Complement your stay with one of the bespoke services Waternook has on offer* (*see Visitors' Notes). Please contact us to discuss your personal needs, availability and prices.
Five Star opulence on Ullswater, Waternook is a 17th Century property offering exclusive luxury self-catering accommodation. Recently rated ‘Top 3 in England’ by VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, Waternook is quite simply outstanding and luxurious in every way.
Sleeping 12 over six luxury suites, Waternook occupies a sublime, secluded setting within 26 acres of private grounds and terraced gardens commanding simply breathtaking views of lake and mountain. Waternook’s dramatic setting is complemented by half a mile of private access to England’s ‘most beautiful’ lake, complete with a boathouse and private jetty.
Your Waternook experience is further enhanced by a private cinema room with state of the art technology, lounge and reading rooms; state of the art kitchen and dining terrace with awe-inspiring views; Spa and Wellness Sanctuary featuring Laconium and bar area leading onto the hot tub terrace.
Gazing out through the array of glass, or indeed in the fresh-air gardens with terraces, it would be easy to imagine this plethora of mountains on display have been carefully arranged to provide Waternook with the most spectacular views ever.
And you don’t just get stunning views - sleek sophisticated interior styling and perfectionist attention to detail ensures that this luxury self-catering home stay will inspire even the most discerning guest. Whether you are celebrating a happy event, searching for the perfect setting for an intimate wedding reception or just spending time with your favourite people, here is a magical treat delivering sheer luxury and matching your high expectations…
To complement your stay, the luxury self-catering accommodation offers an array of luxury concierge services. These range from private chefs and butlers to beauty treatments, personalised yoga lessons, sailing lessons and helicopter tours. In fact, Waternook is only too happy to help source your perfect activity or interest.
Your four legged friends are well catered for too, with luxuriously created accommodation in the boot room, which benefits from underfloor heating, facilities essential for pooch pampering and stunning fell views.
This magnificent private estate comprises Waternook (sleeps 12) and The Great Barn (sleeps 8). Both properties can be booked separately or as one (Waternook & The Great Barn) giving total exclusivity for 20.
It’s not surprising that Waternook keeps picking up award after award. Both properties have been rated ‘Top 3 in England’ by VisitEngland Awards for Excellence’ in 2017, Top 50 Best Cottages in the UK & No.1 in The Lake District’ by The Times and ‘Top 12 party pads’ by The Sunday Times. Rated Visit England 5 Star Gold, they won the 2016 Cumbria Tourism Awards as well as being featured on ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine.
Surrounded by stunning Lakeland fells, which are ideal for walking, Waternook is set amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll find in England. It is the perfect retreat for a relaxing get away and, for those thrill seekers looking for the next adrenalin rush, the perfect playground for adventure!
Nestled on the side of Hallin Fell there is an abundance of stunning walks to enjoy direct from your front door. If you would rather embark on your own Swallows and Amazons adventure there is a lot of Ullswater to explore and kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, motor boats and RYA sailing lessons can be arranged at the Ullswater Yacht Club. Waternook are also only too happy to arrange for private fishing tuition from one of the local qualified instructors.
For a day out with a difference, board one of the Ullswater Steamers which sail all year round and experience Ullswater in a completely different light. You can hop on at Howtown (just a short walk from Waternook) and trip around the lake jumping on and off at various locations including Glenridding, Aira Force and Pooley Bridge. From Glenridding you can take on the challenging trek leading up Helvellyn to Striding and Swirral Edges. Aira Force Waterfall boasts spectacular walks through the woodlands trailing alongside the rushing rapids.
Ullswater is one of many wonderful places in the Lake District offering visitors an experience that will be truly memorable. Unspoilt, untamed and bursting with everything the Lake District has to offer, it is a place that is relatively untouched by tourism and a place that offers a complete escape from our daily lives.
However you decide to enjoy your stay, you are certainly spoilt for choice, and there is certainly no finer place to escape to than Waternook for a memorable experience.
"Great 40th Celebration. This house was perfect for a family get together after so long. Location, facilities all amazing. Can't recommend highly enough."
