Happy New Year- we're looking forward to 2014.

2013 has been a great year for us personally- we became grandparents for the first time. Felix was born on 1st September, and he has just spent his first Christmas with us ( along with his mum and dad and all our family). White Moss House is just the best place to spend a family Christmas, whatever the weather.

Going forward into 2014, we have decided, after over 30 years of welcoming guests to White Moss House from all over the world,that we're going to take a break. We've been one of the top restaurants in the Good Food Guide for over 30 years, and in the last few years, although we haven't offered dinner every night, we've been a very highly rated Guest House. It's all been great fun.

Brockstone Cottage, our Grasmere holiday cottage,

Brockstone Cottage from White Moss viewpoint

is still going to be available for self catering . It's fully booked until March, but the weeks are filling up quickly for the rest of the year.


Here's a reminder of one of our favourtie recipes, the famous White Moss Sherry trifle. As usual, we made one for Boxing Day. It was delicious. Yesterday I found a tiny portion left in a small bowl in the fridge, and ate it for breakfast - as you do.

Today is another dull day, but it has stopped raining, so we're off for our last walk of the year. We'll be walking round Rydal Water with my brother, who is visiting for New Year.  We're looking forward to lots more walking in the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us , and best wishes to you all for 2014!

Stay in our Lakes Holiday Cottage for Christmas or New Year at reduced rates.

We have late availablilty for our Lake District Cottage, Brockstone Grasmere Holiday Cottage. Perched on the hillside overlooking Rydal Water, this south facing cottage gets all the sun going in winter. When the sun dips behind the hill, Grasmere Village is plunged into the shade, but our cottage gets at least a precious extra hour of winter sun.

Our current guests leave on Sunday 15 Decemebr, and our next guests arrive on Thursday 2 January. We are offering 4 nights over Christmas from £520, and four nights over New Year from £580. This is for up to 4 guests. Dogs are welcome for a small extra charge.

We can be flexible about changeover days, and we may be able to offer extra days at special low rates.

Please email  esuedixon@gmail.com or ring 015394 35295 to check for rates, availabilty, or to ask any questions you might have.

Here's a picture taken at dusk in December the other year. This could be your view over Loughriggg to Wetherlam the the Coniston Fells.

December view from Brockstone Grasmere Holiday Cottage to Wetherlam.

We're fully booked .

Just an update to say that we're fully booked now for this weekend, and we'll then be closed for our winter break.

You can still book to stay in our lovely holiday cottage though. We have a 5 night break from 15 November, we have availability in December, including Christmas and New Year.

January and February are already booked, but we can offer dates in March. Please book soon if you have specific dates in mind. We already have lots of bookings for September and even October 2014.Check here for rates and availabilty.

Just 1 room left now for this weekend, 1 and 2 November in the Lakes.

We now only have 1 room left for this weekend.

You can book Room 4 at the last minute offer  rate of £129 for 2 guests, for 2 night, including breakfasts. Please ring or email us to book at these rates.

Rooms available for the weekend 2 November and 3 November at special last minute rates

Do you know what? The Lake District weather forecast isn't too bad for the coming weekend.Friday is forecast to be dry and sunny, and Saturday just has a little rain in the afternoon ( according the the BBC website). The autumn colours are lovely.

It will be the last weekend that we are open in 2013, and we do still have rooms available. Rooms 1 and 5 are available for two nights, at the rate of £169. This is for two guests, for two nights, and includes our homemade Lakeland tea bread with a pot of tea by the log fire in the Wordsworth lounge on the Friday afternoon, and our award winning breakfasts both mornings.

We also have room 3 for one night only on Saturday, 2 November, at £89, tea on arrival and breakfast included.

Here a picture of the tea bread, and here is the White Moss Lakeland Tea Bread recipe if you would like to make it yourself.

Please ring (015394 35295) or email sue@whitemoss.com to book at these Lake District special offers.

Special Lake District Offers for Half Term Week.

It's not too late to get a bargain break in the Lake this half term. If you have a day or two free from now until 3 November, you could take advantage of our Autumn Special Offers.

The weather forecast is for sunshine and showers. It doesn't look like "the Big Storm" is going to reach the Lakes. You'll be able to get out for walks from the door, enjoying the wonderful colours on the trees. They are putting on a magnificent show right now. You'll then be able to relax by the fire in the Wordsworth lounge, maybe playing a game of Scrabble, or hammering out a tune on the grand piano.

Guests who left today thoroughly enjoyed their stay and said "we'll never forget your wonderful lounge and the fact that you serve Lapsang Souchong tea as an option at breakfast- no other place we've stayed can match that!"

We close for our winter break on 3 November, so please ring or email us asap to take advantage of our last minute offers. One night stays accepted any night this week, including Saturday.

