Brackenrigg Inn ~ comfortable rooms ~ excellent-value ~
delicious food & drink ~ stunning view of Ullswater
~ 6m from M6 (J40)
 |
Activities & Attractions ~ so many things to do ...
Whether we have the pleasure of your company for a day, a week, a month or a year, you will never tire of the endless activities there are to enjoy and discoveries yet to be made on the Lake District’s best lake. The stunning surroundings offer a fantastic backdrop to the wide choice of attractions and activities to satisfy even the biggest adrenalin junkie.
Outdoor activities vary from walking and cycling to rock climbing, abseiling, sailing and much more. For those who prefer the shops and art galleries there is plenty to keep you entertained in the market towns of Penrith and Keswick and lots for the children to do at Rheged Discovery Centre.
With so many things to do, all year round, you'll never be stuck for ideas or inspiration to make your stay at Ullswater a memorable one. To help advise you on how you can spend your quality time here we have compiled a list of activities in the area, all just waiting to be enjoyed...
Aira Force
The most famous of the Lake District waterfalls, Aira Force drops an impressive 65 feet from below a stone footbridge. Surrounded by pretty woodland it provides a glimpse of a landscaped Victorian park with dramatic waterfalls, arboretum and rocks scenery. A short distance from the car park, this moderate 2 hour walk can be extended to High Force beyond or Gowbarrow fell.
Brougham Castle
Founded in the early 13thC by Robert de Vieuxpont, picturesque Brougham Castle rests near the site of a Roman fort guarding the crossing of the River Eamont. His great keep largely survives, reinforced by an impressive double gatehouse and other 14thC additions made by the powerful Clifford family, Wardens of the Marches. The castle thus became a formidable barrier to Scots invaders. Though both James l and Charles l stayed here, Brougham was in poor condition by the time of the Civil War. It was thereafter restored as a residence by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford who died here in 1676. Today, the site features an introductory exhibition, including carved stones from the nearby Roman fort. The site has good wheelchair access to entry point, toilet, shop and small exhibition. There is a wheelchair route to the castle ruins, which enables visitors to make a circuit of the site and read the interpretation panels. The keep is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a great sport for everyone to enjoy and whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a slower rider, there is an abundance of quiet lanes and off-road tracks to test your strength and enable you to explore Ullswater. Mountain bikes are permitted on the many bridle paths but not on most footpaths, which are narrow, environmentally-sensitive, unstable or dangerous for cyclists. It is advisable to research your route thoroughly before departure.
Mountain Bikes can be hired from:
St. Patrick’s Bay Boat and Bike Hire, Glenridding Phone: 017684 82393
Park Foot Caravan and Camping site ~ Phone: 017684 86309
Waterside House Camp Site ~ Phone: 017684 8633
ATK Lakeland ~ Phone: 017684 83921 or 07919 577223
Will deliver mountain bikes to hotels, cottages, etc.
Dalemain House and Historic Gardens
The fantastic Lake District historic house and gardens contains behind its Georgian facade, a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings. There has been a settlement at Dalemain since Saxon times, when a fortified Pele tower is mentioned and the present day courtyard is testimony to the defensive nature of the hamlet surrounding that tower. The Old Hall was added in the 14th century, along with another tower. In the 16th century, two projecting wings were added creating a typical Elizabethan manor house and in 1744, the impressive Georgian front was constructed to enclose an inner courtyard.
Phone: 017684 86450 Email: admin@dalemain.com
Distant Horizons
Lake District Outdoor Activities experts. Ideal for team-building events, stag/hen parties or simply to experience the challenges of the Lakes with first class supervision.
Phone: 01768 486465 Email: info@distant-horizons.co.uk
Hutton in the Forest
This ancient house was at least two hundred and fifty years old when it was bought by the family of Lord Inglewood in 1605. As well as a rich variety of architecture, furnishings and a beautiful garden, there are varied outdoor events during the summer, including the Plant and Food Fair, open air Shakespeare, Potfest in the Park and Horse Trials.
Phone: 01768 484 449 Email: info@hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk
Muncaster Castle and Gardens
The historic, haunted castle, still a lived-in family home is the jewel in the crown of this majestic setting on the Western Lake District. See the Castle in all its glory and hear from the Pennington family who have resided in the Castle since 1208, about Muncaster's colourful history and residents. Learn about Tom Fool aka Tom Skelton, court jester at Muncaster in the 16th Century with his links to Shakespeare and the ghost stories about him causing trouble today!
The Gardens, dating back to the 18th Century, are now home to one of Europe’s largest collections of Rhododendrons. The Independent Newspaper voted Muncaster No 1 in their list of the top 50 "Best Spring Days Out" and the nearby village of Ravenglass has just been voted by The Guardian newspaper as one of the "Top Ten Jewels in Britain’s Coastal Crown".
Phone: 01229 717 614 Email: info@muncaster.co.uk
Pooley Bridge
The name Pooley Bridge derives from a large pool in the River Eamont, “The Hill by the Pool”. The ‘Bridge’ part of the name was added in 1800. The water that laps these shores is home to some good shoals of fish including trout and the very rare vendace along with several other coarse fish species. This lovely village is built around a 16th Century stone bridge which crosses the River Eamont and was once a very important market town for the region before nearby Penrith took precedence in the 19th Century. At the centre of the village is the church of St. Paul’s which dates back to approximately 1868. To the North lies Dunmallard Hill where the remains of an Iron-Age fort can be found enjoying stunning views over the lake and village below.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Each of their locomotives including “River Irt”, the oldest working 15" gauge engine in the world, travel some 6000 miles per year on average, hauling trains consisting of 'breath of fresh air' open carriages, practical open-sided ones and cosy, covered saloons. That's more trains, on a longer line, than any other heritage railway in the Lake District. As you might expect with Britain's favourite view and deepest lake in the next valley, England's highest mountain at its head, Eskdale and indeed all the railway, is in the Lake District National Park, beyond the commercialism and hustle and bustle, simply surrounded by spectacular beauty. Gift shops at both ends of the line, exclusive 'Walks from Ratty' with Wainwright, cycle trails and cycle hire are also available. There’s also a new children's adventure play area at Dalegarth plus a free line guide for adult travellers and a free scratch card game for journeying kids.
Opening times vary according to season and all our facilities are open whenever we are running trains. See our timetable for details of all our trains running.
Phone: 01229 717171 Email: steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk
Rookin House Activity Centre
Rookin House is an established adventure venue and has been offering a wide variety of outdoor activities for over 20 years. Family owned and operated, Rookin House has a strong focus on both fun and safety. Reignite your passion for the outdoors and enjoy an array of activities including pony trekking and quad biking. For those with a sharp eye, archery and shooting are ready to test your skills. All of the activities (unless otherwise stated) are based on one site with Blencathra providing a spectacular Lakeland backdrop.
Whether it’s an action-packed, fun-filled day you want to enjoy, or if you simply want to experience something different then Rookin House awaits your arrival.
Phone: 01768 483 561 Email: enquiries@rookinhouse.co.uk
Sailing
Get yourself afloat amidst the stunning scenery of Ullswater at The Glenridding Sailing Centre You can experience a wide range of sailing dinghies, traditional boats, canoes or kayaks. If you are new to watersports The Glenridding Sailing Centre offers expert tuition by RYA-qualified staff in either their boats or indeed your own if it’s suitable… and floats. If you have brought your own boat to this fabulous location, or are thinking of doing so in the future, you may launch and use the facilities on the site for a small daily or weekly fee. ‘Frostbite’ sailing and canoeing options are available in the winter by special arrangement.
Phone: 01768 482 541 Email: info@glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk
The Rheged Centre
As a small, family-run business Rheged offers a continual source of exciting events from 3D films, arts and crafts and soft play areas for children as well as fascinating art exhibitions for adults such as the popular Wainwrights in Colour. Within easy reach, its facilities can be found just 5 minutes drive away. Phone: 01768 868 000 Email: enquiries@reghed.com
Trike Tours
If it’s something totally unique you are after then why not try a Trike Tour, touring the finest countryside in the North, eating up the miles in comfort riding on an amazing 3-seated trike, with its powerful 1400cc engine and being chauffeured by a knowledgeable local rider/guide. Enjoy mile upon mile of stunning scenery, covering on average over 140 miles on a 4 hour tour and over 250 miles on a full day tour.
