The Lakeland Cottage Company is pleased to announce an Olympic offer of up to 20.12% off spring and summer holiday cottage reservations.

It’s not too late to book that late spring or summer holiday in the Lake District and even better, with a significant discount. Many Lake District cottages have an Olympic 20.12% off spring and summer week reservations. Use the search availability on the Lakeland Cottage Company site to check out dates and see the great discounts on offer.

There are few better places to spend a Summer holiday than the Lake District. Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, a gathering of friends or a family holiday, the Lake District caters for everyone. With its many lakes and mountains, forests and valleys, along with welcoming towns and villages, all combine to offer the perfect backdrop there’s no wonder it is the National Park of choice for so many.

The Lakeland Cottage Company is now in its 20th year of offering the very best in Lake District holiday cottages. With a wealth of knowledge of all the properties they market as well as the areas they are located in means clients always get the right cottage to suit them. From economy 3 star cottages to luxury 5 star properties there’s a cottage to suit all requirements.

Offer Terms – Any offers advertised on the Lakeland Cottage Company website and any other advertising media, or any price structure changes may not be used in conjunction with other offers or incentives they maybe publicising, nor applied to any reservation already made and confirmed prior to publication of changes, offers, or after the period of the offer date. The Lakeland Cottage Company and or the owners of individual properties reserve the right to remove the offer at any time, or to extend or revise the offer beyond any dates published on this website, any amendments or changes cannot be used against reservations already made and confirmed.

For more information on the 20.12% Lake District holiday cottages offer and to browse all of the properties on from The Lakeland Cottage Company , visit http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/

New walking guide book launched by Lake District Hotels Ltd.

It’s not unusual for guests staying at any one of the 6 hotels in the Lake District Hotels Ltd group to ask our receptionists and members of staff if they can recommend any good walks in the Lake District. After all when guests come to stay with Lake District Hotels Ltd, 9 out of 10 of guests are here to enjoy the beauty of the area and want to get outside and explore.

It was for that reason that Lake District Hotels Ltd decided to produce their very own walking book especially for those who come to stay. Walk the ‘Lakes with Lake District Hotels’ guide book is now available to guests for free when booking onto one of their walking breaks. Alternatively guests can buy the book for just £2.50 from reception. Non residents can also buy this guide book at a price of £4.95.

Using the expertise of Cumbrian-based writer, Vivienne Crow, the walks have been written so that they start and finish from the doors of the six hotels, with 15 walks in total covering Borrowdale Valley, Keswick, Ullswater and Eden areas. Kit Graves, Director of Lake District Hotels, said “Walking in the Lake District is one of my great passions and I wanted to be able to share that with our guests. The walking guide has been professionally written and looks great and I hope that our guests will take it home with them and use it for years to come.”

The Lake District Hotels Ltd staff have already been out trying the walks for themselves and they are proving very popular with many guests also giving very positive feedback on the walking guide.

For more information on Lake District walking breaks and the ‘Lakes with Lake District Hotels’ book visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

The Castle Inn Hotel in the Lake District is building an enormous geodesic dome as part of its redevelopment enabling guests to stay dry all year round.

Using simulated weather it will enable an environment to continue to provide fabulous landscaped gardens whilst keeping guests dry, ideal for weddings.

Building the dome has required innovative construction and engineering methods on an unprecedented scale, with lessons, materials, and techniques drawn from around the world. Utilising a revolutionary plastic manufactured by a tiny factory in Germany and design methodologies from the Eden Project, a much larger sized dome is now a reality.

The Castle Inn Hotel’s new dome will have adjustable vents at the top and bottom which will prevent heat building up. Air heats and rises and then when reaching the top/apex it falls and circulates in what is known as a “rolling doughnut pattern” providing a circulating airflow.

General Manager Peter Wells commented: “This is a unique development which we are undertaking and one which will benefit our guests. Weddings will always be guaranteed dry weather due to our cleverly controlled climate. Using a dome creates a structure around the hotel without any columns as we strive to make everything unobtrusive to our guests.”

For more information on the new dome and for all details relating to this hotel in the Lake District visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk.

The Langdale Estate are pleased to announce work has started to clear the site for the most exciting hotel development in the Lake District for many years.

Brimstone is a collection of sixteen stunning new suites at Langdale. Housed in their own building with private car parking and reception they will be like nothing else in the Lake District and beyond. Each suite will boast a stunning contemporary interior, the highest quality furnishing and décor, cutting edge technology, a full size balcony, concierge service, in room dining options, in room (or on balcony) spa treatments, a private entrance, exciting and unusual bathing experiences and to add further to this unique hotel, sustainable energy use.

Langdale are proud to announce that the interior designers they will be working with are the award winning Greyline Design.

Greyline have worked on some exciting and prestigious projects including Cameron House, The Carrick and Gleneagles. Working with such innovative and experienced designers will ensure that the new suites at Langdale are at the cutting edge of quality and contemporary luxury.

