Stag Cottage
Be whisked back to the warmth, grace and beauty of a bygone era at Melmerby Hall & Stag Cottage, our stunning 17th century sandstone manor house and cottage. They stand within 20 acres of beautiful walled grounds on the edge of Melmerby village in the heart of Cumbria’s Eden Valley.
Our Grade II-listed properties are grand and traditional, yet have been sensitively restored to offer guests five-star modern comfort, with underfloor heating, fibre optic broadband, i-pad docking, and en suite bathrooms.
Melmerby Hall’s living spaces include an elegant drawing room with open fire and adjoining relaxed living room. Lose yourself in a book in the oak panelled library in front of a blazing fire, or catch up over a game in the second floor billiards room. Dine in style in the sunlit orangerie overlooking the knot garden in the large breakfasting kitchen with Aga. Or gather for dinner in the formal dining hall with an open fire salvaged from a local castle.
A secret, heavy, lockable oak door leads from Melmerby Hall’s butlers’ pantry into self-contained Stag Cottage.
Stag Cottage's reception rooms comprise a vast handmade oak and granite breakfasting kitchen, an elegant dining room and a living room with leather sofas and wood burning inglenook fireplace.
If you want to be catered for, we recommend great caterers who can offer hearty fare, prepared and served to you in the grand dining room. You can also get groceries delivered from Sainsbury's or Tesco, or have speciality meats, veg or meals dropped off at your door.
Melmerby Hall & Stag Cottage together have 12 elegant five-star en suite bedrooms and 13 luxury bathrooms. With options for family suites, twins, doubles and ground floor en suites, everyone’s happy as you drift off under sleek Egyptian cotton and feather duvets.
Outside, let children and dogs run free while you spark up the barbecue on the cobbled courtyard. Explore the huge garden and grounds running to 20 acres, including a private stretch of woodland with shallow stream, perfect for building dens and dams. The grounds include an archery lawn, sunny walled vegetable gardens and a Victorian castle folly at the foot of the lawn (now a play area for the kids).
Lovely touches include Molton Brown smellies, fresh flowers and a wicker welcome hamper, generously stocked with local foodie goodies and wine.
The village of Melmerby is set within the heart of the Eden Valley at the foot of the majestic Pennine fells and the famous Hartside pass which climbs to 1904 feet above sea level. An awe inspiring viewpoint on a clear day to take in the entire Eden Valley, the Lake District and, on occasion, southern Scotland!
Melmerby offers a host of facilities, including a well-stocked village shop & tea room, a super antique shop (The Brocante Emporium), and a wonderful traditional Cumbrian pub, The Shepherds Inn.
Other great country pubs for dining include The Fetherston Arms & the Crown both 15 minutes’ drive away in Kirkoswald.
For hiking, biking, sailing, riding, shooting and fishing, strike out into the glorious Lake District and Pennine Hills – they’re all on your doorstep.
There are a number of outstanding walks along the edge of the River Eden and in the Pennines which can be reached out of the front door of Melmerby Hall and Stag Cottage. Or take a longer hike to meet one of England’s largest Druidic stone circles - Long Meg and her Daughters. Walking route maps are provided at the house.
The well-known ‘Coast to Coast’ Cycle route passes directly through the village on the A686 and ascends via Hartside to Alston, England’s highest market town. Bicycles, locks and helmets are available for hire and cycling route maps are provided.
Ullswater, one of England’s most beautiful lakes, is 14 miles, where there are steam cruises from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding, chances to walk and paddle in the National Trust Aira Force Waterfall, pony treks from Rookin House Farm and canoes and sailboats available to hire from the Glenridding Sailing Centre.
Melmerby Hall is nine miles from the famous old market town of Penrith which offers a great selection of restaurants, pubs and shops, a swimming pool, cinema and an innovative visitor centre.
A short drive takes you to Appleby-in-Westmorland and Keswick and the local railway station is a stop on the Settle-Carlisle Railway - one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Britain.
Within easy reach are Brougham Castle, the historic city of Carlisle and Hadrian's Wall. Guests also love to visit Dalemain House, featured in a television production of Jane Eyre.