It's a fabulous day in the Lakes

I've just driven into Grasmere to pick up the newspaper. What a beautiful drive along the lake. You can see the trees and sky perfectly reflected in the still ,mirror smooth lake. The autumn colours are looking good. Walkers are smiling.

Just a reminder that you can click through here to see our special last minute offers.. Here a picture of a walk that you could be doing.

Rydal Water from White Moss viewpoint

We've got rooms available this weekend.

I can't believe we're not fully booked this weekend! The weather is pretty good for October, and the trees are looking great. We're offering two nights B & B for two guests from £149, which includes tea and our home made Lakeland tea bread on arrival, and full English breakfast each day.

We have a large lounge ( the Wordsworth Lounge) with log fire, books, games and a piano for you to use anytime you like. You may even be able to sit outside on the terrace if the sun shines.

If you can only stay 1 night on the Saturday, we have room 3 available at £108 for the night if you book direct with us. Ring 015394 35295 or email sue@whitemoss.com for our best rates.

White Moss House in its autumn colours.

It's sunny and bright in the Lakes and we have a room for you this weekend.

What fabulous weather for walking today. Guests are heading off up Fairfield ( from the door- no need to take the car)

We have a room still available for this weekend. It's room 5, and our special last minute rate is £189 for two guests, for two nights, including breakfast.

The leaves are starting to turn, and the autumn colours are looking lovely. The log fire is gently burning in the Wordsworth Lounge..........

Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace, one of the many superb walks from White Moss House

Now is the time to book our Lake District Holiday Cottage for 2014

As you may know, we have a holiday cottage, Brockstone, which is perched on the "coffin route" aka "the Wordsworth walk", between Dove Cottage, Grasmere, and Wordsworth's favourite home, Rydal Mount. No traffic passes- just walkers, (and their dogs), deer, sheep , red squirrels.....

We have reduced the rates for the two week we still have available in October from £690 to £550, or you can take a 3 night break if you wish.You can check the special offer rates here.

November is almost fully booked, as is January and February. If you are planning a visit in 2014, please book as soon as you know your dates. We already have a record number of advance bookings for 2014.

Our Lakes Holiday Rental Cottage

The view towards the Langdales from our Grasmere holiday cottage ( you can also see Rydal Water if you swivel round)

The other day we sat on the terrace on changeover day, enjoying a cup of tea in the sun, watching a nut hatch on the nuts hanging from the hedge. Did you know nut hatches hang upside down to eat? I didn't, but they do. Looking at the view, we were reminded again of what an amazing location this is for a holiday cottage.  No wonder one recent reviewer (from Texas) wrote

 "A great location for vacation rental. It's located down a "road" which is also becomes the Coffin Trail walking path. Other than an occasional hiker on the path below, you will see no one. The views are stunning: the mountains and, to the left, Rydal Water. Every morning, I sat on the terrace and watch the mountains and clouds change. The location is unique and the views unparalleled. Moreover, you can listen to Brockstone's own waterfall from the terrace--it flowed continuously while we were there."

Our Autumn Lake District Bed and Breakfast Offers - can you resist?

Greetings from another warm , sunny day in the Lakes. September has been a cracking month here. With October arriving tomorrow, who knows what the weather will bring? What you can be sure of is a warm welcome at White Moss House; comfortable beds, excellent breakfasts, a log fire in the Wordsworth lounge, where you can enjoy your tea and home made cake on the afternoon of your arrival ( with our compliments) and great walks from the door.

White Moss Lakeland tea bread- served to you for afternoon tea when you check in.

We're offering some really great rates. Can you take advantage of our Lake District Special Offers before we close for our winter break on 3 November?

Here are the rates for our Autumn breaks.

Autumn Special Offer Breaks

Rooms 1, 3 and 5. Usual rate £118 per night
Autumn break rates.
1 night, (Sunday to Thursday) £98
2 nights £189
3 nights £269

Rooms 2 and 4. Usual rate £98 per night
Autumn break rates
1 night rate (Sunday to Thursday) £78
2 night rate £149
3 night rate £209

These rates are for the whole stay, for two guests , and they include breakfast.

We usually request a two night minimum stay at the weekend. One night stays may be available at the last minute.

Please ring (015394 35295) or email sue@whitemoss.com to make a reservation at these special rates. You may book via the online booking systems, but the rates may be higher than booking direct.

We hope to see you!

Sorry, we are now fully booked tonight, but we do have rooms from tomorrow and for next weekend.

It's absolutely beautiful here in the Lakes today. Guests are heading off up Fairfield ( from the door- no need to find a parking space somewhere). Other guests are just taking gentle strolls along the coffin route starting and finishing here at White Moss House.

You can read my guide to 6 circular walks from White Moss House here.

