Ivy House

Set in the centre of the village of Braithwaite, in the midst of the stunning English Lake District, the Ivy House Hotel benefits from magnificent views of the surrounding hills and is just over two miles away from Keswick. The hotel comprises 13 spacious double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, and houses a fantastic restaurant, as well as a ground-floor bar.

The largest of England's National Parks is also home to its highest mountain and deepest lake; and with Ivy House situated in the centre of Braithwaite, you have a perfect base from which to explore all that the northern parts of the Lake District have to offer. The breathtaking landscape includes stunning mountain views, deep green valleys and, of course, a number of lakes. Loved for its scenic beauty, wildlife and culture, it is not surprising that the Lake District receives the highest number of visitors of all the National Parks each year.

The area is a favourite with walkers, and an array of different routes and pathways cross a variety of terrain, providing something for all ages and abilities. An abundance of water sports is available on the copious lakes - Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater being the closest. There are plenty of picturesque market towns to explore nearby as well, including Keswick and Cockermouth. There really is something for everyone!

See Wordsworth's inspiration in person

If you're staying at Ivy House in the spring, we highly recommend heading to Ullswater and Glencoyne Bay to see the daffodils in bloom. These very same daffodils were the inspiration behind Wordsworth's most famous poem: I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.

You can also visit the home in which Wordsworth lived. Dove Cottage is open to the public and gives a unique insight into what life was like at the beginning of the 19th century.

Take a ride on the Steam Yacht Gondola

Coniston Lake is a beautiful place to enjoy a ride on a traditional steam yacht, and there are several cruises to choose from. You can take a full lake cruise, which will allow you to spend as much time on the yacht as possible; a head of lake cruise, which includes an optional stop-off at Brantwood House and Gardens; or the walkers' cruise, which combines the ride with a walk on the fells.

Explore the best of the Lake District

There's so much to see and do within the Lake District, you'd need to know which locations are 'must-visits'. Windermere should certainly not be missed – it's a great place to go for a boat trip, plus it's where Beatrix Potter House and the World of Beatrix Potter can be found.

If it's walking you're interested in, Grasmere has some wonderful routes. Those up for a challenge can try and tackle Langdale, Helvellyn, Scafell and Skiddaw Pikes.

Enjoy one of Alfred Wainwright's favourite journeys

Follow in the British fellwalker's footsteps by taking the longest and oldest railway journey in the Lake District to Dalegarth for Boot. The ride begins in the only coastal village in the park, Ravenglass, and goes across the estuary and through the hills. Take the camera as it really is a beautiful ride.

Watch a play at The Theatre by the Lake

The Theatre by the Lake is set in a stunning area – the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick. It hosts a range of productions, from serious dramas to hilarious comedies, so there's something for everyone. Be sure to pick up a discount voucher from Braithwaite Court's reception.

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