Local Areas
The Royal nestles peacefully amongst the Eastern fells and is situated just one mile from the shores of Ullswater . With the Helvellyn and High Street mountain ranges just on the doorstep, The Royal is an ideal and comfortable base for all those who wish to enjoy the beauty and challenge of the Lakes.
There is plenty to keep the more adventurous occupied including Fellwalking, Rock Climbing, Riding and Quad biking to name a few. For those with a more peaceful time in mind, there are Lake cruises and some breathtaking scenery to enjoy.
The Lake District is England's only true mountain region and contains some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in the land. The valleys which radiate from the central massif of mountains contain long, deep, glacially formed lakes which provide a marvellous contrast to the spectacular peaks and give the area its name.
The scenery in the Lake District never fails to leave the visitor with a sense of awe, and an understanding of why this landscape inspired a generation of poets.
The physical beauty, abundance of fauna, striking flora and native wildlife makes the county of Cumbria, and the Lake District National Park, the most attractive destination in the United Kingdom today.
Ullswater is the second largest lake in the English Lake District, being approximately 9 miles (14.5 kilometres) long and 0.75 miles (1,200 metres) wide with a maximum depth of sightly more than 60 metres (197 ft).
Many regard Ullswater as the most beautiful of the English lakes: it has been compared to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. It is a typical Lake District narrow "ribbon lake" formed after the last ice age when a glacier scooped out the valley floor, the deepened section filled with meltwater when the glacier retreated, and it became a lake. The surrounding mountains give Ullswater the shape of an elongated "Z" giving it three separate segments (or "reaches") that wend their way through the surrounding hills.
The origin of the name "Ullswater" is uncertain. Some say it comes from the name of a Nordic chief 'Ulf' who ruled over the area; however, there was a Saxon Lord of Greystoke called 'Ulphu's whose land bordered the lake. The lake may have been named Ulf's Water in honour of either of these or it may be named after the Norse god Ullr, also known as Ull.
The village of Glenridding, situated at the southern end of the lake, is popular with tourists of all kinds but especially mountain walkers who can scale England's third highest mountain, Helvellyn, and many other challenging peaks from there.
The village of Pooley Bridge is at the northern extremity of the lake. Its narrow 16th-century bridge straddles the River Eamont as it flows out of Ullswater, it is overlooked by Dunmallard Hill which was the site of an Iron Age fort. For much of its length Ullswater forms the border between the ancient counties of Cumberland and Westmorland.
Ullswater's attractions include 'Steamers' which offer trips around the lake calling at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding, and Howtown. The 'Steamers' operate all year round and were originally working boats which from the 1850s moved mail, workers and goods to and from the Greenside lead mine at Glenridding which closed in 1962. People often catch the 'Steamer' from Glenridding to Howtown and then return on foot back along the lakeshore to complete one of the most popular and scenic low level walks in the Lake District.
Ullswater is very popular as a sailing location with sailing marinas situated around the lake. At weekends especially the lake is dotted with many yachts but there are facilities also for diving, rowing and motorboats. Another of Ullswater's attractions is the spectacular waterfall of Aira Force midway along the lake on the western side. (Ullswater lies partly within the National Trust's Ullswater and Aira Force property.) Close to the falls is Lyulph's Tower, a pele tower or castellated building, built by a former Duke of Norfolk as a shooting box.
Sir Donald Campbell set the world water speed record on Ullswater on July 23, 1955, when he piloted the jet-propelled hydroplane "Bluebird K7" to a speed of 202.32 mph (325.53 km/h).
Just south of Pooley Bridge on the lake's eastern shore is Eusemere, where anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Clarkson (1760�1846) lived; the house gives one of the best views of the lower reach of Ullswater. William and Dorothy Wordsworth were friends of Clarkson and visited on many occasions. After visiting Clarkson in April 1802 Wordsworth was inspired to write the poem "Daffodils" after seeing daffodils growing on the shores of Ullswater on his journey back to Grasmere. Wordsworth once wrote of Ullswater: "it is the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur, which any of the lakes affords".
