We all know that the Lake District is a walker’s paradise and in Elterwater you’re superbly placed to start a number of routes from your own front door. Whether you choose a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition, you’ll find a good choice of books in Meadow Bank and the Garden Cottage to help you plan. To whet your appetite, the surrounding fells include Pike O’Blisco, Crinkle Crags, Rossett Pike, and the Langdale Pikes themselves; Pike O’Stickle, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark.

Ten minutes drive away, via Red Bank, or a 45 minute walk, is the famous village of Grasmere. From high on the surrounding fells—Silver Howe, Loughrigg or Helm Crag, the view of the lake is absolutely stunning. The village itself has many attractions and it is also the burial place of William Wordsworth. Wordsworth lived close to the village in Dove Cottage during the years when he wrote his best and most famous poetry. Dove Cottage and Museum are open to the public and make an interesting and enjoyable outing.

           Wainwrights Inn, Chapel Stile                                      Chapel Stile                  

When you can tear yourself away from the Britannia Inn, take a stroll along the path which runs beside the Great Langdale Beck to Chester’s Coffee Shop at Skelwith Bridge, or in the opposite direction to the little village of Chapel Stile. Here there is a larger general store and a coffee shop, not to mention another good pub, 'Wainwrights Inn'.

You’ll find a wide range of tourist information leaflets in the House and Cottage, and there is undoubtedly something for everyone in the Lakes. As well as Dove Cottage in Grasmere, our favourites include: Rydal Mount, Beatrix Potter’s Cottage, ‘Hill Top’ at Sawrey, John Ruskin’s house at Brantwood, Coniston and the old-fashioned launch trips on Lake Coniston itself, Arthur Ransome’s setting for Swallows & Amazons.

There are many excellent pubs nearby, all serving good food. Closest of course is the Britannia; ten minutes walk away is Wainwrights Inn at Chapel Stile, and by car, the Three Shires Inn at Little Langdale is recommended, as are the award winning pubs, the Queens Head at Troutbeck and the Drunken Duck at Barngates, which are a little further away.