A Lakeland Holiday*

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*A week ago we set off for our weeks holiday to Braithwaite , Cumbria. Despite having spent the last three weeks at home enduring cold, rainy weather, we were optimistic that we would be due some warm sunshine.
The journey there was uneventful except for the 60mile an hour wind warnings, but at least it was dry. We reached Braithwaite which is just 2 miles outside Keswick in the early afternoon.
We were very pleasantly suprised at what a pretty village Braithwaite was with stunning views across open country side to the peaks of, Grizedale, Causey Pike, and Rowling End which surround and shelter the village.

The cottage itself was tucked away on the village green over a little stone bridge which crosses Coledale Beck. The cottage is built from Lakeland stone with a slated roof dating back to the sixteenth century

Coledale Beck from the bridge

Eastern Cottage this was taken from the brochure, hence the daffodils.

Inside was spacious and cosy, with Harry soon making himself at home

Although the cottage was very comfortable and cosy Im afraid the weather was not! The winds we had on our journey increased and the rain was torrential, we managed to get to the local pub for an evening meal [ which was very good and hearty] and back again to the cottage.
The stormy weather continued through the night and next two days. There was lots of concern from the villagers regarding the beck which was raging and rising at great speed and the village has had flooding over the past years. We managed to get out to have a look around in between very heavy showers, compare the following pictures with the first pictures of the beck and you can see why there was so much concern

Unfortunately the weather continued and it was Tuesday before we could get out to explore other places. We did however get brief respite for very short periods when we took advantage to familarise ourselves with the village including the local Pub where we dined out each night.

Tuesday morning arrived with blue Skies, although the weather forecast was for heavy showers we decided to wrap up and head for Keswick. Prior to coming on holiday we had agreed to do as little driving as possible so we headed for the local bus which was just a few minutes walk away, we were suprised when we got on the bus that we could use our bus pass’s so it was free!
Thats one plus when you reach OAP status.

Keswick is lovely bustling town with lots of interesting shops and places to see, after walking around the shopping centre we headed for the parks, there are two parks"Fitz" and “Hope” the gardens were beautifully kept, althogh the spring planting had finished and the gardners were busy preparing the beds for the summer planting we spent an enjoyable hour exploring them.

The rain kept off so we decided to go for a sail on Derwent Water. We were lucky as when we arrived a Motor Launch was just about to take off. There are five island stops on Derwent but because of the heavy rains the boat was only able to stop at two of then as the water had risen above the Jetty’s.

Getting darker now, looks like we maybe in for a downpour!

We did have a heavy shower but it didnt last long, the sail was really enjoyable and the fresh air gave us an appetite, so home now for brush up before we go for our evening meal!

Wednesday brought bright skies so we set off to Grasmere , a lovely bus ride and not a penny to pay!
we spent time looking round the little Church where William and Dorothy Wordsworth and their family are buried, then a stroll along the Daffodil Walk which was created as a Memorial to William.

We were now ready for a coffee and what better place than the little cafe on the banks of the river

Having enjoyed a cup of coffee and scones and the antics of the ducks on the river, we set off walking out of Grasmere to see Dove Cottage where William Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy for nine years and where he wrote most of his famous poetry.

The Cottage was very atmospheric and contained lots of pieces of the original furniture and personal belongings, the rooms were very small and dark, it was very interesting as the guide told us lots of stories about Williams family and friends and really brought everything to life, the Cottage gardens were on a hill side quite steep with little stone paths and view over the lovely lakeland hills.
As well as the Cottage there was a museum dedicated to William, this was really interesting as they had a video playing and a recital of his thoughts and poetry from his diary.
No cameras were allowed inside the cottage or museum so I couldnt take any pictures apart from the exterior of Dove Cottage which was’n’t easy either as there was always someone stood in front.

Our last call before leaving Grasmere was at the Gingerbread Shop, the aroma of gingerbread baking was mouthwatering.!

Thursday morning we were up early as Simon our son and his partner Clare with her two children were coming to spend a day out with us, it was raining again but that didnt dampen our spirits. They arrived at 11 oclock and after a tour of the cottage and village, then coffee and cakes we all set of for Muncaster Castle.

What a wonderful place it was, beautiful gardens. an Owl Sancutary, Castle, Weasel Maze, Herony and Owl displays, we had a fantastic time and lots of fun with the children, wish we could have stayed longer there was so much more to see, somewhere we will definately visit again. here are a few pictures of our time there.

Meet The Family [the missing link is me, on camera duties]

The Gardens on our way to the Castle

George liked the Canon!

The Castle Walls in sight

Magnificent Muncaster Castle.

We spent an hour wandering around, we were each given interactive earphones to explain each room in detail, a wonderful tour which enthralled us all .

There is so much more to see so hope you will join us in Part Two The Owl Sancutary Good Bye for now;0)))*

31 May, 2011
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Comments

Sandygirl

Looks like a wonderful place for a holiday, you cirtainly seem to have done alot. Shame about the weather but isnt the english countryside lush and beautiful because of it.
Sue

31 May, 2011

Cinderella

What a lovely interesting blog PP. Can see what awful weather you had to contend with, but lovely that you managed to get out and about.

31 May, 2011

Nariz

Lovely blog and lovely photos. Looking forward to the next blog - love owls!

1 Jun, 2011

Oliveoil

I have wonderful memories of our holiday in the lakes, Muncaster castle is amazing, did you get to ride on the little train the kids would love that.

1 Jun, 2011

Lindalooloo

Lovely blog and pics Pansy. A shame the weather was so bad, but lovely to just get away for a break. Looking forward to the next chapter.

1 Jun, 2011

Gee19

Sorry you had such bad weather, PP, but it reminded me so much of the many holidays we had in the same area when my children were young. Oliveoil's mention of the train also reminded me of the excitement there one year because they had an engine on loan from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch light railway - all the way from where we lived!

Lovely blog, PP, glad you enjoyed it in spite of the weather and 'thanks for the memories' :)

1 Jun, 2011

Troddles

We love the lakes Pansy, we had a walking holiday there back about 10 years ago and the sun shone for the whole week. Those already on the caravan site said it had poured with rain the previous 3 weeks! It was very nice revisiting it with you. Looking forward to the next instalment:-)

1 Jun, 2011

A Lakeland Holiday*

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