Shorter Lake District Breaks

Time is precious and just a few days away can make all the difference to our mood and motivation.  With winter on its way any time spent out doors is to be cherished.  Who originally said "there's no bad weather, only bad clothes" remains debatable but if they did not take more than a little insipration from the Lake District I would be surprised.  Wrap yourself up and a few hours in the hills can be exhilarating.
Windermere Marina Village offer a two night break during December, a rarity for self catering.  So if you find yourself at a loose end one weekend why not try a change of scenary with 48 hours in the Lakes.

Pet Friendly Lake District Holidays

Holidaying with man's best friend is on the up.  As the proud owner of Paddy, all six stone of him our holiday destinations have changed in recent years.  Long haul for three weeks relaxing on the beach has been replaced with a week or two self catering within easy access of walks and the odd animal friendly pub.  What hasn't changed is my desire for quality accommodation and quite frankly that's easy said than done.
Many of the pet friendly self catering cottages on offer I wouldn't well...expect the dog to sleep in.  You might need to invest a little time in finding the right place but things are on the up.  The Lake District seems to be ahead of the game; Windermere Marian Village have just added to their pet friendly accommodation.  The cottages are decorated and equipped to the same great standard as their non pet friendly counterparts.  Due to popular demand some of the larger cottages over looking the fabulous marina have been allocated for the use of families who want to include the dog.

Lake District Public Transport

I don't know about you but I relish leaving the car behind on my holidays...and not just so I can enjoy a lunch time tipple!  Seeing the Lake District from behind the wheel of a car is not the best vantage point. 
Naturally there's isn't a bus stopping outside your holiday cottage every 15 minutes, so a bit of forward planning is required.  As the kids get older this is all part of getting them involved in the upcoming activities as well as keeping them occupied for a few minutes.
While accessing the wilds of the Lakes might not be achievable, the delightful Lakeland towns are on bus routes.  We always choose to stay in self-catering accommodation in Bowness predominantly because of the transport links, although the many attractions, restaurants and cafes have their draw too.  Staying at Windermere Marina Village gives us access with the advantage of being far enough away from the throng that can build up in Bowness at busy times.  A short walk to the bus stop outside the Burnside Hotel is a great starting point, I would recommend the Coniston Rambler 505 which takes you through Ambleside and Hawkshead, a great way to get your bearings and have a good look round at the same time.
A must for the area is a trip back in time on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, you can hook up with the Windermere Lake Cruises and while away an afternoon at a slower pace of life.
We found the Car Free Fun section of our residents folder in our self-catering cottage really useful.  The Reception team have a wealth of local knowledge so if you're not sure where to start just ask.

Autumn in the Lake District

After the crowds of the summer, visitors and locals alike breathe a small sigh of relief as Autumn arrives.

If you feel at home in your wet weather gear the next couple of months are the ideal time to visit the Lake District. In the mild(ish) months of Autumn there's still the chance of a touch of sun and the daylight hasn't deserted us yet.

Most of the attractions are still open with the added advantage of a reduced crowd. There are some fabulous Lake District self catering deals to be had. Many of the cottages and apartments are available at great rates...so visit us soon