Trifter

SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS?

THE Lodore Falls Hotel on the shores of Derwentwater in the English Lake District is a centuries old hotel.  It is built from the traditional local slate and has a central tower which gives magnificent views of the “Queen of the Lakes” including the Lord’s Island.

Many youngsters on their first trip to Derwentwater ask if Arthur Ransome used the area as the setting for his series, Swallows and Amazons.  These are placed in another part of the Lake District.

Still there is plenty to do around Derwentwater and the Lodore Falls Hotel.

Visitors are able to take a 50 minute lake cruise aboard the Keswick Launch from the hotel’s jetty.  Platty+ is a water activities centre, that hires out boats, ranging from canoes and kayaks to sailboats and power launches, including replicas of Dragon Boats and Viking Longboats.  The centre also runs training courses.

Munchester Castle, which is 800 years old and believed to be haunted, is home to the Wild Owl Centre, a major conservation group.

Tourists can take the 40 minute journey from the coast into the heart of the fells on the Ravensglass and Eskdale Railway, known locally as La’Al Ratty.

Trotter’s World of Animals has hundreds of animals from across the globe, including many endangered species as part of its conservation programme.

Other attractions include Keswick Cars of the Stars, the James Bond Experience and above the most spectacular scenery such the Castle Rigg Stone Circle and the Lodore Falls.

There are more prosaic experiences, such as fishing, walking and swimming in crystal clear waters.

Suites in Lodore Falls Hotel come with easy chairs and TV. A small hallway leads into a comfortable lounge.  There is a master bedroom, a smaller twin-bedded bedroom and a modern bathroom leading off from the lounge.  Many suites have balconies, which once again offer views of this magnificent landscape.