Whether you’re looking for something to start off your day, or searching for that perfect date night menu, the traditional little towns in the Lakes have such a fantastic selection for you to feast upon during your stay.

10. The Cuckoo Brow – https://www.cuckoobrow.co.uk/bar-dining

The Cuckoo Brow is another lovely little suntrap, local to the Estate and just 10 mins drive from the centre of Graythwaite or 2 mins drive/ 15 min walk our Esthwaite properties. The Cuckoo Brow offers a stunning beer-garden set up where you can enjoy the vast views across the hills with a glass of wine in hand. The menu is also something to be desired: Real Ales, Good Food & Log Fire, including local crafts. Their motto is ‘muddy boots, wet dogs and children welcome’ – perfect for all the family to wind down after a day out in the countryside.

9. Bar Es Ambleside – https://www.esbarltd.co.uk/ambleside

This restaurant is nestled in Ambleside, about 20-30 mins from the Graythwaite Estate and offers a rustic Mexican themed interior, with relaxed seating for your evening meals and drinks. The food is top-notch, serving Mexican-styled tapas coupled with delightful crafts and cocktails. There is also a beer garden, which we can guarantee is magical in the summertime.

8. Ginny’s Teapot – https://www.facebook.com/ginnyshawkshead/

Another favourite in Hawkshead, this is the perfect little spot for a brunch break. With excellent options for vegans and vegetarians, Ginny’s Teapot is an idyllic little haven for you to bask in the local delights and cosy atmosphere. Let’s be honest, you can’t beat some coffee and cake on a sunny afternoon in the lakes.

7. Kittchen – https://www.kittchen.co.uk/

Located in Hawkshead (about 10 mins drive from the Estate), this is easily one of the most unique and quirky places around and generally just a cool place to visit. An independent bar, supporting independent breweries, and home to a family of seven rescue cats – what could be better? Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply looking for a feline-friendly lunch break, you will be guaranteed a good time at KITTCHEN. They also have events going on throughout the week, so be sure to check out their agenda on their website for something different to do in the lakes!

6. Bumble’s Rest Café – https://www.facebook.com/BumblesRest

Our vegan staff members commended this place with gold stars. If you are looking for a break from the buzz when exploring the towns in the lakes without the stress of trying to find a quality and inclusive menu, look no further than Bumble’s. Independent and local, this is a gorgeous little spot to watch the world go by with a full stomach.

5. The Queen’s Head – https://www.queensheadhawkshead.co.uk/

The Queen’s Head in Hawkshead has been a classic go-to for everyone on the Graythwaite Estate. With cosy and quirky interior and brilliant staff, this is a great place to go for your tea and just relax. We would recommend booking in advance, though, as they are very popular and can book out up to a month in advance in the Summer!

4. Chester’s by the River – https://chestersbytheriver.co.uk/index.html

If you enjoy outdoor dining, Chester’s is the place for you. You can sit out in the sunshine and listen to the neighbouring babbling brook with a friend and a cake. We also highly recommend their pizza!

3. Boardwalk Bar & Grill – https://boardwalkbowness.com/

A little further across the lake in Bowness, Boardwalk Bar & Grill offers incredible food for all dietary requirements coupled with unmatched views on Lake Windermere. We absolutely love this place for the sheer range of guilty toppings for fries and overflowing burgers. The restaurant is perched right on the edge of the lake with views across the harbour and beyond. Perfect for lunch or dinner – get yourself booked in!

2. Horsebox Café at Graythwaite – https://graythwaite.com/glamping/

A new addition in 2021 to the Graythwaite Estate – the Horsebox Café! Perched up at the Glamping Site through the Summer, this is an amazing little coffee hub for an on-the-go munch. You can grab a silky-smooth coffee and cake here whilst enjoying the majesty of nature out at the Glamping site. Non-residents are welcome!

1. Dude’s Dough – https://www.dudesdough.com/

Our all-time favourite, of course, has to be the famous Dude’s Dough Pizza van. With a light and fluffy crust in hand with mouth-watering flavours, you just cannot beat freshly made pizza on a warm evening on the Graythwaite Estate. Make sure to keep an eye out on their social medias to keep up to date with their menus and whereabouts during your stay, as you do NOT want to miss out!