On board you can benefit from a radio/CD a 12GB music system with 100s of tracks from Beethoven to Black Sabbath, plus an attachment for your iPod so you can listen to your favourite music, which is piped in stereo through our helmet intercom system and also enables you to talk to each other and your driver as he points out local places of interest.
With prices starting from £25 pp and tours running direct from the Brackenrigg Inn, there really is something to suit all budgets.
Phone: 01388 488191 OR 07787 816017 Email: triketoursuk@aol.com
Ullswater Steamers
This award winning Lake District attraction has recently celebrated their 150th year sailing on England’s most beautiful lake. With four vessels currently in operation: ‘Lady of the Lake’ originally launched in 1877 and ‘Raven’ in 1889. ‘Lady Dorothy’ was launched in 2001 and ‘Lady Wakefield’ in 2007. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ create the perfect opportunity to combine a lake cruise with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the Lake District.
With miles of bridleways linked by ‘Steamer’ routes there are so many opportunities for exploring the area ... or simply relax on board and enjoy the glory of nature through the seasons. In an effort to bring our guests the best deals possible the Brackenrigg Inn carries 10% privilege cards to this popular attraction for all our customers.
Phone: 01768 482 229 Email: hello@ullswater-steamers.co.uk
Walking
Walkers are spoiled for choice around Ullswater. There are literally hundreds of footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes, (riverside, lakeside, woodland, valley and mountain), to suit all levels of enthusiasm and ability. We must advise that you should always be adequately dressed, equipped & prepared for your walk, and, if going onto the fells, check these dedicated weather forecasts for walkers ~
Mountain Weather Info Service, Weatherline on 017687 75757 ~ Met Office Lake District
If is it just a quick breath of fresh air you fancy then take the short minor road as you turn right out of the Inn. As you climb simply find a stop to take in the beautiful view.
And if it all seems just a little too much then why not simply relax and idle away your time with us? Watch the world go by and unwind in the warmth of The Brackenrigg Inn and the tranquillity of your surroundings. Enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking Ullswater or indulge in our locally-sourced & home-cooked cuisine by the warmth of our open fire and laugh with family and friends... what could be more relaxing?
The most famous of the Lake District waterfalls, Aira Force drops an impressive 65 feet from below a stone footbridge. Surrounded by pretty woodland it provides a glimpse of a landscaped Victorian park with dramatic waterfalls, arboretum and rocks scenery. A short distance from the car park, this moderate 2 hour walk can be extended to High Force beyond or Gowbarrow fell.
Brougham Castle
Founded in the early 13thC by Robert de Vieuxpont, picturesque Brougham Castle rests near the site of a Roman fort guarding the crossing of the River Eamont. His great keep largely survives, reinforced by an impressive double gatehouse and other 14thC additions made by the powerful Clifford family, Wardens of the Marches. The castle thus became a formidable barrier to Scots invaders. Though both James l and Charles l stayed here, Brougham was in poor condition by the time of the Civil War. It was thereafter restored as a residence by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford who died here in 1676. Today, the site features an introductory exhibition, including carved stones from the nearby Roman fort. The site has good wheelchair access to entry point, toilet, shop and small exhibition. There is a wheelchair route to the castle ruins, which enables visitors to make a circuit of the site and read the interpretation panels. The keep is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a great sport for everyone to enjoy and whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a slower rider, there is an abundance of quiet lanes and off-road tracks to test your strength and enable you to explore Ullswater. Mountain bikes are permitted on the many bridle paths but not on most footpaths, which are narrow, environmentally-sensitive, unstable or dangerous for cyclists. It is advisable to research your route thoroughly before departure.
