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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)))*

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Comments

 

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

 

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

 

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

1 Jun, 2011

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Thanks everyone for all nice comments, it is a beautiful place whatever the weather and pleased it brought back pleasant memories too!
Olive We didnt get to ride on the train we spent so much time in the castle and with the owls, but next time;0))

1 Jun, 2011

 

It is a real treat that little train, amazing place I love it up there.

1 Jun, 2011

 

;0))

1 Jun, 2011

 

Wasn't that water high in the beck? I would hate to live close to a stream or river with the threat of flooding! Your pics have some amazing dramatic skies in them, Pp, sorry the weather wasn't kinder for you but you made the most of it. Cottage looks very comfy too . . . .

1 Jun, 2011

amy
Amy
 

Such lovely photos Carole , it was a shame about the weather but it looks as though you didn't let it stop you from enjoying your break , we love that area for walking and were thrilled when we saw our first Red Squirrel beside the Derwent Water .. The Ginger bread at Grasmere alone is worth going for .Mmm Yummy :o))

1 Jun, 2011

 

Thanks Shirley Braithwaite was flooded in Nov 1898 and in Nov 2009 so would avoid going in November lol and the cottage was excellent so much room after our little bungalow, but we haven't missed the stairs;0)

1 Jun, 2011

 

Thanks Amy it is a lovely area and I can understand why Simon and Clare spend so much time there walking and climbing the scencery is stunning ;0))

1 Jun, 2011

 

What a lovely blog and pictures Carole..even with the rain clouds,so dramatic.Glad you managed to get out and about eventually..good job there was a decent pub nearby.
It brought back a lot of childhood memories ..especially the pics of Keswick.We used to go there a lot,and the parks,also Grasmere,which is one of my favourite places too.There is a lovely walk from Grasmere to Ambleside,along the Lakeside..a bit long,but worth it..you can catch the bus back ! Lol.The cottage looks lovely,and Lakeland stone and slate is wonderful,isn't it ?.Thanks for sharing,I really enjoyed it..:o)

1 Jun, 2011

 

Thanks Sandra pleased you like it, we were going to do the walk to Ambleside but I wanted to visit Dove Cottage and we wouldn't have had time for both, but Im sure we will be going again in the near future;0)

1 Jun, 2011

 

Wonderful scenery..
nice to escape for a while ..
glad you enjoyed the break :o)

2 Jun, 2011

 

lovely pics... glad you had a nice holiday

2 Jun, 2011

 

Thanks Terra and Holly, weather is lovely here today lots of gardening done;0)

2 Jun, 2011

 

So glad you enjoyed your week away! The scenery around there must be fabulous as well from the few photos you've shown us!

WE could have used a little of that rain down here in East Anglia. Other than a few hours on Bank Holiday Monday we haven't seen rain in about 3 months. Some is forecast overnight though.

Looking forward to reading your next blog! :-))

5 Jun, 2011

 

Thanks Balcony, it s really a beautiful place, hope to write the owl blog soon but still catching up on Goy at the moment.hope you get some rain soon, It must be so difficult and time consuming keeping everything watered.. !

5 Jun, 2011

 

'... time consuming keeping everything watered.. ! ' Yes, you are quite right, it is!

On Bank Holiday Monday we had several hours of light rain, this past Monday we had a few showers as well & this afternoon around midday we had a couple of brief light rain showers but this evening around 8pm we had a very heavy rain shower but it only lasted about 5 minutes or so!

Still these showers are having an effect on the grass - if nothing else - as it is starting to green up once again!

Not noticed any difference on the allotment, though everything is growing like crazy!

8 Jun, 2011

 

Very heavy showers and hailstone on and off all day and the rain has really set in this evening, wish I could send some to the members who are feeling the effects of the drought!

8 Jun, 2011

 

Your wish came true,Carole..we had some , at last,yesterday evening..really heavy...thanks....Everything looks great,this morning..:o))

9 Jun, 2011

 

Your wish, PP, should come true for us tomorrow as we are forecast some "useful" rain (words of forecaster this morning) here in the East.

