After a competition to find a new name for the George Hotel’s refurbished bar, the name is revealed this week as DAPPERS BAR.

The name DAPPERS BAR was chosen from over 270 entries ranging from the very traditional to the very modern and quirky. John Fisk from Shap entered the winning name. He thought the many sided 400 year old history of the hotel could tie in to the new look and feel of the new bar.

The hotel was a buzz during the 1700’s, Bonnie Prince Charlie came to stay and King George II was on the throne. Noted for being smart and well dressed in his fine clothing, King George II was nick named Dapper King George. Now the bar is modern and distinctive, it too feels like a dapper place to be.

Justin Wales, General Manager at the George Hotel part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd Group said “Finding a name has been very difficult because there were so many to choose from and everyone has a different idea what it should be. John was really pleased when we told him that we had decided on Dapper’s Bar because of the link to King George II. He reigned during an important part of the hotel’s history and it was his forebears that the George Hotel was named after.”

John and his wife Sue called in to the bar this week to collect their £60 dinner vouchers and were impressed with the welcoming ambiance, comfy sofas and the fine detail like the gold leaf light fittings. They also shared some of their research on the dapper king and his life with Justin who has already commissioned a special plaque to commemorate the new name.  It is being crafted to sit at the entrance of the bar and will recount the famous words that Queen Caroline allegedly uttered about King George II: “You may strut, dapper George, but ’twill all be in vain, We all know ’tis Queen Caroline, not you, that reign.”

As well as refurbishing the bar, the Lake District Hotels Ltd Group have also made improvements to the rear entrance with the entrance dressed in a new coat of paint and a new barrier entrance to control the car park. It means guests will have much easier access to car park and a pleasant entrance to the rear of this Penrith Lake District hotel.

Now open daily from 11am, the Dapper’s Bar is enjoying increased popularity, attracting new diners at lunchtime and early evening guests looking to try the cocktails and sample the new tapas menu. Visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/georgehotel/index.php for more information.

Why not treat yourself to a bottle of Krug Vintage Champagne from the bar at the new Brooklands Hotel on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday between the 18th of June and the end of August and enjoy a complimentary luxurious stay in one of the critically acclaimed super suites. With an iconic, art deco inspired interior, the world’s most historic motor racing track running through the reception, hot tub overlooking the Mercedes track, critically acclaimed spa facilities and vast super suites, the new Brooklands Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey has to be seen to be believed. And with this unique offer, there is no longer any excuse not to.

The Super suites at the Brooklands Hotel consists of one or two bedrooms and a huge living and dining area.  The average size of this combination is vast, 100 square metres, and as an extra special touch, some of these suites also benefit from their own decked terrace areas overlooking the track. You can enjoy your Krug Vintage Champagne at the bar in Brooklands or we can have it delivered, chilled to your super suite and private terrace upon your arrival. Use of the spa and its unique meditation room, outdoor hot tub, steam and sauna facilities, the next day is also with our compliments.

Located next door to Mercedes Benz World and within the legendary Brooklands motor racing circuit, Brooklands Weybridge Hotel is just minutes from the A3, the M3 and the M25, 17 miles from Heathrow and 33 miles from Gatwick. Aiming to be one of the finest luxury Surrey Hotels, Brooklands prides themselves on their personality, individuality, and an unparalleled level of service.

A bottle of Krug Vintage Champagne at Brooklands costs £385.00 per bottle.  To book your Krug ‘Champagne and Super Suite Summer Special’ please contact Reservations on reservations@brooklandshotelsurrey.com or visit http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com.

The newly refurbished bar in Penrith’s George Hotel opened for business last weekend.

A launch event was held for local businesses. The specially arranged evening gave people first chance to see the contemporary new look of the bar and to come up with ideas for a new name.

The old “Oak Bar” was completely stripped and transformed into a light bright and welcoming space. A full team of local trades people undertook the challenge and gave the bar an exceptionally high quality finish for local people to enjoy. The furnishings are comfortable yet modern with burgundy and lime chairs, cosy sofas and ‘gold leaf’ shades and lamps creating a much more welcoming ambience.

Guests at last week’s event were treated to Bellini cocktails, champagne and tapas canapés – to introduce the new menus which now include tapas and cocktails.

The verdict from everyone was unanimous – ‘a fantastic new look, up to date, welcoming and exactly right for Penrith’. Regulars commented that it was nice to see the place buzzing, describing the transformation as “absolutely brilliant”.

