Grasmere Sports, Grasmere Guzzler Beer Festival and Westmorland County Show

Summer is coming to an end, which will be a sort of relief, as our expectations of warm sunny days will have gone, which means that we can put the disappointment of this cold wet summer behind us. How many of us have opened the BBC weather app this year hoping that somewhere along the line we would see a run of "22 and sunny" days, only to be met by "17, some rain" type forecasts?

As we head into Autumn, 3 of my favourite Lakeland events are on the way.

On Sunday 30 August it's Grasmere Sports Day, a day full of traditional Lakeland sports such as Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and Fell races. There is food, there is a beer tent, there are stalls selling all sorts of stuff and there is fun for all. Lets hope the weather is kind.

The following weekend it's the Grasmere Guzzler Beer Festival at Tweedies. This great event is now in its 9th year and is loved by locals and visitors. Lots of beers and ciders, great music, BBQ, lots of chat and catching up with friends all on our doorstep. Brilliant. Its 4, 5 and 6 September this year, Friday, Saturday , Sunday. Be warned, by Sunday your choices of beer will probably be limited, and the favourite barrels will have been drunk dry!

On Thursday 10 September it's the Westmorland County Show at the county showground, Crooklands, Kendal. This is a wonderful event. If you're a fan of Countryfile you'll have a good idea about what to expect from a County Show. Our Westmorland County Show does not disappoint. There's a huge range of animals up for judging, horse and pony competitions, country skills, a huge WI show tent, and amazing range of local food to enjoy, and of course, there are beer tents too.Yes, there will be a queue to get in and out of the venue, but it's worth it.

Here are some photos taken by me on a visit to the Westmorland County Show in 2010.

Pig Judging Westmorland Show

Carriage Driving Westmorland Show

WI tent Westmorland Show

If you fancy a last minute visit to the lakes to sample the Beer Festival and the County Show, our Grasmere Cottage with amazing views is available for a week from 5 September. We're very surprised that this week has not been let, but we hope someone will take advantage of our offer of £200 off the usual rate of £790. Yes, for just £590 you can stay in this 5* cottage for a peak week. Can you or someone you know take advantage of our Grasmere Special Offer?

£200 off our Grasmere Cottage September 5th and £100 off available October weeks

Here's a photo taken by our guests last week of Brockstone Grasmere Cottage

Brockstone Cottage, on the walking path from Grasmere to Rydal, is many people's ideal holiday cottage. If you've walked the famous "Wordsworth Walk" also known as "The Coffin Route" you'll have passed right by Brockstone. Here's what it looks like to remind you.


We've had some very lovely messages from recent guests, and you can find these, along with some of our other reviews  over on our Brockstone Grasmere Cottage website

Brockstone Grasmere Cottage with amazing views

The guests who left last Saturday are on their second visit of the year. The guests who left the Saturday before had stayed twice before and have already booked for next year, and the guests the week before that told us that the stay at Brockstone Grasmere cottage was the highlight of their visit from the USA and they hoped to be back as soon as possible.

Our Grasmere cottage has been solidly booked since March, but we do still have availability for late summer and autumn. 

We don't like empty weeks, so we have reduced all our rates for September and October by £100.

The week from 3 September is now £690 (was £790), and the half term week in October from 24 October is also now £690 ( was £790) . Other October weeks have been reduced from £690 to £590.

For more photos and information you can see our listing and reviews on the HomeAway website and more on our Holiday Lettings Trip Advisor website.

I'll just leave you with a few more photos taken by happy guests at Brocktone Grasmere Cottage, and hope that you'll come and see for yourself why this is such a great location for a special Lake District Holiday. Take advantage of the Grasmere Special Offer and enjoy £100 off your Lakes Holday week

Winter Sunset from Brockstone Grasmere Cottage

Brockstone Grasmere Cottage from White Moss viewpoint

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

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

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.

Lake District Easter Offers

Are you wondering about coming to the Lakes for a few days this weekend?

If so, we can offer you a couple of great deals.

