Calgarth Lodge | Treetop and Calgarth Lodges

New luxury holiday lodge on White Cross Bay for this season - taking bookings now!

: New for this season

: Dining area

: Comfortable sleeping for up to 4 people

: Ensuite to master bedroom

Haven’t booked your holidays, midweek break or long weekend break in the Lake District yet? Then you’ll be happy to hear that we are now advertising another luxury lodge on White Cross Bay which has full availability for 2010 …. to the same high standard as Tree Top Lodge and Calgarth Lodge 53, Calgarth Lodge 14 is another excellent, high standard and comfortable base from which to explore Cumbria, the Lakes and South Lakeland .

Offering self catering accommodation for up to 4 people with a double ensuite bedroom and a twin bedroom with an additional bathroom, Calgarth Lodge 14 is fully kitted with everything you need to give this a real home from home feeling.

White Cross Bay is midway between Windermere and Ambleside and has excellent facilities on site – including the marina and dog walking area – the lodge is dog friendly and there is no additional charge for you to bring your dog with you to Calgarth Lodges.

15 mile hike around Ambleside, Troutbeck & Windermere

: From Wansfell looking down onto Ambleside

: Top of Wansfell with spectacular view of Lake Windermere

: From Wansfell looking towards the valley where Tree Top Lodge on Limefitt Park is sited

: Giz a drink!

: Orrest head looking towards Wansfell

Saturday saw us setting off walking from Calgarth Lodge, White Cross Bay to Ambleside – from there we turned right up past the waterfalls and directly onto Wansfell – the ascent is fairly steep from this side but as we usually do it from Limefitt Park it made a nice change! We got to the top and had some glorious views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells – we really dropped on with the weather and stayed dry througout the day, getting down to our t-shirts at some points! We had great views of Tree Top Lodge (the other holiday lodge) and Limefitt Park on the way back down, it really is a great spot to holiday in Lake District and looks lovely from up high!

The descent down into Troutbeck was very gradual before climbing again up onto fell behind Limefitt Park and over onto Orrest Head again – from there we went directly into Windermere and onto Bowness for a swift pint in T’hole in Wall – Jester was being fed crisps and ham butties and had a big bowl of water and lots of attention! He hated it We then had to pull ourselves for the last couple of miles home to Calgarth Lodge – nice hot shower and we were right as rain again – til the next morning and we realised we should really have done a few more stretches before and after!! We covered 15 miles in our ’round robin’ & got some good training in for our Great Glen Way Monster Bike & Hike challenge in May!

Walking in the Lake District

: Claiffe Heights towards Far Sawrey

Sunday morning saw us venturing from Calgarth Lodge on White Cross Bay through Windermere taking the ferry over the Lake towards Hawkshead. If you take the first right turn off the ferry (it’s signposted for the National Trust Car Park) – you can walk through Claiffe Estate (Claiffe Heights) – towars Far Sawrey, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead – it’s also a fantastic spot to splash around in the Lake itself as there’s some nice stretches of ‘beach’ and is a really nice spot for a picnic! (National Trust car parks are free to members but you have to pay otherwise)

The walks themselves start a bit steep but once up top there are fantastic views of Lake Windermere. Windermere and Bowness-on Windermere – we would have walked directly from the lodge if we’d realised it was so easy (50p for foot passenger – £3.50 per car … each way) and will definitely get back over there to do some more exploring next chance we get.

A New Look for White Cross Bay Holiday Park for 2010

[

Calgarth Lodge visitors will notice the changes at White Cross Bay this year – the reception area & bar have been refurbished giving them both a more stylish & wecloming feel – the addition of the beer garden will be welcomed for those of us who enjoy a pint out in the sun (when it’s around) – & those with kids will be able to keep a close eye on them whilst enjoying an al fresco bar snack! Along with the new multi function pitch which provides a basketball court/football pitch/tennis court (though not all at the same time!) there’s something for everyone!

White Cross Bay is sited on the banks of Lake Windermere & there’s also the marina on the park to visit to watch the sailing boats & kayakers – and the dog walking area is convenient for that early morning or late afternoon short walk – you can even have a picnic on the way. Although with all there is to visit in the Lake District, particularly nearby Windermere & Ambleside, it’s difficult to know what to do first!! You might need to come to Calgarth Lodge for a week or 2 - or have a few midweek breaks or weekend breaks to cram it all in!

Dog friendly lodges in the Lake district!

After opening Tree Top Lodge (Limefitt Park) and then Calgarth Lodge (White Cross Bay) as dog friendly lodges, we have at last decided to get one of our own!! Jester is a very bouncy, good natured 5 year old German Wirehaired Pointer and he is gorgeous! We ‘rescued’ him rather than getting a puppy and he is going to make a fantastic walking companion for our visits to the Lake District – if we can keep up with him!! He has only had a day visit to the lodge so far but is looking forward to a bit more training so we can have him free running (where appropriate) with a bit more confidence that he won’t chase the sheep, and will actually come back to us every time we ask him!! We think he thought it was a giant dog kennel! Keep up to date with ‘bringing your dog’ as we will be getting some more dog friendly information soon! Jester checking out the dog walking field at Limefitt Park

Jester checking out the dog walking field at Limefitt Park

He has only had a day visit to the lodge so far but is looking forward to a bit more training so we can have him free running (where appropriate) with a bit more confidence that he won’t chase the sheep, and will actually come back to us every time we ask him!! We think he thought it was a giant dog kennel! Keep up to date with ‘bringing your dog’ as we will be getting some more dog friendly information soon! Jester checking out the lodge facilities

Jester checking out the lodge facilities

Special Offers for Midweek breaks in November

Please see the special offers pages for each lodge for up to date information on midweek break deals in November! They are not to be missed and offer excellent value for singles, couples or families to get away from it all and have a relaxing time in the Lake District – it’s autumnal, quiet and in my view, one of the best times to visit the Lakes!! And where better to enjoy a midweek break in the Lake District than a holiday lodge, in a beautiful setting close to and next to Lake Windermere. Both Calgarth Lodge and Tree Top Lodge are ideal bases from which to explore the Lakes and offer excellent self catering accommodation on White Cross Bay and Limefitt Park!

