Entertainment
The charming old village of Penruddock sits in a secluded position in the northern Lake District between Keswick and Penrith, and just four miles from Ullswater. The village is spread out amongst beautiful rolling countryside and wonderful scenery and is made up of a number of farm dwellings, traditional Lakeland homes and two churches. Nearby, the popular town of Keswick is the holiday centre of the north of the Lake District and has plenty to offer, boasting numerous shops and restaurants to suit all tastes, as well as offering miniature golf, some good parks, the Theatre by the Lake, a charming cinema and the beautiful lake. Penruddock provides easy access to the spectacular surrounding Cumbrian countryside which can be explored by both car and on foot, and with the southern Lakes, Eden Valley, Solway Coast and Hadrian's Wall all within easy motoring distance this great location has plenty to see and do for all the family.
Pubs
There is a lovely Pub in the village The Herdwick Inn, dogs welcome. In the summer months the village of Greystoke, just three miles away has a 13th century castle, cyclist’s cafe, the Boot and Shoe pub and a seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool with cafe and play area.
Keswick, a short trip down the A66, has a bustling nightlife on a weekend with copious pubs offering live music and late night entertainment. Penrith equally so.
Cock Lakes Food Hall and Cafe
Providing locally sourced, high quality produce, Cock Lakes is a stones throne away from Mell Fell View Cottage. A perfect spot to pick up some nibbles for during your stay or to take back to enjoy at home.
Also has a tea room serving drinks and food until mid afternoon. Just off the A66.
Theatres and Cinemas
The Theatre by the Lake , Keswick, is Britain’s most remote producing theatre. It has a very beautiful location very near to the boat landings and the short, level walk back to Keswick town is very pleasant after the evening’s entertainment.
Home to Cumbria’s leading professional theatre company, the Theatre by the Lake produces traditional summer seasons of drama, much loved by Keswick’s summer audiences. The Theatre also offers film screenings, music, festivals (including the Keswick Mountain Festival and ‘Words by the Water’) and a range of other events. It hosts regular arts and crafts exhibitions and other day-time activities.
Cinemas are also present in both Keswick and Penrith showcasing the latest releases.
Restaurants and Takeaways
Cumbria offers an abundance of restaurants of all qualities. Those looking for fine dining opens are spoilt by 9 Michelin Star establishments (2021) in the Lakes. With an abundance of high quality produce grown in the region, it’s no wonder chefs have chosen this beautiful part of England to set up their restaurants.
More relaxed fodder can be found at many of the traditional lakeland pubs in Greystoke and Pooley Bridge. Or more exotic options become available in the larger towns of Keswick and Penrith.
All the tradtional takeaways can be found in Keswick, although in these remote regions it is unlikely you will be serviced by your usual big brands and will have to collect.
Honister Slate Mine
They produce the world famous Westmorland Green Slate, also produce the most thrilling, interesting and memorable Lake District Adventures on offer whatever the weather. Via Ferrata, Mine Tours and Cliff Climbing.
The Lakes Distillery
The Lakes Distillery, established in 2011, nestles on the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake and their majestic surroundings, near Keswick, inspire an artistic ethos and their range of fine whiskies, gins and vodka.
Visitors enjoy interactive tours of the state-of-the-art distillery, to suit all ages. Following the journey of how the distillery’s spirits are made, each tour ends with a tasting of their award-winning spirits.
Informal dining and drinks are available at the on-site restaurant, Bistro at the Distillery, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and honest, hearty flavours.
The distillery store is fully stocked with their entire product range as well as giftware from other local makers. Whether you are looking for a souvenir or a unique gift, the gift shop suits all tastes.
Visitors are encouraged to take a walk down to the River Derwent, passing by the friendly Alpacaly Ever After herd who graze on the site, or the nearby Bassenthwaite Lake to enjoy the stunning views.
The Lakes Distillery team are passionate about what they do and would be delighted to welcome you through their gates.
Rookin House
Rookin House is an established adventure venue in Cumbria, the Lake District and has been offering a wide variety of outdoor activities for over 20 years. Family owned and operated, Rookin House has a strong focus on both fun and safety.
Events include; Archery, Clay Pidgeon Shooting, Fishing, Go Karting, Horse Riding, Human Bowling, Quad Biking, Paintballing, Tree Climbing and much more.
Adult and Child friendly.
Ullswater Steamers
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is an award-winning environmentally accredited Lake District attraction celebrating 160 years of operating cruises on England’s most beautiful lake. Operating one of the largest heritage vessel fleets in the world, offering visitors an experience they will never forget for 363 days a year. Cruises connect to some of the most famous and iconic walking routes in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District National Park, with views of Wordsworth's daffodils on the west shore in spring. Facilities on-board include an open deck, covered upper deck seating areas in addition to covered downstairs saloons, licensed bars and toilets. Excellent facilities also located at the Pier Houses including free Wi-Fi.
Ullswater runs a serpentine course for eight miles through expansive vistas of Lakeland’s highest mountains. Helvellyn at 3,117ft (950m) crowns Ullswater, at the south-western end of the valley, standing on a mighty plateau approximately 9 miles (14.5km) in length and 4.5 miles (7km) wide. The ‘Steamers’ operate an all year service with varying timetable connections between Glenridding, Howtown, Pooley Bridge Piers and between Glenridding and National Trust Aira Force Pier. Cruise times vary from 20 – 120 minutes.
Lowther Castle
Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the English Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem. Built at the turn of the 19th century on the site of two previous houses, the castle was a grand affair boasting a room for every day of the year. Its gardens were the envy of the north. But in 1957 the castle was demolished. Just the façade and outer walls remained standing and for over half a century, the place was empty – home only to chickens, pigs and the odd bat. The gardens were lost to wilderness.
Eighty or so years on from its demolition, Lowther Castle is now one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country. It was voted Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2018 in the Cumbria Tourism Awards and continues to evolve and develop as venue that has something for everyone. Dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens, an adventure playground to rival the best in the land. We look forward to welcoming you.
Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play.
Set within the Lake District, a World Heritage Site, Whinlatter has unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. It is also home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District.
The Lakes are a dramatic and unique landscape which has been formed through man’s activities, such as forestry and land management. This landscape has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists, writers and thinkers