A Brief History

Beech House is situated in Glenridding, halfway along the old coaching route which ran between Windermere and Penrith, approximately 13 miles in each direction. Glenridding village evolved from the discovery of Greenside lead mine in the 1650's and was worked until 1962. The village now has a population of around 400 local residents.

Town of Glenridding

It shares facilities with Patterdale village which is 1 mile to the south. Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District, on the east side of Helvellyn ridge, it is 8 miles long and just over half a mile wide at its widest point. Its name is derived from the Norse meaning "water with bend".

In 1955 Donald Campbell in his 'Bluebird' broke the world's water speed record at 202.32 m.p.h. he then moved on to Coniston to break the record again. Helvellyn is England's 2nd highest mountain and has many routes to its summit which is 3118 feet above sea level. It has many famous points of interest, such as Swirral Edge, Red Tarn and Striding Edge. On average the strenuous walk to its summit and back takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Guide to Local Attractions

In this section we present extracts and contact details from a variety of leaflets depicting the wealth of things to do and see in the Ullswater and Lake District area. Hopefully this will allow you to plan some aspects of your trip before you arrive. Our local community web site is www.patterdale.org

NOTE: All leaflet and details shown are copyright (c) of their respective owners. All quotes shown in italics are directly from the leaflet.

     
The World Of Beatrix Potter

The World Of Beatrix Potter

'In an indoor recreation of the Lakeland countryside, discover Peter Rabbit eating radishes in Mr. McGregors garden; see Jemima Puddle-duck amongst the foxgloves; and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, the washerwoman, bustling about in her kitchen - the lakeland tales of Beatrix Potter brought lovingly to life'

Contact:
The Old Laundry,
Bowness-on-Windermere,
Cumbria LA23 3BX
Tel & Fax : (015394) 88444

  

   

Ullswater Motor Yachts

'M.Y. Raven and M.Y. Lady of the Lake are two 19th century steamers, now converted to oil, cruising on Ullswater, the most beautiful of English lakes.
A cruise on the lake is the best way to enjoy the varied and spectacular scenery of the district.'

'In full season there are three scheduled services daily between Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. There are five shorter one hour cruises between Glenridding and Howtown.'

'Private charters are available for evening dances, evening cruises, and wedding receptions.'

Contact:
Ullswater Navigation & Transit Company Ltd.
For information : Pier House, Glenridding. Tel : 017684 82229
For Bookings: 13 Maude Street, Kendal. Tel : 01539 721626
Web Site : www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

   

The National Trust - Great Days out in the Lake District

'Discover the fascinating history behind the houses, castles and other attractions in the Trust's care in Cumbria. Enjoy the splendour of Gondola, the birthplace of William Wordsworth. Fell Foot Park during its transformation to a Victorian landscape garden and our two Beatrix Potter shrines. Excellent tea rooms are a feature of many of our properties..

In the Lake District national Park the Trust owns and protects over 50,000 hectares of land, ranging from magnificent skyline including scafell, Great Gable and the Langdale Pikes to woodland and many traditional cottages and farms nestling in the valleys ...'

Web Site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

   

Rookin House Farm : Equestrian and Activity Centre

Activities include - Escorted Quad Bike Treks, Go-Kart, Abbott Battle Tank, Human Bowling, CubKarts, Dune Buggies, Argo Cart, Archery, JCB, Clay Pigeon Shooting, and Horse Riding.

'We offer multi activity half and full day group rates. An activity day can be arranged to suit your needs, whether its for a competition, team building or purely for fun.'

Contact:
Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 OSS
Tel : 017684 83561, Fax : 017684 83276
Web Site: www.rookinhouse.freeserve.co.uk

     

UllsWater - Lakeland at its loveliest

'To many people, Ullswater is simply the perfect destination. Whether your quest is for sublime beauty or the best opportunities for outdoor activity, Ullswater's nine mile length will provide the perfect setting and location ...'

'... Their is certainly much to admire in this glorious landscape and plenty to discover too in the picture-postcard hamlets and villages in Ullswater. from historic sites and monuments to Visitor Centres and Cumbrian craft shops, there is an opportunity to experience many Lakeland life both past and present.'

There are many events throughout the area all through the year, contact the local Tourist Information centre for further details, or why not have a look on our regularly updated noticeboard.

Tourist Information Centres
Penrith (01768) 867466
Appleby (017683) 51177
Alston (01434) 381696
Ullswater (017684) 82414
Kirky stephen (017683) 71199
Pooley Bridge (017684) 86530
Southwaite (016974) 73445/6
Or visit the Ullswater web site at - www.ullswater.org.uk
  
 

Eden Valley

The Eden Valley web site offers a guide to the area around Beech House.

Visit www.visiteden.co.uk

 


   

Lake District National Park

'The Lake District National Park offers superb valley and fell walking.

The Lake District National Park was created in 1951, covers 2,292 square kilometres in area. it is the largest of the family of eleven National parks throughout England and Wales. The Lake District National Park is a government body which has duty to -

  • Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Lake District.
  • Promote oppurtunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park.
  • Foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.'

Find out more at : www.lake-district.gov.uk