THIRLMERE LODGE, nr Ambleside . Central Lakes log cabin on a quiet, private site

The full range of leisure activities available in the Lake District are all easily accessible from Thirlmere Lodge.

Some require a short car or bus journey, many others are directly available on foot from the front door. Many of the very best walking and cycling routes in the Central Lakes area are accessed directly from the lodge, including walks in the Langdale Valley, Loughrigg Fell, Elterwater lake, Grasmere lake and village, Ambleside and the head of Lake Windermere and the central mountains of the Lake District, including Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.

There is also a local bus service 400m from the lodge that will take you directly up the Langdale valley or into Ambleside to connect to all other areas of Cumbria.

If you prefer less strenuous activities like shopping, eating and drinking out and sight seeing then all of these can also be done from the front door ! The main shopping centres of Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness, Grasmere and Keswick are all within a half hour drive or bus ride. The large historical town of Kendal, the Gateway to the Lake District, is a 1/2 hour drive away and the cities of Carlisle and Lancaster approximately a 1 hour drive. All these locations are served by excellent public transport links should you prefer someone else to take the strain.

If all you want to do is to stay local and relax then stroll down to the river and have tea or coffee and cakes at the brilliant Chesters by the River cafe and gallery or have a lager, beer or glass of wine in the adjacent Talbot Bar. You may then choose to wander up the river, past the lake, and do it all again at The Britannia Inn or Maple Tree Cafe in Elterwater.

Stroll back to the lodge and maybe have a swim or sauna at the Neaum Crag Pool Hall before wandering back to Thirlmere Lodge and relaxing in the comfort and quiet privacy of your own detached lodge.

Perhaps in the evening you could make your way into Ambleside and wine and dine at Zefferelli's before catching a film. Lot's of great pubs to sample, from the boisterous Churchill's bar through to the quaint Golden Rule real ale pub tucked away in a quiet corner. In fact, Ambleside offers the full range of wining dining and drinking opportunites, so it's an evening out not to be missed.