We have rooms available next weekend. Email me ( sue@whitemoss.com) and I'll quote you our best rates ( better than booking via an online booking system). Don't miss the autumn colours. Bring your camera.

Dry and sunny in the Lakes this weekend- and we have some bargain last minute rates.

We've been fully booked midweek, but we've got rooms available this weekend. Where's the logic in that?  We've actually welcomed lots of overseas visitors, who are on a trip round Brtiain and are not tied to the weekend. This week we have welcomed guests from Sweden, France, the USA and Australia.
However, we do still have rooms available this weekend, so we've reduced the rates. You can see our offers here on our Lakes Bed and Breakfast Special Offer page.. We even have a room available for a 1 night stay on Saturday 28 September.

The weather forecast really is good- 17 degrees and sunny on Saturday. Don't hesitate- book asap!

The leaves are just beginning to turn. This is the creeper on the front of White Moss House. Some of the trees have turned golden or red. There will be some excellent photo opportunities this weekend to catch the early autumn colours.

Mists, mellow fruitfulness and short breaks at our holiday cottage with amazing views.

We have the week beginning Saturday 28 September still available, at the last minute rate of £590. This is for up to four guests. Bills all included.

Soak up the views, walk from the door,  watch the sunset from the terrace, then relax in the bubbly spa bath  ...Sounds tempting?  See more information and pictures about Brockstone Grasmere holdiay cottage with amazing views. here.

Reduced last minute rates until 19 September.

We're a little bit quiet for the next few days, so we've reduced our rates in the hopes that we can tempt you to a last minute visit to the Lakes.

Log Fire, Wordsworth Lounge, White Moss House

The wet weather of yesterday has passed , and (hopefully) we'll be getting some great early autumn days. The log fire is buring in the lounge, so the wonderful smell of woodsmoke and the warm glow of the fire welcome you .Here's one I took earlier (spring, obviously)

Check our rates via our website, or email me (sue@whitemoss.com)  for our best offer.

The Tour Of Britain Stage 2 on Monday 16 September 2013, passes by White Moss House

The Tour of Britain, day two, on Monday 16 September takes place in Cumbria, starting in Carlise, and finishing in Kendal. Bradley Wiggins and Co. will zoom right past us at White Moss House. The press, the media, the TV and all the assorted cars , vans, bikes, technicians etc will be going right by. What a spectacle!

If you would like to have a spot on the bank of our garden overlooking the road to watch them all fly by, it's yours. All you need to do is to book your room at White Moss House. You could stay Sunday and Monday nights, so that you'll be in place in the afternoon when the riders go by, or for even better value, stay 3 nights.

If you're a keen cyclist, and want to arrive by bike, or bring you bike on your car, you are welcome to store them in our garage.

We can offer rates from as little as £70 per night for two guests B & B if you can stay 3 nights. This is a perfect location for your Lake District accommodation during the Tour of Britain 2013. Please email sue@whitemoss.com, or ring me on 015394 35295 to check our rates and availability.
Here's the link to the Tour Of Britain website.

It's a boy!

We are absolutely delighted about the birth of our first grandchild,  Felix Finch Dixon, 8lb 9oz born in the Whittington Hospital, London, at 2.15 am on Sunday 1 September.

Thanks to everyone who has sent their best wishes. Alex will be in hospital until tomorrow at least, but is doing fine.We are going to see them all tomorrow. Can't wait!

Bank Holiday at White Moss House- a guest blog with beautiful photos.

We said goodbye this morning to 3 generations of a delightful family who have just spent 4 nights at White Moss House. During this time, two family birthdays were celebrated, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Lakes.

The weather was dry and sunny, and all this has been documented on the pages of the guest's personal blog. You can click here to take a look at this fascinating record of a stay in the Lakes.

As a dedicated blogger myself ( you can see more of my blogs via the links on the right), it was great fun to swap notes with a fellow blogger . It seems both our spouses complain that we "spend too long on the computer"

August Bank Holiday this year was possibly the best in our recent memory. Lovely weather , lovely guests, contentment all round.

Sun, lavender, butterflies and bees

Has there ever been a better August Bank Holiday for sunshine? Here in the Lakes we've had wall to wall sun. The forecasters said "west is best" and as we watched the pictures from a washed out Oval on Saturday we were amazed- they were so right!

We've noticed more bees and butterflies than usual in the past few days. That's good news. I watched about 6 white butterflies chasing around the lavender this morning. They tend to move away whenever I get near, but I managed this photo on the lavender by the front door.

Butterflies on White Moss lavender

There are more photos of lavender, plus lots of tips on growing lavender via this link

We are fully booked at White Moss House until Thursday, but we do have rooms for the weekend. It should be a good weekend to visit the Lakes, as the crowds will have gone and the weather still looks good. We have reduced our rates for last minute bookings so please check here.