Justin Wales, General Manager at the George Hotel said “It was good to have so many local businesses supporting the event. For example, John and Sandra Siddle brought their team from the Sands Gift Shop and helped create a real party atmosphere and the team from Dodd & Co put our cocktail menu through its paces – we look forward to welcoming them back now they know what we have to offer. The bar is certainly attracting a new audience and we are pleased to see a really good age mix coming in to see how things have changed.”

Now open all day from 11am, the new look has enticed new customers and introducing a tapas menu has encouraged more people to try something different. Justin said “the bruchetta with goat’s cheese became an instant success, beating some of our best selling bar meals in the first week. Customers are also trying the new cocktail menu, trying the full range that we have on offer – including our non alcoholic cocktails.”

As part of the opening activity and to attract new people to this Penrith hotels bar, Justin has been running a competition in the Herald to re-name the bar. So far, over 100 different names have been put forward, but the favourites remain a closely guarded secret until entries close this weekend (24th July). The winner will be announced next week.

Anyone who has not yet seen the new bar should call in and take a fresh look. For information about parties and events at the George Hotel, part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group, or to find out more about “the bar with no name”, contact the George Hotel on 01768 862696 or email georgehotel@lakedistricthotels.net or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/georgehotel/index.php.

With packages tailor-made for both ‘him and her’, the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey is the perfect remedy for mind, body and soul.

If fast cars and fabulous spas are your passion, then why not check in to the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey. Situated on the site of the legendary racetrack and airfield, the hotel features a selection of simply stunning packages bound to satiate the most demanding spa divas and the most passionate petrol heads – perfect with the British Grand Prix fast approaching in early July.

If thoughts of indulgence and utter relaxation make you and your partner purr with pleasure, then the Fast and Fabulous Spa Experience is the package for you. You will be treated to two sumptuous spa treatments each, choosing from the signature Jane Scrivner High Velocity Massage, to the Body Brushing treatment or even the Butter LONDON 30 minute Manicure, you can be sure you’ll both be left quintessentially pampered!

Alternatively if your partner’s more of a thrill-seeker than a pleasure-seeker, and would prefer to race round one of the UK’s most famous tracks, rather than succumb to spa treatments, then the His and Hers Spa & Car Experience is bound to keep you both happy. As you enjoy a relaxing Full Body Massage in the hotel’s destination spa, your partner will be having the time of his life negotiating hair-pin bends and high-speed manoeuvres with an exhilarating 30 minute driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World.

The unique, design-led Brooklands Hotel opened its doors this March on the site of the iconic Brooklands race track.  Brooklands Hotel brings a sensational property to the market. The much anticipated opening offers the ultimate combination of contemporary design with a vibrant history.  Predominantly glass, this super style-statement of a property has been designed for luxury, while embracing the rich legacy of the Brooklands race circuit.  Complete with a destination spa, cocktail bar, restaurant, and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, the 120 luxury rooms and suites offer unrivalled luxury within this area of Surrey.  Priding itself on personality, individuality, and an unparalleled level of uniqueness – where else will you find a spa on a race track, with luxurious suites only thirty minutes away from central London?

The ‘Fast and Fabulous Package’ rate is based on two people sharing a standard room (single occupancy in a double bedded room is £179.00 per room, per night). Spa treatments times are subject to availability and should be booked at your earliest opportunity prior to your stay to avoid disappointment. For more information on the newest of the Surrey spa hotels visit http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com.

The Lake District Hotels Limited group of six family owned and run hotels are pleased to announce the launch of their new website.

Lake District Hotels Ltd have been at the forefront in terms of web presence in the Cumbria and Lake District tourism industry for a number of years so a redesign encompassing a new online booking system are both natural progressions for the group.

A hotel’s online booking system is one of the most important components of a website and none more so for Lake District Hotels Ltd group of 6 hotels. Not only has the website been updated and redesigned but a new online booking system has also been included. Rezlynx provides more functionality for independent hotels and hotel groups and is based around a single, centrally hosted database, accessed via the internet. The comprehensive solution includes a Property Management System, Conference & Banqueting, Central Reservations as well as an online booking module.

