Armathwaite Hall, Keswick

Advantages: Beautiful surroundings
Disadvantages: Expensive, a bit snobbish

...On my birthday last year I wrote a review on 'The Pheasant' near Keswick as hubby and I had spent the night before there to celebrate my birthday and our 3rd anniversary (we got married on my birthday to save hubby having to remember 2 occasions). Anyway, in that review I stated "We have decided that it will become a bit of a tradition, and will almost certainly go next year for our anniversary." Anyway, when it got to the start of the year and I got out my diary to make plans (I have such a busy schedule you see, hence the amount of time spent review writing/reading) I decided that I fancied somewhere different. I checked on Ciao to find a place which hadn't already been reviewed and came across "The Overwater Hotel", plus a fellow Northern Rail commuter (see review) had recommended it once. I booked the hotel online, and was... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to get to, wonderful gardens
Disadvantages: Bit dear

...normally make an appearance in full steam on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays,. Levens Hall and gardens are situated in the south end of the English Lake District. It is well sign-posted from junction 36 of the M6 and pretty easy to get to. The nearest train station is Oxenholme. There are several bus routes that include the 555 and556 'Lakes Rider' Keswick to Lancaster service. Admission is quite dear, but that is the way of the world it would appear. You can go to the house and gardens or to the house only. House and Gardens - Adults - £10.00 Children - £4.50 Families - £25.00 (2 Adults and up to 3 Children of school age only.) Gardens only - Adults - £7.00 Children - £3.50 Families - £19.00 (2 Adults and up to 3 Children of school age only). Warning - Both the House and Gardens are closed on Fridays... Read review

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Advantages: Historical, interesting, great views
Disadvantages: Not a huge amount to see

...A couple of weeks ago Mr Tart and I headed for the Peak District to visit his family. As a big fan of all things old I wanted to visit some sort of historical site as my part of the weekend (don’t worry, her got a 7 mile walk out of me for his part!). I’d always wanted to visit Hardwick Hall, especially as the Tudors is one of my favourite historical periods and was very happy to hear it was so close to where we were staying. SOME HISTORY: I doubt if many people will have heard of Hardwick Old Hall. I certainly hadn’t and I like to think I’m quite a bore when it comes to these sorts of things! The Hall was built by Bess of Hardwick (Elizabeth, Countess Shrewsbury) between 1587 and 1596. Bess was one of the foremost women of the Elizabethan age and managed to get through four husbands on her way up the social ladder. Bess was... Read review

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