Located near Windermere, the Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre offers a hands on experience of traditional Cumbrian farming. You can meet the animals, watch fascinating live demonstrations such as sheep shearing and sheepdog displays, and learn how farming has shaped life in the Lake District through the generations.
There are also several experience options available for visitors who would like to get even closer to farm life and try something new. You can view all the options on their website.
The centre includes a lovely farm shop, butcher counter and café, where you can enjoy home cooked food made with local produce while taking in beautiful countryside views.
Sizergh Castle and Garden is a magnificent stately home surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside, just a short distance from Cartmel. The Grade I listed building is cared for by The National Trust and offers visitors the chance to explore centuries of history, elegant interiors and peaceful garden walks.
You can find more information about opening times, events and visiting details on their website
A short journey from the farm, Low Sizergh Barn is a much loved stop for visitors and locals alike. Set in a 17th century barn, it is home to a delightful farm shop, craft and gift galleries and a tearoom serving homemade cakes, lunches and local produce.
One of its unique highlights is the chance to watch the cows being milked from the viewing gallery while you enjoy something tasty from the tearoom menu. The farm also has a lovely walking trail that winds through the surrounding countryside, offering a true taste of rural life.
Only a ten minute drive from the farm , Windermere Lake is one of the most famous and breathtaking sights in the Lake District. Stretching 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and reaching depths of 220 feet, it is the largest natural lake in England.
At the southern tip near Newby Bridge, you can follow the signs to Windermere Lake Cruises and hop aboard a boat to explore the water and enjoy the stunning scenery from a new perspective. Whether you choose a short trip or a full lake cruise, it is a peaceful and memorable way to experience the beauty of the Lakes.
Located right in the Cartmel Racecourse car park, Lakeland Segway offers a fun and adventurous way to explore the beautiful Cartmel countryside. Glide through peaceful woodland trails, enjoy views across the surrounding hills and soak up the fresh Cumbrian air as you learn to ride and steer your Segway with ease.
It is a brilliant activity for families, friends or couples looking for something a little different during their stay. Full instruction is given before you set off, and no previous experience is needed.
Pre booking is essential, and you can find all the details on their website
Just a short ten minute drive from the farm, the Predator Experience offers a truly memorable opportunity to spend an hour walking with a wolf pack in the heart of the Lakes. You will begin with a briefing, learn about how the wolves think, communicate and live together, then carefully walk with the wolves on leads through their woodland terrain. The session is limited to ages 16 and over and must be pre-booked.
You’ll be joining a small group for a personal encounter with these magnificent animals, surrounded by the natural beauty of Cumbria near Grange-over-Sands. It is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves nature, wildlife and extraordinary experiences.
Find out more and book your session at www.predatorexperience.co.uk
Meet The Horses Tour
We are delighted to offer visitors to the area an opportunity to come and meet our Friesian horses.
We are not open to the General Public but we are happy to welcome small groups to the Farm to come and find out more about what we do.
You can get up close to the horses in the stables and view those living out in the fields, you may even see some in action depending on what else is going on when you visit.
If the weather is being unkind we are happy to rearrange but are equally happy to show you around through a bit of rain as we don't melt! Please bring a pair of boots along with you as our farm is rather old and lacking in tarmac so can be a bit grubby underfoot in bad weather!
To make a reservation please email tracey@thefriesianexperience.co.uk with details of how many in your group and the date you would like to visit.
This is a 1 hour tour for up to 2 people for which we request a donation to our Sanctuary, a 'not for profit' organisation. Prices from £150 for 2 people.
Friesian Friendship Barn
Love horses? Miss that touch of a velvety nose, that distinct smell of a horse, the mesmerising sound of them munching hay and that deeply satisfying calming effect they give when you lay your hands on them or better still, give them a hug.
Our custom built 'Friesian Friendship' barn where you can book time to spend a magical, therapeutic session with your chosen Friesian. Your companion can relax under their infrared solarium whilst tucking into our homegrown haylage. You can join them for Friesian cuddles or a grooming session or sit back and relax in their company on a comfy sofa from behind our beautifully hand crafted partition. From here you can soak up the soft and infra red lighting whilst you switch off and forget about the world outside. Complementary refreshments and your choice of music all go towards helping you and your Friesian Friend (or our cute Miniature Shetland Pony) enjoy your special time together. This is a truly magical environment and in our mind the best therapy for both our horses and visitors alike.