2010 has proved to be a busy and very rewarding year for Lake District Hotels Ltd group so far. April saw the group gain 4 star success for their Lodore Falls Hotel. Kit Graves, Director said “It has always been part of our plan to have a four star hotel in our portfolio….. we can now play host to most Lake District visitors – from those looking for an informal coaching inn to guests seeking a top class hotel with spa facilities.

To further confirm the continuing development of the group, the Lodore Falls Hotel also gained the Accreditation in Meetings (AIM) certificate from the Meetings Industry Association and Cumbria Tourism in May.

The Lake District Hotels Ltd group comprises 6 hotels in the Lake District and Cumbria. The 60 bedrooms Lodore Falls Hotel on the edge of Derwentwater, the 47 room Inn on the Lake on the edge of Ullswater, the 36 room Borrowdale Hotel in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, The Skiddaw and The Kings Arms both in the centre of Keswick and finally The George Hotel, guarding the entrance to the North Lakes in the market town on Penrith.

Further information regarding rooms, locations including thier Keswick hotels and all the facilities available from Lake District Hotels Ltd can be found by visiting their website http://www.lakedistricthotels.net.

One of the finest Caravan sites in Devon, Stowford Farm Meadows are pleased to announce the completion of their recently developed caravan sales centre.

The continuing development of the whole Stowford Farm Meadows site has made staff and owner Andrew Noall very proud of their family owned and run caravan and camping park.

The site having been in the family for generations and as a touring park since 1978.

The redevelopment of the caravan sale centre has been a result of the growth in the caravan sales side of this award winning touring caravan and camping facility in North Devon. Stowford supply new Elddis caravans and Bailey caravans and always have a large stock of quality used touring caravans for sale. Being one of the South West’s largest caravan retailers, Stowford are also able to showcase an awning display area and a caravan accessory shop, all on site to browse at leisure.

Anybody purchasing a caravan from them are invited to stay onsite at Stowford Farm Meadows, as their guest, for a number of nights. On arrival, the new caravan will be found sited on a pitch ready to simply walk into. This sets Stowford Farm Meadows apart from the rest in terms of caravan sales and pitches. Coupled with the onsite facilities found at the campsite, it is no wonder Stowford are multi industry award winners.

For more information on Elddis and Bailey caravans or to find out more about the Stowford Farm Meadows summer special weekend taking place Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2010, visit http://www.stowford.co.uk/caravan_sales or telephone 01271 889339.

Windermere Marina Village officially re-opens in July in time for the start of the school summer holidays – following a £3 million improvements programme.

The Marina – the biggest on England’s longest lake – welcomes over 11,000 guests every year to Bowness.

Bookings for the vital summer tourism season are growing steadily again and there are hopes the grand re-opening will help boost the resort’s tourism.

On Saturday July 10th, the Marina will formally unveil the fruits of its eight-month-long refurbishment; the most comprehensive since it was built and opened in 1984.

Dozens of dignitaries, guests and boat owners will meet for a champagne reception with Managing Director Jason Dearden. They will be given an exclusive chance to go out for a leisure cruise on the lake onboard a state-of-the-art 46ft motor yacht – the F46 Flybridge. The luxury yacht is being toured around Marinas across the country by its owners Sealine, but Windermere Marina Village is its only stop in the whole of the North for boat owners to catch a glimpse.

They will also be shown around the Marina’s 29 self-catering cottages and 35 luxury Windermere apartments surrounding the water’s edge which have all been totally transformed to four-and-five star standards with new flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, bedroom furniture, bedding as well as painting and decoration.

Windermere mayor Bill Smith will open the event following a visit earlier in the week from Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.

The Marina on a sheltered inlet of the lake, has been a hive of activity for the last six month as it works to re-open for business.

Holidaymakers rely on the Marina to let out its cottages and apartments to stay in the area. As the biggest inland Marina in the north, many guests use local restaurants, pubs, cinemas, shops, cafes, visitor attractions, museums, boat yards, newsagents and garages – making the Marina a significant contributor to the economy of Bowness and Windermere.

On the Marina itself, there has been extensive work to totally modernise and replace the jetties which allow access to the boats.

Over 400 boat owners use the Marina as a vital place on Lake Windermere to secure and moor their luxury fleet of motor or sail powered cruisers, when they’re not out cruising on the water.

Many of the boat owners are people who live in the Lake District and Cumbria and enjoy sailing, but others come from as far afield as Manchester, Cheshire, Newcastle and Glasgow.

