Activity holidays:
Eskdale is tremendous walking country, with every grade of walk straight from the lodge; from a gentle stroll along the river to a full day hike up Scafell Pike, -England's highest mountain. The valley is full of history too, from the Roman Fort on Hard Knott Pass right through to the Ravenglass and Eskdale miniature Railway which used to carry iron ore, then stone, and now visitors on the spectacular seven mile journey from the middle of the valley to the coast. We have our own station - Fisherground Halt! At the coast is ancient Muncaster Castle, with ghosts, the Owl Centre and magnificent gardens.
Cycling is well catered for too, with bike hire at the rail terminus, and a dedicated trail down to Ravenglass, or mountain biking in the forestry and the bridleways.
And if you like to play golf on your walk, there are 18 hole courses in Eskdale and at nearby Seascale.
Driving holidays:
Though we are on the sunnier West side of the Lake District, virtually all the lakes, villages and towns are within an hour's drive, or a couple of hour's tootling along. Keswick, Ambleside, Windermere with all their many attractions are easily reached, as are the main lakes; Derwentwater, Windermere, Ullswater, Grasmere and so on. Beware, though, passes such as Hard Knott at the head of the valley are not for the faint-hearted, at 1 in 3; and many of the minor roads are single track with passing places. There is plenty of space by the lodge for up to three cars to park.
Children and pets:
Kids of all ages, from two to eighty, enjoy the raft pool, and are also welcome, (supervised by parents) at the Adventure playground on the nearby campsite. The local pubs and hotels (there are five in the valley) welcome children and pets, and serve good value bar meals.
Dogs are welcome, and free (up to two), and Eskdale is classic dog walking country. Well behaved pets are free to roam the orchard, -but it is not enclosed, and they could escape.