"A group of friends were absolutely impressed with this exceptional manor. Cinema room for watching the Ryder Cup almost like being there. Stunning scenery by the lake. Plenty of kitchen space made for easy feeding of the troops. A beautiful place. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Be nice if you could have arranged for The Ryder Cup to have gone better."
"Calm and peaceful location in a luxury modern home on the shores of Ullswater. 8 good friends spent the week in September walking the hills above the house. Relaxing in the hot tub and laconium spa. Comfortable beds with modern ensuite shower rooms. Sonos sound system, which we eventually worked out how to connect to! Cinema room - mainly used for watching Sky Sports. Chef, Pete Sidwell cooked dinner each evening approx £70 per head each night. Good wholesome local produce and interesting cheeses. Most of the pubs were open in Pooley Bridge, but unable to book. Arrive early to get a table. Ullswater Steamer near Waternook for trips around the lake and stop offs at various location. Open Water swimming with coach, Colin at Another Place. Boutique style hotel with spa - worth a visit - pop in for coffee. Not offering meals to non residents at the moment. Access to Waternook from Pooley Bridge is very narrow, be aware of where you can stop for passing cars, tractors and the odd coach."
"This place was absolutely perfect. Amazing home in a private setting. The house has everything you would need. Plenty of spaces throughout for multiple groups to socialise. The large farmhouse table was perfect for a ‘family style’ meal. Communication with Staycation was constant both prior to visit and during. All questions were answered and addressed. Would are already planning our next visit to this ideal home away from home."
"Unbelievably Great House. 10 of us stayed here for 4 nights. A wonderful house in a breathtaking location. The communal areas of the house were large a spacious, so people weren't crammed together for the weekend. All the bedrooms are lovely with comfortable beds and duvets. The whole house was spotlessly clean, well equipped (especially the kitchen) and an absolute pleasure to be in."
"My family and I (10 of us ranging from 7 years to 64) plus 2 dogs, booked Waternook across Christmas 2017. Our expectations (given the fabulous web site including the newly added virtual walk-through) were exceptionally high. Could Waternook really be that good???? We need not have worried, as every element of our stay was just superb and we cannot comment too highly on what Waternook has to offer. The location is just superb, with a 26 acre estate nestled under Hallin Fell on the banks of Ullswater, with exceptional views from every room. Fabulous walks in every direction, either on the relative flat of the lakeside, or strenuous uphill climbs, there’s no need to venture afar; indeed, I never used my car for a single day during our 7 day break. The Howtown pier for the Ullswater steamer is within walking distance and therefore a trip up to Glenridding or Aira Force is easy again without use of your car. With the property off the beaten track, we did not hear a vehicle noise for the entire week, enjoying a blissfully quiet week, other than the lapping waters of Ullswater and variable winds through the many trees. As for the house itself; where do I start? There are 6 superb bedrooms, all en-suite with showers and 2 with baths, one a huge free-standing bath, with far reaching views over the lake. All are exquisitely decorated and come with fittings (from furniture to fine curtains and bed linen), that you would expect from such a fabulous property. The huge wonderfully equipped kitchen was a delight for a large family to work in and eating at a large table, with a delightful view over Ullswater and surrounding Fells, made for a superb way to enjoy our family meals. The large but cosy split-lounge, with a superbly efficient wood-burner (which included a huge mountain of kindling, fire-lighters and seasoned logs to burn) was just charming in the extreme. The lounge also had a great stock of books, guides and games. If that wasn’t enough, there were superb bonuses available too, a large private cinema room, which was well populated by a variety of age ranges for best part of the day, a bar and laconium (ideal for relaxing after a long day’s walking) and a fabulous hot-tub on the outside terrace. Relaxing here, with a drink in one hand, whilst staring-up at crystal clear night sky, engulfed in a million stars, is a memory that will stay with me for ever. Dogs are well catered for too, with a super boot-room (under-floor heated, as is the kitchen and all en-suite rooms), ideal for keeping muddy boots and wet coats away from the main house and allowing them to dry naturally. For the better weather there is also outdoor seating and an outdoor kitchen/bbq, we did not get to use this but it looked to be great quality. Waternook comes with a hefty (but totally justifiable) price tag however it oozes class and allows for total relaxation in exceptional surroundings