The allure of Beatrix Potter!

Peter Rabbit and his friends are a great people puller to the Cumbrian Tourist industry, I have to say each visit to Keswick means a trip to one of the many attractions and a visit to one of the high street shop. One of our favourite places was the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness. It was a magical place, restricted to 20 or so each intake you walk around he exhibit been dazzled by the workmanship of the displays and also to see if you can see any treasures in amidst the displays. My daughter loves to sit next to Mrs Tiggy Winkles who is always busy doing the laundry.

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Another attraction that was worth the visit was Hill Top Farm. This is a National Trust property, so armed with a membership card we paid a visit. The tour guides were great, they showed my daughter the holes that Samuel Whiskers made, and the teeth marks he put into the rolling pin when making the kitten into a pie.

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Business as normal!

Due to the horrific weather that the Cumbria has had recently, you would think that the town of Keswick would just hand up there coats and give up on the tourist business for a while, but the news we have received from the local Mayor and the local authorities is that 'Business as usual in Keswick'.

Fell Tops was luckier than most as with it been a 2 nd floor apartment it was not affected, however the Lonsdale apartment block did get flooded, the 2 ground floor apartment were hit quite badly. There will be some repair works going on in the ground floor apartments this should be kept to a minimum and should not spoil holidays.

We are very much supporting the flood victims by showing our support to the Cumbrian Community Foundation who are fund raising for flood victims. Please click here to show your support.

Grasmere Gingerbread.

What a discovery this place was, in the hussle and bussle of Grasmere one bank holiday weekend we were forced to go further into Grasmere village than normal. We saw this cute little house with queues out of the door and a gorgeous aroma. Obviously we had to investigate further!

To our surprise they were selling gingerbread, but not your average ginger bread shape, it is a secret recipe. For want of a better word it is a biscuit base with a crunchy crumble on top. You cannot eat a great deal at once but the gorgeous taste lingers for hours.


If your ever in Grasmere go check it out, but for those of you who do not venture to the Lake District try out there website

Favourite shop!

Whenever we visit Keswick as well as the Booths supermarket, the Keswickian chip shop and the Banks Tavern, The Orchid House is also visited.

The Orchid House has the most gorgeous gifts and homeware, from Cath Kidston, Greengate and Rice and so much more. They also have the most gorgeous selection of vintage style toys.

They now have a website which is not the true reflection of how gorgeous this shop is, check it out. www.theorchidhouse.net

Cumbria Tourism Approval!

We were visited by Cumbria Tourism earlier this month to get Fell Tops assessed and I am pleased to say we passed with Flying colours other than a few things like getting a toast rack & tea cup & saucers that was it.

The assessors comments were: Thank You for a warm welcome. Situated close to Keswick town centre and with good views of the surrounding fells, Fell Tops provided comfortable, modern accommodation. The flat has been recently refurbished with new carpeting throughout and good decoration and use of soft furnishing. Good luck with bookings in the future.

For more information www.cumbriatourism.org

Membership!

We made the decision to join Keswick Tourism Association after many google searches on the web brought up http://www.keswick.org/ as a reference for walks, things going on, places to eat in and around Keswick. They have been very helpful with setting up the membership due to there longevity within the tourist sector in Keswick. They have some great links to walks in and around Keswick so please check out the link. http://www.keswick.org/walks.asp

Theatre Land

When ever we go up to Keswick we always go for a walk to Derwentwater and pass this gorgeous looking building. The same old comment is always made we must go and watch a play one day. As a gift to my parents we booked them into a show and Alan Bennett one I think, well they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have subsequently visited on numerous occasions and have not seen a bad show yet. So if you get the chance and are super organised book yourself in for a show, there is always something to watch. I think at the moment I would go and watch 'Midsummer Nights Dream'.

http://www.theatrebythelake.co.uk/

Sausage fest!

Well what can I say, this sausage is always on the wish list for a good hearty breakfast whilst we visit Keswick. The Westmorland sausage is also available in Chipolata sausages which make great sausage sandwiches. Again these are available from Booths Supermarket.

Foodies ahoy!

When ever we visit Keswick, we don't bother packing any supplies to take with us as we know that Booth's supermarket is right on your door step. For those who have never heard of Booth's Supermarket, think about quality, unusual, local and more exotic foods all under one roof. Don't get me wrong it is not the cheapest supermarket out there but the quality is worth it. I always feel inspired to cook whilst there, but usually the tiredness from walking takes over. But never fear they sell individual portions of the most gorgeous meat & potato pie!

http://www.booths-supermarkets.co.uk/stores/Cumbria/Keswick

Simply Good Food by Peter Sidwell

After local walks in and around Keswick it is possible to happen on a little oasis - namely, Simply Good Taste Cafe. The deli cafe is a wonderful experience with great homemade food and locally sourced produce. Arrive early for the fabulous muffins! The venture expansion plans include a Cookery Book entitled 'Simple Good Taste' which features great ideas for picnicking by the Lake and dinner parties and the opening of the New Cookery School & Studio in Keswick. Peter and his wife are very welcoming with bags of enthusiasm for their food. To find out more about Simple Good Taste click http://www.simplygoodtaste.co.uk/