Hotels in Taunton and Somerset Attractions

Hotels in Taunton: a great base for an adventure and discovery

Staying in hotels in Taunton means not only are visitors in a great town in its own right but also in the heart of a wonderful area with so much to explore that choosing where to visit it a difficult task! There are so many famous and popular attractions in Somerset that it is certainly hard to highlight only a few; some of the most popular are also some of the most diverse. One very famous place is Wookey Hole Caves which features not only stunning case to explore but many child friendly activities including a penny arcade, a soft play area, a cave museum and a pirate zone. Hotels in Taunton are a good place to begin an exploration of Somerset and there are many more fascinating attractions to enjoy as a family or otherwise. A great place to soak up some history is the Somerset Rural Life Museum; based in Glastonbury in a 14^th century barn, the museum is a vibrant record of domestic and social life in Somerset’s past. In addition to the displays of tools and equipment there is also a tea room and a museum shop where visitors can enjoy local produce.

Somerset cider and hotels in Taunton

Anyone who knows Somerset knows cider. Somerset is famous for its amazing ciders and staying in hotels in Taunton affords a wonderful opportunity to explore this historic industry and to taste some of the wares! A great place to begin your journey of discovery is at Perry’s cider museum and shop. Perry’s have been producing cider for a staggering 500 years at the family farm and it is an amazing fact that Perry’s are still using the same barn to store the apples for their cider that they were using in the `16^th century. Perry’s cider wins regular prizes and awards which is unsurprising when you consider how much practice this family have had at the art of cider making! The farm has a tea room, a shop and a museum area where some interesting old farm equipment can be seen in addition to the cider presses used in the making of Perry’s Cider. Hotels in Taunton offer a wonderful chance to newcomers to the area in that Somerset is such a special and unusual place to visit, a good base is easy to find in Somerset.

Hotels in Taunton and great accommodation

Hotels in Taunton are usually of excellent quality and a warm welcome is to be found in Somerset due mainly to the incredibly sunny nature of its inhabitants. With wonderful scenery it is small wonder that the locals are cheerful, a short break in Taunton will ensure that you can benefit from all that it has to offer. Travel in Taunton is simple even if you want to take advantage of public transport then the services in and out of Taunton are excellent and will allow you to see all there is to see in this stunning part of the UK.

Hotels in Taunton and Myths and Legends of Somerset

Hotels in Taunton and discovering Somerset’s legends

Staying in hotels in Taunton will open up the wonderful county of Somerset for your pleasure. Whatever you enjoy doing, there will be something to please all comers. This incredibly beautiful land is full of ancient history, beautiful and quaint buildings and breathtaking scenery. Somerset has long been synonymous with many myth and legends and hotels in Taunton will allow you to explore them in depth.

Hotels in Taunton and the Legend of King Arthur                                                                

The famous legend of King Arthur and his knights is as much a part of Somerset as cider. The beautiful story of the great King and his 28 knights of the round table along with Guinevere has stuck in the national and international consciousness for many centuries. The real King Arthur, if there was one, was supposed to have lived in the 6^th century and was a Christian warrior whose nobility and bravery was such that people are still wondering about him to this day. Some of the tales which have survived could be rooted in fact whilst other legends sound rather more fanciful than probable, the idea that the knights are sleeping within a deep subterranean cave until such time as their services are required again, is a romantic one although how true, we can’t possibly know. Hotels in Taunton offer a great opportunity to explore the myths and legends of King Arthur in all their wonderful romantic ideology.

Stonehenge at Glastonbury

Staying in hotels in Taunton will of course bring you one step closer to Glastonbury and Stonehenge. This world famous sight is iconic, instantly recognisable for its grandeur and its vast stone circle it continues to attract many visitors from all over the world. Heavily protected today, the stones are thought to have been brought to their current site from Wales by means of rafts and then rolled on logs to the exact spot on Salisbury Plain where they needed to be in order to catch the suns rays for various pagan worship ceremonies. Now more than 5000 years old, these stones are more ancient than the pyramids and just as mysterious.

Glastonbury and the Tor

Glastonbury Tor is the reputed resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. The tradition is that Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury with a chalice which contained Christ’s blood. He was then thought to have built a church on top of the Tor. The chalice is thought to be at the bottom of Chalice Well nearby and the rusty coloured water of the well adds to the idea. Staying in hotels in Taunton will be a perfect start to any break in Somerset and an excellent introduction to the larger expanse that makes up this amazing place. A truly wonderful and magical place, Glastonbury has a true sense of mystery around it and most visitors’ reports feeling a sense of enchantment whilst getting to know the area. Travel here is reliable and Glastonbury is fairly well served by public transport.

Hotels in Taunton and Fun Days Out

Staying in hotels in Taunton

Hotels in Taunton are a great way of exploring this stunning region. Somerset is a spectacular place with some of the most stunning countryside in the UK. Somerset in general is riddled with historical places, from ancient hill forts, castles and standing stones to steam railways and stately homes there is something to interest everyone. Choosing to stay in hotels in Taunton is a great idea if you are a lover of nature or a lover of historical places. Some of Taunton’s best attractions follow.