and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an extraordinarily high-quality holiday home, that comes with additional ‘bells and whistles’ that you would not normally expect. I would also thoroughly recommend taking advantage of the private chef who is available to use at additional cost. Our chef Peter Sidwell, co-owner of the local Keswick Cookery school, arrived and prepared and served a 5 course meal, the menu of which we had developed with him, through Waternook’s excellent host Dominic Gordon. Not only was an exceptional meal presented but he happily enjoyed the company of my daughter-in-law for the duration of his preparation and cooking (providing her with a much appreciated cookery demonstration!) but he brought along a pizza oven, allowing my young grand-daughters to prepare and (under close supervision) bake their own pizzas. In addition to the above, he also managed to wash and put-away everything as we ate (without use of the property’s 2 dish-washers!), leaving us with a clear kitchen at the end of the evening – just marvellous! The entire booking was overseen with ultimate professionalism by Dominic and no stone was left unturned to ensure that we had the time of our lives and we most certainly did. Prior to our visit he was bombarded with a number of questions and requests but nothing seemed too much bother and his communications were always friendly and detailed. So, there you have it. If you have to save-up to go, whether you take a lump-sum from your savings or pension, just go. Rest assured you’ll not be disappointed but be prepared for one down-side (as we have discovered) and that is… where to go in future, as nowhere else may live up to what Waternook has to offer."
"Our entire family stayed here back in June (2017) and we were all lost for words with how much we loved our stay here! Unfortunately the circumstances surrounding our visit were far from great due to my dads declining health, he had stated his desire to have one more trip up to the Lakes with all the family. A place that is close to all of our hearts. I honestly don't believe we could have picked a better place! The views, the accommodation, the feeling of isolation. It was really was everything we wanted and dreamt of. We only had a couple of days here, but it was a couple of days the entire family will never forget. We'd go back here for the views alone. The accommodation was beautiful and spec'd out to the highest order. A special thank you goes to Dominic. My dads health had declined drastically prior to our visit, but he dealt with our situation with care and compassion and gave us flexibility that we're truly grateful for. I'd recommend this place to anyone!"
"Came here in July for a family celebration. There was a group of us ranging in age from 15 to 85 and I was struggling to find somewhere to suit everyone. Waternook certainly met (in fact surpassed) the brief! A stunning location with breathtaking views, no one wanted to leave. The house itself has been thoughtfully remodelled, everything oozes quality. The teenagers loved the cinema room, we loved the spa with a glass of wine in the hot tub overlooking the lake and the dogs loved sunbathing on the deck outside. Dominic (the wonderful owner) arranged for chef Peter and his wife to come in on the Saturday night and deliver a sumptuous meal, catering for an array of dietary requirements including a vegan, veggies and die hard meat eaters! If you're umming and aching, go for it, remember that old quote "the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" and i'm not easy to please!"
"Spacious yet cozy.. will definitely return! Great for a house party Most amazing setting regardless of the weather. Very relaxing, once you arrive you do not wish to leave. All rooms are of a high standard & the beds are extremely comfortable"
"We rented the house for a family visit for a week at the beginning of July. It catered so well for all ages, we enjoyed time in the hot tub, a swim in the lake, walks and runs straight from the doorstep and relaxing evenings both inside and outside depending on the weather. Even the dogs enjoyed luxury in their own spacious area - although if you are not a dog owner you wouldn't knoiw they allow pets at this property. The house was beautifully decorated and particularly clean, with excellent facilities. We will definitely look to stay here again, and may look to rent both spaces maybe for friends for a special weekend. Our concern regarding the wifi not working on arrival was responded to within the hour. Excellent service. Thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful house"
"Waternook is in a stunning location on the edge of the most remote shore on Ullswater. It has a lot of space indoors and outdoors, a good kitchen, cinema room and decent wifi. You can simply walk out of the property for great rambles. The steamer also stops nearby so you hardly need to use the car. Lots of good places to eat nearby. Dominic can arrange anything you want and we had great fun with kayaking, fly fishing and an in-house chef for the evening. We had a wonderful time."
