5 Fun, Historical Outings in the South Lakes
Our Care Professionals love taking our clients out to historical places. The Lake District is both England's largest National Park and a World Heritage Site.
Kendal Castle
Kendal Castle, located atop a hill near the centre of the town, dates back to around 1200 AD. Kendal Castle was once home to the Barons of Kendal, and most notably the Parr family, including Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife Katherine Parr. The 13th– century castle is now a ruin but is worth visiting for its fantastic views as much as for its historical significance. The short walk to the top should be manageable for people of all ages, and it’s a great spot to have a walk and an afternoon picnic.
“I love Kendal Castle. It’s a great spot to walk the dog or just walk up the hill for the views. You often bump into people you know too for a chat, as it’s a popular destination!”
– Lou, Home Instead South Lakes
Photo by Jonny Gios Photography
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s 17th Century Farmhouse
If you are a fan of Beatrix Potter, then Hill Top is certainly worth visiting! Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top with the royalties from the first of her little books, the Tale of Peter Rabbit. 100 years later, Head Gardener Pete Tasker is determined to return the tiny garden to the one which Beatrix created. This cosy 17th-century Lakeland farmhouse is filled with Beatrix’s belongings and inspired many of her beloved stories. When she died in 1943, she left Hill top to the National Trust, and it still remains a working farm. You will need to book a ticket to guarantee entry, and while parking is free, parking can fill up quickly.
Sizergh Castle & Gardens
Sizergh Castle is a beautiful medieval estate, built by the Strickland family in 1350, and later extended to become a grand Elizabethan residence. Now managed by the National Trust, the house and its expansive gardens are open to the public and is definitely worth a visit. With sprawling acres of land, full of rare wildlife, ancient trees, and amazing views, Sizergh Castle is a great place for a leisurely stroll. They also have a wonderful café with plenty of outdoor seating. This is a favourite place to visit for many of our local clients. Remember to bring your National Trust card if you are a member!
Photo by Jonny Gios Photography
Blackwell Arts and Craft House
Blackwell is a rare architectural gem, designed by architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. This Grade I listed building is one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts and Crafts architecture, and almost all its original decorative features are still visible today. This peaceful location features beautiful views over Windermere and the Coniston Hills, and visitors can spend time wandering the gardens or enjoying light refreshments in the tearoom.
Wordsworth Grasmere
Home to William Wordsworth and his family from 1799 to 1808, Dove Cottage is now part of a museum in Grasmere dedicated to Wordsworth and his life. The writer penned many of his greatest poems here and his sister, Dorothy, kept her Grasmere journal. The Cottage has been restored to an accurate depiction of what it would have been like in the early 1800s, allowing visitors to experience what it was like to live there, while the adjoining museum expands upon the story of his life. Visitors can also walk around the cottage gardens and relax in the site’s café. To guarantee a slot, it’s better to book in advance. The lovely village of Grasmere is just two minutes’ walk away, so it’s easy to combine a visit to Grasmere with a few hours at Dove Cottage.
There are so many amazing historical places here in the Lake District and we really hope you take the time to visit! It’s so important to get out and stay active in our senior years and what better place to do it than the lake District! Find out more about supported living in this area and see if Home Instead South Lakes could be right for you or your loved ones by clicking here.
