Jetsettersblog

Washington State Tourism, in partnership with Northwest Heritage Resources and The Cascade Loop Association, has released of the Cascade Loop Heritage Tour — South Guide, a project partially funded by a grant from the Washington State Tourism Commission.

The 50-page printed guide includes a two-disc audio driving tour of the southern section of Washington’s Cascade Loop Scenic Highway.

The guide focuses on the southern section of Washington’s Cascade Loop along U.S. Route 2, beginning on the shores of the Puget Sound in Mukilteo and Everett, through the Cascade foothills and the Bavarian town of Leavenworth and ending along the shores of the Columbia River between Wenatchee and Entiat.

The accompanying two-disc audio track features traditional music and narratives from local residents.

The printed book and CD guide can be ordered online for $17.95, and an MP3 audio version is available for $15.

To order the guide, visit www.cascadeloop.com

For general Washington information, call 800-544-1800

or visit www.experiencewa.com

Specialist Croatia tour operator `Hidden Croatia’ has come up with its pick of the top self catering villas and apartments in Croatia, from family waterside villas with pools, to rural houses in close proximity to the country’s excellent value restaurants and unspoilt countryside.

Waterfront villa on Croatia’s wine growing peninsula
Right above the waterfront, a 2 minute walk from a tiny local hamlet on Croatia’s charming, sun-baked Peljesac peninsula, 90 minutes south of Dubrovnik, is Villa Silencia, a modern stone villa with large pool, set above the channel that separates the peninsula from the island of Korcula.

The family sized villa has with a lovely private swimming pool and accommodation for up to 6 guests, available for a week’s rental from £1272, or £385 per person with return flights into Dubrovnik and transfers, based on 6 sharing. Hidden Croatia, 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Rural new villa on the island of Brac

Villa Kolachie is a new villa on the enchanting Croatian island of Brac in a magnificent hilltop position, with commanding sea views.

The house, which has its own swimming pool, large covered terrace and garden sits comfortably in an old stone built village of just 200 people and there’s a local grocery 300m from the house.

Brac island is known for all the good things in life, such as fishing, good wine, olive oil, figs, nectarines and is one of the sunniest in the Adriatic, with an average of 2,700 hours of sunshine. Villa Kolachie is available for a week’s rental for up to 6 guests from £1956 through Hidden Croatia, or £495 with flights and transfers for 6 sharing, tel 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Villa with pool, 15kms from Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian coast
Villa Pepe is the blueprint for a villa that has everything.

It has a path down to the seashore for sea-swimming, a lovely terrace, stylish décor, a freeform pool, views of the Elaphiti islands and the Adriatic, and a seaside location just 15km from Dubrovnik.

Villa Pepe is in the charming village of Trsteno, with just a handful of houses and villas and one of the oldest botanical gardens and arboretums in Europe and can be rented for a week from £1896, or £489 per person for 6 sharing, with flights and transfers. Hidden Croatia, 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Rural stone villa with pool, ideal for foodies

The stone and shuttered Walnut House, set amid rolling hills in the tiny hamlet of Ruzici on the Istrian peninsula is a lovely, rustic, rural villa that is spot on for foodies.

It’s a short drive to the hilltop town of Gracisce, for some of the best prosciutto and cheese in Istria, 5 minutes from the lively coastal town of Rabac with its restaurants, bars and blue flag beaches, and one of the best restaurants in the area, Restaurant Pineta, is just 2kms away.

The house is fully air-conditioned, well equipped and has a lovely swimming pool in its shady garden and accommodation for up to 4 guests. A week’s rental through Hidden Croatia (0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com ) costs from just £984, or £415 for 4 sharing, with flights to Pula and transfers.

Sea-side apartments with pool, from £299

Self-catering in Croatia offers exceptionally good value, as do the supermarkets, restaurants and cafes on Croatia’s coast and islands. The air-conditioned 3* Lina Apartments on the Croatian island of Korcula each have a seaside terrace or balcony and shared pool, water-ports, dive centre and restaurant and are close to a 200m stretch of golden sand. A week’s stay, with flights and transfers, costs from £299 per person, available through Hidden Croatia, (0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com ), based on 4 sharing.