"Wow what a house! Absolutely stunning location and the facilities and specification of the house could not have been any better! The layout of the house is very well planned and makes the most of the spectacular views! I particularly liked using the hot tub on the balcony. We had a family holiday with 8 adults and 4 kids age 3 - 7 who absolutely loved the cinema room in the evening! Everybody loved it and we all hope to return!"
OUR TOP 12 ULLSWATER ACTIVITIES
Ullswater is much more than scenic views and tasty teas around the lake – it’s all-action! You can click here to read our blog post ’Top 12 Ullswater Activities’.
AROUND WATERNOOK
The most popular pastime whilst at Waternook Estate is simply gazing out across the lake at the stunning Lakeland scenery, as William Wordsworth may have once enjoyed while composing the famous romantic poem, Daffodils. You might also like to stroll through the beautiful Lake District countryside that inspired Beatrix Potter to write her children’s books.
Waternook estate boasts a private jetty and boathouse and there are 26 acres of gardens and grounds with half a mile of lake shore where you may wander at leisure.
Ullswater is thought by many to be the most beautiful of all the lakes in the English Lake District, a serpentine body of water snaking a nine mile course under the lea of magnificent fells, woodland and mountain. Much of the lake, its shore and surrounding fells are accessible for visitors to explore, where you will find some of the finest walks and water activities, along with the amenities of the lakeside villages.
The area is excellent for either touring or relaxing and there are many walks from Waternook including Hallin Fell, towering above and behind Waternook. One of the best walks in the National Park is the trail that runs along the eastern shores of Ullswater. Experience this inspirational walk straight from Waternook, dominated by Place Fell, St Sunday Cragg, and Fairfield. (distance 7 miles).You will be able to ramble all day with a magnificent view always in your sight. For the return journey, board the steamboat from Glenridding to Howtown.
At the southern end of the Lake you will find Glenridding, a popular little village and an excellent base to explore plentiful challenging peaks but especially Helvellyn via Striding Edge – a long ambitious walk (8 miles + elevation change).
A gentler walk is Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls. The main force falls some 70ft below a stone footbridge – so don’t forget your camera. There are many walks of varying length here, the link following the 1 mile circular route up to the waterfall and back.
Pooley Bridge is a picturesque village at the northern most point of the lake and only 4 miles from Waternook; from here you can visit the wonderful market towns of Penrith and Keswick.
Getting on the water is easy especially from Waternook, with over half a mile of your very own Lake frontage! You can take a boat cruise on one of the five beautiful steamers in the Ullswater Steamer fleet. They run the boats from Glenridding, with piers also at Pooley Bridge, Aira Force and Howtown. It’s a great way to see the lake from a different perspective and well worth taking a camera.
Boat hire is readily available, where you have a varied selection of craft on offer including kayaks, sailing boats and little motorboats, along with hire of fishing tackle and licenses.
Further afield you have Keswick, the main town of the north lakes – a bustling market town set between the peaks of Skiddaw and the gentle beauty of Derwentwater. An all year round town there are good shops, a host of restaurants and cafes, along with museums, a theatre, cinema and leisure centre. The market towns of Penrith and Alston lie to the North West on the edge of the Eden Valley and are well worth a visit.
Back south, leaving Patterdale, you take the Kirkstone Pass which winds its way through high fell and brings you down to the south lakes and Windermere.
All in all there is a much to see and do, both around the lake and nearby areas, towns and villages where to get the best from your visit it is well worth investing in a few good guides and maps.
DRIVES
Kirkstone Pass from Patterdale to Ambleside is justifiably famous as a driving route and the Lakeland’s highest pass open to motor traffic.
The Honister Pass is a beautiful journey linking Keswick and Derwentwater with Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater.
ACTIVITIES
For the more adventurous guest there are a variety of outdoor activities to try out including pony trekking, mountain biking, sailing, paragliding and many more. Waternook’s concierge service is able to make arrangements for all of these activities.
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Acorn Bank, National Trust Garden and Watermill (14.5 miles).
