Make your way to your well-appointed hotel in Kendal for around lunchtime, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Cumbrian countryside, and make yourself at home. A porterage service is included and for those wishing to drive, there is a free car park available for you to use. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to historic Levens Hall and gardens. The house is mainly Elizabethan with fine oak panelling, ornate plasterwork and a beautiful collection of furniture and paintings. The 10-acre 17th-century gardens have many original features including the world’s oldest topiary gardens, and the herbaceous borders are considered to be some of the finest in England.
Today is a chance to explore one of the Northern Lakes, beautiful Buttermere. The mountains that ring Buttermere sweep straight up from the lake in steep unbroken slopes, but the path we follow is on the valley floor. This lake is particularly unusual as it’s the only one of the famous district’s lakes that you can take a path all the way around. And so we follow this picturesque route around though the woodland, hugging the shores and wildlife spotting along the way. Lastly, we stop at Buttermere village itself for refreshments. Buttermere Lakeshore Walk With a mix of lakeside paths and woodland, this circular walk takes us around Buttermere and through Burtness Wood with brilliant vistas of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks fell. As you trace the shoreline, you’ll be sure to see stunning views of Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head too. The other half of the walk is through more woody and muddy areas (so be sure to bring good walking boots) but it’s a level path and a wonderful loop back to Buttermere village. Easy walk - Duration: 2.5 hours / Distance: 4.7miles / Terrain: shoreline paths, stones, rough and narrow in places with possible muddy areas
A boutique style hotel based in Kendal. Originally builtin 1857, the small hotel has a traditional feel which has been wonderfully restored with all the modern comforts. As well as free parking, a restaurant and bar, there are leisure facilities and a newly refurbished heated pool.