Hotely a penziony Temple Sowerby

Set in the village of Temple Sowerby, The Kings Arms is a 15-minute drive from the edge of the Lake District National Park and is a 400-year-old former coaching inn. Both William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge chose the Kings Arms as a starting point for their exploration of the Lake District in 1799. An en suite bathroom, TV and tea/coffee making facilities are provided in each room at The Kings Arms. Guests can also relax in the residents’ lounge which includes a fireplace and a selection of board games. Freshly prepared meals are served in the oak panelled restaurant, while informal dining can be enjoyed in the bar. A selection of daily specials are on offer and ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible. The Cumbrian coast is less than an hour’s drive away, and the National Trust property of Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill is a 5-minute drive.

The historic Greyhound @ Shap dates back to 1680, offering some rooms with views of the Fells, a modern bar with a selection of real-ales, two dining areas, as well as outdoor seating in our patio garden. The location makes The Greyhound perfect for those tackling Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk. All rooms at The Greyhound Hotel have private en-suite bathrooms with a bath and/or a shower, as well as a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Freshly cooked breakfasts are included and served daily, featuring locally-sourced meat prepared in the on-site butchery. Lunch and evening meals are available too. The area is popular with hiking, including Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route, and there are a range of local walks in the Eastern Fells. The village of Shap is just 3 miles from junction 39 of the M6 and is central for visiting the Lake District’s towns; Keswick is a 36-minute drive, Windermere 34 minutes, and Kendal just 25 minutes away.

Boasting an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and modern rooms, the 4-star luxury North Lakes Hotel and Spa, is located just off the M6 motorway. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and locally sourced cuisine, while Penrith centre is a 15-minute walk away. Each room is stylishly furnished. Guests can relax with cosy beds, free bottled water, and freshly ground coffee and tea in the rooms, along with fresh milk. Dine at FYR the AA Rosette-winning restaurant which serves seasonal and local produce throughout the à la carte menus. It serves grilled dishes straight off the bespoke fire grill, afternoon teas and Sunday lunches. The spa and fitness centre features a well-equipped, modern gym, a poolside steam room, and a satellite TV lounge area. A range of relaxing spa treatments are available. Beautiful Ullswater lake’s shores are a 10-minute drive away, while the Rheged Activity Centre is less than 5 minutes away by car. Skiddaw mountain is 30 minutes’ drive away, and the vibrant town of Keswick is a 25-minute drive.

Overlooking the market town of Penrith, the Victorian Bank House has a beautiful garden and provides Fairtrade tea and coffee and handmade toiletries in each room. Homemade bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and local jams, cheeses and bacon feature on the award-winning breakfast. A flat-screen TV with DVD player and a hairdryer are included in each elegantly decorated room, which also has a private bathroom. Some rooms feature antique furniture. Breakfast is served in Bank House B and B’s traditionally furnished dining room. Guests have access to a communal microwave and a fridge. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Secure bicycle storage is available, and the C2C bicycle route is within 5 minutes’ walk of Bank House. Situated on a hill, Penrith town centre is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Bank House. Free private parking is available and Carlisle city centre can be reached after a 30-minute drive.