Hutton in the Forest House and gardens (15.5 miles).
Dalemain House, Gardens and Estate & Tea Room (6.5 miles).
Lowther Castle & Gardens and Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre (8.3 miles).
Appleby Castle, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland (21 miles) dates back to the 11th century with an impressive Norman Keep and earthworks. The Great Hall has some fine paintings. The walled gardens, children’s play area and tea rooms cater to a variety of interests. Open 10am – 5pm from April – October.
Levens Hall historic house and gardens (41 miles) – a bit farther afield, but definitely worth the journey.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Rheged Centre, Penrith (8.5 miles) – indoor soft play area, pottery painting, castle themed outdoor playground, large 3D cinema screen, collection of shops featuring local crafts, produce & restaurants.
Penrith Leisure Centre & Eden Climbing Wall, Penrith Leisure Centre, Penrith (9.2 miles) – Eden Climbing wall, gym, 25 meter indoor pool, 13 meter indoor learner pool, indoor bowls. Pay by activity available (no fixed membership necessary & very reasonable prices for activities). Please call to check times and activities.
Crafty Monkeys, 3 Corney Square, Penrith (10 miles). This is a welcoming pottery and crafts studio in the middle of Penrith which has a range of great activities for kids and adults including pottery wheels, pottery painting, glass painting, mosaic making, build a bear, plant pot painting.
Langwathby railway station (13 miles) is a stop on the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which is one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Britain. The line covers 70 miles of tracks with 20 major sandstone viaducts (including one 90 feet high at Ormonside) spanning various ravines and 14 tunnels. The railway offers service throughout the day with a number of small stops enroute and has periodic steam engine trips.
The Puzzling Place, Keswick (20 miles).
The Pencil Museum, Southey Works, Keswick (21 miles), home to the world’s longest colour pencil, which is nearly eight metres tall! Learn all about the history of pencil as well as taking part in creative workshops, discovering the Secret Pencil Exhibition and escape to the Kids Art Studio while the adults relax and have a cuppa and a sticky bun at the riverside location.
The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness on Windermere (26 miles).
Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick (25 miles). Attractions include a Go Ape! high ropes course, mountain bike rental from Cyclewise – there are some great cycle trails through the woods, walking trails and a woodland based playground which connects via the trees to nine different play areas including stream based play and a great low level climbing wall.
EATING & DRINKING
Cumbria is a region blessed with rich local produce. The county is perhaps most famous for its various meat products, such as the long, spiralling Cumberland sausage, Air Dried Cumbrian Ham, and the Penrith Pepper-pot sausage. However, the region is also home to such delicacies as rum butter; Grasmere gingerbread; the staple food found in all moutaineers’ backpacks, the Kendal mint cake; and wine, jams and chutnies made from damsons grown in the area. Find some time to visit Cranstons Butchers in Penrith (information is below) for a good selection of Cumbrian pleasures.
PUBS
Within a short walk of the Howtown Hotel and its Walkers Bar which is open to non residents from April to November (20 minute walk, 0.8 miles). Tel: 01768 486514. Nestled deep in the mountains that surround the hamlet of Howtown, this pub is extremely welcoming and wonderfully old-fashioned. Lots of drinks and great food to choose from.
Queens Head Inn, Tirril, Penrith (7 miles) Originally built in 1719, this inn has many original features, with strong wooden pews, original flagstones and an inglenook fireplace that rages through winter. The pub houses well-kept local ales and serves some fantastic homemade pies and smoked trout from Ullswater lake.
Horse and Farrier Inn, Dacre (7.3 miles). Great atmosphere, cosy, surrounded by walks.
Yanwath Gate Inn, Yanwath, Penrith (8 miles). A delightful 17th century inn which has a reputation for serving delicious food and providing first-rate service. An attractive stone inglenook, low-beamed ceilings, solid oak and pine furniture and walls give an effortlessly traditional and cosy feel to the place, while an impressive array of local ales, wines, and malt whiskies has something for everyone. The menu changes regularly, but expect things like Wild Mallard Breast with dauphinoise potatoes with a roast garlic and herb jus or Pork Loin steak and cider cream sauce.