Hotels in Taunton; a gateway to the past

Somerset County Museum is a wonderful attraction if you are looking to stay in hotels in Taunton. It is based within Taunton Castle and is home to a marvellous collection of curiosities including archaeological finds, costume, a military museum and a 16^th century almshouse. You can see objects from the Low Ham Roman Mosaic and the famous Shapwick Roman coin hoard which was one of the largest hoards ever found in the U.K. The museum is within Taunton itself and so makes for an easy day out! Another wonderful gem found in Taunton is Barrow Mump. This curiously named hill is home to a ruined church which sits atop the barrow and was the scene of a dramatic retreat during the Civil War when Royalist soldiers’ fresh from a defeat at the hands of Parliamentarians at the nearby Battle of Langport fled to the safety of the ruined church. The hill has been protected by the National Trust for 50 years and is a wonderful place to visit if you are interested in seeing the scene of a truly dramatic battle. If you are going to be staying in hotels in Taunton then another must-see attraction is Castle Neroche which is located on the edge of the Blackdown Hills; this woodland is a wonderful example of English countryside and is also rife with history. Originally a small settlement over 2,600 years ago Castle Neroche is now classified an ancient monument and the area offers amazing views over the surrounding countryside.

Hotels in Taunton and children’s attractions

Staying in any one of the high quality hotels in Taunton with children is a great recipe for a fun family time. One of the best and most simple days out is a visit to Vivary Park which boasts a children’s play area, an aviary, picnic tables, a golf course a bowling club a model boat pond and a lovely Victorian bandstand. There are stunning floral displays and a fabulous area with a shop, a café and a pleasant veranda add the finishing touches to a great family location. Take a picnic or have a snack in the café, let the kids run free and kick back to enjoy Taunton at its best! Regular seasonal events make this park extra special and some notable events include the Taunton Flower Show, pop concerts and The Moscow State Circus. On Sundays from May to August, free music is played by local bands on the Bandstand from 3.00pm. Staying in hotels in Taunton is a great choice for families.

Hotels in Taunton a Mysterious County

Hotels in Taunton and strange goings on

Staying in hotels in Taunton will put you in close proximity to Taunton Castle which is an impressive and beautiful castle dating back to the Anglo Saxon period. It has been rebuilt a number of times and is reputed to be haunted by a number of spirits. The castle has a bloody past and it was the scene of the cold blooded execution of over 100 men who were put to death for their political beliefs in the 17^th century. The well known figure of Judge Jeffries, otherwise known as “The Hanging Judge” has been reportedly seen wandering the castles corridors. A reputedly cold blooded man, it is said that an atmosphere of desolation accompanies the ghost. Marching feet have also been heard around the grounds of the castle and it is thought that this phenomenon is down to the ghosts of soldiers bringing in the condemned men. A grey lady has also been reported along with a headless man and a wandering woman. As if these spectres are not enough, the castle is also reputed to have its own poltergeist which throws objects around the castle. Hotels in Taunton are an excellent choice if you fancy getting close to some of Taunton’s most famous ghosts.

Hotels in Taunton and a pub ghost

Staying in hotels in Taunton is a great choice for anyone who likes a spooky tale or two!  Taunton has many old and ancient buildings, one of which, The Crown Inn in Taunton is reportedly haunted by numerous ghosts. The building dates back as far as the 1600’s and has been an inn or drinking establishment since at least 1886. Owners have reported the ghostly figure of a man walking across the lounge and cutlery has disappeared from table’s moments after they have been laid. Staff members have maintained that tables have turned around with no human hand to assist them and swirling mists have also been reported in the upstairs areas. Staying in hotels in Taunton will be an excellent opportunity for all the family to possibly get up close and personal with a real ghost! If you don’t get lucky and spot a spectre, you can console yourself with a walk around some truly fascinating buildings and hear tales from locals who have seen a sight or two!

Hotels in Taunton and the beautiful land that is Somerset

Taunton is in a great location to explore the amazing landscape nearby; hotels in Taunton are a great way to see this area. Somerset is a stunning place and was once known as the land of the summer people, with beautiful and sandy beaches this is a special place where the landscapes beauty is not limited to its coastline but is also renowned for its woodlands, hills and moors. Somerset is synonymous with many things, fabulous cider being one of them and a visit to one of the quaint pubs dotted around Somerset’s pretty villages and towns is a great way to sample it. Hotels in Taunton are usually of great quality and the friendly locals will always give visitors a warm welcome. Once you have visited this special place you will be sue to return again and again.

Hotels in Taunton and Somerset Coast

Somerset coastal walks and hotels in Taunton

With so many great hotels in Taunton, it is very tempting to prolong a stay in Somerset in order to take in the stunning coastal scenery. Somerset boasts the longest National Trail in the form of the South West Coast Path. Starting at Minehead the trail runs no less than 630 miles and covers some amazing places. The Coast Path is unlike any other because it was originally designed to be patrolled by coastguards whose job it was to spot potential smugglers before they could do any damage. Coastguards’ cottages still line the route at intermittent places and these buildings offered shelter to the wandering coastguards whose main aim was to apprehend the dangerous and brutal smugglers who haunted this region. Staying in hotels in Taunton will undoubtedly give you a taste to discover more about Somerset and the Coastal Path is a must-see attraction.

The paths hug the edges of the cliffs very closely and this was done deliberately in order to give the coast guards the maximum chance of peering into inlets and coves where smugglers may have lain in wait or hidden supplies and even the spoils of their dishonourable trade. The paths are a rich source of history and they were a large part of many people’s lives, the coast guards children were as familiar with the paths as the adults and many would use them to travel to and from school each day whilst their Mothers used them to get to various fishing hamlets either for business or shopping.

                                          

Nature along the coastal path and hotels in Taunton

Hotels in Taunton afford the traveller to not only get closer to history but also to nature. The South West Coast Path is a naturally beautiful haven for nature in its many forms and there are a great many types of birds and insects to be seen here. Another fascinating fact about the area is that the geology is extremely variable. All kinds of stone is to be found in this area including granite, limestone and chalk. Fossils abound here with many different examples to be discovered by the casual wanderer.