Our cottage is available for 1 week from Saturday 7 September. We have just reduced the rate from £690 to £590 for last minute bookings. If you would like to stay 2 extra nights, leaving on the monrnng of Monday 16 September, we can offer you all 9 nights fo only £690. Here's a link if you want to find out more about our Grasmere holiday cottage with amazing views.

There must be sunshine after rain....

The Rydal Show took place yesterday, guests loved it, and it mostly stayed dry. Overnight however we had torrential rain. Today has dawned bright and sunny- just like in the old Dire Straits song- "Why Worry?"!

August has been very busy in the Lakes - it's really great seeing so many families here. We've welcomed families from Holland, Germany and Belgium in the last couple of weeks. The weaker Pound v the Euro certainly helps.

If you would like to stay at our Lakeland holiday cottage, Brockstone the next available date is 7 September, for 1 week. We are also offering a two night break on Saturday and Sunday, 14 and 15 September.  This is a rare chance for a short stay- just £250 for the two night break.

Next week we have rooms available for B & B at White Moss House until Thursday- check our rates- we've reduced them for last minute bookings.

Today's photo is of one of the tubs on the terrace. I wasn't planning a red, white and blue theme. It was supposed to be pink, white and blue, but Hayes Garden Centre sold me begonias that were wrongly lablled "pink" when in fact they were red and yellow. Ah well- it looks suitably patriotic- good for celebrating the Royal Baby, the Great Summer of Sport, the Better Summer This Year................!

Red, white and blue tub on White Moss House Terrace

Vale of Rydal Sheep Dog Trials and Hound Show- Thursday 15 August 2013

If you're in the Lakes this Thursday, you've got the chance to visit the Rydal Show. Set in the Vale of Rydal, on the Sports Field, this is the 110th Rydal Show. See the sheepdogs rounding up sheep and getting them round a course of gates. It's brilliant.

If you love dogs, and you love traditional Lakeland activities, this is a great day out. You can walk to the show from White Moss House in about 30 minutes, or catch the bus. (You can also drive and park of course) We have room 3 available for one night on the Thursday, and Room 4 is free all week if you would like to stay here.You can find our rates and special offers here.

We have now filled the August week at our Grasmere holiday cottage. The next available week is 7 September. We do have a 2 night break available on Saturday and Sunday, 14 and 15 September, at the rate of £250. This is a rare chance to enjoy this lovely cottage for a two night stay at a very attractive rate. (usually we ask for a 3 night minimum stay)

This picture of a Herdwick Sheep is thank to Moy Williams and Cumbria Tourism. It may not be used without permission.

These local Lakeland sheep will try their best to outwit the sheepdogs at Rydal Show!

 You can find out more about Herdwick Sheep here.

As this lovely summer continues, what offers can you find in the Lakes?

The heatwave has passed. I know lots of people found it too hot, but I loved it. However, it has been replaced with pretty good weather, just a little cooler, making it perfect for walking, hiking, and all the outdoor activities the Lakes has to offer.

At White Moss House B & B, we're pretty booked up until the end of August- just a few rooms available here and there. What we can offer you though, is a whole week for up to 4 guests at our holiday rental cottage at a greatly reduced rate. You can read about Brockstone Grasmere holiday cottage here, or see more on the HomeAway holiday rentals website..

We are offering the week commencing Saturday 24 August, leaving Saturday 31 August, at a reduced rate. Originally this school holiday week was £850, but for last minute bookings we have now reduced that to just £690. Quite a bargain! If you and your family can find a gap in the calendar to take a last break before schools and colleges go back, then this could be a  for you. Add a few days to the August Bank Holiday weekend and treat yourselves to a relaxing country holiday.

Here you can see Brocktone Cottage, our Grasmere holiday rental cottage, perched on the hillside overlooking Rydal Water.

Ready to walk? Leave from the door of our Lakes holiday cottage for some of the best walks in the Lakes. You can read about 6 circular walks from White Moss and Brockstone holiday cottage right here.

Two days left to book our Lake District Cottage at 10% discount.

If you've walked from Grasmere to Rydal along the "Coffin Road" you'll have passed by our Lakeland cottage, Brockstone ( named over 200 years ago after the badgers who live around there).

We still have some weeks available to let in the cottage in 2013, and if you make a reservation today or tomorrow ( before the end of July) for a 2013 week, we are offering a 10% discout on our advertised rates. Click through here for more about our holiday cottage and links to rates.

The first available week is Saturday 24 August. We have already reduced that from £850 to £790, but if you book now there would be an extra 10% off, bringing the rate to £711.

We also have weeks available in September and October, a wonderful time to visit the Lakes. Any weeks in 2013 that are not marked as booked on the calender are avialble for this offer.

For those of you who want to book in 2014, we are already taking bookings. Don't leave it long before you get your dates booked.