Langdale are also pleased to be working again with Unwin Jones Partnership as Architects for this project. The Langdale Estate and Unwin Jones Partnership have worked together on many projects over the years.

Work has commenced on preparing the site and removing rock to make space for the underground parking and with the opening of this new Lake District hotel in March 2013. Bookings will soon be taken for next spring and beyond.

The Langdale Estate is home to one of the finest 4 star hotels in the Lake District as well as luxury self catering and timeshare properties.

For more information and details on this exciting new build visit http://brimstonehotel.co.uk/ and http://www.langdale.co.uk/

The fabulous four star Best Western Plus Castle Inn Hotel has unveiled its 2012 wedding brochure.

The 20 page glossy brochure allows couples to see a sample of what the venue has to offer whilst also providing useful tips and advice on to the make the day go to plan.  It depicts the luxury accommodation available and the outstanding cuisine alongside information about recommended suppliers – all in all acting as a total guide to wedding planning.

The hotel prides itself on the specially created menu options which it offers bridal parties.  Unlike many venues, The Castle Inn Hotel offers an opportunity to create unique bespoke wedding menus which wedding guests are then able to choose from on the day.  Katie Batson, wedding and events manager explained: “We realised that not all couples want to opt for a classic wedding breakfast menu so we have launched our bespoke service.  This means that by working with our chefs, couples can have any type of food they choose whether that is three courses sit down meals, elegant buffets or quirky canapés.  We also know the difficulty in choosing a menu that every guest enjoys therefore our option of guests choosing from a set two option menu on the day works extremely well.

Set amongst the rolling landscapes of the picturesque northern Lake District national park, the Castle Inn Hotel possesses all the qualities that make a wedding celebration as charming, romantic and memorable as any bride will have always imagined. The hotel holds a civil wedding licence which enables couples to have both the wedding and reception in one location.

Peter Wells, general manager of the family owned hotel said: “We believe the most important and memorable day of their lives deserves to be just that. With years of expertise in hosting amazing weddings, we pride ourselves in taking care of the detail so that our couples can savour every single moment of their big day.  Northing is too much trouble for our staff and we’ve even been known to create a dream wedding in under three months!”

Wedding receptions between 45 and 200 guests can be catered for with an additional 100 guests in a marquee if required. Beautiful landscaped gardens with a backdrop of the fells provide an exquisite location for the wedding photographs.

The Castle Inn Hotel started life as a traditional coaching inn and the original building still remains, as part of the main hotel.  This lovely part of the hotel can be hired as a self-contained group of nine rooms, ideal for the bridal party.  It allows total privacy yet with the benefit of being connected to the rest of the hotel.

The Keswick hotel offers couples wedding planning services, leisure facilities, trusted suppliers of additional wedding  services and accommodation for guests in 46 en-suite bedrooms, making it a great venue for couples looking to have everything under one roof.

A classic wedding breakfast costs from £29.50 for two courses or £33.50 for three courses per person. Drink packages start at £16.50 per person to include four drinks around the wedding reception. Room hire varies from £55 to £385 depending on season and room size chosen.  Alternative and bespoke packages are priced on application.

For enquiries visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk or call 017687 76401 to arrange a preliminary meeting to discuss individual requirements with Katie Batson.

The Lakeland Cottage Company are pleased to announce an Easter offer worth hunting down.

Easter is fast approaching but it isn’t too late to book a holiday or short break. The Lakeland Cottage Company still have a selection of Lake District cottages
available during the Easter holidays with some being discounted by an incredible 25%.

There are few better places to visit in the early Spring than the Lake District. Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, a gathering of friends or a family holiday, the Lake District caters for everyone. The daffodils in full bloom and new born lambs dancing in the fields. With its many lakes and mountains, forests and valleys, along with welcoming towns and villages, all combine to offer the perfect backdrop there’s no wonder it is the National Park of choice for so many.

The Lakeland Cottage Company is now in it’s 20th year of offering the very best in Lake District holiday cottages. With a wealth of knowledge of all the properties they market as well as the areas they are located in means clients always get the riht cottage to suit them. From economy 3 star cottages to luxury 5 star properties there’s a cottage to suit all requirements.

Offer Terms – Any offers advertised on the Lakeland Cottage Company website and any other advertising media, or any price structure changes may not be used in conjunction with other offers or incentives we may be publicising, nor applied to any reservation already made and confirmed prior to publication of changes, offers, or after the period of the offer date. The Lakeland Cottage Company and or the owners of individual properties reserve the right to remove the offer at any time, or to extend or revise the offer beyond any dates published on this website, any amendments or changes cannot be used against reservations already made and confirmed.

For more information on the Easter Lake District cottages offer, to browse all the properties and to take advantage of a comprehensive guide to the Lake District, visit http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/

Run a marathon quicker than the Castle Inn Hotel’s manager and get your weekend break for free.

