7 Ways to Enjoy the Hospitality of the Lakes
2017 is shaping up to be a busy year. James Robertshaw is celebrating the start of spring by exhibiting at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show on the 1st and 2nd of March.
The show is an opportunity for hotel and B&B owners to browse new catering equipment, technology and – for the first time ever – furnishing options to help raise their offering above the competition. We’ll be bringing a number of refreshing products to the show, such as the W-Series Quattro and E-Series Glass Planters.
The show is being held in a beautiful part of the country, providing an opportunity to explore all the Lakes have to offer. Ahead of our trip for the expo, we’ve pulled out our travel guides and dug out 7 ways you can make the most of a visit to the Lake District - and it's not all walking!
1. Visit a Museum
The idea of visiting a museum during a getaway to the second most visited national park in Britain might not immediately get the heart racing, but if the weather closes in, you may just change your mind. Among the traditional museum options, there’s the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry &, offering an in-depth insight into the history of the area and life there, or the Kendal Museum of History & Nature. For something a bit different, why not try the Pencil Museum (yes, it’s a real place!), or for a few laughs, there’s the Laurel & Hardy Museum.
2. Eat and Drink with a View
The Lakes are known for their sweeping vistas and beautiful sights – and what better way to take those in than by eating in full view of nature? For a luxurious dining experience surrounded by the beautiful countryside, try Simon Rogan’s Restaurant L’Enclume. If you prefer a more traditional tearoom menu, Swallows & Amazons – located on the edge of Coniston Lake – has a stunning view and offers kayak and bike hire. Alternatively, you could combine accommodation with delicious restaurant dining and a relaxing spa break by visiting Holbeck Ghyll. Views include a range of majestic landscape features, such as the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell, and the small town of Windermere is mere minutes away by car.
3. See the Lakes… By Electric Bicycle
It goes without saying that seeing the Lakes in all their glory is an absolute must, but you needn’t tire your feet out with lots of walking and peddling. The Lake District National Park Authority and Cumbria Tourism have thrown their support behind a Lake District Electric Bicycle Network, providing beautiful routes with stunning scenery, as well as hire of electric bicycles and a number of charge points throughout the area.
4. Embrace Your Arty Side
It’s hard not to be inspired when you’re taking in the stunning sights of the Lakes, so it makes sense to embrace that creativity with a visit to the Blackwell Arts & Crafts House. The centre houses a fantastic contemporary craft shop and a tea room to recharge once you’ve expressed your artistic side.
5. Walk with Ghosts
Walking the many trails around the Lakes can be a exhilarating experience, but for some it lacks a certain thrill. For those individuals, walking with ghosts might offer up a solution. Muncaster Castle’s walking ghost tour sees visitors guided around one of Britain’s most haunted castles. Alternatively, the castle hosts small groups overnight in the infamous Tapestry Room. Dare you visit?
6. Tour a Brewery
All the walking, cycling and exploring can take it out of you, so why not settle down with a good drink? Even better, find out how said drink was made in the first place. Jennings Brewery has made a great name for itself by delivering exceptional award-winning ales from its castle-based brewery. This is your opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore the brewery and castle grounds, before relaxing with a sip of something special.
7. Drop by the Expo
Are you part of or interested in the hospitality and leisure market? Visiting the Lakes for a spot of the above? Drop in on the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show and see James Robertshaw alongside a roster of both well established and emerging brands and hoteliers. The event is free to visit, and you can find more details here. Hope to see you there!
For a sneak peek at what we’re exhibiting at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show, follow the links to explore our W-Series and E-Series ranges on the James Robertshaw website.