The area is truly magical and many people have been inspired by it to create great art; some of those people are Coleridge who often walked parts of the route during his life, Rudyard Kipling, Agatha Christie and Barbara Hepworth; these people have all made this place even more special by spending time there. Hotels in Taunton make a great start to an epic journey and travelling from Taunton to the coastline is made simple with great public transport as well as good link by road. If you did want to walk the entire length of the South West Coastal path it would take a reasonably fit person no less than 8 weeks to complete the journey which lets face it, may not be the idea way to spend a relaxing break...unless of course you are an extremely keen rambler! Hotels in Taunton are a good way to begin thinking about such epic journey’s though...maybe over a large glass of cider!

Hotels in Kendall

Hotels in Kendal and what’s on offer

Kendal has many attractions to offer and it is little wonder that this pretty town in Cumbria has many visitors every year. Not only is Kendal just a few short miles from the sea, it is also considered to be the gateway to the Lake District and is less than 10 miles from Lake Windermere. Hotels in Kendal offer a great base from which to explore this historical and interesting place. Whatever you are interested in you will be sure to find something to please you in Kendal; from shopping arcades to museums there is a wealth of entertainment on offer!

Famous attractions and hotels in Kendal

Hotels in Kendal are excellent for those who want to learn more about this fascinating region, from its industrial past to its architectural features there are many well known and interesting points about this town. Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the country and was established in 1796; it has a great collection of exhibits including pieces of archaeological interest as well as local interest items. Hotels in Kendal make this one of the easiest towns to get around as the town is compact and with a good public transport system it is simple to get around. For art lovers in Kendal there is the Abbot Hall Art Gallery which is situated in a Georgian Villa and houses some important works of art by artists such as Lucian Freud, Stanley Spencer and Barbara Hepworth. If you are a lover the arts in general then a great place to visit is The Brewery Arts Centre which offers theatre performances as well as dance and music. Hotels in Kendal are certainly not far from a wealth of interesting attractions and most visitors find that they are hard pushed to fit everything in.

Hotels in Kendal and historic buildings

There are certainly many ancient and historic buildings in Kendal to hold most visitors captivated; quaint and grand alike are easily discovered with a walk around the town and hotels in Kendal make a wonderful base from which to explore and discover. Pubs make a good beginning as there are a number of pubs in Kendal with rich histories. Stopping for a drink at any one of them is a good way of learning more about Kendal’s fascinating past. Some notable historic public houses are The Black Swan, The Rainbow Tavern and The Fleece Inn which is the oldest in Kendall and is supposed to have been built in 1654. Visiting Kendal is a great way to learn more about the history of this area in general and to enjoy a relaxing break in a town where the pace of life is gentle.

Travel within and around Kendal

Kendal is well served by public transport and whether you are arriving by rail or road you can rest assured that there is plenty of choice and some of the UK’s most famous lakes can be reached in under an hour when travelling by car. A town with many attractions, Kendall is unforgettable for those who know it and it is well worth a visit.

Hotels in Kendal; Places of Interest for Visitors

Hotels in Kendal and What to do in Cumbria

Kendal is a pretty and historically fascinating town to visit; hotels in Kendal are of high quality and well placed for visitors to explore the beautiful region that is Cumbria. Cumbria is one of the UK’s most stunning regions with the famous Lake District at its heart. The Lake District is actually a national park and is well protected in order to preserve its outstanding beauty. With amazing peaks and lakes to explore this really is a special place which will stay in your memory long after your visit ends.

Staying in hotels in Kendal and visiting other attractions

Coniston Boating Centre is a fabulous place to visit; situated on Coniston Water there are ample opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery and to hire a boat to explore the waters. With electric self-drive boats as well as rowing boats available there is something to suit everyone. For the more adventurous types, there are options for learning to sail in a dinghy as well as canoeing or kayaking. There is also a café and some adventure activities at Coniston which along with some lovely picnic spots makes this a perfect place for a family day out in Cumbria. Staying in hotels in Kendal will put you within a reasonable distance of many of Cumbria’s best attractions.

Another wonderful place to visit whilst staying in hotels in Kendal is Windermere which is close to Kendal and so makes a great place for a day out. Windermere is the UK’s largest lake and has so many attractions that an average family would be hard put to see all that is on offer! Lake cruises offer the perfect opportunity to take in as much of the beauty of this special place as possible and for fans of Beatrix Potter’s very special work, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is a must-see. With a recreation of the beautiful world which Beatrix Potter created, visitors can travel back in time to enjoy innocent childhood memories. For fans of the theatre the Old Laundry Theatre is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy professional performance at Cumbria’s only in-the-round theatre space. Hotels in Kendal will put you right in the heart of so much beauty and history that once you have spent one holiday there, you will be tempted to return again and again to this special place.

Hotels in Kendal and Transport

Transport in this area is excellent and visitors will benefit from regular and reliable public service. The West Coast mainline runs to the East f the Lake District and there is a direct service from Manchester. Staying in hotels in Kendal will allow you to take advantage of local train services with services calling at Kendall, Staveley and Windermere. There are very good bus services available from towns and villages including, Coniston, Keswick and Windermere with extra services laid on during the summer months. As the services available are so reliable you will find it simple to take advantage of the many wonderful sights and sounds which Cumbria has to offer.

Hotels in Kendal and Kendal History

Hotels in Kendal and Kendal’s fascinating industrial past

Hotels in Kendal will always put visitors right at the heart of a fascinating historical area. Kendal is famous for producing a number of diverse products, from shoes to snuff...and of course the world famous Kendal Mint Cake! Kendal Mint Cake is another famous export with a history dating back to 1869 when it was invented by mistake! There are three separate firms producing Kendall Mint Cake in Kendal and it is a popular choice of snack amongst ramblers, climbers and hikers due to its high energy content. The oldest firm producing mint cake is Quiggin’s who have been making the snack since 1840. Of course Kendall is famous for more than just mint cake and staying in any one of the high quality hotels in Kendal can allow those who are interested to begin a fascinating journey of discovery into the industrial past of this beautiful area. Another famous product of Kendal is Snuff! The Gawith Snuff Works have been producing snuff in the same buildings since 1792...in fact some of the original machinery is still in use today.

