Things to do nearby Stoneygate Barn

Pardshaw is the perfect starting place to explore the Lake District. There are a variety of walks right from the front door, or Loweswater Lake is just five miles away, with Buttermere and Crummock just a mile or two beyond. The Kirkstile Inn at one end is renowned for it's great food and excellent Lakeland Ales.

The bluebells at Rannderalde (at Crummock Water)

Having visited Loweswater and Crummock Water, drive through the Newlands Valley, over Whinlatter Forest Pass to Braithwaite and then Keswick beyond. It's a lovely drive and Keswick is a busy market town (market day is Thursday and Saturday) with lots going on. Here you can go boating on the Lake, hire bikes, visit the climbing wall, take a trip to the "Cars of the Stars" Museum, the Puzzling Place or even the Pencil Museum (all good wet weather activities for kids and adults alike). Keswick also has a theatre and a cinema (which also shows World Cinema films on a Sunday afternoon throughout winter).

Ashness Bridge overlooking Derwentwater and Keswick

For more information about Keswick visit our Keswick Area Guide.

Wordsworth's House in Cockermouth

Cockermouth, the birthplace of William Wordsworth, is four miles away. William Wordsworth's home is worth a visit, as is Jennings Brewery and Museum. There are plenty of antique shops and cafes, including Merienda which holds the occasional Jazz evening. There are a variety of pubs and smaller shops (butchers, bakers etc) as well as a Sainsburys. Taste of India comes highly recommended from past guests at Stoneygate.

Ennerdale Water

In the opposite direction is Ennerdale Lake (7 miles) with its forest walks and mountain biking. You can walk right round the lake or up Pillar and the surrounding fells.

Horse Riding on Cold Fell

Just beyond Ennerdale, on Cold Fell, is Bradley's Farm which has pony trekking on the fell. Driving along the fell road and coming across the ponies apparently roaming wild is quite a sight to see.

Whitehaven at night

Cumbria's western coast is also nearby - Whitehaven is ten miles away and was once the second biggest port in Britain. The harbour area of this Georgian town has been regenerated and the Beacon is also worth a visit. There is both a Tesco and a Morrisons here, although for general high street shops go to Workington (9 miles from Orchard House) which has just had a new shopping centre built, as well as having the nearest multi-screen cinema.

St Bees beach is 14 miles away with a (seasonal) Maize Maze nearby.

Golf

Fairly close are: