If you are looking for adventure, wide open spaces and some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery in the country then the Northern Lakes is the place for you.
The Trout Hotel, on the edge of the Lake District is the perfect location from which to explore the Northern Lakes. Located in the busy market town of Cockermouth, along the banks of the River Derwent, The Trout Hotel offers peace and tranquillity away from the crowds of the Central Lakes. Recently reopened after extensive renovations the Trout Hotel offers an unparalleled level of luxury and convenience.
Honister Slate Mine
Honister seamlessly mixes adrenaline-fueled adventure with days gone by – when life moved at a slower pace. Situated in a commanding aspect at the head of Honister Pass, the famous slate mine is the last working site in the whole of England. Offering activities to interest everyone. From browsing their beautiful and unique range of slate based products to venturing into the deepest depths of the mine, where history unfolds right before your eyes.
If you are looking for white-knuckle adventure then the heart-stopping Via Ferrata Extreme and the knee trembling Infinity Bridge are for you. The Via Ferrata and its extreme big brother are not for the faint-hearted, following an old miner’s route to the top of Fleetwith Pike certainly gets the adrenaline going. The stunning views and sense of achievement makes all the effort undoubtedly worthwhile.
The Infinity Bridge leads you out above the valley floor, some 2,000 feet up. Named, simply because you can’t see the other side. Honister’s Infinity Bridge is the longest of this type of bridge in the whole of the British Isles.
Mirehouse and Gardens
A hidden gem of the northern Lake District, Mirehouse and Gardens is nestled against the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake with commanding views of the surrounding fells. The Georgian home is set amidst acres of mature and tended gardens. The house has an intriguing history whereby many a literature great such as Tennyson and Carlyle once found inspiration.
Kids adore the adventure playgrounds. The woodland fort has witnessed countless pine cone and stick swordmen and maiden battles. Watching the children play, harks back to a more innocent time when kids could be kids, without the pressures of modern day life. There’s plenty for them to explore with the Bee Garden, Squirrel Island and the Steeplechase Course, they’ll forget about mobile phones and tablets and busy themselves for the entire day. Making precious family memories to last into adulthood and beyond.
Mirehouse has a very peaceful feel and the views over Bassenthwaite Lake are breathtaking. In the spring and summer months, it’s quite possible to spot the resident osprey swooping down to fish on the serene waters of Bassenthwaite Lake. Its an idyllic spot for a picnic lunch, which our chef can prepare for you, simply ask at reception for a picnic lunch request form.
Whinlatter Forest Park
England’s one true mountain forest is located about a 15-minute drive from The Trout Hotel, with its numerous mountain bike trails, countless woodland walks and year-round activities. Go in search of the elusive Gruffalo who hides between the trees or follow the Stickman trail and reunite him with his family. If you scour the forest floor, you might even find Stickman himself.
There’s WildPlay areas dotted throughout the pine woodland. Perfect for an idyllic woodland adventure. With rope swings, slides, tunnels and even a fairy garden set amidst the trees. Whinlatter has everything needed to spark imaginations, both young and old.
Whinlatter Forest Park Website
Go-Ape at Whinlatter
If you are looking for adrenaline pumped adventure there’s GoApe, with its Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings and Rope Ladders. Spend two or three hours among the treetops as you as you overcome the various challenging obstacles. Its another day out that will fill you with a huge sense of achievement.
For those that are hesitant to take to the tree tops, there is the equally exhilarating forest Segway experience. Explore the forest at ground level via the self-balancing electric Segway. If you are being honest we are sure that trying a Segway will be somewhere on your bucket list of things to do!