Mountain Bikes can be hired from:
St. Patrick’s Bay Boat and Bike Hire, Glenridding Phone: 017684 82393
Park Foot Caravan and Camping site ~ Phone: 017684 86309
Waterside House Camp Site ~ Phone: 017684 8633
ATK Lakeland ~ Phone: 017684 83921 or 07919 577223
Will deliver mountain bikes to hotels, cottages, etc.
Dalemain House and Historic Gardens
The fantastic Lake District historic house and gardens contains behind its Georgian facade, a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings. There has been a settlement at Dalemain since Saxon times, when a fortified Pele tower is mentioned and the present day courtyard is testimony to the defensive nature of the hamlet surrounding that tower. The Old Hall was added in the 14th century, along with another tower. In the 16th century, two projecting wings were added creating a typical Elizabethan manor house and in 1744, the impressive Georgian front was constructed to enclose an inner courtyard.
Phone: 017684 86450 Email: admin@dalemain.com
Distant Horizons
Lake District Outdoor Activities experts. Ideal for team-building events, stag/hen parties or simply to experience the challenges of the Lakes with first class supervision.
Phone: 01768 486465 Email: info@distant-horizons.co.uk
Hutton in the Forest
This ancient house was at least two hundred and fifty years old when it was bought by the family of Lord Inglewood in 1605. As well as a rich variety of architecture, furnishings and a beautiful garden, there are varied outdoor events during the summer, including the Plant and Food Fair, open air Shakespeare, Potfest in the Park and Horse Trials.
Phone: 01768 484 449 Email: info@hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk
Muncaster Castle and Gardens
The historic, haunted castle, still a lived-in family home is the jewel in the crown of this majestic setting on the Western Lake District. See the Castle in all its glory and hear from the Pennington family who have resided in the Castle since 1208, about Muncaster's colourful history and residents. Learn about Tom Fool aka Tom Skelton, court jester at Muncaster in the 16th Century with his links to Shakespeare and the ghost stories about him causing trouble today!
The Gardens, dating back to the 18th Century, are now home to one of Europe’s largest collections of Rhododendrons. The Independent Newspaper voted Muncaster No 1 in their list of the top 50 "Best Spring Days Out" and the nearby village of Ravenglass has just been voted by The Guardian newspaper as one of the "Top Ten Jewels in Britain’s Coastal Crown".
Phone: 01229 717 614 Email: info@muncaster.co.uk
Pooley Bridge
The name Pooley Bridge derives from a large pool in the River Eamont, “The Hill by the Pool”. The ‘Bridge’ part of the name was added in 1800. The water that laps these shores is home to some good shoals of fish including trout and the very rare vendace along with several other coarse fish species. This lovely village is built around a 16th Century stone bridge which crosses the River Eamont and was once a very important market town for the region before nearby Penrith took precedence in the 19th Century. At the centre of the village is the church of St. Paul’s which dates back to approximately 1868. To the North lies Dunmallard Hill where the remains of an Iron-Age fort can be found enjoying stunning views over the lake and village below.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Each of their locomotives including “River Irt”, the oldest working 15" gauge engine in the world, travel some 6000 miles per year on average, hauling trains consisting of 'breath of fresh air' open carriages, practical open-sided ones and cosy, covered saloons. That's more trains, on a longer line, than any other heritage railway in the Lake District. As you might expect with Britain's favourite view and deepest lake in the next valley, England's highest mountain at its head, Eskdale and indeed all the railway, is in the Lake District National Park, beyond the commercialism and hustle and bustle, simply surrounded by spectacular beauty. Gift shops at both ends of the line, exclusive 'Walks from Ratty' with Wainwright, cycle trails and cycle hire are also available. There’s also a new children's adventure play area at Dalegarth plus a free line guide for adult travellers and a free scratch card game for journeying kids.
Opening times vary according to season and all our facilities are open whenever we are running trains. See our timetable for details of all our trains running.
