throughout your stay you will also enjoy full use of our onsite bar, bistro & leisure club; soothe those aches and pains with a dip in the Jacuzzi or pint on the terrace.

Jason Dearden, Managing Director of Windermere Marina Village & mountain biker says “We want to provide cyclists with the facilities they need and are keen to encourage people to leave their cars at home, reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy the stunning Lake District landscapes; so we’ve installed secure bike storage, provided flexible accommodation and an incentive to book”.

For further details of the facilities on offer please check out the website at http://www.wmv.co.uk/bike-holidays-lake-district.asp or call the reservation team on 015394 46551. Please quote “Car Free” to receive your £50 discount and ensure the bike storage is booked along with your cottage.

Grove Cottages, the Lake District cottages company with properties in Ambleside, announce the launch of their new website.
www.grovecottages.com has been refurbished and updated to fully promote the refurbishments and upgrades of the five properties on Grove Farm. The new website offers much clearer and informative details on each cottage, the environment, farm and location. An online booking system has been integrated allowing quick and easy real time availability and booking of each cottage. More images have been included which enlarge when clicked.

Grove Farmhouse is the latest addition to the four holiday cottage lets already on the farm. This new renovation comfortably accommodates 8 – 10 people. Grove Farmhouse has been finished to a very high standard and contains all the modern conveniences expected from a luxury holiday let without compromising the original features of the farmhouse. Grove Farmhouse has two lounges each with log burning stoves, wireless broadband access and in the kitchen, a traditional Rayburn cooking range. A total of three bathrooms make this property an excellent choice for a large group.

The luxury Lake District cottages lie in the beautiful Stock Valley in Ambleside. They are reached by a private drive from Ambleside, which runs past Stockghyll Falls and nature park, climbing to 700 feet to offer some of the finest Panoramic views in the Lake District. Each of the Cumbrian cottages has been lovingly converted from a traditional Lakeland barn. Guests are invited to relax in the secluded gardens, or explore the farm and its wildlife. The latest development on the farm is Grove Farmhouse which was released earlier this year. This new renovation comfortably accommodates 8 – 10 people. Grove Farmhouse has been finished to a very high standard and contains all the modern conveniences expected from a luxury Lake District self catering holiday let without compromising the original features of the farmhouse.

Andrew Howard together with his brothers Max and Ross, took over the running of Grove Farm in the summer of 2008.Their family has been farming for over 150 years on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. Grove is a typical Lakeland hill farm, running to some 160 acres of grass and woodland on the slopes of the Stock Valley. The pastures on the farm are home to the Howard’s herd of pedigree Dunn Galloway cattle. The cattle are sold to local speciality butchers.

For further information and to check availability go to http://www.grovecottages.com or telephone 015394 33074.

The 17th century Kings Arms may be one of the oldest establishments in Keswick, but is certainly up to date with the food on offer.

As the new truly local menu testifies; offering a true taste of the Lakes and Cumbria for visitors and locals during the holidays. The hotel has worked closely with local celebrity Chef Peter Sidwell from Good Taste to create a new and exciting menu for the Kings Arms – putting back the authenticity into a British Pub menu and using as many local ingredients as possible. Enjoy a taste of the Lakes in the cosy surroundings of a real ale pub serving favourites like potted duck pate, fish in beer batter, and pies with ingredients from our region. The pies are proving a real success; proper Shepherds pie using Herdwick lamb and local cheese, Beef and Ale pie made with Jennings Cumberland Beer, or try the Cheese and Leek pie made with local Crofton cheese.

Peter said “our research reinforced what we already knew – people want simple, well cooked comfort food that is truly British. We are lucky to have such high quality ingredients from fells, rivers and fields that are quite untouched. That’s why the local ingredients taste so good, cooked simply and done well. The ingredients are so local that you can taste a dish in the pub and source the ingredients in Keswick – you can take them home and enjoy a taste of the Lakes again.”