Hotels in Kendal and interesting buildings

There are a plethora of interesting historical buildings in Kendal which make for a pretty town which visitors from all over the world enjoy whilst staying in hotels in Kendal, whether you choose to stay on the outskirts or the centre of the town you will be sure to enjoy the spectacular views on offer. The oldest inhabited house in Kendal is picture-postcard pretty and is called The Castle Dairy; built in the early 14^th century, this house has many original features including some tiny and worn stained glass window panes depicting an Eagle looking over an infant child in a crib and the initials A. G. The house is interesting for its strange floor which is reputed to have originally been part of a Roman Road which was absorbed into the house when its west wing was extended. There is also a small chapel on the upper floor and the exterior of the building is extremely picturesque. Another building of interest is Sandes Hospital in Highgate which was built in 1659 and has always been a home for the elderly having a number of Almshouses attached to it in addition to a school. The attractive arched entrance is an arresting sight for passers by or visitors to hotels in Kendal.

Hotels in Kendal and shopping

There are some lovely shops in Kendal, both familiar chain stores and independent shops. There is a regular farmers market and some great shopping centres with gifts, fashion and souvenirs on offer. Staying in hotels in Kendal is a pleasure on so many levels that for the first time visitor there will be many sights which stick in the mind and most people who visit Kendal display a desire to return and soon! The people here are friendly and the hospitality is among the best that the UK has to offer.

Hotels in Kendal and Discovering Mysterious Cumbria

Hotels in Kendal and the mysteries of Cumbria

Cumbria has many interesting folk tales and ghost tales attached to its various ancient towns and villages; many of the lakes and peaks have long attracted the attentions of the press thanks to centuries of sightings and reported fairy stories. Staying in hotels in Kendal will put you right at the heart of a fascinating part of the UK and the legends will be hard to avid as you explore this beautiful region. Some of the most well known tales are unsolved and even the oldest still garner much interest today.

The Beast of Workington

Mysterious and large cat-like footprints have been spotted in this area of West Cumbria and very recently too! The tracks were seen in the snow by two experienced groundsmen who are well experienced in animal tracks and admitted that they had never seen the like of them before. The tracks were as large as a human hand and were seen in the grounds of Workington Reds football ground. The groundsmen who found the tracks have also spoken of a sighting of a large black cat which was tall enough to be visible from behind the seating which it was stalking. Large black cats are in fact reported to have been seen in many areas of Cumbria although confirmed sightings are very rare. It is understood that ongoing research is underway to attempt to identify the creatures responsible for the tracks. Staying in hotels in Kendal could possibly put you in a good position to spot one of the mysterious big cats of Cumbria!

Carlisle railway station and the fever pit ghosts

Beneath the hustle and bustle of Carlisle railway station is a vast network of tunnels and rooms; the Undercroft as it is called was created in 1847 due to a huge slum clearance in the area. Once the site of a terrible slum, the area was redeveloped and has now been reopened after many years of neglect. The area is dark, dank and cavernous with many strange rooms and tunnels. Some rooms were used for passengers of the past to sit and wait for trains and others were used for storage. Bizarrely it also seems from records that people were born there and also resided there, it was a residential area as well as a train station! Reports of ghostly sightings abound and they include a veiled woman who wanders the corridors on the top floor, a headless man on what was platform 8 and a pointing man who can sometimes be seen the bowels of the structure. This all contribute to what makes for a very spooky visit and sightings have been reported by staff and visitors alike. Prearranged tours are sometimes available...if you’re brave enough! Hotels in Kendal are a great place to stay if you are interested in all things spooky!

Hotels in Kendal and spooky goings-on

Staying in hotels in Kendal can really put you into the heart of the ghostly happenings of this region! One pub has a reported three ghosts including one which appears with such regularity that locals have grown used to the apparition and accept any strange happenings as a fact of life. Levens Hall is very near to Kendal and staying in hotels in Kendal will allow you to explore this apparently haunted house was built in 1580 on the sight of a much earlier building and it now boasts many ghosts including a black dog, a gypsy lady and a Nanny. If you are the type of person who enjoys a mystery, then a visit to Levens Hall could satisfy your curiosity!

Hotels in Kendal; a Gateway to the Lake District

Hotels in Kendal and where to visit locally

Kendal is situated in Cumbria and hotels in Kendal put the visitor in a fabulous location for exploring this stunning region on England. Kendal has much to offer in the way of beautiful views and picturesque architecture, but another fabulous plus to this surprising town is that it is very close to some of the famous Lakes of England. Indeed Kendal is sometimes called the Gateway to the Lake District and is only a few miles distant from Lake Windermere.

Hotels in Kendal and the Lakes

Lake Windermere is very accessible for those staying in hotels in Kendal and this stunning lake is also the largest natural lake in England. It is a popular destination for lovers of nature and also for those who love water sports. Since 2000 there have been changes in the laws governing the speeds which power boats may travel at on the lake. This has improved the tranquillity of the area to a large degree and many people are spellbound by this amazing area. Hotels in Kendal make a great base for an exploration of Cumbria and the Lake District, with many beautiful lakes and peaks to explore this are is a dream for ramblers and hikers...and also for those who just enjoy a gentle stroll!