We have a 1 night stay available on Saturday or Sunday, 30 and 31 March, at £118 per night for two guests, and a 2 night stay at £108 per night. These special rates are for two guests, and include breakfast.For more details please see our website..

These rates are only for bookings made directly to us by phone (015394 35295) or by email (sue@whitemoss.com)

If you can stay 3 nights, we can offer you even better rates. Please email me and I'll quote you our best rate.

What's the weather like? Well, we can't deny that it's very cold for this time of year, but on the plus side, it's great for walking, it's DRY and BRIGHT, and the views are AMAZING!  There are no leaves on the trees to block the views, and the hills all have snow on them, so for those of you who like to take photos, this is the time to visit.

Daffodils in the snow on Monday- it's melted now, but the daffodils still look great.

Check back in the blog posts for some lovely pictures of the Rydal Hall Garden- well worth a visit this weekend.

Save over £100 on your Lake District break.

We're getting ready to open for 2013, which we reckon will be our 33rd year at White Moss House. Will we ever be able to tear ourselves away? We love it here!

The decorator has been painting, the carpet cleaner has been swooshing around, and we are polishing and dusting every nook and cranny ready for our first guests of the year.

White Moss House, Grasmere snowdrops

The weather has been beautiful in the Lake District for the last few weeks, and the snowdrops are out in force. The daffodils are ready to burst into bloom, and in a couple of weeks they will be fantastic.

We're offering excellent offers for B & B from 15 to 28 March, with savings over £100 for 3 night stays. These offers apply all week- no weekend supplement. We also offer 2 night specials. The AA has just awarded us their Special Award for Outstanding Breakfasts.  This reflects the top quality produce, locally sourced when possible, and the skill in preparation and presentation. Our 2013 homemade Seville orange marmalade is delicious, our locally smoked kippers and cured bacon are simply the best.Come and treat yourselves before the Easter rush.

Please note that bookings at our special rate must be made direct by email ( sue@whitemoss.com) or phone (015394 35295). They are not available for bookings through any online booking sytem.

There's a new path through White Moss Woods

For the last two weeks they've been working on the path from the bridge near White Moss House that crosses the river and goes up to the kissing gate leading to Loughrigg terrace.
All the rocks have been removed, all the water has been diverted off the path, and chippings have been laid. We now have a perfectly smooth 5 foot wide path, that you can ( in theory) take a wheelchair along. (Not sure how you get the wheelchair over the bridge) Also, it is still, of course, quite steep, so you would need to be pretty strong .....

Local opinion is divided as to whether this is making the whole area too bland. I think this new path is lovely- you'll be able to go on a circular jog now from White Moss House on smooth paths for a really testing circuit. The old path was tricky- the steps and rocks were uneven, muddy, and very tricky in winter when the water froze and the whole path iced over. However, there is talk of removing the kissing gate and putting in a wide gate, again, so that wheelchairs can get through. I would hate to loose that lovely old kissing gate. Maybe a new wide gate could be put alongside?

I'm hoping to get photos later of the new path. Meanwhile, just to let you know, we still have a room for this weekend see here for our last minute Grasmere special offers. The trees are looking better than anyone can remember, and the weather forecast for the weekend is outstanding.

Here's a taster of what you might see if you can get to the Lakes soon.

Autmn colours on White Moss walk

Autumn colours on a walk from White Moss House

We're very lucky to be able to walk from our door at White Moss House, and enjoy spectacular views of lakes and fells.

This week, the trees are turning glorious colours. Here's a photo I took as I walked through Penny Rock woods down to the bridge and weir at Grasmere lake- just a 10 minute stroll from White Moss House.

White Moss walk to Grasmere shore via Penny Rock woods

With a good forecast for the weekend, we're hoping to fill our last rooms. If you can get away for a last minute break, why not stay at White Moss House, leave your car on our car park ( for residents only- free!) and set out on one of these wonderful White Moss walks.

We've just added some new Grasmere bed and breakfast special offers for this weekend. Please pass this information on if you know anyone who might be able to take advantage of our last minute offers.

