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The Lakes Distillery

The Lake District exudes magic and inspiration from all corners of its landscape. A landscape that cast a spell on the whisky makers at the Lakes Distillery, as they continue to take inspiration from the World Heritage site where the distillery stands today.

Built within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent, the magnificent surroundings of the Northern Lakes inspire the artistic essence of exceptional whiskies, gins and vodka created here.

Get a behind the scenes glimpse of the working, state-of-the-art distillery on a guided tour, and learn where the Whiskymaker’s holistic approach comes to life. An in-depth whisky focused tour takes you on an intimate journey through the stillroom and maturation processes. You’ll learn about each step of the whisky-making process, and more importantly, have the opportunity to sample the Lakes Single Malt and other Lakes spirits.

Alpacally Ever After

It’s not however simply the spirits that draw people here, but also the Alpacally Ever After herd that graze on-site at the distillery. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the Alpacas every weekend, hand-feed the friendly herd, and take photos to your heart’s content.

If you’re fancying a bite to eat yourself, then the Bistro at the Distillery will be waiting to give you a warm welcome. Set within idyllic surroundings, the Bistro offers Coffee and cake, a leisurely lunch, or even an indulgent afternoon tea. There’s something for everybody.

Dine al-fresco when the sun is shining and take advantage of the beautiful courtyard or stunning garden space outside. The perfect place to eat, drink and relax at the end of your day.

Explore our North Lakes Cottages.

Hawkshead Brewery

Butter Beer at the Brewery

Hawkshead Brewery started life in 2002 as a small barn on the outskirts of the village of Hawkshead. And in 2006, the brewery saw a new lease of life, relocating beside the River Kent at Staveley.

The Brewery has left its second hand 7 barrel kit behind, and now boasts a beautiful beer hall and 20 barrel brewhouse, producing 7,700 barrels of beer (1.1 million litres) per year at full capacity!
So, there’s plenty of beer to keep your glass full.

The rise of Hawkshead certainly hasn’t diminished their hands-on and passionate approach to brewing, something you’ll become fully aware of when taking your first gulp of beer.
The majority of what the brewery produces here is a particularly British speciality – ‘real ale’. Something you’ll become even more familiar with when taking part in the daily Brewery tour at Hawkshead.

Grab some food in the beer hall beforehand, then head off on a 45-minute tour. Not only will you get an insight into everything that goes on behind the scenes at the brewery, but you’ll be treated to a pint (or two halves) to reward you at the end.

If you’re lucky enough to be at the Brewery at the end of March or July, you can enjoy one of the amazing beer festivals that take place here. They’re really a fantastic affair, especially when the sun shines!

In summer, the majority of the Mill Yard is engulfed by the festival, live music, great beer and fantastic food fills the air for the entirety of the day. A fun-filled family affair, kids, couples, families, friends…everybody’s welcome!

Book a cottage near Staveley.

Grasmere Gingerbread

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Quite simply the best gingerbread in the world!

Tens of thousands of people visit the Grasmere shop every year to indulge in some delicious Gingerbread, and to learn about its fascinating history that stretches back over three centuries.
And of those people, there’s been plenty of famous faces amongst them. Tom Cruise, Jamie Oliver and David Dimbleby are just to name a few. And perhaps the next famous face to visit will be yours?

The unique, spicy-sweet delight was invented in 1854 by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson, who built a reputation that spread quickly to food lovers around the world.

Today, third-generation owners Joanne and Andrew Hunter run the business and continue to fill the air with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread which greets you as you enter.
However, it isn’t just Gingerbread that welcomes you into the Grasmere shop, an array of other sweet treats awaits your arrival. The Grasmere Gingerbread shop sells its own award-winning rum butter, as well as toffee’s, fudge, chocolates and so much more!

So fill your boots, there’s plenty to get stuck into!

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Chocolate Factory Hawkshead

Chocolate Frog Treats

Don’t fancy taking the risk with a Bertie Botts every flavour bean? We don’t blame you! How does a Chocolate frog sound instead? Head over to the Chocolate Factory Hawkshead to make some of your own!

As you enter, you’ll be greeted by an exhibition of mouth-watering chocolate and fudge to get you in the mood. And if that doesn’t quite do the trick, we’re sure the chocolate fountain will.
Time to make the magic happen…

Embark on a chocolate making masterclass and indulge in an interactive experience for children and families that will un-doubtably be the highlight of your trip.

You’ll have the chance to design your own chocolate bars and favourite plastic shape creations, decorating everything along the way. You can even get your face painted…in chocolate of course! And if you’re lucky, you might get to guzzle some liquid chocolate straight from the tap.

Everything you make you can take home with you, so make sure to keep your creations safe inside your Lakelovers bag…we don’t want any chocolate frogs hopping out!

The chocolate factory Hawkshead is the perfect spot for a sweet afternoon of fun. Time to make some magical (and very messy) memories in the lovely Lake District.

Check out our family-friendly Hawkshead cottages

Discover the magical Lake District.