You can see Brockstone Cottage, perched up on the hillside above Rydal Water in this photo.

There's lots going on the in Lakes right now

As well as all the usual walking, boating, eating and drinking there's lots going on to entertain you in the Lakes right now.

Take a look here at the Calender from the Go Lakes website ( the official Cumbria Tourism website) to get a taste of what's on. Music, theatre, guided walks, poetry, crafts, Lakeland shows, supper cruises and lots of other great ideas.

The sun has brought lots of visitors to the Lakes, but you can still find peace and quiet . We've got a few days from Monday 29 July to Thursday 1 August where we have of rooms still available last minute, so we've reduced our rates. Check our special offers page here to find out about our last minute rates.

 

 This lovely picture of a steamer on Ullswater is thanks to David Willis and Cumbria Tourism. May not be used without permission of Cumbria Tourism.

You can't beat the English counrtryside when the weather is warm

Having spent  a few days in a very hot, sticky London visiting family it was a relief to get back home to the Lakes. It's been hot and sunny here too, and now with the odd rain shower everything in the garden seems to be supercharged.

Guests are really loving their visits. We've had lots of guests from Australia who all seem to wish they had more time to spend here "It's just so amazingly beautiful" they all say.

August is getting pretty booked up, though we do still have some dates available if you're flexible. If you can plan now to visit in September or October, let me know you've seen this page and we'll discount the usual rate by 10% if you stay two or more nights.

Not on topic at all, but where were you when you heard the news of the birth of baby Prince George? We were on a London bus when the driver shouted it out to us all, beating the BBC website by 10 minutes!

Amazing three night and two night breaks rates from 14 , 15, 16 July

From Sunday 14 July to the night of Wednesday 17 July we have fantastic last minute rates. Save £100 on a 3 night stay!

And it's warm, dry and sunny!

Available for this short time span only.

Save £60 on a sunshine break in the Lakes

A sunshine break in the Lakes! How often can you say that?

From now until Wednesday 17 July, we can offer you £60 off a 3 night stay at White Moss House. I've checked the BBC weather forecast and it really does look warm and sunny for the next 10 days. We have rooms available so we've cut the rates for last minute bookings.

You can see our special offer rates by clicking this link.

Grasmere Lake Shore, 10 minutes walk from White Moss House

 Here's a reminder of where you could be - Grasmere shore, perfect for picnics and for the adventurous/hardy/slightly crazy, perfect for swimming. The water is still very cold though.

Still time to book a room this weekend.

We have two rooms still available for this weekend. (Rooms 3 and 5) Here are our last minuite rates for this weekend.



We also have a special offer for Brockstone, our Lake District holiday rental cottage with amazing views.. Our holiday cottage is fully booked until 24 August, but we do have weeks available from then, and if you make your reservation and pay your deposit during the month of July, we will discount the advertised rate by 10%. This applies to any booking up until 3 January 2014.

Here's a picture just to remind you why the Lakes are are great British Holiday destination.

Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace, onw of the many great White Moss Walks

Last minute Lake District bed and breakfast offers this week.

The weather forecast is good- lots of sun and very little rain.

Can you take advantage of our last minute ned and breakfast offers?

Click this link to see our last minute offers from now until 30 June.

White Moss House garden

Start your White Moss circular walks from the door- you couldn't pick a better spot for beautiful walks - in my opinion!

We'd love to see you soon............

Don't assume that it's raining in the Lakes

Just because it's raining where you are, don't assume that it's raining here, in sunny Rydal and Grasmere.

Of course it rains a lot in the Lakes-" no rain no lakes" as we say, or "if you can see the hills it's going to rain, and if you can't see the hills  it's already raining"

However, the last few weeks we have had pretty good weather. Not hot admittedly, but not too wet. On Sunday for example, we hoped to watch Andy Murray at Queens Club London, and England cricketers trying to beat New Zealand in Cardiff.. We turned on the TV at 1pm- both rained off until late afternoon. Here- dry and pleasant.

Today is gorgeous. Warm sunshine.Perfect.

Update on our offers. Brockstone, our Lake District holiday cottage with amazing views has been booked for the 13 July week. We still have a 5 night break from 8 July for only £450.
Otherwise the cottage is fully booked until 24 August.

At White Moss House bed and breakfast, we have 1 room available for most of this week, but next week is looking quiet, so we've put some great Lake District last minute special offers here on our Grasmere special offers page

The tubs that I've planted on the terrace are starting to flower. Here's how they will look soon.

White Moss House Terrace, Grasmere, Summer 2010

You could be sitting here, enjoying a complimentary cup of Lakeland Special tea ( from Farrers of Kendal) and a slice of homemade Lakeland Tea Bread

Two special rate breaks at our Grasmere holiday Cottage in July.

