Bus man's holiday.

Very last minute we decided to venture up to Keswick, in between decorating and tidying and preparing for our annual inspection from Cumbria Tourism. We ventured out for a little walk, we walked through town over to Borrowdale woods, this runs at the side of the A591 so was a little noisy but still teaming with wildlife. The walk was just short of an hour.  We managed to walk back via the park where we sat and had a picnic and then my daughter spent a good 1/2 hour on the newly refurbished play park.

We then returned back to Fell Tops, where we finished decorating and a completing the inventory checklist for the inspection the next day by Cumbria Tourist Board. Gaynor from CTB visited and no recommendations were made so we passed with flying colours.  She was saying that although the majority of business in Keswick/Ambleside were doing well as a whole a lot in the surrounding villages/towns were struggling in particular Penrith. To counteract this they are holding a festival in November which will hopefully draw people to the town.  So please when you visit Fell Tops as much as we appreciate you spending your hard earning money in Keswick please try and make the effort to go and visit attractions out of the town for a day.

Mothers Day Treat!

Photo courtesy of Ravenglass Railway

A lovely day out for all the family bring your mum, grandma, Aunts & sisters! Enjoy a gentle train journey, 40 minutes each way, as you travel from the coast into the heart of the Eskdale Valley. In Eskdale you can enjoy gentle riverside walks, discover a spectacular waterfall, or marvel at one of England’s Oldest working Corn Mills. Take lunch in any of the excellent hostelleries or at our own Fellbites Cafe. In order to make the day even more special, there will be Mother’s Day treats at Fellbites Cafe and some special Mother’s Day offers in our shops. Plus, as we are celebrating our 50th year of operating, we will be giving the first 50 mums who travel that day a goody bag! Just bring your Mum when you purchase your full line return tickets on Sunday 3rd April.

If only I did not have to be some where, this sounds like my sort of mothers day.

Ravenglass Railway

Derwent Pencil Museum

Picture courtesy of Golakes.co.uk

Not only is 2011 a busy year for the Royal family but it is also the 3o year anniversary of Derwent Pencil museum. What was the manufacturing factory now houses the great museum celebrating everything to do with the derwent Pencil.

For a family of 5 (2 adults + 3 children) £10 seems like a great way to spend your time and money.

Spring Cleaning in Cumbria!

(picture courtesy of my hospitality.com)

How funny and sensible is this! Could do with them cleaning the signs around here!

A week of winter lights!

(Picture courtesy of Keswick.org)

Half Term week in Keswick hosts the celebration of lights in Keswick. So if your lucky enough to be there make sure you check out this website for all events.

Special offer!

As a ploy to get folk to book early and to hopefully gage how the year is going to progress for us at Fell Tops, we have decided to offer a 5% Early bird booking discount on all breaks that are booked before the 28th February 2011. Just quote EB1 when making a booking.

Derwent Isle opening days!

Derwent Isle is the largest and most northerly of the four islands on Derwentwater. In medieval times it was owned by Fountains Abbey. It came into the King's hands in 1539 and was sold in 1569 to the German miners of the Company of Mines Royal. After several other owners it passed to Joseph Pocklington in 1778, who built a large house on the island. Various other buildings were erected, including a Gothic chapel-boathouse and a Druid Circle.

The Island is now tenanted, and is not normally open to the public, though occasional trips are offered from the landing stage nearby to visit the island and house. For 2011 the dates are 22nd July, 5th August and 12th September. You need to book 3 days in advance at the National Trust Kiosk by the lakeside in Keswick - telephone 017687 73780