Melmerby Hall can be booked separately to accommodate up to 18 guests. You will also find Shepherds Hall, sleeping eight guests, within the estate grounds.
"We have recently just returned from a weekend at Melmerby Hall and Stag Cottage for my Mum's 80th Birthday. There were 22 of us in total occupying both properties and I can honestly say it was one of the best weekends we have all ever had. Both houses flow brilliantly and cater for everyone's needs. They have thought of everything needed from the welcome hamper to freezers full of ice. With enough space for everyone yet still giving an intimate feeling. We played cricket on the lawn, did one of the recommended walks and were waited on hand and foot by Lynn Hilditch catering on the Saturday evening. We didn't even know they were there as they are so efficient and they served what was probably one of the best three course meals we have all ever eaten. Lynn was amazing to deal with from start to finish and nothing was too much trouble for her. We all felt well and truly spoilt and not much tidying up to be done on the Sunday morning. The kitchen is well stocked and we managed to do a Full English breakfast for all 22 of us, the Aga making cooking very easy indeed. When can we come back is the unanimous cry from the family, as we definitely will be."
CATERING SERVICES
Lynn Hilditch provides delicious home-cooked Cumbrian specialities straight from her kitchen. Lynn prepares her meals at home and then comes with her team to the property to serve, clean up afterwards and leave you relaxing in the dining room. Guest reviews following her meals have been absolutely great, as seen on Trip Advisor. 01768 840 923 / 07775733608 | lynnhilditchcatering.co.uk | lynnbakes62@gmail.com
Sarah Ecroyd Catering: As a specialist events and wedding caterer in the Penrith and Eden Valley area, Sarah Ecroyd believes that food should ‘speak’ of this place and as such her menus include many local and seasonal ingredients celebrating the Cumbrian countryside. 016974 72591 | events@lowhousearmathwaite.co.uk
Purple Sage. Whether it’s a sophisticated luxury banquet for that dream wedding, simple good food for a party or event, or speciality items such as a hog roast, Purple Sage Catering provides a unique service using local producers, suppliers and home-grown seasonal produce. 01768 895 555 | www.catering4cumbria.co.uk
WEDDINGS AT MELMERBY
There’s no prettier setting for a classic country wedding than Melmerby. If you’re having a church wedding, a secret path runs through the grounds to the pretty parish church of St John the Baptist and, if you prefer a civic ceremony, you can hold it at Melmerby Hall in your elegant chandeliered buttermilk drawing room overlooking long lawns.
You can celebrate your wedding feast in the candlelit dining hall and catch up with guests in the panelled gentleman’s library. Breakfast in the sunlit orangerie by the cobbled courtyard and knot garden.
Just a short procession down the drive and through the arch is Melmerby Village Hall, newly built from traditional Cumbrian red stone with handsome pillars, a large dance floor, a caterer’s kitchen and safe gardens for children. So if you’re looking to throw a party that rings out into the small hours, here’s your very reasonably priced solution. Melmerby village comes with bakery, stores, pub, even Hollberrie’s stunning dress shop if anyone has an outfit crisis.
Guests with larger parties may book Melmerby with the adjoining Stag Cottage (sleeps 24) and neighbouring Kirkbride Hall (sleeps eight) which is reached directly through the Hall’s walled gardens.
Please telephone us on 01275 21 75 75 if you are interested and require more information.
EATING & DRINKING
CAFES
The Old Village Bakery, Melmerby (4 minutes' walk). The cafe is open daily and serves delicious breakfasts, lunches, coffees, homemade bread and cakes. You can also buy fresh bread, cakes and scones, coffee and other locally sourced and produced foods.They can also provide drop-off meals and pre-order breads (again this would have to be pre-booked). Please ask for Mark or Angie.
PUBS
The Shepherd’s Inn, Melmerby (5 minute walk). A friendly and welcoming place, with a reputation for good quality, serving great food and local ales.
Fetherstone Arms, Kirkoswald (5 miles/14 minute drive). A bustling village pub that serves particularly good homemade pies that are worth the wait. A fine selection of well kept local ales are on tap too, and both the staff and locals are lively and welcoming.