Hotels in Kendal: Hidden Gems

If you are someone who likes to get to know every nook and cranny of a town, you certainly won’t be disappointed in Kendal. Hotels in Kendal will allow you to explore many fascinating places of interest. A historical town, Kendal boasts two ruined castles and some quaint yards and alley ways to explore. Many quaint pubs and inns are to be found in the town itself and just outside the town is some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside; but if you want to stay within the town itself then you won’t be short of things to do. Hotels in Kendal allow you to take full advantage of the cultural experiences on offer, including Abbot Hall Art Gallery which is a wonderful gallery set in a Georgian House beside the river and The Museum of Natural History and Archaeology which is one of the oldest museums in the country. Other places of interest include Castle Howe, Serpentine Woods and The Brewery Arts Centre. Kendal is an eclectic town, full of charm and English eccentricities this town is not one which is easily forgotten! Travel to Kendal is made easy by great train services and also by good motorway links. Whether you enjoy rambles in the countryside, or shopping in any one of the towns great shopping areas you will be sure to find Kendal is the kind of town where you feel at home very quickly. Plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants ensure that you have a good choice of evening activities if you are in the mood for socialising and likewise a quiet evening in is pleasurable...this is a peaceful town with friendly residents.

Discover lochs and rivers, fishing, boating, hikes, quad biking, beautiful gardens and hill climbing

Located as one of the northernmost hotels in Lockerbie, Annandale Water (Lockerbie) Days Inn, 7 miles from Lockerbie itself, is situated in the junction 16 motorway services area on the M74 in South West Scotland.

  Here you have about 1 hour’s drive to Glasgow or Edinburgh, and under 30 miles to the Scottish Border and beyond.  It’s a location which appeals to drivers, cyclists, walkers, bikers and tourists of all kinds, often stated as ideal by those itinerant between Inverness, Aberdeen and the lochs and isles, ferry landings and airports, and England and Wales, all year round.

  It’s one of the budget hotels in Lockerbie, all rooms ensuite, with TV and free of charge WiFi, plus peace and quiet for guests to relax, take a stroll, or even a seat by our lake behind the hotel.  Families and single travelers alike are welcome – and now dogs are too!

Of all the hotels in Lockerbie, birdwatchers in particular love this spot, and anyone, any age, can enjoy the entertainment on offer from the gorgeous swans, ducks, herons, frogs and multitudes of various beasts and birds around the hotel site – from a safe distance, of course.

  If you’re not the sort to slave away at a paperback or PC, sit and watch the sunshine, and the clouds scurrying over the hills outside.  Relax in a clean and functional room, where  you can stay undisturbed until noon next day.

It means you can put your driving aside for another day.

  Weddings, coach tours, business meetings and coach tours are all welcome. We are motorcycle friendly.  Other locations, and indeed, functions in other hotels in Lockerbie lie within 5-10 minutes reach – just as easy to get to are romantic Gretna Green, beautiful spa town 6 miles North of us Moffat, and the stunning Scottish Borders.

Even from our countryside location, shopaholics will enjoy Gretna Outlet Village, Dumfries town centre and the numerous boutiques, beauty parlours, delis and coffee shops, a short trip away.

Memorable evening meals in nearby hotels, grocers, restaurants and home producers offering superb local and speciality fare leave you spoilt for choice.

  If it’s not food or fashion that appeal, the region’s historic and famous attractions will delight anyone’s pride in Scotland and times gone by – world renowned writers, poets, inventors and warriors and kings - even the Romans – came to stay and left castles for you to visit and history for you to unfold.

As we are one of the hotels in Lockerbie, everything from forest trails, woodland walks and battle sites and the Southern Upland Way all lie close by.

Discover lochs and rivers, fishing, boating, hikes, quad biking, beautiful gardens and hill climbing.  Explore antique shops, galleries, ice cream parlours, ice rinks and traditional tartan wear  and woolen mill outlets, with, of course, designer locally hand crafted jewellery and beautiful  gifts and “must haves” to take home.

   So many good excuses call you to take that time away  from the motorway. 

Hotels in Lockerbie include us – Days Inn Lockerbie – come and see if we can help you find a reason to return and make a better journey easier!

The spring gardening show

The Days Inn Hotel at Tewkesbury is ideally situated at Strensham Services to allow visitors easy access to a wealth of historical, natural and beautiful places of interest.

As the M5 Motorway cuts through South Worcestershire it’s route bisects the former grounds of the Croome estate, originally designed by Capability Brown.

Now owned by the National Trust, much of the house and grounds of Croome court have been restored to their former glory. The restoration of a ten acre area of woodland that was removed in the early 1940s to provide room for the adjoining airfield, with over 5000 trees was featured on the BBC television programme Countryfile when Julia Bradbury visited the site.

The Hotel in Tewkesbury is some 13 miles from Worcester City with its impressive Cathedral, Porcelain museum and the Commadery civil war exhibits, also the home of Elgar and Lea & Perrins. Worcester hosts an annual Victorian fayre along with regular European farmers markets throughout the year.

Malvern is less than 20 minutes away, allowing recreational users easy access to the hills (walking, cycling and hangliding).

Malvern’s three counties show ground hosts many activities throughout the year including: The spring gardening show in May, the Three counties show in June and the autumn garden and lifestyle show in September.

Other popular events that take place are the antique collectors’ fairs, dog shows, caravan & motor homes shows with the VW vanfest for all things Volkswagen and the pugfest for all things Peugeot amongst other smaller events.

For music lovers, the quaint town of Upton upon Severn is only 6 miles from the Hotel in Tewkesbury. Hosting a variety of festivals during the year including the world famous Jazz festival in June, other annual events are the four-day Folk festival in April. As well as the Blues festivals in June followed by a Water Festival in July.

The various horse racing events at Cheltenham including the Gold Cup Festival draws visitors from all over and accommodation in Cheltenham and Gloucester is quickly exhausted. Being less than 15 miles from the Racecourse The Hotel in Tewkesbury gives those attending a more economical venue at which to stay.

