The Lake District -- the hidden gem of stunning fells and tranquil lakes in the northwest of…read moreEngland -- is also the home of great authors. Beatrix Potter, Samuel Coleridge, Thomas de Quincey, John Ruskin ... and, of course, the great poet William Wordsworth. Any trip to the Lake District will take you to the shoes of "the lake flanked by grass" and town of Grasmere. Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's home for 14 years. William married Mary Hutchinson and three of their five children were born here, his sister Dorothy (who wrote her famed Grasmere Journals here) also resided here. The interior is lovely with the stone floors, glistening fires in many rooms, great views of the fells and Lake Grasmere in many rooms, pictures, books, desks, and many of the Wordsworth's belongings. There are so many beautiful outdoor areas, including the garden ... you can imagine the inspiration one could summon in such a beautiful place. Walk the area around the cottage, eat a regional favorite of a meal in the Tea Room, spend time in the gift shop and leave with books and books of poetry. I've been here many times, from 1984 to now ... and I can't wait to come back.

My favourite part of the UK is the beautiful Lake District up in Cumbria with its lakes and…read moremountains. One of the people who best immortalised the Lakes was William Wordsworth and he lived here in Dove Cottage from 1799 to 1808 The cottage lies on the A591 and has been turned into a tourist attraction. £7.50 will buy you a guided tour of Dove Cottage and admission into the Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery. The cottage itself is brought to life by the informative tour about Wordsworth and his family. There are written and audio guides for more information about the exhibits in the museum and art gallery There is also an interesting family graveyard next to the cottage with some wonderful poetry on some of the headstones. I've copied one verse from here which I write into patients' notes when they've passed away: "What is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?"

Nice little gallery of local paintings & pottery items with a small cafe within. It's located…read morebehind some houses up an alleyway, halfway up the hill,not quite obvious. Worth popping into if browsing Appleby.

I have a friend that works at Farfield Mill, so when she suggested I take a (very scenic) walk…read morethere, have a gander at the art and crafts then enjoy some home made cake and a coke at the cafe, on went the pack-a-mac and hiking boots. My friend was right, the walk to Farfield from the nearby town of Sedbergh is delightful. The old converted textile mill is set near the majestic Cumbrian fells, perched next to a picturesque river and now showcases the wares of local artists and craftsmen/women. Their creations are for sale and you can see and buy everything from beautiful glass-blown perfume bottles and watercolour paintings to wooly blankets and books about fashion design. It's really quite something, though not exactly cheap. The top floor of the mill is an exhibition area. This week, live weaving demonstrations could be seen for a small fee, but I'm not too fussed with weaving so gave it a miss. On the bottom floor, you can read about the mill's history and see how it would have looked long ago, walk around the art gallery and then head to the cosy cafe. It boasts a small outdoor seating area overlooking the river - perfect for dog walkers or those who want to soak up those rare northern rays (I'm told they do make an appearance every now and then). I ordered a piece of homemade toffee sponge cake, which was absolutely lush, soooooo moist and moreish. Hats off to whoever baked that, it was the perfect way to refuel for the walk home (around 2 miles). This is a gorgeous spot for lunch, a coffee or a simple nosey at some incredibly inspiring. And if you're into photography, take your camera along - you're bound to get some good snaps on the way there.

My visit to the Mill was the highlight of my stay in the dales. The quality of the resident artist…read morewas fabulous and diverse. Most inspiring especially if you are a creative person. I must have stayed for 2 and a half hours. Everyone was very friendly and the history of the mill was fascinating as well. Well worth the modest entrance fee, and the tea room also a delight. Highly recommended. I shall definitely return and take my friends with me.

When we visited Ambleside a few years ago, we did not intend to visit the Home of Football museum,…read morebut as the weather was so bad we went in for a look. We were quite impressed. The museum shows the work of a football photographer, and it shows some very iconic images. The museum was on 2 levels, with most of the images on downstairs below the entrance. It was quite interesting looking around, and it was better than getting wet in the rain outside! If your interested in football this museum is worth going to, however I do not think children would enjoy this museum.

Very interesting museum, reasonable price as well. recommended.read more

Blackwell House is a well known example of an Arts and Craft house. It was designed by Baillie…read moreScott.Having asimilated the philosophies of John Ruskin and William Morris, Baillie Scott brought a new approach to the design of the house. He dismissed the victorian plan in favour of a modern open plan design, utilising space and light to form the large, yet comfortable and adaptable living spaces. Baillie Scott also designed every detail within the house. His use of traditional craft skills and simple enduring local materials is evident in the intricate carved oak panelling, stained glass, decorative plaster work, metalwork and fabric designs. This is lifted from the guide book. I'm sorry. The house has a pleasant cafe which you don't have to pay to get into. The house is open from 10.30 til 4.30 every day. From April to October they are open until 5pm. Entrance is £6.30 for Adults, £3.70 children and £16.80 for a family ticket.

This sports ground is used once a year for the Grasmere Sports and Show The field is literally in…read morethe fork between the A591 and Stock Lane, on your left as you drive from Ambleside. I suggest that you don't walk from Ambleside, unless you've got lots of energy to spare, it's four miles.

Great place, great music, the live bands are usually very good…read morekeep an eye on your drinks as its a bit dark. plenty of seating with a lovely cozy bit by a real coal fire in the winter

Great bar, live bands every night except Saturdays. Refurbished In 2008.read more