Local Area Information

Near Sawrey

Near Sawrey itself is a perfect example of a traditional Lake District village; itself a conservation area within the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those with children, there is a playground just across the road, and directly opposite Beechmount; a great spot to wear off some early morning or late evening energy.

100m down the road lies the National Trust's Hill Top House, Beatrix Potter's 17th Century farmhouse, and the inspiration for Mr. MacGregor's garden. Tickets are available on the day on a timed entry basis - you could not be better placed to amble down to book a slot.

In reaching Hill Top, you will have passed the Sawrey House Hotel, which offers Afternoon Teas and dinner in its brasserie.

100m further down the road, you will reach the Tower Bank Arms, a CAMRA award winning pub known for its ales, its open fire, and its excellent food.

Stroll a little further to reach Moss Eccles Tarn - directions here.

Continue for a mile from Beechmount towards Far Sawrey, where you will find the Cuckoo Brow Inn, another excellent pub serving good beer and great food.

Esthwaite

Esthwaite Water lies at the foot of Near Sawrey, and can be reached via a gentle stroll down the hill. Esthwaite is a private lake (having famously once been listed for sale on Ebay!) which remains unspoilt, whilst offering an excellent cafe and boating, fishing and birding opportunities.

On the far shore of Esthwaite (a 1 mile stroll from Beechmount) there is an excellent cafe in the converted Boathouse at the Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery site). In addition, there is a Beatrix Potter nature walk, and opportunities for fishing, Osprey viewing, and boat hire - check out the Osprey Safari and Hawkshead Trout websites.

Hawkshead

The 'honeypot' village of Hawkshead lies 2 miles further afield, and is easily reached by car, or can be walked using the new footpath (though with part of the route on the road).

Hawkshead contains a very useful Co-Op shop, as well as a number of excellent pubs serving food.

In addition, check out:

• The Chocolate Factory: Offering children's and family chocolate workshops
• The Kittchen: Hawkshead's 'cat cafe'
• The Honeypot Deli: a fabulous deli specialising in honey and many other Lake District specialities, as well as serving take away pizzas.
• The Hawkshead version of the Grasmere Gingerbread shop

Wray Castle and Claife Viewing Station

Only slightly further afield, you will find the National Trust's Wray Castle, a perfect day out with young children, though offers great views over Windermere for all ages.

You can catch a Windermere Lake Cruises ferry from Wray Castle (or Lakeside, see below) taking you to Ambleside, Bowness and Brockholes.

Near to the Windermere ferry (taking you to Bowness and beyond) is the Claife viewing station and cafe.

Lakeside

Near Sawrey is well positioned for the short 15 minute drive to Lakeside, with access to:

• The Lakes Aquarium: a small but fun aquarium worth combining with a train ride or boat trip
• The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway: offering steam train rides and the occasional Thomas or Santa special.
• The Windermere Lake Cruises ferry: taking you across and around Lake Windermere.

Further Afield

We could go on for hours, but don't forget:

• Brockhole: A brilliant day out for the family, with an excellent adventure playground, high ropes course, tree top nets and many other activities.
• The Lakeland Motor Museum : a 20 minute drive to the south (or more or less en-route if heading to/from the M6)
• South Lakes Safari Zoo: a 51-acre zoo said to house 1,000 plus animals (35 to 40 min drive)