Lake breaks for June

Still waters will be running deep this June, as Windermere becomes the hub of two weeks of drama, quirky English behaviour and fun fiesta fervour. England’s largest lake will stage Windermere on Water 2008 on the weekend of June 6-8. The focus of this community-based event will be the Windermere Open Sailing Regatta – inland water’s version of Cowes, staged over all three days and open to all types of sailing craft from dinghy to yacht.

Spectators can enjoy a feast of competitive racing on the lake, from various vantage points, as boats rise to the challenge against the stunning backdrop of the awe-inspiring Cumbrian fells.

This feast of family fun will be complemented by one of the quirkiest events in the British calendar and a first for this year – the English Open Stone Skimming Championships. These will take place at the Wateredge Inn, at Waterhead, on Windermere, organised by the South Cumbria Rivers Trust, who will urge families to pick their pebbles and try to make their triumph a shore thing!

Those whose confidence in skimming isn’t brimming can head to Bowness-on-Windermere’s grassy Glebe, to enjoy an extravaganza of music around the bandstand and some fun family-focused games.

During the week, visitors can enjoy archive footage relating to life around Lake Windermere in days gone by, with a special event being staged at the Hydro Hotel, Windermere, on Thursday, June 12, by the North West Sound Archive. There will also be events at some of South Lakeland’s absorbing attractions, including The Lakes Aquarium and the Lake District National Park’s Visitor Centre at Brockhole.

On Saturday, June 14, the WOW Factor 2008 will absorb those gathered on The Glebe. A literally uplifting performance will be provided by France’s acrobatic act Transe Express, soaring on the zephyrs around the lake.

Just when things can’t get much better, the pyrotechnic genius of Walk-the-Plank will enter the fray, literally lighting up Lakeland with its vivacity.

With a host of accommodation options available in Windermere, Bowness, Lakeside, Newby Bridge and Ambleside, there’s no excuse for not putting these wonderful Windermere weekends in your diary. Whether you want to stay in 5 star luxury, relax in a cosy Lakeland cottage, or have tea in a tipi, there’s somewhere for you.

For more information on the events visit WOW2008.co.uk and for accommodation visit Golakes.co.uk.