Park Cliffe - Lakeland hideaway

PARK CLIFFE’S 25 acres of picturesque, unspoilt countryside in the heart of the Lake District offer visitors a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape.

Just a short distance from Bowness-on-Windermere, the five-star park seems to be in a world of its own, with breathtaking views over the lake and the surrounding fells, and an abundance of wildlife, including squirrels, roe and red deer, foxes and birds. There is even a beck meandering through the site. It’s not surprising the park has a David Bellamy Gold Award.

You won’t be entirely cut off from civilisation on site, though! Park Cliffe has an excellent bar and restaurant, and there is a licensed shop that stocks a good selection of groceries and other goods. You can keep in touch with the outside world, too, thanks to the free WiFi in the bar/restaurant.

Beyond the confines of the park, there are great walks nearby, as you would expect in this part of the Lake District. You can also take lake cruises from nearby Ambleside, or a hot air balloon ride over the fells, and the more adventurous can try their hand at sailing, canoeing or horse riding. There’s fishing and golf within easy reach, too.

Depending on your literary preferences, you can explore the lives of Beatrix Potter or William Wordsworth, who both lived in the area. The Lakes Aquarium provides an insight into the creatures to be found in lakes around the world, while the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, with its opportunities for close encounters with its charges, is often cited as Britain’s best conservation park.

FOR SALE

At the time of writing a pre-owned Tingdene Elite lodge was available for £139,000. Caravans for sale included a new Willerby Winchester 38x12 2 bed, £45,500; a pre-owned 2005 Willerby Westmorland 35x12, £15,000; a pre-owned 2005 Cosalt Madeira, £16,000; and a pre-owned 2005 37x12 2 bed Atlas Topaz, £17,500.

LOCAL INFO

• Local amenities: Shop on site; other shops etc, including post office, super-market and banks, in Bowness and Windermere (3.5-4.5 miles).
• Health: GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacies in Windermere; the nearest hospital with A&E is at Barrow-in-Furness (17 miles).
• Transport: The nearest station is Windermere, connecting to Oxenholme on the main line. Buses on the A592, half a mile, on the 618 Windermere-Barrow route.
• Food & drink: On-site bar/restaurant; the nearest pub/ restaurant is the Masons Arms at Bowland Bridge (1.75 miles). There is a bar and restaurant at the Beech Hill Hotel on the A592 (1 mile). Other hotels with bars and restaurants at Newby Bridge and Storrs (each 2 miles). Otherwise, head to Bowness.
• Entertainment: Cinema at Bowness; theatres at More-cambe (17 miles), Lancaster (19 miles), Keswick (21 miles).

WHAT CAN I DO AROUND HERE?

Townend – Traditional stone and slate Lake District farmhouse, now owned by the National Trust, providing an insight into 400 years of life in the area. Pretty cottage garden, children’s trail and and hands-on attractions. Small shop and second-hand book sales.

Holehird – Ten acre hillside garden of the Lakeland Horticul-tural Society, tended by volunteers. Huge variety of plantings, including trees and shrubs, rock and heather gardens, a walled garden, alpine houses and herbaceous borders. Open daily all year.

CONTACT

Park Cliffe, Birks Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3PG. Tel: 015395 31344. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.parkcliffe.co.uk

• Prices from £15,000
• Open March 1 to December 19
• Ground rent for caravan homes £3,110pa
• Ground rent for lodges £3,625pa
• Ten year licence for caravans, 25-30 years for lodges
• Rates c£200pa
• No sub-letting
• Electricity metered and billed by park
• Mainly bottled gas; some lodges on bulk gas supply, metered and billed by park
• Dogs permitted

This feature was published in the March 2011 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order your copy please click here

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