Discover something new…
If you are staying in the stunning Lake District you won't be short of things to see and places to visit. The iconic landscape has been shaped by its past and guests to the elegant Ivy House Hotel in Braithwaite might want to take the opportunity to get out and about during the day to explore some of Cumbria's interesting heritage sites.
To get you started, here are six of our favourite spots to discover:
Castlerigg Stone Circle
The Stone Circle at Castlerigg is situated near Keswick in Cumbria. This is one of around 1300 stone circles in Britain and was constructed as part of the megalithic tradition of the time. Castlerigg is situated in a very atmospheric location with lovely panoramic views and the mountains Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop. It is among the earliest of the British circles, dating from around 3000 BCE during the Neolithic period. Read more on the English Heritage Website.
Lowther Castle and Gardens
Having belonged to the Lowther family since the Middle Ages, the original Lowther Hall was rebuilt on a grand scale in the 17th century. Located towards the eastern fringe of the Lake District, Lowther Castle sits within a 75,000 acre estate and has absolutely stunning grounds and gardens, some of which were remodelled by Capability Brown. This one makes for a great day out and visitors are able to see the old architecture of the castle and explore the different areas of the grounds. It has won a Certificate of Excellence award for 2015. Find out more on the Lowther Castle Website.
Ravenglass Roman Bath House
The remains of a Roman Bath House in Ravenglass were once part of a 2nd century Roman Fort and navel base. They are among the tallest surviving Roman remains in northern Britain, standing at around four meters high. Some of Fort's earthworks are still visible in the nearby area, and these once guarded what was probably a harbour. Evidence suggests that the soldiers stationed here served in Hadrian's fleet. Read about it on the English Heritage Website.
Penrith Beacon
The Penrith Beacon was built in 1719 to commemorate the previous beacon, which had been situated in the same spot, atop Beacon Hill above the town of Penrith. Traditionally the original Beacon was lit in times of war and emergency or to warn of approaching danger from Scotland. It's thought the current beacon was last lit in the early 1800s during the Napoleonic Wars. Walk up to the monument on a clear day and you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view from the brow of the hill, across the Eden Valley to the hills beyond.
Calder Abbey
Image: © Copyright Simon Ledingham and licensed for reuse (http://www.geograph.org.uk) ¿
Originally founded in the 12th century, Calder Abbey was home to a group of monks that were forced out during the political issues following the death of Henry I. A lot of what survives today dates from the 13th century and the cloister buildings are incorporated into Calder Abbey mansion house which was built in the early 19th century. It is a picturesque ruin on private lands and though visitors aren't allowed direct access, you should be able to catch glimpses of it as you walk in the area. Find out more on the Visit Cumbria Website.
Brougham Castle
Situated in a fantastic position by the river Eamont, Brougham Castle is a stunning Medieval ruin dating from the 13th century. The atmospheric ruin was a popular attraction during the Romantic Period and was mentioned by Wordsworth in The Prelude. The castle has an interesting three-storey double gatehouse and the 13th century keep provides great views over the surrounding Eden Valley. Admire interesting architecture and wander the beautiful country setting. Learn more on the English Heritage Website.
To visit Cumbria for yourself and to find out how to stay at the Ivy House Hotel in Braithwaite, simply follow the link beow.