Ullswater is the home to Ullswater Yacht Club, and the prestigious Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy, which is held annually on the first weekend in July. This regularly attracts upwards of 200 sailing boats and comprises 2 races, both of which cover the full length of the lake.
Local Culture Brougham Castle Town: PenrithDescription: Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford.Facilities: Mobile phone coverage Disabled access Guided tours for individuals.Directions: From A66, 1.5 miles south east of Penrith.
Gamelands Stone Circle Town: PenrithDescription: One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of its stones have fallen over so none are higher than one yard but they are 100 yards in circumference.
Long Meg and her Daughters Town: PenrithDescription: Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated with concentric circle - late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c2000 or earlier).
Red Barn Town: PenrithDescription: Red Barn Gallery offers two exciting gallery spaces. Upstairs is devoted to contemporary painting and sculpture. Lower gallery showcases contemporary glass, ceramics and jewellery.Facilities: Free broadband internet Mobile phone coverage Guided tours mandatory.Directions: Situated in the small hamlet of Melkinthorpe, next to Larch Cottage and The Green House restaurant. Four miles south of Penrith, just off A6.
Dalemain Historic House & Gardens Town: PenrithDescription: A much loved historic family home, set against the grandeur and picturesque splendour of the lakeland fells and the surrounding parkland. Daleman has a delightful five acre plantsman's garden.Facilities: Free broadband internet Mobile phone coverage Disabled accessDirections: Three miles from M6 jct 40 on the A592 Penrith to Ullswater road.
Hutton in the Forest Historic House Town: PenrithDescription: Historic house and gardens based on medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.Facilities: Free broadband internet Business support Mobile phone coverage Disabled access Guided tours for individualsDirections: M6 jct 41, 2.5 miles on B5305 towards Wigton.
Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust Town: PenrithDescription: Gardens and castle abandoned for 70 years now being restored. 130 acres of gardens dating back to 17th century.Facilities: Free broadband internet Mobile phone coverageDirections: From Penrith follow A6 signposted Shap, then follow signs to Lowther Castle and Gardens.
Upfront Puppet Theatre & Gallery Town: PenrithDescription: Beautifully converted 17thC farm buildings. Changing exhibitions, vegetarian restaurant, gift shop and puppet theatre.Facilities: Free broadband internet Business support Disabled accessDirections: From M6 jct 41, 3 miles along B5305. Just after stately home of Hutton-in-the-Forest.
Local Sites & Activities
EBike Hire - Ullswater-eBikes
https://www.ullswaterebikes.co.uk/
Ullswater eBikes was created in the hope that it would allow visitors to get off the beaten track and explore the Southern end of Ullswater knowing that they are leaving nothing but their tracks... and using nothing but the carbon neutral, sustainable energy from themselves and the Hydro-electric Scheme.
The Lake District National Park Tours The Lake District National Park Authority are keen to promote their Car Free Carefree Scheme, which is a series of scheduled tours which utilises public transport. They have done all the work of researching timetables and connections, giving youm ample opportunity to visit the surrounding areas without the hassle of having to drive down narrow lanes or find parking space. They even thought to allow time in the itineraries for refreshment breaks. Telephone either the Glenridding (017684 82414) or Pooley Bridge (017684 86530) Tourist Information Offices for further details.