The Castle Inn Hotel Lake District is offering holiday guests over the London Marathon weekend the chance to win their break for free. All they have to do is beat the hotel General Manager’s time.

Peter Wells, the General Manager, is participating in the London Marathon on 22nd April 2012 joining some of the world’s elite runners, fun runners, charity runners combined with an enthusiastic crowd.

Using the Castle Inn Hotels newly refurbished leisure facilities, guests can start their marathon anytime during the Sunday morning to post a time on the treadmills. Comparisons of marathon times will be made later during the day and any guests beating Peter Wells will get their weekend accommodation break for free.

Peter Wells commented “I wanted an additional challenge to running the London Marathon and thought this would provide incentive to keep going and post a reasonable time. As we are a family run hotel, this is an ideal way everyone can help with my training and keep me focused on the target. The daunting task is made easier by a combination of spectacular scenery, challenging routes and snow capped mountain peaks providing a variety of training around the hotel.”

Set in a picturesque location just 8 miles from Keswick at the top of Bassenthwaite, the Castle Inn overlooks some of the Lake District’s highest fells. Originally a 1770 Lake District Coaching Inn it has been transformed into a modern venue with 46 large bedrooms. Within the hotel is a Fitness Centre, large swimming pool, sauna, steam room, tennis court and Jacuzzi.

For further information on this Lake District hotel offer and bookings call 017687 76401 or visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk

The Inn on the Lake in Glenridding, on the shores of Lake Ullswater, is eager to host its first ladies balcony proposal on 29th February.

In a romantic mood and inspired by the eHarmony.co.uk statistics making the Lake District the most romantic place to propose and the 29th also marks the completion of the hotel’s major refurbishment – but that’s not what has got staff in a spin. It’s the fact it’s Leap Year and a chance for ladies to propose that has excited them – and they are keen to help ladies make their proposal something special. The hotel wants to be the first to have a leap year proposal and they think with new décor and balcony bedrooms overlooking Ullswater, plus a few treats to encourage her, they may just inspire a brave lady.

Gary Wilson General Manager of the Inn on the Lake, part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group, for 12 years has seen over a hundred and forty proposals and 1500 weddings since he became Manager and knows how to get it right. “We can provide music, champagne and chocolates and we can get the guy onto the balcony, but because tradition dictates that the 29th February is officially ‘the Ladies Privilege’ she gets to pop the question. Imagine how romantic it would be, views across the lake, candles, music playing and the love of your life proposing from the patio whilst you stand on the balcony. What man would say no!”

As a gesture to support nervous ladies, Gary and his team are offering a ‘Ladies Privilege Pack’ – providing the music, champagne and a romantic dinner for free – just as long as they hear the proposal from the patio. And if they end up booking the hotel for their wedding, they will be treated to the honeymoon suite free of charge.

To mark the end of the refurbishment work, and to entice the couple to the hotel for 29th February, there is a special offer – dinner bed and breakfast with a second night bed and breakfast free from only £114pp. If the lady asks the hotel to help propose, they get the second night’s dinner free too.

The Ladies Privilege allowing ladies to propose on 29th February is a tradition that dates back to the 5th century when St Bridget complained to St Patrick that ladies had to wait too long for a proposal. St Patrick said yearning females could propose but only on one day in February every four years and named it ‘The Ladies’ Privilege’.

To book a Ladies Privilege Break and organise a proposal visit the Lake District Hotels Ltd website at http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

The Inn on the Lake is celebrating 2012 in style with a complete ground floor refurbishment set to be complete by the end of February 2012.

The Lake District hotel, in Glenridding, Ullswater, was taken on by the Lake District Hotels Ltd group 11 years ago and was previously known as the Ullswater Hotel. After a name change to Inn on the Lake and a large investment in renovating most of the interior, the hotel soon became well known for its great hospitality paired with unrivalled views.

Now 11 years on it is getting a fresh new look, which began with phase 1 being completed in November 2011. The Lake View bar lounge and the Glenridding function room were decorated in luxurious fabrics with a mulberry colour running throughout. By the end of February 2012, the main Lake View restaurant, lake view lounge and reception and lobby will also be complete.

And that’s not all the refurbishment work that has already been carried out in 2012. To welcome in the New Year, the Borrowdale Hotel and Skiddaw Hotel are excited to announce 10 new bedrooms have been refurbished.

Lake District Hotels are proud of the fact they consistently invest money into updating and refurbishing their bedrooms, hotel interiors and exteriors. The Inn on the Lake Hotel Ullswater had balconies added to four of its Lake View bedrooms in 2011. The Lake balcony rooms overlook Ullswater giving guests that extra space to their bedroom, and get every opportunity to breathe in the fresh Lake District air. All the balcony rooms have also been refurbished to the Lake District Hotels Ltd usual high standard.

The Kings Arms Hotel Keswick, has also had several of its rooms refurbished in 2011. The comfortable rooms have a cosy feel and mix modern and traditional textures and patterns.