It is the first completed phase of a much wider package of investment at the Marina which will eventually see new reception areas, a brand-new restaurant, swimming pool and new offices for the company’s 55 staff.

The business is also greener than before after upgrading its roof and wall insulation and making the lay-outs more contemporary and holiday-friendly.

Where possible, the company has spread the benefit of the upgrade by using local businesses such as decorators, skip companies and kitchen refurbishers. One business to benefit from the refurb includes Windermere-based Lakeland Fells Furniture Limited, which designs and restores custom-made furniture.

Jason Dearden, Managing Director of Windermere Marina Village, said: “I would like to thank our staff, visitors and boat owners for the patience they have shown over the last few months. I would like to reassure them that Windermere Marina Village is now back in action and open for business this summer.”

“I am delighted we have all worked hard to meet our deadline because the following few months are the most important of the tourism year. Windermere Marina Village re-opening is good news for us, good news for our guests, and good news for the wider Bowness economy.”

Other businesses which helped in the improvements include Lakeland Gardeners who worked on landscapes; Home Designs in Kendal supplying beds; Webbs Kitchens in Kendal; Kendal Refrigeration Services for air conditioning; Barrow-based Optech Fibres; Sedbergh’s Marthwaite Joinery; South Lakes Painting and Decorating, and Kendal’s Highgate Carpets for the flooring in bathrooms and kitchens.

Ends

For more information, please contact Jason Dearden, or Tracii Monet at Windermere Marina Village on 015394 46551, or email tracii.monet@wmv.co.uk

Windermere Marina Village is the Lake District’s premier Inland Marina and Holiday Resort. Find out more at www.wmv.co.uk

Windermere Marina Village, The Marina, Bowness On Windermere
Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JQ, 015394 46551, info@wmv.co.uk

Gilpin Lodge hotel in Windermere are delighted to be the winner of this year’s Small Hotel of the Year 2010 at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.

Gilpin Lodge have been announced The Small Hotel of the Year 2010 winner at The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010 ceremony organized by VisitEngland and held in Brighton on Friday night.  The finalists were selected by a panel of tourism industry judges which included previous Gold winners, travel journalists and industry experts.

Barney and Zoe Cunliffe were delighted to receive the award on behalf of the Cunliffe family, and longstanding team whom have been running this Lake District, Relais and Chateaux hotel, since 1987. Having won Cumbria Hotel of the year in 2009 and Northwest hotel of the year in 2010, Gilpin was shortlisted with 2 other England based hotels for the award. Gilpin were judged on their excellent standards of hospitality, which combines family-run hospitality with relaxed but professional service, contemporary designs in a stunning location 2 miles from Windermere.

Gilpin Lodge Hotel Windermere has undergone considerable investment over the last few years with all areas having undergone exciting new interiors whilst remaining warm and comfortable and includes 6 garden suites, each with private gardens and hot tubs. Whilst the family remains fully owner-operated, Tom Lewis joined as General Manager in 2010 and was formally General Manager of the Le Manoir. The announcement also coincides with the immanent launch of the Gilpin Lake House, a 6-suite hotel with Spa set on a beautiful private lake in 100 acres of grounds and woodland within half mile of Gilpin and designed for the ultimate relaxing retreat.

Based on 2 sharing, rates are per person per night including 5-course dinner, full English breakfast and Windermere hotel accommodation from £145. For further information visit http://www.gilpinlodge.co.uk or call 015394 88818.

The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010 celebrate the best of English tourism. They promote healthy industry competition and high standards, helping to ensure England’s place as a world-class destination. http://www.enjoyengland.com/corporate/corporate-information/excellence-awards/2010-awards.aspx and sponsored by the Caravan club.

Want to watch Will Young from the comfort of your roll-top bath?  See Scouting for Girls and Escala whilst lounging in the hot tub of one of the UK’s most glamorous spa terraces?  All possibilities care of the Brooklands Hotel Weybridge this July!

For 2010 the Mercedes-Benz World Summer Concert Series will include two special outdoor evenings with exclusive live performances featuring rock, pop and classical artists.  The two day Summer Concert Series kicks off on Saturday 3rd July with Will Young, The Saturdays, Scouting for Girls, Alexandra Burke and X-Factor finalist Olly Murs,  Day two sees an eclectic mix of classical music with performances from Russell Watson, recent Popstar to Operastar winner Darius, Myleene Klass, Blake, Escala Faryl Smith and Camilla Kerslake.  Headlining Saturday’s line up is award-winning multi-platinum selling artist Will Young who began his career as winner of the now global phenomenon ‘Pop Idol’.  Russell Watson, who with his unique style has achieved phenomenal status as an award-winning platinum selling artist, will be headlining Sunday’s Classical evening line up.