Hidden Croatia reservations 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

The Retreat, located in Northern Selous, Tanzania, is a rustic and romantic honeymoon choice for couples looking to make their trip of a lifetime extra special.

Not only do they offer firm favourites done to perfection such as indulgent dining, couple’s spa pampering and game adventures, but The Retreat goes above and beyond expectations.

Couples can spend the night in a secret love nest, go deep in the bush and fly camp and set out on adventures with a difference where they meditate with the sounds of the bush and learn to laugh with the hippos.

The Retreat offers twelve exquisite suites that lie in total seclusion seven hours away from the nearest camp in The Selous Game Reserve.

The reserve is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa and is one of the last remaining areas where nature remains virtually undisturbed.

The beautiful tented suites are mounted on raised teak wood platforms and each comes with its own private deck and outdoor bath allowing couples to savour their own experience of the surrounding wilderness.

Each suite uses natural materials including silk mosquito nets and curtains and locally sourced crafts creating the ultimate feeling of laid back luxury.

The canvas interiors are handmade to reflect the stars of the African sky so couples feel romanticised by their surroundings whether inside or out.

The Lion River Suite is ideal for honeymooners with its own dining room, plunge pool and secluded chill out zone with designer rattan loungers. Here couples can enjoy a sumptuous private sunset dinner while game simply strolls by.

The Retreat provides the perfect setting for honeymooners with its very own ‘tree top love nest’ under the roof of a huge evergreen tree.

Located four metres above ground, the love nest has a spectacular view onto the Great Ruaha River and is located just above a hippo path. Separated from the wilderness by only a silk mosquito net, the love nest comes complete with its own bathroom, shower and small dining area and offers a night’s accommodation that couples will never forget.

This is the perfect spot for guests to soak up and experience the thrill of the African bush.

For those that want to sleep under the stars and experience unrivalled closeness to nature,

The Retreat offers the romantic and thrilling experience of ‘fly camping’. A nomadic tent is set up in a secluded part of the bush and an open fire is lit creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere. Couples can enjoy a private bush dinner, cooked fresh by their own chef and served by their very own bush butler.

Game drives deep into the African bush, safari walks, boat excursions on the Great Ruaha River, fishing and spa treatments are among the choice of activities offered at the Retreat and guests can choose two complimentary activities per day.

Honeymooners can also take part in activities such as ‘Bush Walking with Meditation’, ‘Painting the Sound of the Bush’ and ‘Laughing with the Hippos`. The service concept of The Retreat is to capture every guest’s individual needs and wishes and to create a tailor made journey with many unexpected surprises and added values. As well as accommodating lion, African hunting dog, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope and hippo, the Selous is home to the largest number of elephants in a single park anywhere in the world, and the highly endangered black rhino can be spotted near the lodge.

‘Senses to Africa’ is the Retreats natural outdoor spa romantically situated on the shores of the Ruaha River. After a day in the bush, the treatments will enhance and re-awaken the senses and experiences of African nature and wildlife as well as balancing the body, soul and mind. Couples can delight in treatments such as the ‘Hippo Scrub’ or the ‘Monkey Head Massage’ whilst listening to birdsong and the sounds of the river.

The Retreat will take couples on a wild and romantic journey exploring this unique and beautiful part of untouched Africa.

Rooms start from $495 per person per night

http://www.retreat-africa.com

Holidaymakers across Europe are being offered a unique opportunity to explore the country’s most beautiful beaches and stunning countryside locations as Eastbourne Holiday Campers launch Dolly, a 21st century VW.

From March, keen explorers will be able to hire the brand new 2010 VW Camper Van from Eastbourne Holiday Campers based in the country’s sunniest place and tour the best locations around the UK and further into Europe in a real retro inspired vehicle.

