Gold, yellow, orange, amber, burgundy, russet, scarlet, crimson, aubergine, purple, plum, pink, magenta – the splendour of autumn is its colour as memories of summer fade and winter is still a snowflake away … Maple tree in Ambleside Autumn in the Lake District is one of the best times to...

Abbot Hall is a slightly hidden gem, just off the main street in Kendal, an attractive Cumbrian town on the edge of the Lake District in north west England. It’s a provincial art gallery with a metropolitan vibe, a Georgian house with a contemporary ambiance and  it recently came alive to the...

It was the morning after the night before, and everyone was looking surprisingly chipper. Breakfast was on the table and people were helping themselves to bacon and eggs, cereal, toast, coffee and juice – with an aspirin or two for those feeling a tad fragile. My son and his girlfriend...

It’s a real pleasure listening to people talk about their passions. They become animated, articulate and  engaging. Their enthusiasm is infectious and can be a catalyst for change. In recent weeks I have been chatting to a number of people closely linked to the cultural scene in Cumbria and each person...

“Why do you visit the Lake District?”  When asked that question, there are a variety of responses, the most common being to walk, enjoy the scenery, eat good food, stay in a lovely hotel, have a break from work, escape the city, climb, swim, get a decent pint. What you’ll...

I’m often asked what is my favourite lake in the Lake District and I always find it difficult to say. Each stretch of water in this glorious part of the world, from northern Bassenthwaite Lake to the justifiably popular Windermere has its own appeal. Yachts on Windermere Depending on the...

The Quaker Tapestry is a modern day masterpiece of story-telling in stitches.   Elizabeth Fry It’s also one of the largest and most significant, imaginative and collaborative community textile projects in the world. Its 77 panels made by 4,000 people from 15 countries celebrate life, people, such as famous Quakers Elizabeth...