Hospitality packages will be available in their Panoramic Suites, complete with vast decked Balconies with space for up to 30 friends or colleagues, with full view of the concert in all its Glory!
The Brooklands Hotel is offering also overnight accommodation from £137.50 per person during the Mercedes-Benz World Summer Concert (weekend of Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July 2010).

The Brooklands Hotel Surrey is located right next door to Mercedes-Benz World and with an iconic, art deco inspired interior, the world’s most historic motor racing track running through the reception, uber-contemporary conference facilities, top class Italian brasserie, spa facilities and super suites. The new Brooklands Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey has to be seen to be believed.

Please contact Reservations on reservations@brooklandshotelsurrey.com or 01932 335 710 for availability and prices or visit http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com. Tickets for the concert are priced from £40.00 and are available from Ticketmaster online or by calling 0844 463 1875.

The Lodore Falls Hotel in Borrowdale valley is celebrating a second hospitality achievement this month.

Earlier this month The Lodore Falls Hotel was elevated to AA four star status and to top it off, they have now been awarded the Accreditation in Meetings (AIM) certificate from the Meetings Industry Association and Cumbria Tourism.

The team at the hotel has been working towards AIM accreditation for some time and was officially accredited after an inspection visit last week.  AIM is the nationally recognized quality assurance scheme which is designed to improve standards in corporate hospitality. It is endorsed by VisitEngland and VisitBritain who recognize the importance of quality meeting venues and they believe “this is the standard venues should aspire to achieve.”

Tanya Sentance, Sales Manager said “it was Stephen Carruthers from the Cumbria and Carlisle Conference Group who suggested we work towards this standard. We are now one of only 15 venues in Cumbria to have achieved this accreditation – it demonstrates that we are serious about corporate hospitality. As it is a nationally recognized accreditation, businesses can be sure they will receive the very best attention when booking meetings or conferences and we hope will open doors to companies that will only use AIM accredited venues.

Companies from all over the UK enjoy mixing business with pleasure when they stay here – nationally recognised conference facilities and the best of the Lake District right outside the door. Let’s hope this accreditation will entice more national companies to bring their business to the lakes.

Cath Dutton, Industry Services Director, Cumbria Tourism “We are committed to further developing Cumbria’s business tourism product, and so have launched AIM Cumbria in partnership with the Meetings Industry Association, in conjunction with a new business support and marketing package.  The package will enable venues to improve the quality of service and practices offered, as well as increasing the business opportunities available to them.  Lodore Falls are to be congratulated for recognising that buyers want assurances when booking meetings and conferences and that AIM Cumbria provides them.”

The Lodore Falls Hotel Lake District part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group is set in 40 acres of grounds which includes lakeshore and landscaped gardens and the Lodore Falls waterfall. There are five conference rooms for up to 170 (or 200) delegates – all with natural lighting and up to date equipment. What makes the venue even more appealing is the access to numerous activities on the door from rock climbing, abseiling and canoeing to private picnics and trips on the launch. With 69 bedrooms and a relaxing leisure suite and beauty spa, there’s plenty to hold your attention for days.

Anyone interested in finding out more about conferences and meetings at the Lodore Falls Hotel Keswick should contact Tanya Sentance on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

Situated in an exquisite position overlooking Lake Windermere, the Hillthwaite House Hotel offers luxury accommodation whilst being family owned and run.

Hillthwaite House Hotel understands how important the internet is and how it continues to grow in its importance within the travel and tourism industry. The hotel’s newly designed website, http://www.hillthwaite.com  launched yesterday was commissioned to keep them up to date within the industry.

The new, fresh look website has coincided with the recent refurbishment of the lounge in this Windermere hotel, entrance hall and four bedrooms at Hillthwaite House Hotel. The lounge has been fully decorated and refurbished throughout including new carpet, furniture and sparkling chandelier. The entrance hall has also been redecorated to complement the lounge and four of guest bedrooms have had brand new en suite bathrooms installed. The new images of the refurbished rooms are shown off to their best potential within the new design and if a new website and major refurbishment wasn’t enough, a new streamlined online booking system provided by Guestlink has been incorporated making it even easier for guests and visitors to check real time availability and make bookings.