The brand new model, currently the only UK van available for hire with power-assisted steering, offers the most reliable option for a VW camper holiday allowing tourists to create their very own room with a view aboard a fun and iconic camper.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “We are extremely excited to have Eastbourne Holiday Campers set up in Eastbourne and offer a unique option for holidaymakers looking for a break with a difference. The vans are very fun and mean that visitors have the freedom to explore a range of locations, not only here in the south east but further afield too, with many living the dream inspired by the VWs of the 60s and 70s.

With such a strong portfolio of accommodation options here on the Sussex coast, the new camper van hire adds another dimension to our product and another reason for new visitors to make a trip to Eastbourne!”

Eastbourne Holiday Campers will be introducing the blue dashing Dolly from March this year, sleeping up to four passengers, with plans to introduce further vans throughout the year and they are already taking bookings from excited campers.

Whether holidaymakers are 25 or 75, the camper vans offer a great sense of freedom and well-being and come equipped with bike racks, awning, bed linen, and towels, everything the budding explorer needs.

David Irvine, owner of Eastbourne Holiday Campers said “As busy people ourselves, also running our holiday cottage business through eastbourneholidaycottages.co.uk, we realise how important a holiday is and our VW hire offers the perfect opportunity to get away from it all. Once our guests drive off in Dolly we are confident they will have a stress-free, relaxing and fun holiday.”

The VWs will also be members of the Camping and Caravan Club and holiday packages can be tailor made depending on where visitors would like to go, with advice given on campsites and attractions in the chosen destination.

Based in the East Sussex resort of Eastbourne, budding campers must visit the seaside destination to collect their VW before setting off on their own adventure. Whether staying within the south east and hopping from one seaside town to the next, travelling cross country to the more mountainous terrain of the Peak District, or over the channel for a European getaway; Eastbourne offers inspiring choices for an unforgettable week with endless possibilities.

For more information or to enquire about booking a holiday aboard an Eastbourne Holiday Camper visit the website at www.eastbournevwcamperhire.co.uk

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE (www.southernoceanlodge.com.au ) is a luxurious world class eco-wilderness retreat located on Kangaroo Island in South Australia (www.southaustralia.com) that opened in April 2008 to instant success and international acclaim, most notably being named “Hotel Of The Year” in the prestigious Tatler Travel Guide 2009.

From the outset Southern Ocean Lodge aimed to exceed guests’ traditional five-star expectations by fusing design and nature, gourmet and wilderness. By offering impeccable service, sophisticated dining and exceptional touring, the result is luxurious in style whilst uncompromisingly sensitive to the environment.

ACCOMMODATION: Each of the 21 suites features a sunken lounge, glass walled bathroom with ocean views, an outdoor terrace with daybeds, complimentary room bar, under floor heating, music system, internet and air conditioning. The choice of suites includes the premium Osprey Pavilion with its open fire, private plunge spa and state-of-the-art audio visual system.

CELEBRITY GUESTS HAVE INCLUDED Actress Teri (Desperate Housewives) Hatcher, British Actor Clive (Sin City) Owen and sporting legend Sir Ian Botham.

SPA: The Southern Spa, reached by a short boardwalk through pristine coastland, offers a range of traditional and cutting-edge treatments, steam room and chill out lounge. The signature massage incorporates a technique combining acupressure, Swedish and deep tissue therapy. The Spa uses “Dreamtime” inspired Li’tya products complemented by Kangaroo Island botanicals to relax and rejuvenate.

CUISINE: The restaurant showcases the island’s freshest, seasonal produce with a convivial open bar and walk in cellar. The spectacular sweeping panorama of Hanson Bay provides a dramatic backdrop for savouring the Lodge’s contemporary menus.

EXPERIENCES: Experienced guides allow guests to experience the pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife of Australia’s own Galapagos which includes a walk amongst sea lions and close encounters with kangaroos. Other experiences include guided cliff top walks, star gazing, beach fishing and trips to nearby Flinders Chase National Park and Kelly Hill Caves.