Keswick is the walking capital of England and the Kings Arms location is one of the most enviable of all the Keswick hotels. Gary Price the General Manager said “walkers really enjoy staying with us – both famous walking hero’s and holiday makers alike, because we know how to look after them: great breakfasts, packed lunches and food to fuel the soul in the evening after an exhilarating day out. Our new menu is a classic – you won’t find any curry, chilli or pasta, just a menu full of Great British dishes.

The Kings Arms is part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group of hotels which encompasses the Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick, Lodore Falls Hotel and The Borrowdale Hotel, The Inn on the Lake on Ullswater and The George Hotel in Penrith.

For more information about the menu contact Gary Price, Manager of The Kings Arms on 017687 72083 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

The Woodlands Hotel in Windermere launch a new luxury suite for the 2009 season.

The new newest addition to the Woodlands Hotel accommodation, is the recently completed executive suite. The suite is located within the main hotel building offering a large amount of space but with all the facilities of a hotel right on site. A luxury bathroom has been fitted complete with roomy stand up shower. The fitting have been chosen for their upmost quality. Far larger than a normal hotel room, the new suite has plenty of room to walk around along with a seating area and can actually sleep three persons or be a luxury Windermere hotel break for a romantic couple. A further suite is set for completion in December 2009.

Woodlands is one of the few Windermere hotels to achieve a five star guest accommodation status. Sarah and Alan Ayres, the proprietors, were thrilled to be recognised for their hard work by the AA, which was awarded for their exceptional standards of quality guest accommodation and service.

Woodlands Hotel in Windermere is a handsome Edwardian Villa situated between the villages of Windermere and Bowness in Cumbria – the Lake District, just a few minutes away from the shores of Lake Windermere. Guests will enjoy the luxury, stylish and contemporary Boutique accommodation being offered at Woodlands, which has now been formally recognised as being one of the finest hotels in Windermere. There are a total of fifteen luxury and en-suite guest bedrooms including a choice of single, double or twin bedded rooms. The resident’s bar and lounge is an exciting space for guests to relax after a long day’s site seeing and exploring. According to the AA, a five star Guest House needs to demonstrate an awareness of each guest’s needs with nothing being too much trouble. All bedrooms must be en-suite or have a private bathroom, with excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast must include specials/home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce. The new suite meets and even exceeds The AA’s five star criteria.

Sarah and Alan have not compromised or neglected their environmental policy through these refurbishments and improvements. They continue to support the Tourism and Conservation Partnership and hold a CBEN bronze award for good environmental practice. With the escalating effects of using a car on both the environmental impact and the rise in fuel costs, Woodlands offer a collection service from Windermere train station.

For more information on the new suite or to check availability go to http://www.woodlands-windermere.co.uk or telephone 015394 43915

Many who have stayed at the Best Western Castle Inn Hotel before, may already know that Bassenthwaite is home to The Lake District Osprey Project.

Bassenthwaite Lake, a key habitat for the ospreys, is a National Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation owned and managed by the Lake District National Park Authority.

Each year these beautiful and rare birds return to nest and this Easter was made ‘eggstra’ special by the return of our male and female Osprey 2 weeks ago.  The female osprey laid her first egg of 2009 at the nest near Bassenthwaite Lake on Thursday 16th April.  The female bird is now incubating the egg and it is hoped that further eggs will be laid in the coming days.  Ospreys normally lay a clutch of three eggs.  Incubation is carried out mainly by the female and takes between 34-40 days.

Peter Wells, General Manager of The Castle Inn Hotel Keswick said: Staff at the hotel are very ‘eggcited’ that the first egg has been laid.  We are hopeful that there will be more eggs and that the clutch will hatch in time for our Spring Bank holiday visitors in May.

Hundreds of people visited the Bassenthwaite area over the Easter weekend to get a glimpse of the Lake District Ospreys.   Visitors can get great views of the birds from a Viewpoint in Dodd Wood, only 400 metres away from the nest.  The Viewpoint is open all daylight hours, with staff on hand with telescopes from 10am-5pm daily, as part of the RSPB’s ‘Dates with Nature’ Project.