The Crown, Kirkoswald (5 miles/14 minute drive). A traditional 18th century coaching inn that serves traditional pub favourites and some more adventurous fare. The Crown has a pool room and every Sunday there is a quiz night.
Highland Drove, Great Salkeld, Penrith (8 miles/15 minute drive). 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.
Yanwath Gate Inn, Yanwath, Penrith (11 miles/20 minute drive). 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.
George and Dragon, Clifton, Penrith (11 miles/21 minute drive). A meticulously refurbished, 18th century coaching inn which has kept its Georgian flare, the George and Dragon is another 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.
Queens Head Inn, Tirril, Penrith (11 miles/21 minute drive) 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.
RESTAURANTS (advance booking advised)
Four & Twenty, Penrith, Cumbria (9.5 miles/18 minute drive). 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/20 minute drive). 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/19 minute drive). 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 miles/21 minute drive) serving modern British cuisine such as roast hake and beer-braised feather blade.
The Bridge Café Bistro, Kirkby Thore, Penrith (11 miles/22 minute drive). 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.
Sharrow Bay, Lake Ullswater, Penrith (16 miles/32 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.
FOOD SHOPS
Booths, Penrith (10 miles/19 minute drive).
Sainsbury’s, Penrith (9.5 miles/18 minute drive).
Butchers: Cranstons, Ullswater Road Penrith (10 miles/20 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 (9.5 miles/18 minute drive).
BEST TAKEAWAYS
Thai Food Café, Penrith (9.5 miles/18 minute drive).
Indiagate, Penrith (10 miles/19 minute drive).
Angel Lane Chippie, Penrith (10 miles/20 minute drive).
Royal Lake, Penrith (10 miles/18 minute drive). Chinese takeaway.
WALKS
FROM THE FRONT DOOR
Walks in the Eden Valley are many and varied with footpaths over the Pennines from the gate.
Try the loop walk from the farmhouse taking in Gamblesby and Melmerby, using the quiet country lane and old bridal path (3.6 miles).
OTHER SUGGESTED WALKS
Aira Force Waterfall (National Trust) - There are many walks of varying length here, the link following the 1 mile circular route up to the waterfall and back.
Glenridding to Helvellyn via Striding Edge - a long ambitious one (8 miles + elevation change).
Lacy’s Caves, the River Eden and Long Meg and her Daughters - a walk just over 5 miles through the woods and along the river. You can drive to Glassonby and park down by the Daleraven bridge to start the 5 mile loop.
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.
The A686 which runs through Melmerby has been named as one of the greatest drives in Britain.
The drive along the West side of Ullswater is delightful with the Aira Force National Trust waterfall as a great stopping off point at about the halfway mark.
CYCLING ON THE C2C & MORE
The C2C passes through Melmerby village and the cycling routes around are excellent. If you would like excellent and well maintained cycles to be dropped off at your cottage for use during your stay, please contact Jason Taylor at Inspiring Cycling on 07887 764987.
Alternatively, Rent bicycles from Cyclewise for cycling at Whinlatter Forest or organise a cycle tour with CycleActive.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
FISHING
The River Eden is regarded by many as one of the best places in England to fish for wild brown trout and grayling. If you want to fish on the river, we must remind you that you need a rod license, which can be bought online or at the nearest post office.
Penrith Anglers Association. Visitors are allowed to purchase daily or weekly tickets during the Trout season (15th March - 30th September).
Whins Pond (Coarse fishery) (7.5 miles).
Blencarn Rainbow Trout Fishing Lake - Stillwater Trout Fly Fishing (8 miles). Fly Fishing Tuition, half or full days out on private beats.
SAILING & CANOEING
The Glenridding Sailing Centre, The Spit, Glenridding (22 miles) - Canoe and kayak hire, sail boat hire including traditional boats, dinghy and single manned boats.
The Glenridding Activity Centre also offers all sorts of fun group activities including pirate events, rafting, Swallows and Amazons, sailing & picnic options.
Derwentwater Marina, Portinscale, Keswick (28 miles) offers various canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and rock climbing courses as well as providing various boats for hire.
