Locality
There are many amenities, interests and activities in the immediate vicinity of Snowdrop Cottage. Listed below are just some examples.
Eating Out
There are 3 pubs within a couple of miles of Snowdrop Cottage, all of which offer restaurant and bar snack facilities together with real fires and real ales. Just one mile away in the village of Ravenstonedale are the Black Swan and the King's Head. Just outside the village but only a short drive away is the Fat Lamb. Over Ash Fell in Kirkby Stephen are more pubs, hotels, tea shops, cafes and take-aways. About 10 miles away in Sedbergh are yet more hotels, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Nearby Activities
Hill Walking
The Howgill Fells are close to Snowdrop Cottage and offer excellent opportunities for walking. The Howgills are less crowded than the central Lake District fells and gradients are not usually as steep. One of Wainwright's books is dedicated to the Howgills. On the western side of the Howgills, Carlin Gill overlooking the Lune Gorge is an interesting walk. The Lune Valley offers much of interest. Walks up Green Bell at 605m and Wild Boar Fell at 708m both provide amazing views. On the eastern edge of the Lake District is Haweswater that is an easy drive and offers superb walking. The local Rotary Club also organise an annual Yomp over the nearby Cumbrian Fells.
Golf
The Riverside Golf Course, a short 9/18 hole course, lies within the village of Ravenstonedale. The course is open all year round and visitors are welcome to play for a modest fee. A more extensive 9/18 hole golf course, which also welcomes visitors, can be found in Sedbergh approximately 10 miles away. Other golf courses can be found at Appleby and Penrith.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
There are miles and miles of gently undulating country lanes nearby awaiting cyclists who wish to explore the region plus a wealth of more demanding routes across the Howgill Fells.
Fishing
The rivers Eden and Belah are near Kirkby Stephen for which permits are available locally from Kirkby Stephen and District Angling Association. The Lake District is within easy driving distance where a wealth of fishing in rivers and lakes is available. Day permits are available to fish lower stretches of the Lune from Tebay Anglers. Bessy Beck Trout Fishery is located at Newbiggin-on-Lune.
Bird Watching
Buzzards, curlews, woodpeckers and thrush are but just a few of the species regularly sighted nearby. Within a short walk bird-watchers can be well off the beaten track with the possibility of sighting many species and the certainty of enjoying the wonderful countryside.
Tennis
There is an outdoor tennis court in Ravenstonedale managed by the local tennis club. The court is open to visitors for a modest fee. Details of how to book the court are posted on the entrance to the court.
Nearby Interests
St Oswald's Church and Gilbertine Ruins
St. Oswald's church in Ravenstonedale, rebuilt in 1744, is famous for it's three-decker pulpit and collegiate in-facing pews. In the grounds of the present church the foundations of an earlier Gilbertine monastry have been excavated.
Pendragon Castle
The ruin of Pendragon Castle, built in the 12th century and reputed to be the place where Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father died, is situated in nearby Mallerstang.
Settle-Carlisle Railway
The Settle-Carlisle railway, reputedly the most attractive line in the UK, winding its way through some of the finest scenery in Britain, is only 2 miles away. There is no ticket office at Kirkby Stephen but tickets can be booked on the train.
Smardale Nature Reserve
Near Newbiggin-on-Lune is Smardale Nature Reserve which is accessible on foot. The reserve embraces the former railway line that linked Tebay with the North East and therefore offers easy walking if desired. The countryside within the reserve is idyllic and wildlife is prolific. The reserve offers 3.5 miles of level walking and the chance to see Red squirrels and the rare Scotch Argus butterfly.
Sizergh Castle (National Trust)
There are some interesting National Trust properties within easy and picturesque drives from Snowdrop Cottage. Those with gardens are well worth repeat visits at different times of the year when different categories of plants are in bloom. The gardens of Sizergh Castle are exceptional.
Nearby Towns and Villages
Kirkby Stephen
The nearest market town to Snowdrop Cottage is Kirkby Stephen, about 4 miles away, where there are a variety of pubs and restaurants offering good dining. There are also many shops supplying groceries, gifts and antiques. Kirkby Stephen is a past winner of the Calor 'Best Village in Britain' award.
Ravenstonedale
Only one mile from Snowdrop Cottage the picturesque village of Ravenstonedale lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. In the summer, hay meadows surrounding the village are ablaze with colour. Numerous footbaths and country lanes allow visitors a chance to discover more about this delightful area. While the surroundings are idyllic and offer visitors peace and tranquility Ravenstonedale is an ideal location from which to explore the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.
Newbiggin-on-Lune
Newbiggin-on-Lune is about 2 miles from Snowdrop Cottage. It is a small Cumbrian village nestling at the foot of the Howgill fells. It lies in the parish of Ravenstonedale, a region classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Sedbergh
The nearby town of Sedbergh is another community lying at the foot of the Howgill fells and well worth a visit. It is famous for its annual book festival.
Further Afield
The Yorkshire Dales
Snowdrop Cottage lies within the Yorkshire Dales National Park with its undulating hills and dales featuring endless limestone walls and field houses so characteristic of the area. There are several possibilities for circular drives which take in many villages with their small shops, galleries and hostelries.
The Lake District
The Lake District National Park with its wealth of mountain and lakeland scenery and associated activities is within easy driving distance.
Coast-to-Coast Walk
The Coast-to-Coast walk made famous by Alfred Wainwright passes nearby.