Things to see and do

Climb a Mountain 

You have the whole of the Lake District fells and the Pennines to choose from. The easiest to reach are Blencathra beside the A66 to Keswick, and Helvellyn, the third highest Lakeland mountain, at the end of Ullswater. If wet, Penrith has a popular indoor climbing wall at the Leisure Centre, and there are higher walls at Kendal and Keswick.

Walking

Choose between lower-level walks in the rolling Eden Valley or higher-level walks in the nearby Lake District. The extensive network of footpaths and bridleways in the Eden Valley often have superb long views to the Lake District and Pennine hills. In the Lakes, Ullswater and Haweswater are only 20 minutes away, and Keswick (which sits between Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake) is only 40 minutes away. Select walks from the many guide books or let us make suggestions.

On the doorstep, there are even four attractive circular walks from Morland of between 3 and 4 miles, described and mapped in a free guidebook.

Cycling

The Eden Valley is increasingly recognised as a paradise for cyclists with its quiet country lanes and extensive bridleways. National Cycle Route 71 passes the gate, and there are exciting cycling opportunities in every direction passing through pretty villages and beautiful countryside. The popular Lands End to John o’Groats route passes nearby in one direction, as does the C2C in another.

Croquet

There is a levelled croquet lawn in the garden with equipment available for guests, including a rulebook for those who may need a refresher on the finer points.

Fishing

You can fish for salmon and trout on the Eden (England’s second most prolific salmon river) and its tributaries, and in fishing lakes. We are grateful for the help of a fishing adviser whom you can consult about your particular requirements.

Golf

There are several golf courses in the area which welcome Pay and Play visitors, where you can enjoy spectacular views during your round, such as Penrith, Appleby and Keswick. Further away there is Silloth, which is a national-standard links course on the edge of the Solway Firth.

Pony Trekking

You can enjoy pony trekking at Park Foot Pony Trekking Centre 

Swimming

You can be brave and swim in the pool below the waterfall in the garden, and you can paddle in the beck with care. There are well-equipped indoor pools at Appleby (recommended) and Penrith Leisure Centre, and a delightful outdoor pool in summer at Askham, 5 miles away.

Tennis

There is a recently refurbished (albeit rather tight) court nearby at the Village Hall in Morland, and two at Hackthorpe (4 miles).

Spa

Have a luxurious Spa Day at the Aqua Sana in Whinfell Forest Center Parc (3 miles), from only £95.

Shopping and Sightseeing

The nearest city is Carlisle with a wide range of national shops, the cathedral and the castle, (24 miles, 35 minutes up the M6). Penrith also has a wide range of independent shops and some nice cafes. It also has Sainsburys, Morrisons, Aldi, Booths, and the Cumbrian Food Hall of local firm Cranstons (8 miles, 15 minutes). Appleby, the old county town of Westmorland, has a wonderful high street, Boroughgate, stretching from the castle at the top to the church at the bottom (7 miles, 15 minutes). Kendal also has a wide range of interesting shops, Abbott Hall Art Gallery, and the Brewery Arts Centre. Keswick is the outdoor retail centre of Europe, on the edge of Derwentwater.

Visit an Attraction

The Eden Valley is crammed with historic houses and buildings, animal attractions and other points of interest:

• Morland Church
• Dalemain (country house)
• Ullswater Steamers
• Hutton-in-the-Forest (country house)
• Eden Valley Railway
• Acorn Bank House & Garden (National Trust)
• The Alpaca Centre
• Lowther Castle
• Rheged Visitor Centre (films, shops, play areas)
• King Arthur’s Round Table
• Mayburgh Henge
• Eden Millennium Monument

By Car

Morland is on the edge of the Lake District, and the nearest lake is Ullswater, 11 miles (20 minutes) through Lowther Park. Keswick, the main town in the Lakes, is 23 miles (40 minutes) along the A66. A comfortable tour of the Lakes would include Ullswater, Windermere, Rydal Water, Grasmere, Derwentwater, and possibly Bassenthwaite and Thirlmere. Several fells are easily accessible - for example, Blencathra on the way to Keswick, and Helvellyn at the end of
Ullswater.

From Morland it is also easy to get south to the Yorkshire Dales and Kendal, and north to Hadrians Wall, Carlisle and the Solway Coast. Cross Fell, the highest of the Pennines, can be seen to the east, and the dramatic road to Alston, England’s highest market town (23 miles) is also a good day out.

Attractive local towns include Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedbergh and Cockermouth.

Image credits: Andrew Bowden, Peer Lawther, Gary Robson, Lynn Rainard