PONY TREKKING
Happy Hooves Riding Centre, Eamont Bridge (10 miles). Located on the banks of the River Eamont, this centre provides high quality riding lessons, hacks, equine therapy and pony days to both children and adults. Suitable for all levels of abilities from ages 2 and up.
Parkfoot Pony Trekking, Pooley Bridge (15 miles). Situated on the edge of the banks of Ullswater Lake, this centre offers pony treks in the glorious countryside surrounding the lake. The trip will take you over the hills and grant you stunning panoramic vistas of theprevailing landscape, and is suitable for all levels of abilities and from ages 5 and up.
Rookin House Farm, Troutbeck (19.5 miles). Home to around 35 horses so can offer treks for large groups and big parties. Pony parties for both children and adults can be arranged, and treks through the Lakeland countryside are also on offer.
QUAD BIKING
Rookin House Farm, Troutbeck (19.5 miles). This adventure centre offers quad biking for a variety of age groups; mini quads for 6 to 11 year olds, midi quads for 12 to 15 year olds and adult quadbiking for 16 plus. Rookin House can also accommodate hen parties and corporate team-building days.
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING
Rookin House Farm, Troutbeck (19.5 miles). Clay pigeon shooting for children and adults. They have an advised minimum age of 12. This sport is immensely fun and challenging, and is perfect for big parties who want to compete!
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Cumbrian Adventures, Maughanby Farm, Little Salkeld, Penrith (3 miles) offer a range of group activities from their stunning base set in more than 300 acres of countryside. They cater for corporate groups, youth groups, hen parties, stag groups, birthdays. Activities include; clay pigeon shooting, paintball, a downhill BMX course, archery, it’s a knock-out style Cumbrian Olympics, Offroad go karting, zorb football, mountain boarding, Sumo Suit wrestling and the spectacular Cumbrian Cresta, a high speed grass toboggan run.
Penrith Leisure Centre & Eden Climbing Wall, Penrith Leisure Centre, Penrith (9.5 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.
Bitts Park, Carlisle (23 miles) is a super fun and largely free day out for all the family. There is a fantastic children’s adventure playground suited to 3 to 10 year olds, a Putting Green, Crazy Golf course, a mini maze and both open air and under cover tennis courts. There are pleasure walks and the riverside walk to enjoy as well as a stroll through the Japanese Garden. The Hadrian’s Wall Trail also passes through this park. Annual events here include a huge fireworks display in October/November, an ice skating rink during the festive period and a celebration during Love Parks Week in July.
Urban Adventure, Bitts Park, Carlisle (23 miles) is a private enterprise offering a thrilling high ropes adventure course for age 5 yrs plus.
Keswick Adventure Centre (27.5 miles) offer a lot of activities, including zip wires, abseiling, rafting, canoeing and scrambling. Run by a passionate team of Duke of Edinburgh teachers, canoe instructors and ex-Royal Navy soldiers, you will be guided by local experts who know the area inside-out.
Whinlatter Forest near Keswick (29.5 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.
Treetop Trek, Brockhole National Park, Ecclerigg, Windermere (41 miles). Available for ages 5 yrs upwards, try up to 35 exciting treetop challenges, designed to make you swing, climb, balance and fly through the ancient oak woodland canopy.
PAINTBALLING
Cumbrian Adventures, Little Salkeld (3 miles). With eight unique scenarios ranging from trench warfare to close quarter combat, Cumbrian Adventures is perfect for private parties, hen parties and corporate team building exercises.
GOLF
Penrith Golf Club, Penrith (10 miles). Situated in the middle of the Lake District and Pennines, this golf course provides views nothing short of extraordinary. Formed in 1890, the course has 18-holes and follows the natural contours of the hilly setting. Each hole offers different challenges, with troublesome sandbanks and undulating slopes.
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill (National Trust) (9.5 miles). With a delightful garden and a thirteenth-century watermill driven by the Crowdundle Beck, Acorn Bank is a red sandstone house which forms an attractive foil to the garden.