It is also possible to see the birds on the nest on a giant videowall at the Visitor Centre on the Forestry Commission estate at Whinlatter Forest, near Braithwaite.  Live pictures from cameras overlooking and inside the nest are also beamed to the screen and can also be viewed on the Project’s website www.ospreywatch.co.uk and the BBC Cumbria website at www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria.

It is now easier than ever before to visit Dodd Wood and Whinlatter thanks to the Osprey Bus which was launched in 2008.  The liveried bus service named after the spectacular birds of prey operates around Bassenthwaite Lake taking in the Whinlatter Exhibition and the Dodd Wood viewpoint and runs weekends from 4th April to 31st August 2009, except during the following school holidays, 6-17 April, 25-29 May and 18 July – 31 August when it runs every day.  A bus timetable is displayed at the hotel as the liveried bus service picks up from and drops off at The Castle Inn Hotel Lake District during these times.

Bought in March 2008 by Lake District Hotels, the Borrowdale Hotel is undergoing a refurbishment programme which will see a £1 million investment once finished.

Phase one which cost almost £1/2 million is now complete with a noticeable transformation to the entrance, lounges bars and some of the bedrooms. The hotel is now ready for the influx of visitors during the summer before commencing more work in the autumn.

Plans to refurbish the hotel were carefully phased to avoid disruption for guests at busy periods like Christmas, New Year, Easter and the summer holidays. The work has been overseen by General Manager Stephen Wilcock who has been working closely with the tradesmen – all of whom are local.

As the first coaching inn to be built in the Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is steeped in history and has a reputation for warmth and traditional hospitality. Kit and Charles Graves, Directors of The Lake District Hotel Group were keen to ensure the refurbishment remained sympathetic to the hotel’s character. “We want to keep the warmth and heritage of the hotel because that is what visitors and guests really appreciate. We have developed a look and feel that still creates a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Tradition and personality still pervade – like the original 41 room bells that still hang in the hall and the Victorian coffee grinders, bed pans and plate warmers that adorn the new, more open reception area. You will also still hear the homely tick of the Grandfather clock and the chiming of the hour.”

The lounges have new fire places, deep pile carpets, rich wallpapers and plush curtains. The comfortable sofas and chairs have an abundance of cushions and there are fresh flowers everywhere.

A third of the bedrooms have now been refurbished – meeting modern day expectations for quality; comfortable beds, rich classic fabrics and furnishings, sparkling bathrooms and of course, flat screen TV’s with SKY.

Some things have never changed at the hotel – like the friendly, hospitable staff and the fact that they are still happy to welcome well behaved dogs in a number of rooms – a custom dating back to when the hotel opened in 1866.

Investment by Lake District Hotels has ensured work for local tradespeople from plasterers and plumbers to painters, decorators, electricians and florists. This is set to continue during phase two of the programme which will include developing the restaurant and more of the bedrooms.

The redevelopment of the restaurant is something that Stephen Wilcock is particularly looking forward to. He has a passion for fine food and good wine – something that led him to become a Master Sommelier, a role he is eager to develop with the restaurant.

Kit Graves, Managing Director of Lake District Hotels Ltd said “We have been making changes since we bought the hotel and Stephen has worked hard to minimise disruption for guests when the lounges were being updated – they have made a real difference to the place, but regular visitors will still find the Borrowdale Hotel a very charming, traditional place to stay. The restaurant development will be the next exciting phase, but we will have to time that to keep dining disruption to a minimum and won’t be until the hotel gets quieter later in the year.”

One of the first changes was to open the bar and conservatory all day for food and drink. It has always enjoys good local trade for morning coffee, lunches and has a growing reputation for afternoon tea. The gardens at the hotel are particularly special this time of year as the ancient Magnolia tree is in bloom – attracting keen gardeners who enjoy lunch in the conservatory to admire the view.

“Visitors to the Lake District have high expectations and are more demanding than ever. We want to ensure guests enjoy their Lake District holiday and hope they want to visit us time and time again. The Borrowdale Hotel has very loyal guests but we need to continue our investment, to ensure we exceed their expectations.”