More red squirrel sightings

In the last week we've seen a red squirrel twice in the same spot, on the old road just above the White Moss Quarry car park, ( just up from where Mark, the ice cream man, has had his van for well over 30 years)

I'm taking my camera with me everytime I go that way now, in the hope that I'll finally be able to get my own red squirrel photo. I've either not had my camera with me, or when they've been in the garden, I've rushed for the camera only to find the squirrel has run off.

Guests have sometimes seen the red squirrel too- you might be lucky. This time in the autumn they're out  looking for food to store. If you want to stay with us in October, from Sunday to Thursday night, we are offering FREE NIGHTS! Stay 3 nights and have a 4th night bed and breakfast free. You can check our website for details, http://whitemoss.com/special-offers.htm.

Stone on the top of Sheffield Pike overlooking Ullswater

 

Here's an unusual Lake District photo to you. This inscribed stone is on the top of Sheffield Pike, which has great views over Ullswater. Wainwright wasn't a big fan of Sheffield Pike, but we like it, as it's always quiet and the views are great. Drive about 25 minutes from White Moss, park on the west side of Ullswater, and take this lovely walk past the quaintly named Seldom Seen onto the tops for a great autumn hike.

More Autumn photos to tempt you

There's a nip in the air, and autumn is on the way. After a day of heavy rain yesterday, today is sunny and bright. Perfect hiking weather.

The offer in the last post has been extended, so it now runs from Sunday 2 September to Friday 7 September. We're very busy this week, we've only 1 room left from 10 to 14 September, but the first week in September is very quiet. Here are the details of our best ever last minute offer. It's for a three night stay, but if you can only manage two nights, email me ( sue@whitemoss.com) and I'll give you our best rates.

Here's a photo taken in early October last year-

Rydal Water from the end of Loughrigg Terrace

You could be here!

We have two special 3 night breaks available at our self catering Grasmere holiday cottage, Brockstone, with amazing views . The dates are 8, 9 and 10 September, and also 22, 23 and 24 September. The special rate for 3 nights is £290.

White Moss waterfall

Here's the waterfall at the end of White Moss House garden. This stream runs under Brockstone Cottage!

Looking forward to September in the Lake District

We're hoping for a beautiful autumn in the Lake District this year. The trees are so lush after all the rain this summer that we think the leaves are going to look great.

As a very early autumn treat, we're offering very special rates for a three night stay at the beginning of September. The children will be back at school and it's usually (!) pretty good weather.

This offer runs from Sunday 2 September to Thursday 6 September inclusive.

Rooms 1, 3 and 5, usually £354 for three nights, bed and breakfast , will be just £275

Rooms 2 and 4, usually £294 for three nights, bed and breakfast, will be just £225.

This is for two guests, including afternnon tea and home made cakes on arrival, our award winning breakfasts, and all the other White Moss extras (see our website). If it's cool, the log fire will be burning. You're welcome to paly our baby grand piano too......

This offer is subject to availabilty, and only for bookings made directly with us by phone or email.

If you can only manage 2 nights during these dates, please email me for our best offer.

This beautiful picture of Rydal Water is by David Willis for Cumbria Tourism . All rights are reserved and it must not be used without permission.

Contact us; sue@whitemoss.com    015394 35295.

Otter spotted outside White Moss House!

Yesterday we were walking down the path from Brocsktone Cottage to our gate, past the White Moss waterfall, when a creature ran out of our Coach House gate, across our path about 50 yards away, and dashed towards the beck ( Dunnabeck).

I wasn't sure what it was. I wondered if it might be an otter, but I had only ever seen them in water before, and this creature had a longish, fairly furry tail. I didn't know if otters had tails at all. So, anyway, I looked for otter pictures and found that indeed they do have tails, and the pictures of them on land are exactly what I saw! So that was the first otter I'd seen apart from in a wildlife reserve. I'm thrilled!

On a more mundane note, we've had cancellations for this weekend, and are offering really good rates. Check our Special offers page or ring us on 015394 35295 for our rates and availability. It's not raining here ( at present!) and the forecast is reasonable for the next two days.