Hutton in the Forest House and gardens (14.5 miles). House and gardens open for walks, teas etc. As well as a rich variety of architecture, furnishings and a beautiful garden, there are varied outdoor events during the summer, including the Plant and Food Fair, open air Shakespeare, Potfest in the Park and Horse Trials.
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Dalemain, Penrith (12.5 miles). Since the Saxon era, the grounds of Dalemain Mansion have been a settlement for various folk, first posing as a Pele Tower to keep Scots out, and then as a manor house, which was constructed in the 14th century, with more parts being added in the 16th and 18th century. The house regularly holds guided tours and exhibitions, so we recommend you check the website to see if anything is on during your stay. If the weather is nice, take a leisurely stroll around the gardens which are exquisite.
Lowther Castle & Gardens and Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre (14 miles). A large collection of birds of prey consisting of hawks, eagles, vultures, owls, falcons and buzzards, with flying demonstrations daily. Visitors get the opportunity to fly a bird at the display and onsite tearoom and local crafts make this an easily enjoyable day out for the family.
Appleby Castle, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland (16 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 (44 miles) – a bit farther afield, but definitely worth the journey.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Lazonby railway station (6 miles) is a stop on the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which is one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Britain. The line covers 70 milesof 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.
Lacy’s Caves, Church Villa, Little Salkeld (8 miles). Consisting of five man-made chambers carved out of the sandstone cliffs directly above the River Eden at Glassonby, just north of the village of Little Salkeld. The caves were commisioned in the eighteenth century by Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Lacy who lived in nearby Salkeld Hall and was infamous for once attempting to blow up the stones of the Long Meg and her Daughters Stone Circle. Lacy decided to blast the prehistoric monument with gun powder. After a violent thunder storm was read as a supernatural warning, Lacy instead used the dynamite to blow a whole in the side of a hill, and constructed a romantic folly for entertaining his many guests. A bizarrre and somewhat eerie structure that is definitely worth a visit.
Crafty Monkeys, Penrith (9.5 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.
Penrith Alhambra Cinema, Penrith (10 miles).
Penrith and Eden Museum, Robinson's School, Penrith (10 miles), home to an array of interesting local artefacts including pottery from the Plumpton Roman Fort and historical and contemporary art.
The Rheged Centre, Penrith (11 miles) - indoor soft play area, pottery painting, castle themed outdoor playground, large 3D cinema screen, collection of shops featuring local crafts, produce & restaurants.
The Ullswater Steamers, Pooley Bridge, Howtown Pier & Glenridding (14 miles to Pooley Bridge) operate lake cruises on Ullswater. For events, please refer to the Ullswater Steamers Events calendar on the web site.
Talkin Tarn Country Park, Tarn Road, Brampton (15 miles) - fairytale mature woodland and gentle meadows around a glacial lake.
Aira Force waterfall (National Trust) (21 miles), near Watermillock on the road running between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, is a great drive as well as a great walk. A tumbling waterfall drops 65ft and can be reached via a stroll through woodland and landscaped glades. One of the most famous spots in the Lake District, it is a must-see beauty spot that has inspired countless poets, including Wordsworth himself who paid many visits to the falls in his life.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle (23 miles).
Carlisle Castle, English Heritage, Carlisle (23 miles).
Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Road, Carlisle (21 miles) offers racing from February to November (National Hunt and Flat) including three evening meetings.
Hadrian's Wall (English Heritage) (23 miles). Visit Birdoswald Fort (English Heritage), Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum and discover Housesteads Roman Fort (English Heritage).
Walby Farm Park, Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle (23.5 miles). For family fun on the farm, come and meet the donkeys, hand-feed the lambs, groom the ponies and watch the goat-racing at this award-winning attraction, open year round and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Keswick (26 miles) is a thriving town settled next to the idyllic Derwentwater, forever busy with walkers, outdoor enthusiasts and artists. Brimming with cafés, art galleries and the largest collection of outdoor shops in the country.
The Puzzling Place, Keswick (26 miles).
The Pencil Museum, Southey Works, Keswick (27 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.
Lakeland Llama Treks, Ravenstone Manor (31 miles). The centre offers mini treks or half day treks which includes picnic lunches or a café meal.
