Enjoy a Lakes break at hotel celebrating Beatrix Potter literary centenary
Enjoy a unique break in the English Lake District this year by heading to a country house hotel from which author Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated one of her famous Tales exactly 100 years ago.
Guests staying at Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere can breathe in the atmosphere of a house once owned by Beatrix Potter and home to her mother, Helen from 1915-1933. They can see various photographs and manuscripts relating to Miss Potter and even stay in the Potter Suite – one of two suites available at the 34-bedroom hotel, which also has family rooms and options for those with reduced mobility.
The hotel is celebrating the 100th birthday of ‘The Tale of Pigling Bland’, which was written from its beautiful location on the hill overlooking Windermere, with a very different initiative in keeping with Miss Potter’s own views on conservation in the Lake District.
Every Pigling Bland toy sold will come complete with a passport, which its owners can fill in to detail journeys made with the adorable little pig. A journey cannot be duplicated, but each unique trip will generate a donation of 1p per mile to Lakes responsible tourism organisation, Nurture Lakeland, who will gift the money to conservation projects in the local area.
Lindeth Howe is full of appealing facets. Its six-acre gardens are beautifully cared for and a walk through them acts as a shortcut to Bowness village, from which pleasure cruises on the lake can be taken to places like Ambleside and Lakeside, or a trip around ‘The World of Beatrix Potter’ attraction enjoyed. There are also a variety of shops, restaurants and cafés in Bowness and a variety of watersports options close at hand.
Lindeth Howe’s comfy lounges and log fire make the hotel a wonderful place to which to return after a walk, while those with aching muscles can enjoy a therapy treatment, or relax in the indoor swimming pool and sauna.
Eating in the stylish dining room is a 2AA Rosette pleasure for anyone who loves their food, with menus concocted by talented executive chef, Marc Guibert, who created the world’s most expensive dessert (£22,000) in 2011.
Dinner is a five-course culinary extravaganza, but guests should also not miss an afternoon tea or glass of wine on the terrace, from where views of Windermere can be enjoyed, or the hearty Cumbrian affair that is breakfast. As relaxing as the en-suite bedrooms are, it would be a shame to skip this morning treat based on local produce and continental favourites.
Electric bikes can be hired from Lindeth Howe for those wishing to explore in a green fashion, but with the assistance of a little extra power on steeper gradients, or when the legs are tired. There are also activity breaks and special Unique Therapeutic Solutions’ breaks that can be booked in conjunction with a stay.
Guests will be intrigued by the aviary, which is home to Zebra Finches – until they hear that these were Beatrix Potter’s favourite birds.
Families with children can take advantage of babysitting services and let their children enjoy a delightful High Tea, which can be taken in the Library as a private and special family-time affair.
With all of these ‘howe’ factors to boast, Lindeth Howe hardly needs its literary centenary to attract guests, but for those with fond memories of Beatrix Potter Tales at bedtime, it is bound to be an irresistible reason to visit in 2013.
For more details visit lindeth-howe.co.uk.