Prices from £150 for up to 2 people.
The Friesian Yard Experience
Our 'Friesian Yard Experience' gives you 3 hours out on the yard. These have proved extremely popular for all horse lovers and no previous horse experience is necessary. This is a unique opportunity to feel welcomed and at home on a working yard where you can get involved in whatever is going on that day. You are welcome to ask questions about what we are doing with the horses and why.
This option does not include riding or carriage driving - it is best suited to those who simply want to spend time on the yard with the horses, getting to know more about their personalities, spending time grooming and watching them being worked either in the arena or out in the carriage. Its as 'hands on' as you want it to be but either way you can be assured you will be made to feel at home!
Prices from £120 per person off peak.
Please note we are a specialist Friesian Horse centre where Friesian education and wellness is at the centre of everything we do. We are not a trekking centre or riding school and do not offer riding to visitors unless part of a Customised Experience for Advanced, Regular Riders only.
Lakes Aquarium From mountain-top to Morecambe Bay the award-winning Aquarium of the Lakes takes you on an amazing voyage of discovery. More than 30 spectacular, naturally-themed habitats bring the natural history of the Lake District vividly to life. Enjoy close encounters with hundreds of amazing creatures including trout, eels, pike, perch, giant crabs, rays and many more. Come face to face with playful otters in their riverbank home, discover the mysterious life of a river after dark and take a closer look at Lakeland life in AquaQuest's educational activity centre. Then enjoy the ultimate underwater thrill as you stroll along a recreated section of Windermere's lake-bed surrounded by surrounded by gigantic carp and the amazing diving ducks.
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction can be found in Windermere. The attraction as won a number of awards and is One of the Top Ten most Popular Visitor Centres and the centre is a place for all the family young and old. Within the centre you will discover Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck and all their friends in a magical indoor recreation of Beatrix Potter classic tales, with the sights, sounds and also the smells of the countryside. You will be able to see Mrs. Tiggy-winkle in the Kitchen, go past Jeremy Fisher's Pond and even walk through Squirrel Nutkin's Old Oak Tree? Also at the centre you will be able to learn more about Beatrix Potter's life in the Hidden Beatrix Potter's presentation and video wall. Take a break in the Tailor of Gloucester Tea Rooms and then a visit to shop where you can browse and purchase top quality Beatrix Potter merchandise.
The bustling market town of Kendal is around twenty minutes from Greenbank Farm and offers a lovely mix of history, culture and shopping. Stroll through its streets lined with historic buildings, browse the independent shops and boutiques, or relax with a drink in one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Kendal is home to Kendal Museum, which features fascinating displays of local history, archaeology and natural collections. You will also find Kendal College, one of the leading colleges in the region, giving the town a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
There are several supermarkets for convenient shopping, along with a cinema, art galleries and museums, making Kendal an ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon whatever the weather.
Just a mile from Greenbank Farm the beautiful village of Cartmel is one of the Lake District’s true gems. Known for its welcoming atmosphere it is the perfect place to wander explore and unwind.
Take your time browsing the independent shops and galleries, stop for a coffee or glass of wine in one of the cosy cafés or pubs, and do not miss the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding which is handmade right here in the village. You can also enjoy a visit to Hales of Cartmel, where you will find a tempting selection of ice cream flavours including sorbets and vegan options, along with a lovely little gift shop.
Families will love the village playground, a safe and friendly spot for children to let off some energy while you take in the surroundings. There is also a wonderful vintage shop full of treasures and curiosities waiting to be discovered, perfect for a little browse before or after lunch.
Cartmel is also home to Michelin starred dining with the renowned L’Enclume and its sister restaurant Aulis, alongside relaxed spots such as Rogan & Co. For something more traditional there are plenty of local inns and eateries serving delicious Cumbrian favourites.
On race days the village comes alive with the excitement of Cartmel Races, a unique countryside event that draws visitors from far and wide. Throughout the year you will also find markets, festivals and music events that capture the true spirit of Lakeland life.
The beautiful Cartmel Priory is one of the village’s most treasured landmarks. Dating back to the 12th century it is filled with history, character and peaceful charm. Inside you will find stunning stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings and centuries of craftsmanship that tell the story of this very special place. Surrounded by ancient trees and tranquil gardens the Priory offers a quiet moment of reflection amid the bustle of village life and is well worth a visit during your stay.