Cross Keys Inn, Carleton Village (9.7 miles). English country pub with quality food, beers and wine and excellent service.
Fell Bar, (an Independent cask ale and world beer bar) 52, King Street, Penrith (10 miles).
The Lounge Hotel and Bar, Mitre House, King Street, Penrith (10 miles).
George and Dragon, Clifton, Penrith (10 miles). A meticulously refurbished, 18th century coaching inn which has kept its Georgian flare, the George and Dragon is a fine gastropub closeby. Serving excellent seasonal food, much of the produce is sourced either from the owners’ gardens at Askham Hall, or local farmers which reside on the family’s estate. Winner Taste of Cumbria 2011, Alastair Sawday Local Produce Award.
Old Boot and Shoe Pub, Greystoke (11 miles, 30 minute drive).
Sportsman Inn, Troutbeck (11.5 miles). Near Whitbarrow, good walking nearby, great Trip Advisor reviews.
Horse and Farrier Inn, Threlkeld, Near Keswick (17 miles). Worth the drive, the owner’s favourite pub in the local area. Jilly’s recommendation.
The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Ambleside (30 miles/1hr 10 drive). Widely considered the one of the best pubs in the Lake District, The Drunken Duck is as close to fine dining a pub can get. Serving up delights like pork shoulder with truffle braised celery and stocking a superb selection of local ales, it is common for tables to be booked up weeks in advance, so we advise you act soon.
RESTAURANTS (advance booking advised)
Sharrow Bay, Lake Ullswater, Penrith (2.5 miles, 9 minute drive). If you fancy a splurge, then Sharrow Bay is worth a visit - it’s widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the Lake District. Winner of a Michelin star, it is an opulent affair that offers stunning views of Ullswater and the surrounding mountains. Head chefs Colin Akrigg and Mark Teasdale develop their lunch time and evening menus with the freshest of local ingredients, and welcome those who just want a morning coffee, or those wishing to try a wine from their 700-strong list.
Askham Hall Gardens, Café and Restaurant, Askham (8 miles). Awarded ‘Superior Quality’ by Cumbria Tourism April 2014. Restaurant open for dinner to non-residents 7pm - 9:30pm, reservations required. 01931 712 350. Café and gardens, open Sun-Fri. Excellent Pizzas from wood-fired oven served at lunch Wed – Fri and Sun only. Both the restaurant and café use locally sourced ingredients from the gardens, surrounding farms and woodlands estates.
Four & Twenty, Penrith, Cumbria (10 miles). This restaurant is a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike. Four & Twenty like to keep their menus fresh, and so regularly change them to accommodate new tastes and changing seasons. All the food is prepared and cooked on the day, and tastes exquisite. Accompanied with an excellent selection of wine or beers, you’d be hard done by to fault this place.
Grants of Castlegate Wine Bar and Restaurant, Penrith (10 miles). An intimate and welcoming bistro with friendly and attentive service. Choose from a lovely selection of wines and beers at the bar, and then move on through to the restaurant where a delicious menu awaits.
The Restaurant and Bar, Ullswater Road, Penrith (10 miles). A family-friendly restaurant with timber beams and roaring fireplaces, The Restaurant and Bar serves up mouth-watering local cuisine, from the Penrith sausage to the more exotic dried Cumbrian ham. All the fruit and vegetables are from the local green grocers, as are the meats and dairy products. The Restaurant also offers a wide range of children’s meals.
Dockray Hall, Penrith (10.5 miles) serving modern British cuisine such as roast hake and beer-braised feather blade.
Highland Drove, Great Salkeld, Penrith (16 miles). Awarded the ‘Cumbria Dining Pub of the Year’ numerous times by the Good Pub Guide, the Highland Drove is an excellent gastropub run by a father and son team. Inside are cushioned chairs, roaring fires and a splendid dining area; expect on the menu inventive repasts such as venison curry, olive mash, and pork rillettes with sage mayonnaise. Combine these elements with glorious views of the Eden Valley and the Pennines, and you might have the perfect pub.