To view the new rooms and keep informed with all the news regarding refurbishment and offers, visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

Last few Valentines break rooms remaining Applegarth Villa Hotel in Windermere.

It’s not too late to book a romantic Lake District valentines break at the Applegarth Villa Hotel in Windermere. The last few rooms remain and what a treat is in store.

One the weekend of the 10 and 11 February, Applegarth Villa is offering a dinner bed and breakfast package starting at £105 per person per night.

Added extras can also be ordered including chocolates, roses and champagne for those more romantically inclined!

As a finale guests can book a ninety minute luxury champagne cruise aboard Mistress, the Applegarths privately owned motor yacht around Lake Windermere. Voted one of the most romantic things to do in the Lake District the cost of this exclusive cruise is £50 per couple and is only available to guests of the Applegarth Villa.

Applegarth Villa Hotel in Windermere has seen extensive refurbishment recently and now offers some of the most luxurious hotel rooms in Windermere. Combine that with their award winning restaurant serving locally sourced food, a well stocked bar with local real ales from the Watermill at Ings and even a whiskey bar.

For more information on the Lake District valentines break and for all the information on this luxury Lake District hotel, visit http://www.lakesapplegarth.co.uk

The Castle Inn Hotel is pleased to announce their special romantic Valentine’s dinner.

The Castle Inn Hotel near Bassenthwaite is holding special Valentine’s themed dinners on 11, 14 and 18 February where for just £25 per person where guests can enjoy a delicious four course candlelit dinner.

Surprise your other half with a romantic Valentine’s meal in the lovely setting of Ritson’s Restaurant within this Keswick hotel. Diners will be treated to a delicious menu which features choices such as chicken liver parfait with red onion marmalade and toasted olive bread or rosemary and courgette soup to start followed by a palate cleansing champagne sorbet.  Main dishes include seabass on a bed of spring onion mash with sweet peppers, pak choi, tiger prawns and herb oil or beef medallions with dauphinoise potatoes, glazed carrots and courgettes and a marsala wine sauce.  There are also vegetarian options for starters and mains.

The deserts are equally tempting from the naughty chocolate fondant or blueberry crème brulee through to a lighter passion fruit panacotta.  Cumbrian cheeses are also available.

This lovely dinner costs just £25 per person.  Guests can also upgrade their dinner to include a glass of sparkling wine, a single red rose and a selection of canapés for a further £26 per couple.

The Castle Inn has recently been awarded the ’PLUS’ status by the Best Western group. This Lake District hotel is one of the first in the country to gain the new ‘Best Western Plus’ status from the Best Western group after it was launched to the nation earlier this month. Castle Inn is one of only 10 hotels in the Great Britain and is the only hotel in Cumbria to have been awarded.

For more information including a full menu and reservations for the Castle Inn Hotel Lake District visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk or call 017687 76401.

Lakeland Cottage Company announces an early bird discount on booking made by 29th Feb 2012.

Reserve your Lake District cottage property by 29th Feb 2012 and benefit from the Lakeland Cottage Company Early Bird Discount on many properties.

All you have to do to find the great savings is to tap in your dates, duration and property size in the availability search box on the Lakeland Cottage Company website, where a list will be displayed of both availability and the cost.

The months of January and February are ideal times to book a holiday or short break. Booking early in the year gives time to organised annual leave if necessary and importantly, gives you something to look forward to later in the year. For families, it enables parents to select holidays and short breaks in school holidays.

Along with the Early Bird Booking discount, Lakeland Cottage Company will automatically enter you into a super iPad 2 raffle when you make a reservation for any holiday in 2012 and placed by 29th February 2012, when shortly after the draw will take place using their super random name selector – the office bin.

Now in their 20th year, Lakeland Cottage Company have the choice of some 90 of the best examples of Lake District self catering properties. With an emphasis on quality not quantity combined with extensive knowledge of each property and the area they are located in means their customers always find the perfect cottage in the Lake District.

Full terms and conditions on the Lake District cottages Early Bird Discount and ipad raffle can be found at http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/  along with all the information you will need in order to select you perfect cottage in the Lake District.

A new short break package has been launched in York to coincide with the major new TV drama “Eternal Law”, the first episode of which is being shown on ITV this week.

“The Eternal City Break” has been created by The Grange Hotel, one of the leading hotels in York, to attract TV viewers who are expected to tune into this new legal drama in their millions.

The drama has been created by the writers behind the award-winning “Ashes to Ashes” and “Life on Mars” and was filmed in and around the city of York last summer.   Telling the story of angels who are sent to Earth as lawyers with the task of doing good, “Eternal Law” will showcase York’s numerous attractions including York Minster, Stonegate, The Shambles, St William’s College, York Art Gallery and the National Railway Museum.

According to actor Samuel West, the City of York is “beautiful in every sense and is a major character in the drama”.  Greg Dyke, the former BBC Director-General, has gone further and described York as “the Dubrovnik of the North”.  Other attractions, such as the City Walls, the Jorvik Viking Centre and the Castle Museum (which is actually located opposite the city’s main Law Courts), are also expected to benefit from the coverage that the city will get on ITV over the coming weeks.