Whether you are here for fine food, friendly faces or peaceful walks, Cartmel has a way of making you feel right at home, just like Greenbank does.
A lovely walk that starts right from Greenbank Farm and takes you over the fell to Grange over Sands. The route offers breathtaking 360 degree views across the surrounding countryside, taking in the hills, woodland and coastline that make this part of Cumbria so special.
You can find the route and map details on www.gps-routes.co.uk — zoom out to section 38 to spot Greenbank Farmon the map.
It is a peaceful and rewarding walk at any time of year, perfect for stretching your legs and soaking up the scenery straight from your doorstep.
South Lakes Safari Zoo About a mile out of Dalton-in-Furness is the Lake District's only zoological park, which is recognised as one of Europe's leading conservation zoos. 17 acres are home to the rarest animals on earth, who are participants in co-ordinated breeding programmes to save them from extinction in the wild. This is the only zoo in Britain to hold both Amur (above) and Sumatran Tigers, the biggest and smallest tigers left in the world. Each day David Gill or one of his assistants gives a talk on the conservation projects for the few remaining tigers left in the world. The zoo now holds all six South American Margays (left) that are in this country. The zoo plays an important role as co-ordinator for the Geoffroys Cat European Endangered Species Programme, and the Lar Gibbon European Studbook.
Windermere Steamboats & Museum is located on a former sand wharf site where, for many years, barges unloaded gravel dredged from the bed of the lake. When this operation ceased in 1975, the Windermere Nautical Trust acquired the use of the site and the Museum was built in 1976-77 with the help of The Maritime Trust and the English Tourist Board. For a great day out visit the Windermere Steamboats & Museum situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere. This Windermere attraction offers a unique and historic collection of Steam and Motor Boats. Steam Launch Trips, Shop and Refreshments. The Museum is open 10am to 5pm daily from mid-March to the first week in November
Carus Green Golf Club is renowned for many things but above all it is the friendliness of the club that keeps people coming back. As the club grows, the course improves, the facilities advance and the driving range is built, the key constant for us is that the welcome for members and visitors alike is as warm as ever. Come find out for yourself. Beautifully situated par 70 parkland course with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. At times testing with the rivers kent, mint and sprint meandering through the course, it offers challenges to every level of golfer.
Lancaster Castle has dominated the town for almost 1000 years, but installations on the hill on which it stands goes back a thousand years further, almost to the birth of Christ. The Romans built the first of at least three military forts on the site in AD79. Little is known about Lancaster until 1093 when the Norman Baron, Roger of Poitou, built a small motte and bailey castle which was replaced 50 years later by a large stone Keep which still stands today as the oldest part of the Castle. Unfortunately, the Keep is part of the Castle which cannot be visited as it forms part of HM Prison Lancaster Castle. There are many things to see including where the Lancashire Witches were tried, beautiful Gillow furniture in the Grand Jury Room, the dungeons and drop room, hanging corner and the magnificent Shire Hall with its display of heraldic shields.
Lancaster University was founded in 1964 and is one of the world's leading research-led institutions. The University offers an extensive range of degree, master's and PhD level programmes that are recognised internationally. With around 11,000 students, which include over 1,500 international students from over 100 different countries, Lancaster is a diverse and welcoming environment for study. Lancaster University is set in 250 acres of parkland.
Cartmel Racecourse sits against the backdrop of the beautiful English Lake District, where it is possible to sample national hunt racing in its most original format.
With its party crowds and funfair, Cartmel rekindles the social gathering tradition of the original steeple to steeple chases.
Cartmel only stages National Hunt (jump) racing.
The course is a sharp and narrow left handed oval. The difference from other courses is our home straight which unusually veers off and dissects the main oval. The main circuit measures just over one mile and one furlong and what is also unique to Cartmel is that the run-in (the distance from the last fence to the finish line) is known as the longest in the country at just over 4 furlongs. The steeplechase course has 6 fences; these include an open ditch and a water jump. The hurdles course has four obstacles. However, as the course is narrow around the last hurdle, it is removed during steeplechase races, and then rebuilt for hurdle events. The narrow track, sharp nature of the bends, stiff fences and undulating contours make it difficult to win from off the pace. The course is ideally suited to front running course specialists.
Holker Hall is the home of the Cavendish family who welcome visitors of all ages to one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Magnificently situated only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay. Holker Hall is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
