Abbott lodge - Jersey Ice Cream

Sometimes our guests ask where they can go which is close to the Lake District but quiet and good for children. We will often recommend Abbott lodge for its ice cream parlour and things to do for the children.

You can find the farm just south of Penrith on the A6 between Clifton and Hackthorpe.

These photographs are courtesy of Claire Bland at Abbott lodge.

Potfest at Penrith

There is a tradition of pottery and associated crafts around Penrith which date back many years. For instance Wetheriggs pottery has carried on the tradition of potting although its ownership has changed frequently. Then there is also Lilliput Lane which became a tremendous local success story in the 1980's and was eventually sold to the giant American firm Enesco.

Here at Wetheral Cottages one of the local events which we always look forward to during the busy August weeks is the Potfest at Penrith. It's held at the Skirsgill auction mart just the other side of the motorway at junction 40 so there is always plenty of room to park and walk around the marvellous exhibits.

It's also worth noting that if you can't make this show then there is also a Potfest at Hutton in the Forest the week before.

Hutton in the Forest

Our guests often ask our opinion as to where they can go for a lovely day out. We know from experience that a trip to Hutton in the Forest can be very rewarding. This is the ancient estate of Lord Inglewood. It has a Pele tower dating back to the 14th century. Since then it has been added to and extended over the years with quite an interesting mix of styles.

When the sun is shining the gardens are a delight to explore with plenty to occupy your time from a walled garden to ponds, a woodland walk and topiary to admire.

An added bonus to visiting the estate are the many events which are held in the garden and grounds.

Twice a year there are the Hutton horse trials which always attract a good and enthusiastic crowd. Other events range from open air plays to BBC's antique road show and Potfest which features pottery from across the region.

The house and gardens are just a little under 7 miles from our holiday cottages. However the drive there takes you across the lovely countryside between Great Salkeld and the A6 which means that a leisurely drive will get you there is a little under half an hour.

This photograph of the house and garden is courtesy of ChrisinWales.

and this lovely picture comes courtesy of Wumpus