The post Graythwaite’s Guide to Local Brunches, Lunches and Evening Munches appeared first on The Graythwaite Estate.

History of Graythwaite

The Sandys family have lived on the estate for some 500 years since Graythwaite Hall was built in the 16th Century.

With historical gardens that were originally designed by Thomas Mawson in 1889, the gardens today follow a similar design of his to keep the tradition going. The colourful, enchanting gardens are open from April – August each year for the public to walk around and feel at peace with nature.

In 1980 the family developed the home farm complex into spectacular holiday homes and have been adding to the portfolio ever since.

Walks Around Graythwaite

With over 5,000 acres to explore the family have a picked a few of their favourite walks on the estate for everyone to explore and enjoy the picturesque views first hand.

Fishery Walk

One of the family’s favourite walks is the scenic walk around the 2.5 acre fishery located up the road from home farm complex.

This walk is approximately one mile and is a very tranquil and relaxing walk. Seeing squirrels, jumping fish and perhaps a deer along the way, this walk is not one to be missed during your stay on the estate or in the Lake District.

Leaving the Home Farm complex turn right at the end of the lane and head up the road (towards Keepers Cottage) and follow the road to the right. The Tarn will appear on your left and you can follow the tarn round clockwise or anti-clockwise. There are benches along the way for you to have a seat and take in your serene surroundings.

The Lake walk to Grubbins Point

Grubbins Point sits on the edge of Lake Windermere and has panoramic view of the lake. The walk is approximately one and a half miles long but is filled with breath taking views.

For the walk to Grubbins Point, Follow the track Sign posted ‘Hullett Hall’ in an easterly direction. The steep track will take you down to Grubbins point.

Occasionally there are private events held at Grubbins Point and therefore isn’t available to access all the time. Please contact the office on 01539531248 to check Grubbins is open to general public.

Garden Walk

A final family favourite is a walk around the gardens. The garden walk is an all time favourite due to it being so peaceful during the summer months. The Garden walk is less than a mile long so is perfect for anyone not wanting to cover much distance.

The gardens were created by Thomas Mawson and stay true to his concept of formal and informal planting set in woodland.

The gardens are open to the public between April and August. Entry is permitted by the use of an honesty box system where all money received goes back to the maintenance of the fantastic gardens.

Holiday Cottages

Whether you want a quiet get away or a family holiday we can cater to your every need on the estate with our properties sleeping between 2 – 18 guests.

To help you choose the perfect property for you to stay in whilst visiting the estate we have picked a few of our favourite houses.

Silverholme Manor

Sleeping up to 18 guests Silverholme Manor is an elegant manor house bursting with periodic character along with having all the modern luxuries. Silverholme Manor is the perfect destination for any occasion from a family holiday, to a wedding or even a weekend retreat!

Contact Us here for more information.

Hazelseat House

Hazelseat House is a large modern house that sits detached in an idyllic location for a countryside getaway. With a large kitchen diner perfect for spending time with loved ones whilst cooking or having a catch up over a wholesome meal, spacious living areas and a bubbling hot tub to sit back and relax.

Hazelseat has been recently refurbished to an extremely high standard to give guests the luxury stay they deserve.

Keepers Cottage

This perfectly renovated cottage was formally home to the head game keeper and sits in a wooded area with serene views of the estates fishery. Keepers Cottage sleeps up to 10 guests, with the open living areas the house is perfect for quality time away with your loved ones.

With a well-equipped kitchen, a cosy living area and endless amounts of walks and activities to do on the doorstep, whilst enjoying tranquil views of Graythwaite Fishery out of your bedroom window. Keepers is the ideal cottage for a memorable stay.

Cunsey Lodge

Set just meters away from the shores of Lake Windermere, Cunsey Lodge offers luxury accommodation for up to 8 guests. With four bedrooms (each with its own en-suite) and open plan living areas on the ground floor, the house is perfectly laid out and designed for spending quality time with your loved ones.

Whilst staying on the estate all our guests are free to roam the grounds and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

The post Discover Graythwaite Estate appeared first on The Graythwaite Estate.