For long distance travellers Strensham Services are an ideal stopping point for those travelling between the South West, the North East (M42, M1) and North West (M6). With this Motorway location The Hotel in Tewkesbury offers 48 en-suite bedrooms with freeview on modern flat screen TV’s, comfortable rooms and 24 hours reception with free parking overnight, access to food and drink 24 hour a day with a choice of refreshments from Costa Coffee, Subway, McDonald’s and Restbite/Hot Food Company.

Killington Lake Reservoir

Hotels in Kendal 

Cumbria is an amazing and beautiful area in the north of England, well serviced by hotels in Kendal.

Kendal Days Inn is situated at Killington Lake Services and is perfectly located between the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, nestled in the shadow of the Howgill fells, known locally as The Sleeping Elephants, and with its superb links to the motorway network getting around couldn’t be easier.

Kendal, an old wool town which was granted a market charter in 1189 and famous for producing mint cake and snuff is considered to be the gateway to the southern lakes, and, by booking a hotel in Kendal, you can take advantage of the many fine pubs and restaurants that are available.

Fortunately for us hotels in Kendal have a rich and varied history all of their own, old coaching inns, converted electricity board buildings, and new modern buildings offer us unique and interesting choices, unlike the first settlers of Kendal, the Brigantes and of course those pesky Romans.

But booking a hotel in Kendal does not restrict you just to Kendal.  The public transport links are second to none, and the road network takes you through the most impressive scenery the United Kingdom has to offer.

Some hotels in Kendal are fortunate enough to take advantage of the river side location.  The river Kent which originates about 20 miles away, flows through Kendal and eventually runs out to sea at Morecambe Bay.  The Days Inn at Killington Lake Services, one of the more popular hotels in Kendal, has the enviable position of overlooking the Killington Lake Reservoir, man made in 1819 to supply the Lancaster canal with water, the lake, as well as being a successful nature reserve is also used by many locals for fishing, sailing and windsurfing.

If its history you are particularly interested in, Kendal is defiantly the area for you, its link to the industrial revolution the Quaker and Methodist movements, and even earlier to royalty, Katherine Parr 6^th wife of Henry the 8^th born 11^th November 1512 daughter of Sir Thomas Parr of Kendal.

Kendal is fortunate to have both a Museum of Lakeland Life and a permanent exhibition of fine Quaker tapestries.

Hotels in Kendal, a poem by Susan Pittock

I need a hotel in Kendal

My room with a view of the fells

With bathroom en suite, an affordable treat,

To relax and rejuvenate my cells.

I’ll book the Days Inn in Kendal

My room with a view of the lake

With flat screen TV and Wi-Fi for free

And a cafe serving homemade cake.

I need a hotel in Kendal

My room for a family of four

Fluffy towels and clean beds to lay our weary heads

And do not disturb on the door

I’ll book the Days Inn in Kendal

With room for the dog as well

His name is Pete he likes doggy treats

And he never leaves a smell

I need a hotel in Kendal

My room with wheelchair access

Bars around the bath and easy use taps

All on the ground floor I guess

I’ll book the Days Inn in Kendal

Just off the M6 south bound

Car parking free and Costa coffee

Someplace that’s easily found

I need a hotel in Kendal

Staffed 24 hours a day

So if I’m late I won’t get in a state

Just turn up, check in and stay

I’ll book the Days Inn in Kendal

For me and my many work mates

To meet talk and do business

Just ring and arrange all the dates

I need a hotel in Kendal

That’s quiet and out of the way

Where no one knows or disturbs you

And leaves you to work rest and play!

I’ll book the Days Inn in Kendal

To break my journey to Wales

I need a few hours, a meal and a shower

I now have fresh wind in my sails

I need a hotel in Kendal

For guests of a family wedding

With presents galore, confetti on the floor

And coming back drunk I’m dreading

 I’ll book the Days Inn in Kendal

A weekend away with the wife

To enjoy all the views and some home cooked pub food

To enjoy all the good thing in life

I’ll book the Days Inn in Kendal

Where the team are all friendly and kind

Not cold and uncaring, but open to sharing

And give you great peace of mind.

Three reason why Kendal is always best

Staying in a hotel in Kendal is the ideal base for exploring the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. There are many accommodation options for this area – camping, caravanning, renting a holiday home, or one of the beautiful hotels in the Lake District National Park, but a hotel in Kendal has several advantages. Firstly, as you are just outside the Lake District you can usually get a better price for your room, secondly you have the option of visiting the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales, and thirdly you have much better access to the whole of the Lake District. While a hotel or B&B in Windermere is ideal if you want to visit the South Lakes area, from a hotel in Kendal you can access the A591 to the South Lakes, the A590 to the Lakeland Peninsula or the M6 to Keswick and the North Lakes.

Another possibility would be to drive into the Lake District on the A591 towards Windermere, and then head right onto the A592 aka the Kirkstone Pass towards Ullswater. It might be quite a slow drive, but it will be worth it for the cracking scenery you'll drive through.

Once you get to Ullswater, you have the most amazing choice of hiking you can do at all levels of difficulty, or you could just take a cruise on the Ullswater steamers.

While the Lake District may look small it is about 40 miles from top to bottom, and almost as much across. And once you get off the main roads then driving can be very slow and tiring.

