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May marks National Walking Month, and to celebrate we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ‘Rothay Rambles’ to help you discover your own adventures in this magical landscape. Ranging from easy ambles to more hardy hikes accessible right from our doorstep. Meaning, after a hearty breakfast (trust us, you won’t want to miss out!) you can ditch the car and set-off on foot to explore the lakes, fells, villages, and attractions within easy reach. To Waterhead A short stroll along the River Rothay to the head of Lake Windermere.  Imagine life as a Roman soldier as you explore the ruins of Galava Roman fort, before heading onto Waterhead where you can jump on a Windermere Lake Cruise or even hire a small boat! Head off across the terrace and through the pedestrian gate, cross the round and through the 5-bar gate to and follow the path along the river to the head of Lake Windermere. Approx 1.5KM | 30 mins Lily Tarn A wonderful, varied walk that has stunning views from every direction.  At Lily Tarn enjoy vistas of the majestic Langdale Pikes to the South West and the Fairfield Horseshoe to the North. Leave Rothay Manor via the terrace…

“Let’s go foraging” exclaimed Jamie, “it’s Autumn now and I’m sure we will be able to find lots of yummy mushrooms”. “But how do we know if they’re edible?” asked Dan. “I know an expert” said Jamie, mysteriously. So it was decided, and the five, Jamie, Dan, Cameron, Steve and Wren the dog booked a day to go foraging. They could barely contain their excitement when the day arrived. Dan was busy gathering useful equipment together – knives and scissors, a notepad and a pencil. Cameron had brought along his library of mushroom books, and was busy trying to commit them all to memory. Steve had a great deal to do, for he was tasked with making the picnic – sandwiches, and sausage rolls, and scones, of course, with clotted cream and home-made jam. Jamie had the very important job of bottling the ginger beer. Meanwhile Wren was outside, bounding and prancing with excitement, she loved to go on an adventure! They all bundled in the car and off to Grizedale Forest they went. At the forest they met with David Winnaird from Discover The Wild and started to explore. They searched and scoured the earth, but there was not…

We love dogs here at Rothay Manor and treat them as one of the family, from Pomeranian’s to St Bernard’s! We have a dedicated dog friendly dining room so your canine companion can join you for breakfast (they may even be treated to a cheeky sausage!) and dinner. You can even enjoy our fabulous 3 rosette awarded fine dining cuisine with your dog by your side! To make sure they feel at home, we provide our canine guests with luxurious George Barclay dog beds, towels and treats! The Lake District is very dog friendly, so there really is no reason that your Best Friend shouldn’t join you on your Lakeland holiday. 5 of the best dog friendly attractions: If you have something on your list that you simply must do that isn’t dog friendly, or perhaps a big day’s walk that little legs may struggle with then we can help with that too. Ambleside Dog Walker will happily care for your dog during the day (and evening’s too if they can’t bear to be without human company). Fully licensed, insured and pet first aid trained you know your dog will be in safe hands. https://www.amblesidedogwalker.com/ So, what are you waiting…

This past weekend we decided to visit some of the local tourist sites.  Normally I’m more focused on getting out on walks, runs and bike rides, but with an injured husband, an injured dog and the threat of Storm Freya, it seemed like an ideal time to do something a little more leisurely. First port of call (and it is slightly embarrassing to admit that we’ve not already visited) was Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter.  Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905 and it has been preserved by the National Trust as if she had “just stepped out for a walk”.  The staff were all incredibly knowledgeable and engaging and offered a little insight into the world of Beatrix Potter.  This is an extremely popular attraction, where you are normally allocated a time to visit the house (I imagine to ensure that it doesn’t get too crowded!) but we’re in the off-season so could go straight in, and we virtually had the house to ourselves!  It’s incredible to see the items left so well-preserved, and astonishing to see how small her bed was, and her slippers, which were minute (this coming from a girl with size 3 feet!) …

  It seems a little odd to be writing this post, it’s not usual that we worry about being too hot in the Lake District!  While I have been sat on the Reception desk this morning, so many guests have asked me for recommendations on how to escape the heat, so it got me thinking, what are the best ways to keep cool in the Lakes this summer? Wild Swimming It may not be to everyone’s taste, but now is most certainly the time to experience wild swimming.  Rydal water measured 18c just the other day, and it’s only going to get warmer, so you can just about get away with not needing a wetsuit!  You’re spoilt for choice for Lakes and Tarns in the Lake District, and many are easily accessible.  If you’re a little nervous to head out on your own book onto a guided swim with either of these great companies http://www.suzannaswims.co.uk and http://www.swimthelakes.co.uk What are you waiting for…Jump in!     Head out on the Lake Any water-based sport is great in the heat of the summer, but boating has to top them all.  From chartering a private yacht, taking a Windermere Lake Cruise or hiring your…

Before we were lucky enough to move to the Lake District we really enjoyed an annual holiday to Ambleside. We would plan for weeks the places we wanted to visit, the pubs and restaurants we wanted to dine at, and the Wainwrights we wanted to “bag”! So, it’s got me thinking, if I had just one weekend now, to visit the Lakes and cram all that I wanted to do in just 48 hours what would I do? It’s a pretty tough task putting it all into such a small window, but here goes… It goes without saying that I’d book into Rothay Manor! It would have to be a dog-friendly room, because Bailey loves the Lakes as much as we do! 18:00 After the dreaded battle with the M6 we would be pleased to check in to one of the large rooms (and perhaps have a G&T on the terrace), before enjoying the fine dining menu. Day One 08:00 Life always starts early when you have a dog who has no concept of “holiday” or “lie-in”. So after Bailey’s morning constitution we would indulge in a hearty breakfast to set us up for the day! 09:00 Time to wear…