The “Eternal City Break” is available at The Grange hotel in York between Sundays and Fridays until the end of March, and includes two nights’ accommodation, and dinner on one evening in either the hotel’s AA 2-rosette Ivy Brasserie or the more informal New York Grill & Cafe Bar.  Also included in the York hotels package is a one day York Pass which gives free admission to many of the attractions which feature in “Eternal Law”, and an exclusive Locations Information Sheet, which highlights other films and TV series which have been shot in York.

The Eternal City Break at The Grange one of the leading luxury hotels in York costs from £165 per person, and reservations can be made by ‘phoning the hotel on 01904 644744 or visiting its website at http://www.grangehotel.co.uk

Goosemire Cottages are pleased to announce discounts on remaining New Year weeks as well as short breaks available.

Goosemire Cottages, based in Kendal, know all too well that New Year celebrations and plans can often be overlooked due to the organisation of Christmas festivities. But there needn’t be any worry of what to do for New Year as Goosemire Cottages are not only offering discounts on the remaining Lake District cottages available for the New Year week but short breaks are available on selected properties too.

Even though Christmas has fallen on a weekend this year meaning many people in employment have the enjoyment of over a week off work, with family commitments and parties it isn’t always possible to be away for a whole week. Get the best of both worlds with a New Year short break in one of Goosemire’s stunning Lake District cottages. The Lake District is a year round destination but it really comes into its own over the festive period due to its great hospitality and stunning views. What better than to walk off those days of over indulgence on the endless paths and fells throughout this region.

It’s simple to check availability for the New Year period through Goosemire’s live availability charts and booking system. Short breaks are clearly marked and can either be booked online or by telephone.

Goosemire have a varied selection of Lake District cottages to choose from including rustic 17th century cottages through to modern interior barn conversions. What they all have in common are high standards and spectacular locations such as within the Eden Valley across to the Western Lake District in the Wasdale area. Being a small, family business, Goosemire Cottages are able to offer low prices without any slip in standard of property or service. As well as offering low prices, Goosemire also have a “Pets Go Free” policy in most of their Lake District cottages meaning even Fido can join in the New Year celebrations. A note regarding the properties allowing pets can be found next to each cottage description.

For further information on the full range of services and cottages in the Lake District available from Goosemire as well as New Year availability visit http://www.goosemirecottages.co.uk

‘Black and White Charity Ball’ hosted by Lake District Hotel Ltd raises over £2900 for charity.

Guests at the Lodore Falls Hotel ‘Black and White Charity Ball’ followed the black and white dress code and dined on black and white food at the event which raised over £2,900 in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Head Chef Mike Ward created a colourful black and white themed menu which included Halibut served on Black Squid Ink Tagliatelle and a dessert called Ebony and Ivory – white and dark chocolate mouse with a duo of chocolate sauces.

As well as music and dance, there were casino tables and a charity auction and raffle which included breaks at the hotel, the Selkirk Arms in Scotland and a tour of the M-Sport factory at Dovenby.

Tanya Sentance, Sales Manager at the Lodore Falls Hotel part of the Lake District Hotel Ltd group said “It was fun to dress the Garden Suite in such a dramatic way. We had black and white candles and table décor; people really go into the spirit of the theme. Everyone was very generous, the atmosphere was fantastic and we were thrilled to raise so much for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research – it is such a worthwhile cause and one close to our hearts because our General Manager Stephen Johnson, lost his bother to the terrible disease earlier this year.”

Charity events are becoming a regular fixtures on the calendars of the six hotels in the Lake District Hotels Ltd group. With their excellent attention to detail and stunning settings, their hotels are the perfect locations for supporting such worthwhile causes as Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Keswick Mountain Rescue and North West Air Ambulance.

Anyone interested in finding out more about organising charity events at the Lodore Falls Hotel or any of the other Lake District Hotels Ltd group of hotels can visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net for more details.

Applegarth Villa Hotel in Windermere announce at extension to their unmissable dinner offer.

Due to the amazing response to their earlier ‘Dinner on the Villa’ offer of a free dinner for two, Applegarth Villa has now extended this fantastic deal to the 16th February 2012.

This stunning offer grants bed and breakfast guests in double rooms a four course dinner on each evening of their stay.  Valid for stays between Sunday and Thursday and available from now until 16th February 2012 excluding the Christmas and New Year period.

Knowing that everyone is feeling the pinch on the run up to Christmas, the chance to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life without the financial worries is something everyone dreams of.

After extensive refurbishments to the main entrance and to 3 guest bedrooms, taking the opportunity of the “Dinner on the Villa” offer is a must both for new and returning guests. The Villa restaurant serves locally sourced food which the owners of Applegarth Villa, now complete with a 5 star accommodation rating, know is of upmost importance as well as the overwhelming confidence that Cumbrian produce is some of the best in the United Kingdom.