Three night special rates during the next two weeks.

We're now fully booked this week ( apart from a 1 night gap on Thursday). However, if you want to get the best value rates at White Moss House this summer, then the next two weeks are the time to come.

From 24 June to 8 July you can save £60 on a three night stay. This is for any three nights, for two guests sharing a room, and includes our award winning breakfasts, tea and home made cakes on arrival, and all the other little extras that our guests enjoy- free use of Langdale Leisure club, free use of fishing permits, large free car park, baby grand piano etc etc!

For more details of our special offers take a look at our website here . If you can only stay two nights, we do have a reduction for you, but it's not quite as tempting as the threee night rate.

School holidays begin the second week in July, so if you're flexible, this would be a great time to visit before the main holidays start. Here's a picture to whet your appetite for the Lakes.

 

 

 

Rydal Water, looking towards White Moss House.

This photo is the property of Cumbria Tourism and may not be reused without permission.

Great last minute rates from now until Thursday

Have you got a window in your diary this week?

The weather is supposed to be dry for the next few days, and with the light evenings it's a great time for walking.

We've had a cancellation , and so we've got a very special offer from now until Thursday 21 June ( we're fully booked Friday and Saturday 22 and 23 June)

2 nights in room 2 is just £190 ( usually £236) and 2 nights in room 2 is only £150 ( usually £196) . This is for two guests, for 2 nights, including our award winnind breakfasts and tea with home made cake on arrival.

White Moss House afternoon tea- no charge for this on arrival!

 

Here's a photo of our famous Lakeland tea bread, made to our own special recipe. You can get the recipe for White Moss Lakeland tea bread here

Please ring 015394 35295 or email sue@whitemoss.com to book at these special rates. These rates are not available via the online booking sites. To read more about White Moss House and our Grasmere specail offers please take a look at White Moss House website here.

We're full this weekend- why not visit next weekend?

We're fully booked at White Moss House and Brockstone holiday cottage this weekend, but from Wednesday 9th May onwards we're offering some pretty good rates. Please look at our website for more information and special offers.

Weather report. We've had a little drizzle today, but it's sunny again now. We've had a lovely dry , sunny spell. Long may it last! We kmow we'll get the rain again, this is the Lake District after all- no rain no lakes, but we're having a beautiful Grasmere spring.

Herdiwck lamb playing hide and seek at White Moss House

Here's today's photo . I took this through my office window. I tried to go outside and get a better photo but the little thing skipped off too quickly.

Come and stay this weekend at great rates.

It's lovely and sunny here in the Lake District right now. Yes, we do have the odd shower, but the skies are mostly blue, and bluebells are looking pretty, and the azaleas and rhododendrons are coming out.

There are lots of wonderful gardens to visit that look brilliant right now. Holehird near Windermere is run by the Lakes Horticultural Society and is a hidden gem . Sizergh Castle grounds are always amazing. I love visiting Sizergh- well worth the National trust membership charge.

Anyway, if you can stay this Friday and Saturday, 20 and 21 April, two of you can stay from only £155. That's for two nights, for two guests, and includes our welcome tray of tea and homemade cakes by the log fire in the Wordsworth Lounge. If you prefer one of our larger rooms, the rate is £195. More information on our website here. This offer is only available for direct bookings made by phone (015394 35295) or email sue@whitemoss.com. This is not available through any online booking system

Sizergh Castle Cherry avenue

Out in the garden in the sunshine

It's still sunny here in the Lakes, so we're taking the opportunity to clean and freshen up the outside garden furniture so that guests can enjoy their complementary tea and home made cakes on arrival on our lovely terrace this summer.

White Moss House Terrace. Perfect for your complimentary tea and home made cakes on arrival.

For walkers, the White Moss walks from the door are a great introduction to their stay in the Lakes. I've got 6 walks from White Moss House here for you to read and print

Don't forget to check our website for our Grasmere bed and breakfast special offers updated daily.
See you soon?