We have two breaks available in July at Brockstone, our Grasmere holiday cottage with amazing views of Rydal Water.

Break 1- Arrive Monday 8 July, leave Saturday 13 July- 5 nights, for just £450

Break 2- Arrive Saturday 13 July, leave Saturday 20 July- 7 nights for just £690

These are for two guests. There may be a small extra charge for additional guests.

Dogs are very welcome by arrangement. Brockstone is perfect for dogs- no passing cars, lovely paths all around......

Here are some photos taken around our Lake District holiday cottage.

The heron on White Moss Tarn, 400 yards from our Grasmere self catering cottage

Taken along the lane this week

 

 

Brockstone from White Moss viewpoint, in early spring

Rhododendrons- just looking amazing in the Lakes right now.

I've just taken one of my favourite short walks.

You go through White Moss House garden to the waterfall, right up the hill to Brockstone Cottage our unique Lake District self catering cottage with amazing views..

Turn left onto the coffin route towards Grasmere, and on your right you pass Heugh Fold, a large Victorian house which was planted many years ago with rare rhododenrons, azaleas and other unusual trees. The lady who lives there now spends hours in the garden. It is not open to the public, but passers by marvel at the sight. Here are some photos I took today.

All of these were taken at Heugh Fold, above White Moss Common.

I then walked down to the duck pond just above Dove Cottage, turned left along the old road back towards White Moss House, and passed Ladywood, Christopher Morris' family home .I took a picture there of these amazing colours.

Then back down to White Moss. Our own Rhodies and azaleas are looking pretty special too.

Try to come and visit the Lakes in the next couple of weeks before these colours fade. We're fully booked on Friday and Saturday, but have a room available most of next week..Grasmere, Rydal and the whole of the Lakes are just looking their best .

Fully booked until Sunday 9 June, but bargain breaks 9 - 13 June

We're now fully booked until Sunday 9 June, but we can offer you great rates until Thursday 13 June ( fully booked on the Friday)

Please click here to see our special June bargain breaks.

One room left this weekend.

If you've been waiting for some warm, dry , sunny weather before you went away for the weekend- this is it!

We have room 1 still available. Special last minute rate for 2 nights, 2 guests, £185 ( usually £236). 3 nights £270 ( usually £354). King or twin beds. A great last minute bargain.

These rates apply until Thursday 13 June. Then we're fully booked for a few nights.

The Wordsworth Rose at White Moss House

This ancient rose is so old that it could have been here when Wordsowrth bought the house for his son. This picture was not taken this year - it's still in bud right now, but looks like it will be out in a few days. The gardens in the Lakes are looking fabulous. I visited Holehird Garden yesterday. What a wonderful place it is. I'll post some photos I took in the next blog, but meanwhile, here's a link if you would like to know more. Holehird Garden,Windermere, Lake Horticultural Society..

Special Lake District Offers for June.

At White Moss House, we are offering some excellent B & B rates between Tuesday 4 June and Thursday 13 June ( we're fully booked on 15 and 16 June)

Please click here to check our Grasmere Bed and Breakfast Special Offers

We are also offering a "9 nights for the price of 7" break at Brockstone- our Lake District Cottage with amazing views over Rydal Water and the Lake District fells. This is for the 9 nights, arriving Tuesday 25 June, leaving Thursday 4 July.
All you pay is £690 for the week ( already reduced from £790) , and the last 2 nights of the 9 nights are free. This rate is for 2 guests. There will be a small charge for extra guests. If you have this 9 night gap in your diary this is an excellent offer.

Here's a photo to remind you of why you really must visit the Lakes very soon.This is Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace, 10 minutes' walk from the door of White Moss House.

Flaming June nearly here..

Here's hoping!

The tubs on the terrace are planted- we just need some warm, sunny weather. The forecast is looking better actually. Warmish, mostly dry, with quite a lot of sun. At last!.

We've got some great last minute offers for the first week in June. Anytime from Saturday 1 June ,     ( we're fully booked Friday 31 May). Three nights are a snip. Check it out on our special offers page, then check the forecast and make that booking.

Here's a recent photo

Tulips in our White Moss Garden.

By next week they'll have faded, but the bluebeels in the woods will still look spectacular. This must be the best year ever for Lake District bluebells. Rydal woods, White Moss woods and the woods around Grasmere are all beautiful. Come and see!

If you can stay with us on 21, 22 and 23 May you can save over £100 on our Last Minute Offer.

For these 3 nights we have room available at very special rates. Maybe our best ever Grasmere Special Offer rates.

Yes, we know, the weather is still cool, (OK, cold even) but the sun is out in the Lakes, it's great walking weather, and the log fire is burning in the lounge , so you can sit by it and enjoy your tea and home made cakes on arrival ( no charge) in cosy comfort.

Here's the offer.