Ambleside Lights Switch on

A fun filled day to keep the little ones entertained with a special Santa cruise on Lake Windermere, stalls with good quality food, crafts and souvenirs, a lantern Procession and finally, a fireworks display to end the day!

Ambleside light switch on is a fun filled day for everyone to get in the Christmas spirit.

Date: 17^th November 2018

Location: Ambleside

More Information: http://www.amblesidechristmaslights.co.uk/docs/programme-map2018.pdf

The Swan Christmas Markets and Grotto

Located just 10 minutes down the road from Graythwaite, The Swan Hotel have put together Christmas markets and Santa’s grotto. This one is perfect for entertaining the whole family with artisan stalls to wander round whilst the little ones meet Santa!

Date: 18^th November 2018

Location: The Swan Hotel

More Information: https://www.swanhotel.com/christmas/

Dickensian Festival

Attracting thousands of people each year, Ulverston Dickensian festival is not to be missed.

Celebrating the tradition of a market town in the Dickensian era, the festival is one for the whole family, it has everything from traditional stalls on the cobbled streets to the fun fair with lots of quality food and drink around the town.

Date: 24^th & 25^th November 2018

Location: Ulverston

More Information: https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/ulverston-dickensian-festival-p803100

The Santa Express @ Hayes Garden World

This one is perfect for the little ones in the family.

Taking a trip to the north pole to meet Santa with lots of different activities along the way in the winter wonderland. Hayes garden world is located just 25 minutes from Graythwaite so is a perfect way to keep the children entertained.

Date: 1^st – 23^rd December 2018

Location: Hayes Garden World

More Information: https://www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk/event/santa-express-hayes-garden-world

Windermere Christmas Celebration

Why not pop over to the other side of the lake for some Christmas fun and enjoy the local Christmas markets with local food, crafts and a Santa’s grotto. This is the perfect way to relax, get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the lake District.

Date: 8^th&9^th December 2018

Location: Windermere

More Information: http://windermerechristmas.co.uk/

The post 5 of the Best…Festive Fun Filled Days appeared first on The Graythwaite Estate.

Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Esthwaite

Based on Graythwaite on the shores of Esthwaite Lake, CLA produce award-winning craft-brewed beers. Their beers are all produced with care and pride using the wonderful Lake District Fell water and the best of English malts, together with quality hops from around the world and can be found in many local pubs. In recent years they have even produced a limited edition Graythwaite Hall Ale.

cumbrianlegendaryales.com

The Honeypot, Hawkshead

A firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, the Honeypot is your one-stop shop for sampling the delights of local food and drink producers. Owner Fiona takes great pride in sourcing and supporting small local producers, as a consequence the shop is bursting with top quality preserves, chutneys, dressings, oils, chorizo, salami, chilled and cooked meats, pies and pates, confectionery, ice cream, puddings, teas, coffees, biscuits, cakes, breads; not to mention over 40 varieties of cheese!

honeypothawkshead.com

Cartmel Valley Game Supplies & Smokehouse

Cartmel Valley Game currently supplies only the finest quality game, ranging from pheasants, grouse, partridge, venison, rabbits and hares to their unique beech flavoured smoked salmon, smoked trout, smoked pigeon, smoked butter etc, all of which is cured and smoked on the premises. They can also supply locally picked Morecambe Bay shrimps, freshly caught Sea bass, Cumbrian crab and lobsters, all from the Irish Sea.

cartmelvalleygamesupplies.com

Hawkshead Relish Company, Hawkshead

Another Graythwaite-based producer, the Hawkshead Relish Company shop is based just around the corner from the Honeypot in the square in Hawkshead. The range of over 120 relishes, pickles and preserves are handmade in small batches using traditional open pans and locally sourced ingredients, without any artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives, all are free from nuts and gluten and suitable for vegetarians.

Holding 50 Great Taste Awards, the Hawkshead Relish Company has become known for quality and excellence. Their Sticky Toffee Sauce is not to be missed!

www.hawksheadrelish.com

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, Grasmere

Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854. A unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, its reputation quickly spread and it is now enjoyed by food lovers all over the world.