www.lake-district.gov.uk
Fishing / Angling Fishing or Angling, whichever you prefer to call it, is mostly for Brown Trout (15th March to 30th September) and Perch (June to March). In Ullswater, Goldrill Beck and Brother's Water you do not require a permit, but a National Rivers Authority rod licence must be held, and can be purchased on a daily, weekly or annual basis from either the Pooley Bridge or Glenridding Tourist Information Centre. Brown Trout can be fished in the River Eamont which flows from Ullswater, but a permit is required. Permits can be purchased from Charles Sykes Sports Shop, 4 Great Dockray, Penrith. 017684 862418. A huge range of fishing Tackle and Bait can be bought at the Ullswater Petrol Station, Glenridding. 017684 82008. This includes flies, all manner of bait including live bait in season. Rod Hire also available at very reasonable prices. Please contact Neil at the garage for more details
Tale Trails Tale trails are local 1-2 hour walks around the Ullswater area for families. Kids can follow their own colourful map and use the story to spot things and search for clues along the trail. You can buy them online and find out more about each trail at www.taletrails.co.uk
Ullswater Steamers Ullswater Steamers Operate throughout the year from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, stopping in the summer at Howtown. Ullswater Steamers also has a full programme of events throughout the year - visit the Steamer Events page for more information. Events include special events cruises throughout the year. The Steamers are fully licensed and can also be hired out for special events.
Ullswater Steamers have been offering cruises on Ullswater for over 150 years and this multi-award winning attraction is a 'must do' for any visitor to the area.
Dogs are welcome on the Ullswater Steamers.
Ullswater Boat Hire Small motor boats (maximum speed 10 mph) and rowing boats can be hired on hourly, half day and whole day.
Rookin House Equestrian & Activity Centre 017684 83561, Troutbeck, four miles north of the Lake, www.rookinhouse.co.uk offers a range of activities for adults and children including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Argo Cat Off Road Experience, Go Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Motherby House www.motherbyhouse.co.uk
Cycling and Mountain Biking There are an abundance of quiet lanes and off road tracks for Cycling and Mountain Biking. Mountain bikes are allowed on the many bridle paths (see Ordnance Survey maps) but not on many of the footpaths which are narrow, environmentally sensitive, unstable or downright dangerous for cyclists. It is advisable to research your route thoroughly.
Mountain Bikes can be hired from:
Dalemain Historic House and Gardens Two or three miles from the Pooley Bridge end of Ullswater, has been home to the Hasell family since 1679. Fascinating interiors with fine furniture, ceramics, old toys and the Westmorland & Cumberland Yeomanry Museum. The gardens have many rare plants and roses over a hundred years old. Licensed restaurant and tearoom in Mediaeval Hall, gift shop, plant sales and country walk to Dacre Church and Castle.
Telephone 017684 86450 www.dalemain.com
Hutton in the Forest About seven miles from Aira Force on Ullswater, is the historic home of Lord and Lady Inglewood, featuring fine furniture, tapestries, portraits, a beautiful walled garden, topiary terraces and woodland walk.
House and Garden open Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 30th April to 28 September.
Gardens, Grounds and Woodland Walks 11 - 5 daily except Saturdays, April-October. For more information:
www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk
Rheged The village in the hill is about four miles from Pooley Bridge on the road to Penrith. It has a giant cinema screen showing epic adventure movies daily, each about 45 minutes (Adrenalin Rush - the Science of Risk; Vikings - Journey to New Worlds; Africa - The Serengeti; Grand Canyon - the Hidden Secrets; Rheged - the Lost Kingdom; Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure; Everest) and also houses The Helly Hansen National Mountaineering Exhibition, local craft, food and gift shops, restaurant and children's play area. Also full programme of live music and film events. For further information visit www.rheged.com or telephone: 01768 868000
The Alpaca Centre Is about three miles from Pooley Bridge on the road to Penrith. The Centre is a working farm and has a shop selling Alpaca Wool products, also the Just Wood Gallery and a tea room. www.thealpacacentre.co.uk Telephone 01768 891440.
Crookabeck Herdwicks Crookabeck Farm Shop Farmshop at Crookabeck, Patterdale. Local wool and mohair. Rugs, knitwear, hats, scarves, socks etc. Visitors welcome, please telephone first to make appointment. 017684 82742
Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre With their collection of eagles, falcons, hawks and owls from around the world is about five miles from Pooley Bridge on the Askham Road. Telephone 01931 712746.