Treetop Trek, Ecclerigg, Windermere (40 miles). Experience life in the woodland canopy on 35 daring challenges.
The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness on Windermere (44 miles).
Predator Experience, Barns Close, Ayside, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands (52 miles). Walk a hawk, handle an eagle, join a wolf pack wandering through the countryside or step inside a fox enclosure.
EVENTS
FEBRUARY
Keswick Film Festival, Keswick (26 miles) (February – March).
Penrith Goes Orange – the World's Original Marmalade Festival, Dalemain (12.5 miles) (February or March).
MARCH
Keswick Film Festival, Keswick (26 miles) (February – March).
Penrith Goes Orange – the World's Original Marmalade Festival, Dalemain (12.5 miles) (February or March).
Words by the Water Festival of Words & Ideas, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick (26 miles).
APRIL
Pirelli Carlisle Rally, Carlisle (22.5 miles).
The Cumberland Show, Carlisle Racecourse (21 miles).
Ullswater Daff Fest.
Ullswater Yacht Club annual Daffodil Regatta.
MAY
Melmerby May Day Festival, Melmerby (0.6 miles).
Penrith May Day Festival, Penrith (10 miles).
Langwathby May Day Festival, Langwathby (5 miles).
Fell Pony Show at Dalemain (12.5 miles).
Keswick Mountain Festival, Keswick (26 miles).
Orton Scarecrow Festival (24 miles).
JUNE
Appleby Horse Fair, Appleby-in-Westmorland (15 miles).
Keswick Beer Festival, Keswick (26 miles).
Cumbria Hound and Terrier Show, Brough (25 miles).
Warcop Rush Bearing (27 miles).
Ullswater Fair, Patterdale (23 miles).
The Cumberland Show, Carlisle Racecourse (21 miles).
Alston Gala Day, Alston (11 miles).
JULY
Skelton Show, Old Park, Hutton-in-the Forest (14 miles).
Langwathby Scarecrow Festival, Langwathby (5 miles).
Derwent Water Regatta, Crow Park, Keswick (28 miles).
Lakes Chilli Fest, Dalemain (12.5 miles).
Penrith Agricultural Show, Brougham Hall Farm, Penrith (10 miles).
Kendal Calling, Lowther Deer Park (14 miles).
Ambleside Sports Day - cycle races, Cumberland wrestling (which has thought to come from Vikings), hound trailing, and track racing, Ambleside (38.5 miles).
Alston Gala Day, Alston (11 miles).
Appleby Town Carnival, Appleby-in Westmorland (15 miles).
Rainbow Craft Fair at Dalemain House (12.5 miles).
Great Musgrave Rush Bearing (24 miles).
AUGUST
Fell Pony Breed Show, Dalemain (12.5 miles).
Lowther Show, Lowther Castle (14 miles).
Appleby Show, near Appleby Golf Course (15 miles).
Ravenstonedale Agricultural Show, Ravenstonedale (32 miles).
Crosby Ravensworth Show & Vintage Rally, Maulds Meaburn (17 miles).
Great British Food Festival, Dalemain (12.5 miles).
Dufton Agricultural Show, Dufton (13 miles).
Ullswater Yacht Club annual August Regatta.
Brough Agricultural Show, Brough (25 miles).
Patterdale Sheep Dog Trials, Patterdale (23 miles).
Keswick Agricultural Show, Braithwaite, Keswick (29 miles).
Cumbria Classic Car Show, Dalemain (12.5 miles).
SEPTEMBER
Hesket Newmarket Show (20 miles).
Appleby Flower Show, Appleby-in Westmorland (15 miles).
Alston Flower Show (11 miles).
Brough Hill Fair (gypsy and trading fair dating back to the 17th century) (25 miles).
OCTOBER
Carlisle Fireshow entitled 'Spellbound Sensations' at Bitts Park, Carlisle (20 miles).
Winter Droving (2 days - Lake Ullswater first evening & then a day in Penrith).
NOVEMBER
Kendal Mountain Festival: Annual film festival, a diverse event for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK.
Things you need to know about Melmerby Hall & Stag Cottage 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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