A beautiful Victorian-era clock, often considered the second most photographed clock in England after Big Ben. The Eastgate clock is situated on the main high street where you can experience great eateries and shop in the likes of Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
Chester Castle is a historic fortress in Chester, United Kingdom, built in 1070 by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, it evolved from a Norman motte-and-bailey castle into a military stronghold and administrative center.
2000 years ago, the Chester Walls were built to protect the city - the walk spans for 2 miles and allows you to explore many parts of Chester. Start at the Eastgate Clock in, CH1 1LR, and enjoy the sights!
The Barn, originally built in the early 1800’s, was built as cotton bobbin workshop, later a wood workshop. This was later converted into a 1st floor apartment and a ground floor workshop in 1983. The Barn has been refurbished for guests to enjoy the village, local trails, and the South Lakes.
Staveley dates back to Roman times and even as far back as 4000BCand has always been known for its beautiful views and fertile land. Mainly used as farm land until the middle ages where Staveley mills moved onto producing woollen cloth. During the Industrial Revolution there was cotton production at Staveley, when the cotton industry shifted to Lancashire, the Staveley mills were converted to work wood. By 1850 bobbin turning was the main industry. From 1329, the village was granted a market charter and weekly markets and a three-day annual fair were held. The Tower of Saint Margaret, which is all that remains of a church built in 1388, is in the heart of the village where markets were held.
In Dorothy Wordsworth's journal, 1802, there are references to an inn at Staveley (possibly the Eagle and Child). She wrote: "I am always glad to see Staveley; it is a place I dearly love to think of"
A 10.4km round trip, considered a moderate walk with an elevation of 271m takes an average of 2.5hours to complete.
To start head south to the footbridge crossing the River Kent. A quick right and left after the bridge brings you to a road heading uphill. The twin tarns of Gurnal Dubs and Potter Tarn form the centrepiece of an attractive area of
moorland near Kendal. Combined with a walk along the River Kent to Staveley it makes for an attractive day.
Recommended mobile apps for local trails include AllTrails and AmIntLakes which can be download onto all devices.
There is an hourly train that departs from the Staveley Train Station to Windermere Train Station or the drive to the popular tourist spot is only a short 10-minutes.
There are many eateries and bars in Windermere that can be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. There are River Cruises that you can enjoy and if you fancy something more active, you can hire bikes with Total Adventure, take part in water sports with Windermere Canoe and Kayak, climb on the high rope course with Treetop Lakes. There is something for all guests!
The Priory Mews homes were originally built as coach houses to serve the then, Hammarbank Manor, which is now the Windermere Manor Hotel. Built in the 1850’s as the home of Hubert and Mary Coutts; Hubert was a watercolour artist from London who found inspiration for his paintings in the beautiful Windermere.
Hubert, later transitioning to a Magistrate for many
years and the President of North Westmorland Liberal Association, as well as being a founder member of the Lake Artist's Society. At that time, Hammarbank, occupied a much larger site than it does today, and within the extensive grounds there was a coach house (Priory Mews), stables, orchards and vegetable gardens.
The arrival of the railway, which was derived from Kendal in 1847, prompted a flood of visitors bent on enjoying the lake and the beauty of the Lake District. The town grew quickly and became an extremely popular tourist destination.
The influx of visitors also led to the growth of neighbouring Bowness, and the two towns have grown together over the past century so that it can be hard to tell where one stops and the other begins. Each town has its own distinct town centre, with a mix of Victorian and
Edwardian buildings predominating.
A river cruise on Windermere offers a serene way to explore the part of the South Lakes . As you cross the calm waters, you will be immersed by the glacial-created hills and lush forests providing you with a peaceful escape. There are plentiful of cruise options for all to enjoy.
For those seeking adventure, visitors can hit the great outdoors by hiring a boat with Low Wood Bay Watersports, go treetop trekking with ZipWorld, Brockhole Visitor Centre, or experience Go Ape at Grizedale.
From the likes of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Squirrel Nutkin, the tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and quaint villages inspired Potters children's books which are admired and enjoyed worldwide.
In Windermere, visitors can can explore the timeline of Beatrix Potters life and can do so through virtual and sensory tours. Windermere remains a place of historical significance for Potter, with the Beatrix Potter Gallery and her former home, Hill Top, continuing to celebrate her legacy.