Purchased in 1971 by the present owners John and Marjorie Sodeau, the house was then called Hoggs Hill Close and was a six bedroom private residence from which a small private hotel in Windermere was born. The house was very different then, with a stable block in the area to the rear of the building and a tennis court at the front.

In 1980 the swimming pool extension was added and an additional 18 bedrooms were created. Additional bedrooms were added and the dining room extended in 1995, a plaque can be found on the wall below the terrace. The house next door, 6 Thornhill, was purchased and a new gravel track added in front of the hotel to provide access and a further 6 bedrooms were created.  In 2008 these rooms were refurbished and we now have 4 bedrooms in the lodge/annex, with 2 having sitting rooms with lovely lake and mountain views.

For more information on the Hillthwaite House Hotel in Windermere visit http://www.hillthwaite.com or telephone 015394 43636.

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.

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.

Grove Cottages is a self catering holiday cottage accommodation business based near Ambleside, and has been selected as one of three finalists in the category for Self Catering Holiday of the Year in the 2010 Cumbria Tourism Awards.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Rheged Centre, Penrith, on Tuesday 11th May 2010 and will be hosted by sometime professional northerner Stuart Maconie – journalist, Radio 2 DJ, TV presenter and champion of all things Cumbrian. 260 guests will be present to hear the winners of 15 categories announced.

The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate the best of Cumbria’s tourism businesses and the talented individuals behind them. Their hard work and dedication drive an economy worth over £1 billion. The size of business is not a factor, whether small or large it is about offering something special or outstanding and really supporting Cumbria and the Lake District.

Grove Cottages owners Andrew, Max and Ross Howard are delighted to have been chosen as finalists but know it is going to be a tough race to beat the other two contenders in the self catering category.

Grove’s luxury Ambleside cottages lie in the beautiful Stock Valley. The five cottages comfortably accommodate between 2 and 8 guests, and are rated 4 & 5 star.  They are sited on Grove farm, and occupy a unique position in the Lake District, with amazing views all round.  Each property is unique in character. Cozy Little Grove with its log burning stove is perfect for a romantic break for two, whereas the fabulously spacious farmhouse makes for a characterful home for larger groups & family gatherings.

There are spectacular walks to be had in all directions from the doorstep, and Guests are encouraged to explore the farm and its myriad wildlife. For the less adventurous the beautiful Stockghyll falls are within easy reach at the bottom of the farm lane. The cottages are in a very peaceful and tranquil location, yet only 1.4 miles from all the entertainment in Ambleside’s bustling village centre.

For more information visit http://www.grovecottages.com

The Lodore Falls Hotel raised £700 at a “Lancashire Ladies Luncheon” which was presented in a very poignant fashion to Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
Stephen Johnson, General Manager at the Lodore Falls hotel decided to raise funds for the Keswick Mountain Rescue because of a very dramatic rescue concerning two of the hotel guests.  Trudy Edgar and her husband Tom became stuck under a 70 ft tree trunk after a freak accident up the mountain behind the hotel. It took Keswick Mountain Rescue, RAF helicopter, local police, fire and ambulance service to rescue her.

The money raised at the Lancashire Ladies luncheon was presented to Keswick Mountain Rescue by Stephen Johnson who invited Trudy Edgar to come along to help present the cheque and meet some of her rescuers again.

Trudy, who lives locally still loves coming back to stay at the hotel “It is a magical place. I have stayed in some fantastic places all over the world but the Lodore Falls is still one of my favourites – you could be in any luxury location and it’s only 30 minutes from home. What makes it special is the fantastically friendly customer service, the lovely food and a simply stunning location. The fact that the Lodore staff where part of my rescue team only makes me love the place even more”.

Summing up the presentation, Stephen said “The Lodore Falls Hotel regularly supports the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team because we often see them travelling up the valley to help people. It is unusual for us to have such firsthand knowledge and we will certainly continue to support them in the future.”

Anyone interested in organising charity events at the luxury Lake District Hotels Ltd Lodore Falls Hotel should contact Stephen Johnson on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

Goosemire Cottages, the family owned and run Lake District self catering business, are pleased to launch their January sale.