Phone: 01229 717171 Email: steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk
Rookin House Activity Centre
Rookin House is an established adventure venue and has been offering a wide variety of outdoor activities for over 20 years. Family owned and operated, Rookin House has a strong focus on both fun and safety. Reignite your passion for the outdoors and enjoy an array of activities including pony trekking and quad biking. For those with a sharp eye, archery and shooting are ready to test your skills. All of the activities (unless otherwise stated) are based on one site with Blencathra providing a spectacular Lakeland backdrop.
Whether it’s an action-packed, fun-filled day you want to enjoy, or if you simply want to experience something different then Rookin House awaits your arrival.
Phone: 01768 483 561 Email: enquiries@rookinhouse.co.uk
Sailing
Get yourself afloat amidst the stunning scenery of Ullswater at The Glenridding Sailing Centre You can experience a wide range of sailing dinghies, traditional boats, canoes or kayaks. If you are new to watersports The Glenridding Sailing Centre offers expert tuition by RYA-qualified staff in either their boats or indeed your own if it’s suitable… and floats. If you have brought your own boat to this fabulous location, or are thinking of doing so in the future, you may launch and use the facilities on the site for a small daily or weekly fee. ‘Frostbite’ sailing and canoeing options are available in the winter by special arrangement.
Phone: 01768 482 541 Email: info@glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk
The Rheged Centre
As a small, family-run business Rheged offers a continual source of exciting events from 3D films, arts and crafts and soft play areas for children as well as fascinating art exhibitions for adults such as the popular Wainwrights in Colour. Within easy reach, its facilities can be found just 5 minutes drive away. Phone: 01768 868 000 Email: enquiries@reghed.com
Trike Tours
If it’s something totally unique you are after then why not try a Trike Tour, touring the finest countryside in the North, eating up the miles in comfort riding on an amazing 3-seated trike, with its powerful 1400cc engine and being chauffeured by a knowledgeable local rider/guide. Enjoy mile upon mile of stunning scenery, covering on average over 140 miles on a 4 hour tour and over 250 miles on a full day tour.
On board you can benefit from a radio/CD a 12GB music system with 100s of tracks from Beethoven to Black Sabbath, plus an attachment for your iPod so you can listen to your favourite music, which is piped in stereo through our helmet intercom system and also enables you to talk to each other and your driver as he points out local places of interest.
With prices starting from £25 pp and tours running direct from the Brackenrigg Inn, there really is something to suit all budgets.
Phone: 01388 488191 OR 07787 816017 Email: triketoursuk@aol.com
Ullswater Steamers
This award winning Lake District attraction has recently celebrated their 150th year sailing on England’s most beautiful lake. With four vessels currently in operation: ‘Lady of the Lake’ originally launched in 1877 and ‘Raven’ in 1889. ‘Lady Dorothy’ was launched in 2001 and ‘Lady Wakefield’ in 2007. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ create the perfect opportunity to combine a lake cruise with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the Lake District.
With miles of bridleways linked by ‘Steamer’ routes there are so many opportunities for exploring the area ... or simply relax on board and enjoy the glory of nature through the seasons. In an effort to bring our guests the best deals possible the Brackenrigg Inn carries 10% privilege cards to this popular attraction for all our customers.
Phone: 01768 482 229 Email: hello@ullswater-steamers.co.uk
Walking
Walkers are spoiled for choice around Ullswater. There are literally hundreds of footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes, (riverside, lakeside, woodland, valley and mountain), to suit all levels of enthusiasm and ability. We must advise that you should always be adequately dressed, equipped & prepared for your walk, and, if going onto the fells, check these dedicated weather forecasts for walkers ~
Mountain Weather Info Service, Weatherline on 017687 75757 ~ Met Office Lake District
If is it just a quick breath of fresh air you fancy then take the short minor road as you turn right out of the Inn. As you climb simply find a stop to take in the beautiful view.
And if it all seems just a little too much then why not simply relax and idle away your time with us? Watch the world go by and unwind in the warmth of The Brackenrigg Inn and the tranquillity of your surroundings. Enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking Ullswater or indulge in our locally-sourced & home-cooked cuisine by the warmth of our open fire and laugh with family and friends... what could be more relaxing?