Personally I would spend an hour or two in Kendal, then head into the District, if your base is a hotel in Kendal I would stick to the Southern Lakes. How about a few hours in Windermere then a stroll up Orrest Head? 20 minutes and gives a cracking view, and famous as Wainwright's first view of the Lake District. The other easy walk that springs to mind is to catch the steamer on Coniston and walk back up the west bank. Right by Windermere Train station and car park is a tourist information centre. Here you can get loads of maps and guides to the Lake District. They should also have information about a hotel in Kendal, Windermere or any of the Lakes towns, and they should also be able to book it for you. They will also have books you can buy showing shorts walks (or drives) round the area.

The Auld Grey Town

Kendal is a medium sized market town situated in the south of the Lake District. This town is in the county of Cumbria and is a great place to explore the nearby National Park from. Kendal has a population of around thirty thousand but often gets busier in the summer months when people come to visit the area. Most of the buildings in Kendal are made from Grey Limestone and because of this the town is often called 'The Auld Grey Town'. But don't let this description put you off; Kendal is still a very nice place to spend some time.

There are some good options when it comes to accommodation. There are a wide variety of hotels in Kendal offering some nice rooms. The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal offers some lovely, if slightly pricey rooms and the hotel is set in lovely grounds. There is also a Days Inn hotel in Kendal which offers good quality lodgings at a cheap price. There are also lots of nice cottages in the surrounding area, these are mainly privately owned but are available for rent if you didn’t fancy being in a hotel in Kendal itself.

The town centre of Kendal is a nice place to visit. There are a plenty of shops to browse around, mainly the usual kind of shops you would expect in an average sized town, but there is also a nice market which runs on certain days. This is a great place to have a look round and pick up some bargains. Kendal is world famous for ‘Kendal Mint Cake'. This is a very sweet snack that is very tasty and great for giving you energy. If you have never tried Kendal Mint Cake you really must sample some while you visit the town.

Kendal also offers a good selection of cultural activities. There are a few galleries located in the town, the most notable one being Abbot Hall Art Gallery. This Georgian Villa is a wonderful setting for looking at the artwork local to the area; they also offer educational classes and other activities. Another good place to visit that is just outside of Kendal is Sizergh Castle and Gardens. This is a nice place to spend some time admiring the beauty of the area and also looking around the medieval house which is usually open to the public.

A hotel in Kendal is a good place to stay if you want to explore the Lake District. This really is an area of outstanding natural beauty and Kendal is only a very short drive away from the heart of the Lakes. There tends to be more to do in Kendal than the other Lakeland towns such as Keswick and Windermere, so this can be an ideal place to use as a base for exploring. There really is plenty to offer and it is a great place to go and visit – so get your hotel in Kendal booked now!

Kendal, the jewel of the lakes

Do you want to stay at a hotel in Kendal that offers beautiful scenery, friendly and helpful staff, relaxing and comfortable rooms and good facilities on site for food, drinks and gifts?

Days inn at Kendal (Killington Lake), a hotels in Kendal, offers all this and much more. We have a choice of rooms designed for all needs – family rooms that can sleep up to 4 people plus a cot can be provided if required, rooms for couples, single travellers or disabled guests, and, for an extra £10 you can bring your beloved pet.

All rooms are en-suite with both bath and shower; there are tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TVs with Freeview channels, and a hairdryer. The lake facing rooms provide a stunning view over Killington Lake and the surrounding countryside and wildlife. The hotel in Kendal has an excellent location with easy access to and from the M6 motorway, and only a short drive to the heart of the Lake District, making visiting places of natural beauty and historic sites in the National Park so simple.

For walking enthusiasts Windermere, Ambleside, Hawkshead and Grasmere offer some great fell walks for all abilities. For shopping enthusiasts, Kendal town centre, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick offer a selection of shops for all ages and interests – from outdoor centres to fashion stores, speciality food shops – most famously Kendal Mintcake – a sweet treat and a great gift to take home for friends and family. For nightlife, Kendal town centre offers a selection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. All these just a short drive from Days Inn Kendal.

The Days Inn hotel in Kendal really is the best value under the sun when looking to stay at a hotel in Kendal – it gives you all the comfort and luxury of your own home.

Being part of the motorway service area means they also offer breakfast and evening meal vouchers for the guests which can be purchased from the friendly reception team either at check in, or at any time during your stay. The voucher gives you £10 to spend in the Restbite restaurant, but only costs you £7.50 to buy.

The hotel in Kendal is also part of the Wyndham Hotel Group, so you can sign up to the Wyndham Rewards scheme with which you earn points on every stay which can be redeemed for vouchers or airmiles. You also receive a welcome snack pack each time you check in consisting of a refreshing soft drink and chocolate bar – great after a long drive to your destination.

Check out is also very simple, the room is yours until 12pm, so plenty of time to wake up and enjoy the views before heading off on your onward journey. As you paid on your arrival, just leave your key at reception on your departure.

Plenty to do in Chesterfield

Days Inn Chesterfield Tibshelf is based at the Roadchef motorway services between junctions 28/29 of the M1 Northbound motorway. It is set amongst some of the most beautiful countryside in England, so it’s no wonder that people come to stay at the  Days Inn Chesterfield Tibshelf to make the most of the surrounding attractions Hardwick Hall, Chatsworth House (used to film scenes from the Keira Knightly block buster “Pride and Prejudice”)and Bolsover Castle to name but a few!

You won’t be surprised to hear that the Days Inn Chesterfield Tibshelf hotel has accommodated a few celebrities over the years too! From Kristian Digby (Day time TV show-Homes under the hammer) to Faith Brown (the busty comedian) also Pop Idol finalist Mark Rhodes and not forgetting a couple of visits from the great entertainer himself..... Paul Daniels (and Debbie McGee), Now that’s Magic! The adjoining services have seen countless celebrity comings and goings too; the soon to be married Prince William has enjoyed fish and chips in our restbite restaurant! And Posh and Becks have stopped off for a Costa coffee. So keep your eyes peeled you never know who you could be rubbing shoulders with!