Everyone is looking for a bargain at this time of year so why should the sales be confined to the high street? Goosemire Cottages are offering discounts on full weeks booked in each of their 46 self catering properties. The discounts range from £30 – £50 depending on the property size.

The number of self catering holidays in the UK has risen quite dramatically in the last 2 years. Various factors have contributed to this for example the poor Euro exchange rate resulting in tourists staying in the UK and the cost savings of self catering compared with a hotel stay. A self catering holiday allows freedom, the ability to cook within the property so saving on restaurant bills and is an excellent type of holiday for families and pet owners.

Goosemire Cottages have available 46 traditional Lake District cottages for discerning visitors (Ranging from 1 to 7 bedrooms, sleeping up to 10). Most are rustic 17th or 18th Century Lakeland cottages or lovely barn conversions, where antiquity and modern comforts have been beautifully combined. The atmosphere and idiosyncrasies of each property are reflected on their website which offers full online booking facilities and information and images on each of their properties.

For more information on the Goosemire Lake District cottages January sale or their last minute booking discounts, visit http://www.goosemirecottages.co.uk/special-offers

Goosemire Cottages, the family owned Lake District cottage company are pleased to announce a 46th property added to their portfolio.  Based in Kendal in the South Lakes, this new property enables Goosemire Cottages to now offer a choice of 46 different self catering cottages ranging from 1 to 10 bedroom properties. Last year the largest cottage on offer was 7 bedrooms but with the rise in the popularity of larger guest groups, the 8, 9 and 10 bedrooms cottages have all been added.  It has been a busy year for Goosemire with the addition of the 10 properties along with the launch of the new website. The website has been essential for the management of such a high number of properties.
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Christmas is approaching fast and many people are starting to think about gifts for friends and family. Each year this task gets harder and harder!

Often, the gifts people remember the most are gift experiences not objects. Lake District Hotels Ltd are pleased to offer a solution to the age old gift buying problem in the form of gift vouchers which can be selected for use in any one of their six hotels.

The gift vouchers have been created to suit every taste, requirement and budget. For example, the hotel break vouchers are available for one or two nights and range from a standard room right up to a luxury four poster room. Other vouchers include food and drink vouchers which incorporate a two course lunch for four people voucher or a £25 wine voucher, vouchers for afternoon tea and spa vouchers which include luxury massages and manicure treatments or full “well being” spa breaks. If you aren’t sure or simply can’t decide on which voucher to buy, a monetary gift voucher for one of the hotels in an excellent idea. They come in values starting at £25 up to £250. Gift vouchers take away the worry of buying the correct size or colour for a present and they allow the versatility to be used at a time that suits them.

The Lake District Hotels Ltd group consists of six luxury hotels in the Lake District, The Inn on the Lake on the shores of Ullswater, The Lodore Falls on the shores of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel in the Borrowdale Valley, The George Hotel in Penrith and finally the Kings Arms and Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick.

For more information visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net and http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/giftvouchers/.

The Lodore Falls Hotel played host to ladies from Lancashire and the Lakes at a luncheon where over 100 guests enjoy a three course lunch and fashion show.  The event raised over £750 which will be donated to Keswick Mountain Rescue.

The event was organized by Kit Graves in conjunction with Hilary Cookson from the renowned dress shop Maureen Cookson from Whalley in Lancashire and a regional a lifestyle magazine. Whilst there were a number of ladies from Lancashire, Liverpool and beyond, there were also tables of local ladies from Cockermouth and Keswick.

The fashion show was presented by Hilary Cookson from the Maureen Cookson shop and during her show she also gave a humorous talk about what to pack in a suitcase for holiday.

Local ladies include Susan Farrell and her team from Solway Heaters in Workington, they regularly book their Christmas parties but took the opportunity to have a look at the autumn clothing from Maureen Cookson. Her collection included a mix of practical and very stylish clothing and of course, some sparkle for Christmas.

Kit Graves, managing director of the group of Keswick hotels said “it was a wonderful opportunity for ladies outside the Lake District to experience what we have to offer. The autumn weather was lovely so they had a fantastic drive through the lakes. We were especially pleased to see a group of ladies who had been dropped off by their husbands for a surprise treat – they went on to do some walking and collected their wives on the way home!”

During the lunch, £750 was raised to support Keswick Mountain Rescue.  Anyone interested in finding out more about organizing charity events at the Lodore Falls Hotel should contact Stephen Johnston at the Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 77285.