Our larger rooms, usually £354 for 3 nights, only £249 for these 3 nights .(save £105)

Our smaller rooms, usually £294, only £199.(save £95)

These rates apply to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 21, 22 and 23 May. They are for two guests, for three nights, and include our award winning breakfasts.
You need to email me ( sue@whitemoss.com) or ring (015394 35295) to get these rates. They are not offered on the online booking sites.

By the way, we got a lovely review on Trip Advisor the other day.See our "perfect" review on Trip Advisor here.

Here are some pictures to remind you of some of the sights in Rydal Water, Grasmere and the Lakes in May.

White Moss House garden, May

Sizergh Castle Gardens in May

"May" tree ( hawthorne) on Jenkins Crag walk

We've reduced the rate for a last minute stay at our Lake District Holiday Cottage

Perched high on the hill , with great views over Rydal Water and the Lakeland Fells, our Grasmere holiday cottage with amazing views is a very special place to stay. It's usually booked well in advance, but we have a last minute offer available for a week, if you can arrive next Saturday, 11 May.

The whole week is yours for just £590 ( usually £790). You can bring your dog too - no extra charge this week for your dog. This is for two guests. There is a small extra charge if there are more of you.

Here are some pictures taken around Brockstone, our unique holiday cottage in the Lakes.

Four poster bedroom at Brockstone, Grasmere holiday cottage

Grasmere Lake, taken on a walk from Brockstone-a circular hike round Grasmere.

Primroses taken this week by the stream that runs under Brockstone Cottage

Looking west from Brockstone towars the Langdales (you can see Rydal Water if you look east- amazing views!)

We might be able to take a short break of 3 nights or more this week, if you can't get away for the whole time. Please email me (sue@whitemoss.com) for prices.

If you can't get here yourselves, please pass this offer on to anyone who might be able to enjoy this excellent offer. Thanks!

3 pretty wild flowers from today's walk round Rydal Water

Don't rush along , only looking at the lake and hills, lovely though they are. Look down and see the wild flowers peepeing out from under leaves. Here's what I saw walking from White Moss House round Rydal Water today.

Today we saw wild violets.....

Wild violets near White Moss House

and celandines (Monty Don loves celandines)

Celandines, White Moss

and most beautiful of all
wild primroses

Primroses by the stream by White Moss House

We're fully booked for the Bank Holiday weekend, but have some great 3 night rates in May, especially for midweek stays. Click here to check our rates and availabilty  then email me if you would like to book direct rather than by filling in the online form. It might save you another £2, £5, £10 or even more for direct bookings.(depending on how busy we are/ how generous I'm feeling)

For more about the walk round Rydal Water follow this link for a detailed guide with photos of the Rydal Water walk.

You will pass by Brockstone Cottage- and you can stay here for a week from 11 May. We have already reduced the rate to £690 for the week, but if you would like to book a full week right now  (and the forecast is good), we can let it to you for just £590. Contact me asap. sue@whitemoss.com or 015394 35295.

What's on in the Lake District in May? Apart from Lakes, Fells, amazing scenery.......

Apart from the obvious- Lakes, Mountains, walks, admiring the scenery, taking photos.....there is lots more to do in the Lakes, and May is a great time to visit.

You might like to check the official Cumbria Tourism website for details. This will tell you about special events, festivals and loads more.

For more local information you can check some of the pages I've written such as Things to do in Ambleside and 10 things to do in Grasmere for ideas.

One of the top things to do in Ambleside is to visit Zeffirelli's Cinema and restaurant. We have some very sophisitcated American guests with us right now who went to see The Place Beyond the Pines last night on a meal deal. They were amazed at the qualilty of the cinema, the meal, and the all round experience of being able to see a hot newly released film in our little town of Ambleside.

We still have Room 2 available for this Bank Holiday weekend- email me asap if you would like to book. Plus , we are offering greatly reduced rates for 3 night midweek stays until 24 May. See our website for details, or email sue@whitemoss.com for our best Grasmere special offers.

Here's how our terrace looks in summer. Let's hope the sun umbrellas are needed in May.

It's nearly 200 years since Wordsworth moved to Rydal Mount

White Moss House is situated halfway between William Wordsworth's two famous homes, Dove Cottage, Grasmere and Rydal Mount in the village of Rydal.

It was in May 2013 that Wordsworth moved to Rydal Mount, and he lived there until his death in 1850 at the age of 80. The village of Rydal is celebrating this event on 4 May 2013. You can read more about this here.

Visitors come to stay with us at White Moss House from all over the world to get a piece of the Wordsworth experience. We believe that White Moss House is the only house that Wordsworth owned where guests can stay. The Wordsworth family owned White Moss House until the 1930s. We have lived here for 33 years now, and although it may sound a little pretentious, we do really feel that we are holding onto and passing along a slice of history. We have deeds signed by William Wordsworth- how wonderful is that!

