Close By
The cherry on the cake for any break away, a proper country pub. A short drive from the cottages, the George and Dragon at Clifton serves field-to-fork food from the Askham estate and is one of the friendliest pubs in the Eden Valley.
If you are thinking of eating here, which we would recommend doing at least once, it’s advisable to book at the weekend and peak season especially as they do fill up fast. Here’s a few other nice local pub suggestions too.
Staying at Rittson Cottage? The pub over the bridge at Eamont Bridge has now closed, so we’d head into Penrith and go to The Lounge, a few minutes’ drive away. Our other picks below are under a 10 minute drive. We still need to refresh this page properly now that Rittson Cottage has been added to the collection.
Just up the road in Hackthorpe, the Lowther Castle Inn is a cosy, family-friendly village pub serving homemade, comforting food made with local ingredients, with a log fire in the bar through the winter months. It’s a lovely spot to round off a day exploring Lowther Castle and its gardens, and is a short drive from the cottages. It’s open Thursday to Sunday, so do check their opening times and book ahead if you’re planning to eat.
Abbott Lodge jersey Ice Cream farm is a working dairy farm. The farm produces over 40 flavours of high quality homemade Jersey ice cream and we guarantee it will be worth the walk. In fact, the day after your walk, you’ll be driving back for more. (They do take home tubs too).
Postcode: CA10 2HD
Walk: 30 minute stroll down the country lane
Hidden away in the tiny hamlet of Melkinthorpe is one of the country’s great horticultural gems. Romanesque walls, draped with greenery, act as a backdrop for the plant displays bursting with mature stock plants. You can peruse the nurseries at a leisurely pace and choose gifts in the gift shop before taking refreshments in La Casa Verde Restaurant. With a terrace overlooking the gardens and the Pennines beyond you won’t be disappointed.
Tip: Google maps will give you a different way to walk, but here’s the local way – taking about 40 minutes each way. Take the road directly opposite Fern Cottage, on the right, you’ll see a footpath sign directing you to Melkinthorpe. It’s a bit off road it’s much more scenic.
Larch Cottage Nurseries Melkinthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DR
And if you simply enjoy going for a walk without the need for ice cream, snacks, cakes or an entire lunch at the half way point, then do take a look at the recommended walks around Great Strickland.