The following options are available through local tour operator EXCEPTIONAL KANGAROO ISLAND (www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com)

- Kangaroo Island Icons – a tour exploring the island’s key landscapes and wildlife icons.
- An Epicurean Adventure – a tour of wineries, sheep farms, dairies and seafood farms.
- North West Wilderness – a history tour retracing the steps of early settlers.
- Art of Nature – a tour of art studios, galleries and workshops.
- Exclusively Flinders Chase – a tour of Finders Chase National Park.

PRICES: Operating a minimum two-night stay policy, prices start from AUD$1,800 (approx. £835) per person for two nights. This includes full gourmet breakfast, light lunch, four- course dinner, all beverages (cellarmasters list additional) and a selection of guided experiences. Prices rise to AUD$3,600 (approx. £2,000) per person for two nights when staying in the 120 square meter Osprey Pavilion.

For further information on South Australia: www.southaustralia.com

Ever fancy the organisation of a coach tour but prefer the freedom to travel at your own pace?

Highly regarded CIE Tours,Ireland’s oldest Tour Operator has just announced the commencement of self drive options on its most popular coach tours around Ireland.Tours include:

The Irish Spirit Tour, The Romantic Ireland Tour, The Irish Odyssey Tour, The Irish Pub and Folk Tour and The Jewels of Ireland tour.

The concept is simple; the arrival date is the same as that of the coach tour.

Clients do the meet and greet at the point of their arrival to Ireland and are transferred to their first overnight as if they were part of the tour.

From there the independent element kicks in.

The passenger has total freedom in planning their daily itinerary; they can follow the coach tour itinerary or deviate as they wish. They are accommodated each night in the same hotel as the Coach tour on a B & B basis.

This product is the perfect product for people who don’t want a coach tour, but who want the major components of their holiday in place,giving them the freedom to plan their day.

Further details of these itineraries on CIE Tours.

The tours can be booked via your local travel agent or contact CIE Tours directly at CIE Tours.

With the arrival of spring, thoughts turn to days out and weekends away.

And for lovers of the countryside and all things flora and fauna, Savill Gardens located in Windsor Great Park and one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens, comes into its own this time of year.

With this in mind, The Christopher hotel has created The Savill Gardens Spring Package, priced from £210 per room.

Covering some 35 acres, Savill Gardens was created in 1932 by Sir Eric Savill, deputy ranger, of Windsor Great Park.

Today the garden is well established and is considered to be the finest of its type in the northern temperate region of the world. Renowned for its spectacular spring plants; formal rose garden and herbaceous borders.

The Garden’s new iconic visitor center, is inspired by leaf form, the building’s roof features a rarely-seen grid shell design and, at nearly 100-metres long, is the largest of its type in the UK and is manufactured from sustainably-sourced larch and green oak from Windsor Great Park.

The Savill Gardens Spring Package includes:

• Afternoon tea
• Three-course Dinner
• Full-English breakfast
• Two free tickets to Savill Gardens

The price is based on two people sharing a room, and starts from £210 for a double and £225 for a superior double room, per night.

Are you looking for a family adventure this year? Then look no further than a stay at The Edinburgh Residence in Scotland’s capital for the ultimate adventure break.

The Edinburgh Residence has teamed up with Wilderness Scotland, an award winning adventure travel and eco tourism company, to offer a fun filled adventure for all the family!

The Edinburgh Residence’s family adventure break not only offers you all the chance to experience the vibrant city of Edinburgh but you could find yourself on a stunning nature walk in picturesque Perthshire, spotting rare wildlife such as red squirrels or ospreys or watching salmon leaping up a waterfall during the salmon run season.

You and your family might also find yourself mountain biking in the beautiful Scottish Borders. The adventure break will certainly guarantee an action packed trip, which will eliminate any cries of school holiday boredom!

