On Our Doorstep – what you can see nearby

Sycamore Cottage is situated amidst some very attractive countryside with interesting attractions just a short distance away.

Upfront Gallery – www.up-front.com

Upfront Gallery and vegetarian restaurant are located  a very short drive away  in converted  17th century farm buildings.

The gallery  presents a changing programme of exhibitions and is the home of Upfront Puppet Theatre.

Hutton-in-the-Forest – www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

Hutton-in-the-forest , just a few minutes further on from the Upfront Gallery , is a Grade 1 listed historic house dating from the 14th century. It is the home of Lord Inglewood and his family.  The house is situated in beautiful grounds with an 18th century walled garden and woodland walks where one can see a 17th century dovecot.

There are many varied events throughout the summer including open air plays, an historic vehicle show and an international ceramics festival – Potfest in the Park

Greystoke

The nearby village of Greystoke has an attractive village green, a number of charming 17th century cottages, an ancient church and an historic castle. Although the castle is not open to the public there are walks through the castle grounds.

Refreshment can be taken at the excellent Boot and Shoe pub.

Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket

Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket are two very attractive villages on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park. In Caldbeck’s churchyard is the grave of the legendary huntsman John Peel and in one of the village’s former mills , Priest’s Mill, is the Watermill  Cafe and Restaurant.

Hesket Newmarket is a delightful village that once had its own market. Attractive cottages surround the village green and The Old Crown Inn  is a co-operative owned by local people and brews its own beer in a brewery at the rear of the pub.

There are excellent walks nearby and a particularly attractive walk links the two villages.