The Bridge Café Bistro, Kirkby Thore, Penrith (17 miles). A laid-back, family-friendly bistro, serving interesting food like Vietnamese chicken sandwiches, wild Alaskan black cod, and the house favourite, the Bridge Burger served with celeriac coleslaw.
Woodstone Pizza & Flame Grill Restaurant, Keswick (21 miles/38 minute drive) is a friendly restaurant that makes traditional stone-baked pizzas from scratch with a variety of toppings and sauces.
Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel Windermere (25 miles/56 minute drive)www.holbeckghyll.com. Recognised as one the best restaurants in the North, Holbeck Ghyll is the epitome of fine dining. Head chef David McLaughlin has been awarded the coveted Michelin star for 13 consecutive years, and prides himself on delivering only the best dishes from the local produce which arrives daily. Holbeck Ghyll can also accommodate family celebrations and private parties; if desired, it is possible to book one of their lovely private dining rooms.
FOOD SHOPS
Sainsbury’s, Penrith (10.5 miles/25 minute drive).
Morrisons, Brunswick Road, Penrith (10.7 miles/30 minute drive).
Booths, Penrith (12 miles/29 minute drive).
Butchers: Cranstons, Ullswater Road, Penrith (10 miles/25 minute drive) Winners of the ‘Best Cumbrian Food Retailer 2014’ by Cumbria Life Magazine, and winners of the ‘National Butcher of the Year’ at the 2014 Deli and Farmshop Awards, its nigh on impossible to find a better butchers in the UK. Cranstons also has a food hall that stores all the best local fruit and veg, freshly baked pies, cooked meats and cheeses.
Wine Merchant: The Wine House, Penrith (10 miles/28 minute drive).
BEST TAKEAWAYS
Thai Food Café, Penrith (10 miles).
Indiagate, Penrith (10 miles).
Angel Lane Chippie, Penrith (10 miles).
Royal Lake, Penrith (10 miles). Chinese takeaway.
EVENTS
FEBRUARY
Keswick Film Festival, Keswick (20 miles).
MARCH
Words by the Water Festival of Words & Ideas, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick (21.5 miles).
World’s Original Marmalade Festival, Dalemain (6.5 miles).
APRIL
Pirelli Carlisle Rally, Carlisle (29 miles).
Ullswater Daff Fest.
Ullswater Yacht Club annual Daffodil Regatta.
MAY
Melmerby May Day Festival, Melmerby (17 miles).
Langwathby May Day Festival (13 miles).
JUNE
Keswick Beer Festival, Keswick (20 miles).
Appleby Horse Fair, Appleby-in-Westmorland (20 miles).
The Cumberland Show, Carlisle Racecourse (26 miles).
Ullswater Fair, Patterdale (13 miles).
JULY
Skelton Show, Old Park, Hutton-in-the Forest (15 miles).
Penrith Show, Brougham Hall Farm, Penrith (8.5 miles).
Great Musgrave Rush Bearing, Great Musgrave (28 miles).
Appleby Town Carnival, Appleby-in-Westmorland (20 miles).
Langwathby Scarecrow Festival, Langwathby (13 miles).
Derwent Water Regatta, Crow Park, Keswick (21 miles).
Kendal Calling, Lowther Deer Park (8 miles).
AUGUST
Fell Pony Breed Show, Dalemain (6.5 miles).
Appleby Show, near Appleby Golf Course (23 miles).
Lowther Show, Lowther Castle (8.3 miles).
Ravenstonedale Agricultural Show, Ravenstonedale (33 miles).
Crosby Ravensworth Show & Vintage Rally, Maulds Meaburn (19.4 miles).
Patterdale Dog Day, Patterdale (13 miles).
Great British Food Festival, Dalemain (6.5 miles).
Keswick Agricultural Show, Braithwaite, Keswick (22.5 miles).
Dufton Agricultural Show, Dufton (20.6 miles).
Ullswater Yacht Club annual August Regatta.
SEPTEMBER
Hesket Newmarket Agricultural Show, Hesket Newmarket (19 miles).
Things you need to know about Waternook if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:
*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.
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