Gait Barrows Nature Reserve

On your doorstep is one of Britain’s most important limestone landscapes and home to the rare Lady’s-slipper Orchid. It is also home to many species of dragonfly and damselfly.  For birdwatchers, there are Woodcock, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Bittern and Marsh Harrier. There are a number of public footpaths and three way-marked nature trails on site.

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Trowbarrow quarry

A short walk from the cottage (about 15 mins). This is a disused quarry you can walk to via Moss lane and then by a footpath through the woods alongside edge of the golf course.  It is great place of off road cycling (my children learnt to ride their bikes here) and exploring.  There are often birds of prey circling overhead.

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RSPB Leighton Moss

This is also walkable (about 20 mins) and can be accessed on foot via the footpath towards Trowbarrow Quarry and then through the golf course. This is a fabulous nature reserve where you may be lucky enough to see the elusive bittern as well as otter.  There is also a shop and café here.

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Silverdale Golf Club

This is located close to Leighton Moss RPSB and is open to non-members. There is also a bistro here which serves food.

 

Silverdale village and beach (1 mile)

We are located about 1 mile from Silverdale village. It is walkable via footpaths and small amounts of road.  The village has two pubs, both of which serve food, a Cooperative supermarket, pharmacy, Indian restaurant and café.  There is also access to a stony beach here which is great for exploring. There are sandflats along this coastline so care needs to be taken. 

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Holgates Leisure Village (1.7 miles)

This is located nearby and is open to the public. It has a lovely indoor swimming pool, café and games area.

 

Leighton Hall (2.3 miles)

A stately home with interesting gardens and a falconry display.

 

Cinderbarrow Miniature Railway (3.7 miles)

Run by a group of enthusiastic model engineers who operate a fantastic little railway running round the picnic site at Cinderbarrow, Tarn Lane, near Yealand Redmayne. The railway is open to the public for rides on Sundays and bank holidays throughout the summer, as well as a special event days. 

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Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Milnthorpe (4 miles)

This is a small wildlife park with meerkats, monkeys, reptiles and snow leopards to name a few.  There are opportunities to feed to animals and meet the reptiles with handling sessions. 

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Levens Hall (7 miles)

This is an Elizabethan manor with outstanding topiary and gardens. 

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Further afield:

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Arnside - lovely small former seaside port with beautiful pier, shops and cafes 

Grange Over Sands - nice small town on the coast with cafes, shops and a lovely walk along the front

Lake Windermere - good for swimming, boating and walking

Cartmel village - beautiful village with 12th century church, shops and cafes

Lake Coniston - good for swimming, climbing Coniston Old Man and boating

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