11 Jun, 2011

 

Hope so David!! we are still having heavy showers here inbetween spells of sunshine, your little clematis seedlings are doing well;0)

12 Jun, 2011

 

Good to hear it, PP! I put a couple on my balcony & they seem OK. I also put a few in the allotment & the last time I looked at them they were OK, too!

As for the rain well, it has been raining since about 10am this morning but it is pretty light. Reminds me of the day of rain we had back on Bank Holiday Monday.

Still it will help with my new plot - My very own plot! See my latest blog!

12 Jun, 2011

 

Good news about the rain and your new plot! Will have a look now

12 Jun, 2011

 

What a wonderful blog Carole (sorry, only just found it!). I can almost hear George (with canon photo) saying 'Mum, can we have one?'.
My parents (who live in Kent) holiday in The Lakes for a week in May and October and I usually spend 4 or 5 day's there with them (on a put-u-up . . ouch!). It is a beautiful place.
Thanks for sharing your week with us. :-))

17 Jun, 2011

 

Lovely place Muddy the scenery is wonderful even in the rain;0))

17 Jun, 2011

 

im finding blogs i missed and enjoying them so much, full of colour and beautifull scenery to cheer me up on a cold winters day, lovely carole :o))

4 Dec, 2011

 

Pleased its cheered you up Sandra, isn't the weather dreadful, Its never stopped raining here and we have had hailstone too, just waiting for our Robin coming for lunch;0)

4 Dec, 2011

 

been awfull here to carole , windy, rain and more wind, joe did a flying visit today as he had been to burnley with uni mate, so Dan kindly brought him in car,hope you had nice lunch with robin, he will be looking forward to xmas now wont he :o))

4 Dec, 2011

 

Robin did enjoy his visit ,its like a computer programme Sandra, same routinte, lunch, lounge and Simon and Garfunkle record, then choose drinks and chocs for Goody Bag, conversation centres around, who will bring him, for Christmas lunch,usually Harry and Simon., menu very important Red and White Wine and Brandy LOL and pressies, number 1 Choclate Snowman ! got to get his priorities right lol

4 Dec, 2011

 

Glad he had a lovely day with you..wouldn't it be lovely if
everone was happy with a chocolate Snowman,Carole..he has good taste..wine ,Brandy and chocolate,and your cooking of course ! :o)

4 Dec, 2011

 

Yes I agree, Robin doesnt ask for much . his visits home and a Goody Bsg and a White Choclate Snowman, hmm an addition this week a Brown Chocolate Father Christma, dont forget Red and White WIne and a Brandy LOL FEELING A LITTLE TIPSY !!

4 Dec, 2011

 

Lol,Carole..hope you haven't got a headache this morning :o))

5 Dec, 2011

 

Don't know how I missed it Carole, Braithwaite is where we spent our honeymoon 40yrs ago next year! You've some lovely pics there, and Eastern cottage would be great as one of your paintings. We didn't have a look inside the castle, having Lottie with us, maybe next time, I wouldn't mind staying overnight to see if we should spy one of the ghosts there.....:))

28 Sep, 2012

 

Plaesed you enjoyed it Janey and fancy you haveng your honeymoon in Braithewate, I had intended to write a blog about the Owl sanctuary as like you took lots of pictures, but Im afraid I never got around to it, I should have paid more attention to the Owl names and origins then I would probably have written one;0)

28 Sep, 2012

amy
Amy
 

I've just come back to refresh my memory about your trip to the castle Carole what a lovely area it is ,it will deff have to go on our list of places to visit ... minus the rain LOL ....

29 Sep, 2012

 

Im sure you will love it Amy, wondrful scenery , interesting places but Im afraid can't guarantee the weather, but whatever The Lakes look stunning;0)

29 Sep, 2012

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