Lake District - Historical Houses & Gardens

Hill Top House

Hill Top is a time capsule of Beatrix Potter's life. Full of her favourite things, the house appears as if this amazing woman had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'Tale'. Beatrix used Hill Top and its surroundings as inspiration for many of her 'little books' - you'll recognise the rhubarb patch where Jemima Puddle-Duck laid her egg and the garden where Tom Kitten and his sisters played!

Please note that this is a suggested excursion as coaches cannot reach Hill Top House, but we can arrange alternative transport on request.

Sizergh

This striking medieval manor stands at the gateway to the Lake District, and is still lived in by the Strickland family who built it over 750 years ago. Filled with thousands of items collected over 26 generations, including centuries-old portraits, English and French furniture, china and Jacobite relics. The 1,600 acre estate includes wetland, limestone pasture, orchards and semi-natural woodland and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and flowers. Fritillary butterflies, bats, birds of prey, deer and otters all call the estate home. The beautiful gardens include a mirror lake, topiary yew trees, colourful herbaceous border, an orchard buzzing with bees, fruit wall and a superb limestone rock garden which is the largest in the National Trust.

Wordsworth House & Gardens

The birthplace and childhood home of Romantic poet, William Wordsworth, and his sister, Dorothy. The house is presented as it was when William and Dorothy lived here with their parents, three brothers and servants in the 1770s, with a fire burning in the working kitchen and real food on the kitchen and dining tables. The childrens bedrooms are filled with toys, and you will find books and games to enjoy in the Wordsworth Room. If you're feeling brave, go to the cellar to hear stories from the household ghosts! The gardens are a delight, with fresh produce, herbs, and flowers, just as they would have been when they inspired William with his love of nature.

Townend

Townend gives a glimpse into what life was really like in the Lake District during the 17th century. Find out about the Browne family, and George Browne, a farmer and keen gardener. Visit the 17th-century farmhouse, informal cottage-style garden, impressive library and the bank barn - one of the earliest bank barns in Cumbria, that is still in use today.

Wray Castle

This nineteenth-century Gothic Revival castle, with turrets and towers, sits on the shores of Lake Windermere. Wray Castle came to the National Trust without its contents, it first opened to visitors in 2011. Explore the church-like interiors, and view the Rupert Potter exhibition, presenting a keen amateur photographer and his summer holiday pictures. You can also explore the parkland, an estate with an arboretum of exotic and veteran trees, as well as Shingle Beach, the Gothic boathouse and jetty.

• Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
• 4 nights hotel accommodation
• Private coach travel
• Services of an experienced driver throughout your stay
• Hill Top House (entrance fee applies if not a member of the National Trust)
• Sizergh (entrance fee applies if not a member of the National Trust)
• Wordsworth House and Gardens (entrance fee applies if not a member of the National Trust)
• Townend (entrance fee applies if not a member of the National Trust)
• Wray Castle (entrance fee applies if not a member of the National Trust)

Shap Wells Hotel

Located in a secluded wooded valley high in the Shap Fells by a mountain stream it is an excellent base to explore the Lakes, Dales and Border Country.  Built in the 19^th century as a Spa many of its features have been retained.  The Birkbeck Restaurant is air-conditioned and enjoys views over the surrounding Fells.  The Riverside Lounge and Bar is a stylish and spacious art deco room with views of Birk Beck whilst Salterworth Lounge and Fell Bar has a log fire.  There is entertainment most nights of the week throughout the year (subject to availability).  The 98 bedrooms which have recently been refurbished are designed to suit the requirements of the modern hotel guest with comfort and convenience in mind. All bedrooms are equipped with TV, alarm clock and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has several bedrooms which are specially adapted to accommodate guests with disabilities.  All rooms have access to complimentary WiFi Internet access. The hotel offers alternative guest accommodation in the “Old Bathhouse” within the hotel grounds. These are mainly double and twin-bedded rooms.  Many have extensive country views.  A lift serves all floors.  (98 bedrooms – 10 ground floor)

22nd April 2024

13th May 2024