If you have an eye for a bargain then you will love the East Midlands designer outlet Village it’s packed full with high street and designer names with up to 70% off RRP! And if you’re a chocolate lover there is a Thornton’s and Cadburys shop to indulge in, when you’re ready for a well earned rest there is a large food court were you will find cuisine to suit everyone from Subway to Spud-u-like. This is all located just 10 mins drive from the Days Inn Chesterfield Hotel at Junction 28 of the M1.

There are so many reasons why you will enjoy staying with us here at Days Inn Chesterfield Tibshelf Hotel ,a 24 hour reception, a good night’s sleep, an invigorating shower and a great breakfast not to mention a 22 inch flat screen TV with a selection of Free view channels and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel!

Meals are served in the restbite restaurant and you can purchase meal vouchers from Reception which entitles the bearer to two meals/Breakfasts for £7.50!

There is also a 24hour Costa coffee and 24hour W H Smiths.

What’s more, with the chance to earn rewards with every stay through our wyndham Rewards Loyalty programme, Days Inn Chesterfield Tibshelf Hotel really is The Best Value Under The Sun!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Lockerbie, the gateway to Scotland

Hotels in Lockerbie, Annandale Water situated on the out skirts of Lockerbie within easy access of the M74 a modern spacious hotel, with its 24 hour facilities must make it one of the best giving a friendly welcome to all.

                With the choice of hotels in Lockerbie it is the gate way to Scotland.   The ideal stop off when visiting the highlands, but remember Dumfries and Galloway scenery will also take your breath away you only have to look outside your bedroom window in the morning if you stay at Annandale water, dawn breaking over the Moffat hills surrounding the lake is one of the best kept secrets of Galloway.

                What ever you intinery is so many amazing things to do and see when visiting hotels in Lockerbie, whether it is retail therapy, the sport facilities you have come for or the history you will not be disappointed.  We do relaxing sports such as fishing with some of the finest fishing rivers in Scotland within walking distance of many of the hotels in Lockerbie.  As for water sports Loch Ken should be your destination with great facilities and such wonderful scenery, it is only a short journey from hotels in Lockerbie for a day filled with fun.  Dumfries has a first rate sports centre to fill all your needs.

                The retail outlets are so incredible varied around the hotels in Lockerbie; you have the large modern airy Gretna Green retail centre with clothes from the top designers and restaurants and cafes such as Sub way, Obrien’s and Thornton’s where you can take a break in peaceful surrounds and treat yourself to one of their hot chocolates and cakes a wonderful chocolate experience, before carrying on with all that retail therapy.  We also have such a wonderful variety of specialty shops in the area, whether it’s the wigtown book town or Castle town food town or meandering around the quant villages and markets there is just too much to see and enjoy.

The area is packed with history, so many amazing events happened here from the reivers  harring and stealing cross the border,  William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, King Edward the Hammer of the Scots, Robert Burns and James Hogg the Ettrick Sheppard just to many fascinating battles grounds and castles to name,   but a  must visit site is Bruce’s wonderful castle in Lochmaben.   All of these places are a short drive through the stunning country side of Lockerbie.

                Robert Burns is one the world’s best known and loved poets and writer lived and died here leaving us so much to see and read, the wonderful river side trail follows his journey to Dumfries , the scenery is stunning and to know you are walking in the bards very  footsteps is awe inspiring

                So where ever you are going, make hotels in Lockerbie your first stop, Annandale Water with its spacious well appointed rooms and facilities  are a peaceful rest with the added bonus of a lake to walk around and hot food cooked to order all day and night just for you,   it makes Annandale Water by far the best .

Denise walking in Lockerbie

If you are planning a walking holiday, and are looking for Hotels in Lockerbie, then the Days Inn at Annandale Water, approx 8 miles outside of Lockerbie would make an ideal base. We are situated just of the A74M at J16 on the Roadchef services. We are privileged to be situated in a rural lakeside setting, an unexpected surprise so close to the motorway.

The Annandale way is a new series of walks, launched last year and covers a distance of 55 miles over 5 way-marked routes.

The first walk is from Moffat to the Devils Beef Tub, where you will walk across the fells and experience stunning views across the Solway Firth and woodlands.

The 2^nd route takes you from Moffat to St Anns, this route covers farmlands, roman roads and takes in part of the Southern Upland Way.  By now you should have have ‘walked’ up a healthy appetite, let hotels in Lockerbie, eg Days Inn , start your day with our full  breakfast , snacks available to take with you , and on your return enjoy dinner in our restaurant, or take it back to your room and eat on your balcony and rest your tired feet, in readiness for the next day’s walk.

The 3^rd route takes in St Anns, Lochmaben and Hoddom. This route covers country paths, and minor roads, goes past the castle loch and  follows river paths and terminates at Hoddom bridge or the castle.  Hotels in Lockerbie being the ideal base for all of these walks, especially the 3^rd route which may need to be completed over 2 days, for the less experienced walker.

The 4^th route commences from St Anns, and covers minor roads , paths and fields to Lockerbie, then you continue on to Hoddom, passing through a nature reserve, farmlands and following the river to Hoddom bridge, then you follow the eastern loop back to St Annes.  Again hotels in Lockerbie eg. Days Inn is the ideal place for that relaxing bath to soothe away those tired limbs.

The 5^th route is from Hoddom to Barnkirk Point and then on to Annan. This route crosses farmlands, then follows a wooded riverside path to Cuthbertsons Bridge, and then in to Annan.

Then from Annan back to Hoddom Bridge.

If you manage to complete all of these routes, or wish to do it all over again, then make hotels in Lockerbie your choice, especially the Days Inn Lockerbie (Annandale Water), for that relaxing break.