Halloween weekend in the lake district

For all of our guests visiting in the half term week and halloween weekend I’ve been looking for some spooky family entertainment for you! Brockhole Visitor Centre is offering a variety of activities over the week and Halloween weekend – the visitor centre has some great plans for offering even more free attractions to visitors to the lake district – and we’re lucky enough to have Calgarth Lodge which is only a stones throw away from it all and Tree Top Lodge which is about 2 stones throw away!! Dogs are welcome too! Skills for the Hills Saturday 24 October: £5 Booking advisable 0845 272 0004 Halloween Hoot Monday 26 October: £3 Booking advisable 0845 272 0004 Adventure out this Halloween Tuesday 27 and Saturday 31 October: Free Adventure and Discovery in the Garden Wednesday 28 October: Free Booking advisable 0845 272 0004 Art Adventure at Brockhole Thursday 29 October: £4 Booking advisable 0845 272 0004 ‘Muncaster Castle – dare you visit Britain’s most haunted Castle this Halloween? Experience the castle at night and learn about its spooky history. Ghost tours of this famously haunted castle are available for pre booking every evening. (These are sold as a Ghost tour and all inclusive entry ticket of your choice; Children in fancy dress get free entry and only pay for the Ghost tour) Dare to enter the Ghostly Grotto! Daily children’s activites include face painting, the Mysterious magic show and spooky talks on Halloween stories and traditions. Darkest Muncaster illuminations each evening, from dusk until 9pm, with a Halloween themed light and sound show on the front of the castle. Not to be missed, two incredible fire shows with special guest ‘Juggling Inferno’ every evening! For that extra bit of adrenaline try one of the optional Scary Garden walks, into an unlit area of Muncaster! These will be available for purchase every night on a first come basis (sorry no pre booking), parental guidance recommended for those of a nervous disposition! Admission to the Darkest Muncaster illuminations is included in the day ticket price, valid on day of purchase only. Cafe and shop open until 8pm daily. Castle, Gardens, Owl Centre and Maze including Darkest Muncaster illuminations and a Ghost Tour (at a pre booked allocated time) £16 per Adult/£5.50 per child in fancy dress Darkest Muncaster Illuminations and a Ghost Tour (at a pre booked allocated time) £11.50 per Adult/£5.50 per child in fancy dress. Please note this option is valid for entry to Muncaster from 4pm onwards – For earlier admission an upgrade will be charged.’ Sounds like a great day/evening out! From Calgarth Lodge on White Cross Bay, Windermere it should take just under an hour to get there (about 35 miles) – going into Ambleside and then picking up the A5095 towards Coniston – then the A593 towards Coniston/Hawkshead – get onto the A595 towards Whitehaven and you’ll happen upon Muncaster. You may want to get on their site and use the sat nav!!

Self catering accommodation is still available at Calgarth Lodge, White Cross Bay, Windermere for the halloween weekend!!

Powerboat Speed Record Attempts – Coniston Water, Lake District

I have just found out about the Powerboat Speed Record Attempts (Coniston Boating Center, Coniston) and wondered how many other people out there don’t actually know that there is such an annual event held in the lake district each year! It promises to be an adrenalin filled week with lots of competitors looking to beat records over a 1km course – bringing a bit of history to life! It’s taking place over – Monday, 02 November to Friday, 06 November and you can even apply to compete if you’re brave enough (and lucky enough to own a powerboat obviously!) Don’t think our inflatable kayak would fit the bill somehow!! Calgarth Lodge is still available for this midweek break so if it appeals to you it’s self catering accommodation only a short drive from White Cross Bay!

Rave Reviews of White Cross Bay

Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre

: The view from the terrace

: Part of the Adventure Playground at Lake District Visitor Centre

: The gardens reach down to the shore of Lake Windermere

: This is only part of the playground – there’s swings and a zipwire too!

This is a picture of the view that we had on Saturday whilst having a bite to eat at the very reasonably priced cafe at Brockhole. Had the most huge slice of apple pie and cream which was £2.25 and they do a good variety of snacks, cakes and meals – and a proper clotted cream tea! Yum! The Lake District Visitor Centre (which I think is it’s official title) is about a 10 minute walk from the entrance of White Cross Bay and is roughly a 10 minute drive from Limefitt Park – and it’s free (apart from a parking charge). We were staying at Tree Top Lodge on Limefitt and we walked down via Troutbeck village (you walk up the hill to the post office, turn left and then follow fork to Windermere and turn right at the bottom of the road towards WXB – takes between half hour and an hour dependent on who’s there) – spent a good 3 hours at Brockhole eating, wandering around the beautiful gardens and using up some excess energy at the Adventure Playground! Chris then took his lad swimming at White Cross Bay whilst I attempted to walk off afore mentioned apple pie with a swift walk back to Tree Top Lodge, Limefitt Park to get the car and the kayak – for our next adventure of the day!!

Treetop and Calgarth Lodges

Recent Posts

Categories

Recent Comments

Archives

Local Information