Applegarth Villa hotel in Windermere is truly a rare find in the very heart of the Lake District. Offering individual luxury Windermere hotels accommodation of the highest standard, this magnificent Villa is unique to Windermere. Having both an Award winning Lake District restaurant serving only the best locally sourced regional produce and a cosy oak panelled bar with roaring fire and one of the finest Whisky selection in the area, this is the perfect place to spend the evening after enjoying a day walking the fells and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Please mention the “Dinner on the Villa” offer when booking to ensure the offer is received. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer advertised and excludes the Christmas and New Year period. Visit http://www.lakesapplegarth.co.uk for more information and to check availability.

Castle Inn Hotel in the Lake District now a Best Western ‘PLUS’ hotel.

Following the nationwide launch of the new ’PLUS’ status by the Best Western group, the Lord Mayor of Allerdale formally announced that the Castle Inn Bassenthwaite had been awarded this prestigious status.

This Lake District hotel is one of the first in the country to gain the new ‘Best Western Plus’ status from the Best Western group after it was launched to the nation earlier this month. Castle Inn is one of only 10 hotels in the Great Britain and is the only hotel in Cumbria to have been awarded.
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The Hillthwaite House Hotel is proud to announce the dates for their ‘The Art of Cooking’ series.

‘The Art of Cooking’ is a series of themed culinary demonstrations by their talented Chef, Dale Blacow, including live cookery demonstration, detailed recipes and an insight into the professional ‘know how’ of cooking with fresh local ingredients.

With Cumbria having such high quality local ingredients, Dale is always keen to promote them and knows chefs up and down the country would long to cook with such fine local produce.

The first three dates announced are November 2nd 2011 ‘A Taste of Cumbria’, December 7th 2011 ‘A Christmas Feast’ and January 25th 2012 ‘A wee dram for Burn’s night’.
The  ‘Demo’ and dinner is a snip at £30.00 per person which includes a special three course dinner and a glass of house wine. Should you wish to make a night of it then a special offer of the ‘Demo’ dinner and stay at the Hilthwaite House Hotel in Windermere is from £55.00 per person. This offer includes special three course dinner, a glass of house wine, accommodation in a house double/twin room with full English breakfast, subject to availability.

Being on holiday in the Lake District is synonymous with delicious cuisine – especially when you are staying at Windermere hotels such as the Hillthwaite House Hotel, one of the finest luxury hotels in the Lake District. Their team will spoil you with their award-winning menus using a wide variety of local produce. With menus changing daily, an extensive choice of excellent wines and their Lake District restaurant’s stunning elevated views towards Lake Windermere and the distant fells you are bound to experience a real feast for both the eyes and the pallet. Whether its breakfast or dinner, they cater for every taste from Sunday roasts and imaginative vegetarian dishes to special diets and plain, simple options.

All demonstrations will commence at 6.30pm prompt. To find out more about the ‘The Art of Cooking’ series and for all the detail of this hotel in Windermere, visit http://www.hillthwaite.com

The Inn on the Lake played host to ladies from Lancashire and the Lakes at a luncheon attended by over 90 guests who enjoyed a three course lunch and fashion show.

The event was organized in conjunction with Hilary Cookson from the renowned dress shop Maureen Cookson at Whalley in Lancashire and Lancashire magazine. Whilst there were a number of ladies from Lancashire and beyond, there were also tables of local ladies from Cockermouth, Patterdale and Penrith.

The fashion show was presented by Hilary Cookson who owns the fashion house. She entertained guests during the fashion show by recanted humorous tales of fashion faux pas and highlighting the new range of clothing for the autumn which this year, included a mix of practical and glamorous outfits for a range of ages and sizes.

General Manager of the Inn on the Lake part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group, Gary Wilson said “This is the third year our hotel group has worked with Maureen Cookson – and it is the second year here at the Inn on the Lake – it was good to see new faces from outside Lake District experience what we have to offer. The Victorian gazebo made a wonderful backdrop for pictures so we hope the magazine will show what we have to offer in its full glory.”

With such a stunning backdrop and setting, it isn’t hard to understand why the Inn on the Lake has been choosen for the second year running to host this event.

One table of guests included members of the Workington NSPCC committee, who took time out of their busy fundraising year to enjoy a ladies day. Kath Palmer, one of the committee members said “It was a stunning early autumn drive and the location was absolutely lovely. Hilary Cookson was fun to listen to and the clothing range had something for everyone.”

Head Chef Frazer Soutar was congratulated on his menu by many of the guests who enjoyed the delicious Crab and Lobster Tian starter followed by local lamb. But the star of the menu was the Iced Raspberry and Elderberry Parfait with Mascapone Ice-cream that stole the show.

Anyone interested in finding out about events at the Inn on the Lake part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group can contact Lorraine Barr on 017684 82444 or visit: http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

Castle Inn Hotel near Keswick is pleased to announce a Learn to Dance Weekend is to be held on 18th – 21st November 2011.