Here's a picture of Rydal Mount, courtesy of David Willis and Cumbria Tourism, not for reuse without permission of Cumbria Tourism.

Visitors to White Moss House can stroll along Rydal Water to Rydal Mount. Why not follow the Walk around Rydal Water from White Moss that I've published here?

You can check our website ( link on the right) to see our rates and availabilty.

Rain, wind and primroses

We've just taken our favourite short walk- out of White Moss House grounds, up the path by the waterfall to Brockstone Cottage- our lovely holiday cottage with amazing views., then left past White Moss Tarn, down to the duck pond, back along the old road to White Moss again.

The waterfall was in torrent following last night's heavy rain. You can see a photo of the White Moss waterfall by clicking here. There are branches down everywhere.

Then we saw ( nature notes here) -

• Primroses by the stream on the right walking up to the cottage
• Frogspawn on White Moss Tarn
• The resident heron was standing in White Moss Tarn too
• Brilliant early pink rhododenrons in the garden of the house next to the tarn

As I didn't have my camera I'll have to use photos I've already got of the primroses.

Primroses near White Moss House in 2012

 I took this photo on 5 April last year. They aren't out as much as this yet this year- we're about 3 weeks behind at present.

If you want to come and see for yourselves, we have excellent rates right now for last minute bed and breakfast bookings at White Moss House, Grasmere .

We are also offering 3 nights for just £290 at Brockstone Cottage until 26 April.

Spring at last in the Lake District

It's finally warmed up, and we have some much needed rain top help the buds open. That's the good news.

More good news if you're planning to visit the Lakes is that it's very quiet here. We're offering exceptionally good rates for bed and breakfast in the next two weeks. Follow the link here for more information.
We are also offering 3 night breaks at our lovely cottage for just £290 (£590 for a week) Here's the link to find out more about the cottage.

I always like to add a photo,so I've used one I took last year, of a herdwick lamb hiding behind a bluebell. Our local lambs haven't been born yet- the farmer aims for St George's Day, 23 April. The sheep and lambs love our back garden on the fell side.

Herdwick lamb White Moss House garden.

This is a wonderful time to visit the Lakes

April and early May 2013 is a great time to visit the Lakes.

Why?

Here are some of the reasons;

• The children are all back in school, so the area is quiet.
• People are feeling the economic pich so the area is quiet
• Most overseas visitors don't come until the summer, so the area is quiet
• It's Quiet- that's great for those of you who make it here!

Also-

• The daffodils are still out because it's been so cold
• The cherry blossom is coming along and will soon look great
• The azaleas and rhododendrons are just waiting to burst into life

Click down the blog to this post which shows Sizergh Castle Gardens on 5 May 2010 . to get an idea of what you could see in the next few weeks.

Then there are

• Great walks from the door
• Wordsworth's homes nearby to visit, along with Beatrix Potter's (Hill Top) and  John Ruskin's (Brantwood) homes
• Many cultural events- festivals, theatre, music- there's always something going on
• And of course the Lakes themselves- boat, sail, row or just admire.

View of Rydal Water from White Moss viewpoint, April

I could go on- I often do......but let's just say- try to fit in a visit to the Lakes. Ideally, visit White Moss House ( owned by Wordsworth) for B & B or Brockstone Holiday Cottage perched above Rydal Water for self catering. We're offering special rates at both places- did I mention that's it's quiet here- that means you can grab a bargain!

We've had a cancellation this weekend so we've slashed the rates- can you fill the rooms?

We have room 1 and 4 unexpectedly available now for this weekend.

Here are the special rates .Click here to see our special last minute rates for this weekend, 5, 6, 7, April.

Please ring 015394 35295 or email sue@whitemoss.com to book at these rates ( not available via online booking systems)

April reductions for our holiday cottage with amazing views.

Don't miss the chance to book our lovely cottage with amazing views at very attractive rates this April.

Speical Offers at our Grasmere holiday cottage
(overlooking Rydal Water in the Parish of Grasmere)

We have a 6 night break from Sunday 14 April for just £490.

We also have the week beginning 20 April, and the week beginning 27 April, for only £590.

There are 3 night breaks available too if you can't stay for a whole week.

For more information and pictures click through this link to take you to our Lake District Holiday cottage- Brockstone.

If you are staying at Brockstone, you'll find yourself perfectly placed for walks. One of the best short walks goes to Rydal Village- make sure you visit the garden of Rydal Hall.

Here is a photo I took from the "Grot" of the falls at Rydal Beck.

Rydal Falls from the Grot

 The Grot, a summerhouse, was built in 1694 as a viewing station from where visitors could get a perfect view of nature. Turner painted this scene. There is more information from the architects who restored it here.