Abbott Moss sits on the private Lazonby Estate which runs between Lazonby and Armathwaite in the gloriously unspoiled Eden Valley. This is the base from which to explore the very best that Cumbria offers the visitor.  We are blessed with a plethora of independent shops, markets, restaurants, pubs, inns and tearooms which are all on the doorstep. Castles, Country Houses and the glorious Northern Lakes are just a short drive away. Inspired by the Cumbrian landscape, the Eden Valley is home to artists, illustrators and potters. Many of them open their studios to the public during the Open Studios and Art Trail every year..

 

For the historians, you can visit Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site and immerse yourself in the life of the Roman Legionary…

 

Although you will find your own little corner of Eden, here are some of our favourites and recommendations.

 

CASTLES AND COUNTRY HOUSES

Lowther https://lowthercastle.org/

“As you set out to visit Lowther Castle, we would like to make a few suggestions. Bring your children, bring your grandchildren. Bring friends and bring dogs (on leads). Dress sensibly, wear stout footwear and outdoor clothing and big smiles and expect to stay a while”  At Lowther there are gardens to explore, an Adventure Playground to challenge the young and the “young at heart”, and a café that serves the most delicious food.

 

Hutton in the Forest https://hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk/  

The hall is open to the public and hosts many special events throughout the year including the Potfest (see under Art), Plant and food fairs, open air Shakespeare and vintage cars.

 

Dalemain https://www.dalemain.com/

Set among five acres of gardens, Dalemain is the home to the world famous Marmalade Festival. https://www.dalemain.com/marmalade-festival/ You can sample some of the award winning preserves in the Medieval Tea Room.

 

FOOD – Trying and Buying!

Orton Farmers Market http://www.ortonfarmers.co.uk/

Held on the second Saturday of the month, over 25 local farmers and artisan craftsmen offer local produce.

 

Our local butcher is Cranstons https://cranstons.net/ - started by Stanley Cranston in 1914, the foodhall in Penrith is well worth a visit. If you do fall in love with their Cumberland sausage, you can now buy on line!

 

Although there is a pub in every village (sometimes two or three), we can recommend the Fox and Pheasant in Armathwaite https://www.foxandpheasantarmathwaite.co.uk/ and The George and Dragon at Clifton https://georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk/

​

DAYS OUT

Hadrians Wall  https://hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/

Within a 40 minute drive from Abbot Moss, you can visit forts, roman “towns” and museums or just walk along the National Trail – an 84 mile pathway right across country from Cumbria to Northumberland.

 

The Northern Lakes are considerably more peaceful and less crowded than the ones to the south of the National Park.  Your closest is Ullswater where you can catch the steamer across the lake https://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/. Derwentwater with the pretty town of Keswick is only half an hour away https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-go/explore-derwent-water-and-keswick; Wastwater is perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all the lakes and is surrounded by mountains – Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike.

 

The Settle Carlisle Railway https://settle-carlisle.co.uk/ has a station in Lazonby Village. Take the train up to the border city of Carlisle https://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/  - a World Heritage Site, Carlisle offers much to the visitor with its splendid Castle and Cathedral.

 

If you are happy to stay closer to home,  then the outdoor pool at Lazonby https://www.lazonbypool.co.uk/ is open during the school holidays.

 

 

ARTISTS AND GALLERIES

Rheged  https://rheged.com/

As we can’t guarantee wall to wall sunshine in Cumbria, and there is the occasional rainy day, Rheged has some quirky shops, a food hall, cinema, and restaurant. The grass-roofed heritage centre has been built in a former quarry.

 

There are two annual pottery festivals in the Eden Valley – both attracting dozens of artists from around the world. The Potfest in the Park at Hutton in the Forest https://potfest.co.uk/in-the-park  and the Potfest in the Pens which is held in the cattle market pens in Penrith  https://potfest.co.uk/inthepens

 

The Up-Front Gallery https://up-front.com/ is a charming gallery which has live music and a Puppet Theatre.

 

If you are in luck then you will catch the annual Artist Open Studios and Art Trail https://evanevents.co.uk/event/open-studios-and-art-trail/ where you can see the craftsmen at work and buy some of their art.

 

FISHING

Paid Trout and Salmon fishing can be organised through the Lazonby Estate Office.