The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop also sells its own award-winning rum butter and a variety of ginger-themed foodstuffs, as well as toffee, fudges, chocolates, conserves, Cartmel Village Store Sticky Toffee Sauce, Kendal Mint Cake, conserves, ginger beer, ginger themed gifts, and much, much more.

www.grasmeregingerbread.co.uk

The post Discover the Best Local Produce appeared first on The Graythwaite Estate.

Eltermere Inn, Elterwater

Nestling in the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, this is a great place to relax and enjoy some stunning Lakeland scenery.  There are several wonderful walks that you can enjoy near the Eltermere, including the Loughrigg terraces, Lingmoor Fell or Coniston Old Man.  There is a bar and a terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens where you can enjoy delicious food made from locally sourced ingredients.

www.eltermere.co.uk

Drunken Duck, Ambleside

So called because of the legend that the landlady in Victorian times found her ducks lying apparently dead in the road and so started to pluck them.  It turned out that a beer barrel in the cellar had broken and the beer had flowed into the ducks’ feeding ditch leaving them all drunk.  She felt so guilty about plucking her drunken ducks that she knitted them each a waistcoat to keep them warm until their feathers grew back. You can enjoy delicious food and a range of local beers here while enjoying the dramatic views over the fells.

drunkenduckinn.co.uk

Woolpack Inn, Hardknott

This family-friendly pub is in a truly wonderful location at the top of the stunning Eskdale Valley and at the foot of the road up to the infamous Hardknott Pass. The pub also takes pride in promoting local artists and so it is a great opportunity to absorb some local culture. Food here includes indulgent cakes and pastries, as well as wood-fired pizzas.

www.woolpack.co.uk

Mason’s Arms, Cartmell Fell

Overlooking the Winster Valley, the Mason’s is a quaint and delightful pub full of quirky furniture and roaring log fires.  There are also heated outdoor terraces so you can make the most of the views, regardless of how chilly it might get.  The food here really is delicious and the Mason’s Arms has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best dining pubs in the area.

www.masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk/masons

Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey

Within walking distance of Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, this is a proper pub.  With log fires, good food and real ales (including many supplied by Cumbrian Legendary Ales and brewed on Graythwaite) this is an ideal spot to relax after exploring nearby Hawkshead.  You can also sit outside in the Cuckoo Brow’s garden and enjoy the views of the surrounding Fells.

www.cuckoobrow.co.uk

Punchbowl Inn,  Crosthwaite

Cited again and again as one of the best pubs in Cumbria, the Punchbowl deserves its reputation.  Lying in the heart of the unspoiled Lyth Valley, the Punchbowl combines the cosiness of a traditional pub with contemporary elegance and food of a very high standard. The menu is based on classic flavour combinations using modern techniques and is updated to meet seasonal availability.

www.the-punchbowl.co.uk

We hope that you find something that suits you from the list above and please, if you discover a gem of a pub do let us know!

The post Six of The Best Pubs appeared first on The Graythwaite Estate.

Have you ever tried Salt Marsh Lamb?

You may be familiar with the large, coiled Cumberland Sausage, but have you ever tried Salt Marsh Lamb?  Making a virtue of necessity, local farmers allow their sheep to graze on the salt marshes of the Cartmel peninsula and the diet of puccinellia, sea lavender and marsh samphire results in much more flavour than in spring lamb.

Cumbria is also heaven for those with a sweet tooth.  Kendal Mint-Cake has long been favoured by climbers and hikers as an invaluable energy booster (Sir Edmund Hillary took some up Everest) and the Toffee Shop in Penrith makes the most delicious fudge and toffee which is broken into pieces with a hammer. Cartmel is the home of Sticky Toffee Pudding and, if you want to take a little taste of Cumbria home with you, the Hawkshead Relish Company offers a huge range of award-winning homemade products, made on Graythwaite.

It is not only food on offer however, The Lyth and Winster Valleys between Kendal and Windermere are well know for their damson orchards, the home of the Westmorland Damson, and so Damson Gin is a favourite local tipple.  For the ale lovers there are several boutique breweries to explore, including Cumbrian Legendary Ales who are also based on Graythwaite and are stocked in many local pubs.

So next time it is too wet and windy for a walk, why not take yourself for a gastronomic tour of the Lakes instead?

The post A Taste of Lakeland appeared first on The Graythwaite Estate.