Enter the world of Ballroom and Latin American dancing with the dance specialists “Holiday & Dance”. Enjoy a full and fun packed weekend with a difference where dancers of all ages and abilities can dance, learn, improve and meet new people.

Holiday & Dance provide a wide range of dance holidays including short social dancing holidays and breaks, festivals, dance holidays overseas. Join Improvers and Learn to Dance sessions or more intensive workshops.

Arrive on Friday and enjoy dinner followed by social dancing. Saturday and the “Holiday & Dance” instructors will provide a “Learn and Improve Workshop” for early stage and experience dancers followed by a Bucks Fizz reception, Gala dinner and Dance night. Sunday continues with a further “Learn and Improve Workshop”, a tea

dance, dinner and a farewell dance for all. And to top it off, all this is being held in one of the most beautiful parts of the country on the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake.

The Castle Inn Hotel Keswick is offering a special room rate offer for the dancers of £90 per person per night based on double occupancy dinner, bed and breakfast. Stay a 3rd night for just £50 per person dinner, bed and breakfast.

The Gala Dinner on Saturday 19 November 2011 with Bucks Fizz reception, dance night for all plus ‘Young dance Stars in Cabaret’ costs just £39.50 per person.

Call the Castle Inn Hotel Lake District now on 01768 776401 or visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk

Goosemire Cottages, the Lake District cottages company, are pleased to announce a 20% off sale on all full weeks in July and August.

Any remaining full weeks for any Gosoemires cottages in the Lake District will be subject to a 20% saving, that’s a staggering one fifth off a summer holiday!  Couple that with Goosemire’s “Pets Go Free” as standard and not only can 20% be saved but expensive boarding kennel fees are also eradicated.

Goosemire Cottages new online booking system not only allows fast, clear and efficient bookings but it is the only online booking system in the Cumbria and the Lake District area that enables visitors to book short breaks online too.

Goosemire Cumbria Cottages are a small family run agency offering holiday cottage accommodation in the Lake District, UK (with just a few exceptions) an all-inclusive rental price. Their limited overheads mean low prices and they pride themselves on a value for money approach. They are open all year round and offer out of season or last minute breaks.

Goosemire Lake District Cottages have available 44 traditional self-catering holiday homes 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. Goosemire Cottages also have a large selection of dog and pet friendly cottages.

For more information on all of Goosemire’s Lake District cottages, visit http://www.goosemirecottages.co.uk

Inn on the Lake chef gets a fine taste of Cumbria produce and ingredients.

Fraser Soutar, Head Chef at the Inn on the Lake had first hand opportunity to test some of Cumbria’s finest ingredients when he was invited to be Chef for the Cumbria leg of the Food North West Fine Food Awards. Known for his love of local ingredients, Fraser saw it as an opportunity to unearth some new local flavours.

As part of his duties, Fraser had to cook the raw ingredients for the tasting panel to sample. It included black puddings, venison, beef and sausages. It was also an opportunity to try the jams, pickle and cheeses that were also entered for the awards.

This is the first time Fraser has acted as chef for the day and he received excellent feedback from the Food North West team who said the whole preparation process was very smooth. “We were really lucky to have Fraser cook for us at the Fine Food Awards Cumbria heat. Producers who enter trust us to take care of their products and present them to the judges in their best possible light, with Fraser in the kitchen we were certainly able to do that.”

Fraser earmarked his favourites quite early on in the day and enjoyed what he described as “a very special black pudding” and some very interesting sausages. Summing up his day as chef he said “Here in Cumbria we are privileged to have wonderful, locally reared produce on hand all year round – this competition only goes to

highlight the wide variety on offer. I have certainly tasted some very unusual products and some that I am already following up on to include on the menu at Inn on the Lake.

With over 400 products entered, I was pleased to see some Cumbrian favourites winning awards – the Pork & Mr Vikki’s Chilli Jam Sausage from Dales Butchers was excellent – as was the venison loin steak from Deer n Dexter, I am glad to see they both won recognition.”

Anyone interested in finding out what local ingredients are used on the menu at Inn on the Lake Hotel Ullswater part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group can visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net

See Brit award winner and royal wedding singing sensation Ellie Goulding at Mercedes Benz World before retiring to the Brooklands Hotel and Spa retreat in Surrey.

Want to see Brit Award winning music sensation Ellie Goulding live in concert and then hop into the hot tub of one of the UK’s most glamorous spa terraces?  Well you can on the 25th of June, courtesy of Mercedes Benz World and the Brooklands Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey.

Fresh from her starring role singing the first song at the Royal Wedding last month, Ellie will be performing exclusively inside the atrium at Mercedes-Benz World for this exclusive one-off evening event. The Hereford-born singer-songwriter has sold over a million singles, sold out every UK date she played last year and her version of Elton John’s classic Your Song, sold over half a million copies.  Ellie’s debut album ‘Lights’ was also both the biggest and fastest selling debut album of 2010 and has sold over 500,000 copies.

