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The Martindale Area
“A hidden gem, far enough to get away from it all,
yet close enough to enjoy the best of The Lake District.“
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Things to see & do in the Martindale area, The Northern Lake District

Martindale lies on the south-east side of Lake Ullswater in the North Lakes, ten miles south of the town of Penrith. It is the only valley on this side of Ullswater that leads down to the lake. As a ‘closed-end’ valley, with no exit by road, it enjoys a very special seclusion.

Days Out around Martindale

The northern Lake District offers a range of attractions to entertain you on wet weather days or as an alternative to hill walking. Our local stately home is Dalemain, a fine Georgian mansion with historic gardens on the west side of Ullswater. It has been home to the Hasell family for 300 years and is famous, among other things, for its annual Marmalade Festival. Visit website »

On a still grander scale is Lowther Castle, home to the Lowther family, later Earls of Lonsdale, since the Middle Ages. The castle is close to Askham village and is grandly picturesque, with its own well curated museum and an extensive park and gardens to explore. Visit website »

Brougham Hall, a mile south of Penrith, dates from the 14th century and is sometimes called the Windsor of the North. It was rescued from destruction in the 1980s by private initiative and is one of the largest country house restoration projects in England. An array of arts and crafts workshops and businesses is located within its precincts and good information is displayed about the Hall’s long and fascinating history. It is a registered charity: there is no charge for entry but donations are invited. Don’t overlook this most interesting place; its origins are in pre-history and it was still being used in World War II for the development of one of Churchill’s top secret weapons. Visit website »
Brougham Castle is two miles outside Penrith, by a crossing of the River Eamont and next to the ancient Roman camp of Brocavum. It is managed by English Heritage. The castle was built in the early 13th century as a defence against Scottish invaders and later used as a grand residence. Its imposing keep survives among the remains of later buildings, passages and stairways. If you have a taste for history and evocative ruins, you will find a visit to Brougham Castle combined with Brougham Hall a day well spent. Visit website »

For a gentle, horticultural experience you should visit the National Trust property at Acorn Bank, a peaceful spot in the countryside east of Penrith near Temple Sowerby. Its most appealing features are the large herb garden and traditional fruit orchard. Visit website »

The same trip could take in Larch Cottage Nurseries at Melkinthorpe, where a simple plant nursery has been turned into a paradise of creative outdoor spaces filled with imaginative planting, statuary, water features and romantic landscaping. Hidden away in this tiny village in the Eden Valley, Larch Cottage rightly describes itself as one of the country’s great horticultural gems. It has an excellent cafe, and you can buy the plants, too. Visit website »

To finish off such an outing, try an ice-cream at Abbot Lodge just up the road, home-made from their own herd of Jersey cows. Visit website »

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If you take an interest in archaeology, you might want to look at some of the important sites in this region, because North Cumbria is especially rich in prehistoric monuments. The most outstanding are Mayburgh Henge and the so-called King Arthur’s Table (a neighbouring henge) just outside Penrith at Eamont Bridge; the stone circle known as The Cockpit on Askham Moor, close to the Ullswater Way; the stone circle at Castlerigg near Keswick; and the stone circle in the Eden valley called Long Meg and her Daughters.

While in that region, stop at the Little Salkeld watermill, Cumbria’s only watermill still in full operation, and sample the bread and cakes made from its flour (there is a tiny cafe attached to the mill). At that point in the Eden Valley you are not far from Langwathby, where you could also – just for fun – take the train from Langwathby station a short distance along the famous Settle-to-Carlisle railway line: the line runs over the Ribblehead viaduct and some of the wildest, most impressive scenery in England.

“The places we have picked out are within easy reach of Martindale, ones that we like and that we think others will like too, but there are, of course, many more. North of Ullswater lies the historic city of Carlisle and the 76 miles of Hadrian’s Wall; southwards, you cross from the Ullswater valley over the dramatic Kirkstone Pass into central Lakeland. In either direction you will find places to excite and delight you. For further information about the area go to www.visitcumbria.com, www.visiteden.co.uk, or call at the Tourist Information Centre in Penrith, next to Penrith Museum at the north end of Middlegate.”

Eating out in the Martindale area

The nearest restaurant is also perhaps the best. Twenty minutes’ walk or five minutes’ drive from Hallin Bank, the charming Howtown Hotel has been in the hands of the Baldry family for over a century and you will receive a warm welcome from members of the present generation, who maintain its standards of excellence and friendly atmosphere. The hotel is in a beautiful location looking out towards Howtown Bay. You will see it close to the road before you begin the ascent into Martindale over the zig-zag pass called The Hause. It was known in the 19th century as The Stag and Hounds, since this was the meeting place for the local hunt. Hunting is now in the past, but the hotel remains unique for its delightful feeling of tradition. You can enjoy a first class dinner there, a drink at the bar, or tea and home-made cakes in the adjacent tea room (with wifi). This hotel is well known and advance booking for dinner is advisable. Visit website »
Further along the lake, Sharrow Bay luxury hotel occupies an unrivalled position with magnificent views up Ullswater towards Helvellyn and has long had a reputation for its sophisticated cuisine. If you prefer to dine more simply, morning coffee or afternoon tea at Sharrow Bay will still give you an opportunity to enjoy the views from the lakeside terrace and a stroll in the fine gardens: Visit website »
You will find good quality bar meals at the various pubs in Pooley Bridge and at the Queen’s Head in Tirril on the road to Penrith. Off this road at Askham, which some consider the prettiest village in Cumbria, The Punch Bowl is recommended, and another Queen’s Head. You should also visit the Garden Cafe (with pizza oven) at Askham Hall, an ancient manor house with Grade II listed gardens. The Hall is now a hotel and food for both the cafe and the hotel restaurant is sourced from the kitchen gardens and attached farm. You can visit the gardens from the cafe and see the farm animals. The George and Dragon, a pub/restaurant at Clifton near Penrith, is under the same management and serves quality food similarly produced at Askham: Visit website »

There are numerous other cafes and pubs in the area. Some of them are mentioned in connection with outings you might make from Martindale: see Days Out at the top of this page.

Shopping around Martindale

Cumbria is proud of its local produce and you will find quality food and drink everywhere you go. The nearest shop to Martindale is at the little Post Office at Pooley Bridge (4 miles), where you can buy some basic supplies.

For your main shopping you will need to go to Penrith (10 miles), an old market town with several supermarkets on the outskirts and a number of independent shops in the interesting historic centre. Don’t fail to visit J & J Graham, a traditional grocer and delicatessen in the Clock Tower Square, or The Toffee Shop, at the bottom of Brunswick Road, patronised by the Royal Family and loved by fudge and toffee addicts the world over. At the top end of Brunswick Road is Booths, one of a small chain of northern supermarkets which resemble Waitrose in style and quality. There you will find an excellent selection of fresh food, including the famous salt-marsh lamb of Morcambe Bay. You will enjoy exploring the old streets and squares of Penrith while you are there.

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