This exclusive package is available to – 31st August 2010 and includes:

3 nights luxury accommodation in a townhouse suite
Dinner on one night, served in your suite
Private guiding for 2 days, with all activities led by fully qualified guides and instructors.
All transport in a private vehicle driven by Wilderness Scotland guide
Bike hire (with helmets and relevant equipment)
Entrance fees to nature reserves
Breakfast each morning
A packed lunch on activity days.

The Family Adventure Break is priced at £1932 per family based on 2 adults and 2 children.

For further information on this exclusive package please contact 0131 274 7418 or visit www.theedinburghresidence.com

Africa’s low cost airline – Fly540 – pronounced Fly Five Forty – is launching a new sales campaign aimed at getting more UK passengers onto its low cost services throughout East Africa.

Fly540 is backed by the giant 100 year old, UK based investment and mining conglomerate, Lonrho PLC and Fly540 plans to become the first pan-African low cost carrier operating to International safety standards.

The airline with its headquarters in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, began operations between Nairobi international Airport (Jomo Kenyatta) and Kenya’s second largest city and premier port, Mombasa on 24th November 2006. By summer 2009, Fly540 was already uplifting 20,000 passengers per month and operating to nine airports in Kenya as well as to eleven international destinations: including Entebbe in Uganda and Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Grumeti, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Mwaza in Tanzania, Juba and Rumbek in Sudan and Bujumburra in Burundi. In 2010 the airline also announced plans to open new hubs in Angola, Ghana and Zimbabwe.

Fly540 provides daily domestic services to both the Kenyan Coastal regions of Mombassa, Malindi and Lamu as well as to the Western Kenya tourist circuits of Kisimu, Eldoret, and Kitale, plus the world renowned Maasi Mara Game reserve (as featured in the BBC TV wildlife programme, “Big Cat Diary”).

Daily flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar are becoming increasingly popular and the Nairobi to Kilimanjaro route has been linked with daily services to Lake Manyara and Serengeti for the growing number of adventure seeking holidaymakers who wish to combine game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

The airline has a fleet of six modern turbo prop aircraft plus one regional jet, all offering an ideal mix of comfort, speed and economic operating costs.

The current fleet is as follows:

3 ATR 42-320 aircraft with capacity for 46 passengers.
1 Dash 8-102 aircraft with capacity for 37 passengers
1 Beechcraft 19000D with capacity for 19 passengers
2 all cargo Fokker F27
and the latest addition a Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200 with capacity for 50 passengers.

The new CRJ aircraft has initially been deployed on the Nairobi to Entebbe and Bujumbura /Mwanza routes and has enabled Fly540 to reduce the flying time between the two capital cities to 50 minutes.

Further CRJ aircraft and new turboprops are planned to join the fleet during 2010.

Fly540 combine a strong emphasis on quality customer service with a no-frills business concept. The senior management team comprises of highly qualified Kenyan and International staff with many years experience working for global, regional and domestic airlines.
Fly540′s Joint Chief Executive Officers are Don Smith and Neil Steffen. The post of Operations Director is held by Nixon Ooko who worked for 24 years in British Airways and held senior positions in both Kenya and South Africa.

In order to promote Fly540 in the UK market, Fly540 have appointed a specialist UK representative, Flight Directors, to support their UK sales and Marketing initiative.
Flight Directors provide a UK call centre open for reservations, seven days per week from 08:00 0 20:00 on 0871 644 3 365.

Bookings can also be made through the airlines easy to use web site at http://www.fly540.com

Fly540 Commercial Manager, Sujal Raja-Haria said: “We are delighted to appoint Flight Directors to spearhead our campaign to raise awareness of Fly540 in the UK market. Over the last three years our straightforward and accessible product has demonstrated that there is a growing demand for “value for money” reliable air services in East Africa and throughout the rest of the Continent.

We want more UK originating passengers to learn about and benefit from the affordable prices on our growing number of routes.”

Vikki Joyce, Head of Sales at Flight Directors said ” East Africa is such an exciting destination and when you are there you want to experience as much of it as you are able. With Fly540′s daily frequencies and low fares, travelling between the region’s most exciting destinations becomes possible – even for the most budget conscious travellers”

The South Lakeland Tourism Action Group is enticing visitors with a round-the-clock teaser that demonstrates the wide variety of activities and pleasures on offer in an area stretching from the market town of Kendal, to the peaceful, sunset-filled coastal resorts around Morecambe Bay.

A sample itinerary of what to do at different times of day is making it easy for visitors to put their own ideas together, once they have appreciated some of the must-do activities.

05:30 – 07:30 The Dawn Chorus

May is the ideal month in which to listen to the dawn chorus, but this year there is a very special way of doing this. Rydal Mount – William Wordsworth’s home for 37 years – is offering its first dawn chorus experience.

This will take place at 05.30 Sunday, May 2 and involves listening to the calls of birds in the gardens, which could include woodpeckers, robins and nuthatches. Participants will also hear some of Wordsworth’s nature poems, such as To the Cuckoo and To the Skylark, read out loud in the stunning gardens, which he landscaped himself.

The serving of a breakfast bap, filled with locally produced bacon, and some scrumptious hot chocolate, will complete the fabulous experience, priced at £6 per person, with the option of visiting the house for an additional £1.50. Pre-booking is essential and places limited, so call Rose on 015394 33002 to book a place. Visit www.rydalmount.co.uk  for general information.

11:00 Elevenses

There are many atmospheric eateries in the South Lakes, but in ancient Kendal many are yards better when it comes to historical origins. Kendal’s Yards are narrow lanes leading into yards off the main street. At one time there were around 150, many named after the owner of the house that stood at the end. Others buzzed with trades such as weaving and dying, which arose from the town’s wool trade.

In Yard 11, you will find the Joshua Tree Licensed Café and Bistro, housed in one of Kendal’s oldest buildings, dating from the 1620s and complete with oak beams, wooden floors and real log fire. Everything here is home cooked and locally sourced and, on fine days, you can enjoy your treats in the cobbled courtyard.

13.00 Historic Castle

Sizergh Castle, south of Kendal, has a medieval tower dating from the mid 1300s and was a potent symbol of the power of the Strickland family in medieval times. The castle has exceptional Elizabethan oak panelling in the Inlaid Chamber – a magnificent state bedchamber.

There is also impressive oak furniture, stunning portraits and beautiful furnishings.

The gardens include an orchard, an herbaceous border, a unique rock garden, a wild garden, terrace, lake, lawn, Dutch garden and Great Barn. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sizergh  for more details. Sizergh is open every day except Friday and Saturday, from March 14 – October 31 between the hours of 11.00 and 17.00 for the garden and 12.00 and 17.00 for the house.

14.00 Rockpool Discovery

At two o’clock, every day, visitors to Lakes Aquarium, on Windermere’s southern shore near Newby Bridge, can enjoy Rockpool Discovery Sessions.

These focus on the creatures living in rockpools around Morecambe Bay, providing new insights for adults and children alike. These talks, as well as interactive otter talks and feeding and Morecambe Bay talks (three times a day), are included in the admission price, which is £8.95 for adults, £5.95 for children and from £26.95 for a family.

Up to 20 per cent can be saved by buying tickets online at www.lakesaquarium.co.uk where all details about this global-themed, freshwater attraction can be found. Lakes Aquarium can be visited by car, by boat, via the Windermere Lakes Cruises service to Lakeside (www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk) and via the trains run by the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (www.lakesiderailway.co.uk )

15.00 Afternoon Tea

There are many wonderful places to enjoy a brew with a view in the South Lakes, one of the most tempting being the tea room at Blackwell – the Arts and Crafts house – near Bowness.

Here, you can enjoy a pot of tea and homemade scone, served with fruit jam and fresh whipped cream, for just £3.85 per person.

The breathtaking view on offer stretches down over Blackwell’s beautifully manicured lawns, to the sparkling waters of Windermere below.

A joy at any time, this is particularly blissful when afternoon tea is served on the garden terrace. Blackwell’s beauty is as deep internally as externally, so make sure you tour the house to appreciate some of the finest examples of craftsmanship that the Arts and Crafts movement can boast.

The house is open daily from 10.30 – 17.00 and entrance costs £6.50 for adults, £3.80 for children and £17.25 for a family. Visitors can enjoy afternoon tea free of admission charge. Visit www.blackwell.org.uk for more details.

17.00 Wordsworth

In the last year of the 1700s, poet William Wordsworth took up residence at Dove Cottage, in Grasmere and it was here where he composed some of his most famous poetry, including the Daffodils poem.

Tours of the cottage allow the visitor to appreciate the lifestyle of Wordsworth and his family, with many artefacts still on show. The neighbouring Wordsworth Museum stages special exhibitions throughout the year and always has displays of Wordsworth family possessions that offer great insights into the existence that William enjoyed within Cumbria.

Dove Cottage is open every day. Entrance to both cottage and Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery costs £7.50 for an adult, £4.50 for a child (under 6s free) and £17.20 for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. Visit www.wordsworth.org.uk  for more details.

18.00 Evening Prayer

Around 60,000 visitors a year make their way to The Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael, in the village of Cartmel, to enjoy some quiet contemplation, or partake in a service at this medieval priory, founded in the 12th century by Augustine monks. The beautiful church has been described as “the most beautiful church in the north-west” (Simon Jenkins – England’s Thousand Best Churches’.)

Evening Prayer services are held at 18.00 Tuesday to Saturday, with an Evensong service at 6.30 pm every Sunday from the end of March to the end of October (and at 15.30pm the rest of the year). Guided tours of the priory are also available on Wednesdays at 11.00 and 14.00 and cost £2.50 for adults and £1 for children. Visit www.cartmelpriory.org.uk for more details.

19.30 Dinner

There are many famous places at which to dine in the South Lakes, as well as many undiscovered gems.

If you want to go for a ‘name’ when it comes to a venue, try L’Enclume in Cartmel – a Michelin star restaurant voted one of the five best destination restaurants with rooms in Europe. – or the Michelin star restaurant at the Holbeck Ghyll Hotel, overlooking Windermere (www.holbeckghyll.com )

20.00 Star Gazing

The Lake District offers clearer skies than much of the country, which assists those wishing to indulge in a spot of star gazing. At boutique hotel, Linthwaite House, a luxury loft suite brings starlit skies right into the bedroom.

The loft suite comes complete with a telescope, as well as other features such as WiFi and i-pod dock, and also has a retractable glass roof panel. If you can tear yourself away from the stars, you can enjoy the interior design work of Roberta Fulford and a huge, Italian designer bath and double walk in shower.

This rooms costs between £465 and £520 per night, including breakfast, and between £520 and £580 for dinner, bed and breakfast. Visit www.linthwaite.com

Brantfield Cottage, in Bowness, is a three-bedroomed cottage, sleeping six, with a double bedroom complete with star gazing window. This cottage costs between £345 and £645 to rent. Visit www.lakelovers.co.uk for more details.

Free star gazing can also be found in areas such as the Lyth Valley, where the Milky Way can be seen on clear, dark nights and where the occasional shooting star adds to the drama.

24.00 Midnight At the Arnside Oasis

Although it’s hard to turn in for the night, with so much to do in the South Lakes, one of the most fun places to curl up has to be boutique guesthouse No 43, in the coastal town of Arnside, on the Kent estuary.

This sympathetically restored and beautifully furnished Victorian townhouse provides guests with many luxuries and total comfort, but for those hungry for even more decadence, there is the possibility of a Midnight Feast.

Guests can pre-order a platter of local cheese, meats, or smoked fish and have a tray awaiting them in their room when they return from their evening out. A bed and breakfast stay at No 43 costs from £55-£90 per person per night and a minimum stay at the weekend is two nights and, over a Bank Holiday, three nights. A complimentary Bucks Fizz is served to guests in residence on Sunday mornings. Visit www.no43.org.uk  for more details.