Not only will guests get to experience this great opportunity to see Ellie Goulding live in this intimate venue, but they will also enjoy luxury accommodation at the Brooklands Hotel Surrey, just a 20 second walk away from the neighbouring concert venue. Nominated for UK residential spa of the year in the Professional Beauty Awards earlier this year, and with its iconic, art deco inspired interior, the world’s most historic motor racing track running through the reception, and some of the biggest bedrooms and super suites of any UK hotel, the new Brooklands Hotel & Spa in Weybridge, Surrey has to be seen to be believed.

The Brooklands Hotel in Surrey ‘Ellie Goulding Package’ is priced at £109.50 per person based on double occupancy* (or £165pp based on single occupancy) and includes:
~ A concert ticket per person
~ Luxury overnight accommodation in one of the finest hotels in Surrey with a choice of Full English or Continental breakfast
~ Complimentary use of the critically acclaimed spa facilities

Brooklands is the home of one of Britain’s most famous racing heritage circuits – in fact it was the world’s first purpose built real race track – and was the scene of the earliest motor racing in the country during the 1920s and 1930’s.  In addition it was also a centre for aviation development. The circuit is no longer in operation however there is an extensive museum in which there is a wide range of exhibits from the earliest racing cars and aircraft of the era up to the first prototype Concorde. Also within the perimeter and adjacent to the hotel is Mercedes-Benz World, a multi-purpose motor car and commercial centre for one of the world’s most iconic brands, offering driving experiences for adults and children alike.

Terms & Conditions
Valid for Saturday 25th June 2011 only.  Full prepayment required at time of booking.  Non refundable and non transferable.  Rates include VAT.  Offer is subject to availability.  Tickets will be supplied by the Brooklands Hotel for the Concert.

Please visit the website of the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey at http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com for more information.

The Castle Inn Hotel Bassenthwaite are pleased to announce the hosting of a special murder mystery evening.

Saturday 8th October 2011 will see murder at The Castle Inn in the form of a murder mystery evening. Picture the setting, its 1928 and you have been cordially invited to attend the wedding reception of Georgina-Willoughby-Mott to Binky Brinkley in the grand Best Western Castle Inn Hotel. But alas this special occasion takes a turn for the worst when traces of death linger in the air. Can you solve the Murder at the Castle?

Come and join the team at The Castle Inn Hotel Keswick for an evening of love, laughter and mysterious goings on. The evening includes a delicious three course wedding breakfast, a complimentary glass of bucks fizz and canapés and entertainment supplied by Murder Most Horrid and all for only £34.00 per person.

Should attendees wish to make a night of it and stay over at The Castle Inn Hotel Lake District then a special rate of only £50.00 per person per bed and breakfast is being offered.

Set overlooking some of England’s highest fells and Bassenthwaite Lake, the Castle Inn Hotel Lake District is in a beautiful location, just 8 miles from Keswick. Ideally situated for those wishing to explore Bassenthwaite, Keswick and the Lake District, the Best Western Castle Inn Hotel is one of the finest Keswick Hotels offering a warm welcome and the ideal location for relaxing after a busy day discovering the beauties of the Lake District.

Booking is essential for murder mystery evening so please call the Castle Inn events team on 017687 76401 or visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk. Be very careful who you trust!

The Lakeland Cottage Company is pleased to announce a price freeze for 2012 bookings taken in June.

A cool and tempting offer has arisen at the Lakeland Cottage Company. Book a holiday or short break in one of the Lakeland Cottage Company’s portfolio of luxury cottages and receive the benefit of prices frozen at the 2011 FRP.

Whether it is for a romantic weekend in autumn or winter or a main summer holiday, the price freeze offer benefits any early birds out there. With rising costs in labour, taxes and goods, increased costs for self catering property owners are unavoidable. However, many understand that a reward and a thank you must go to those guests who book in advance.

Having some of the highest quality Lake District cottages on offer, the Lakeland Cottage Company are leading the way in luxury self catering accommodation. For even greater confidence in making a reservation, all of their properties are inspected by Visit England, the UK official accommodation quality and standards organisation with many being 5 star gold award properties. A choice of some 85 Lake District cottages of varying sizes and in unrivalled locations are further reasons why the Lakeland Cottage Company are at the forefront of self catering agencies in this region.

This offer may not be used in conjunction with other offers or incentives the Lakeland Cottage Company may be publicising, nor applied to any reservation already made and confirmed prior to publication of offers, or after the period of the offer date. The Lakeland Cottage Company and or the owners of individual properties reserve the right to remove the offer at any time, or to extend or revise the offer beyond any dates published on this website, any amendments or changes cannot be used against reservations already made and confirmed.

To browse cottages the Lake District on offer and take advantage of the special price freeze offer, visit http://www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk/