Every year millions of visitors from all over the UK and further afield flock to Cumbria, making a beeline for the Lake District National Park, in wanting of its crystal-clear waters, (occasional) sunny weather and sublime views. Yet many miss – or perhaps are completely unfamiliar with – the stunning Eden Valley, a region that flanks the east of the Park, nestled between Ullswater Lake and the rolling Pennines to the east. Eden, unlike the Lakes, is an area rarely visited. Unknown to many tourists and almost completely untouched by human hands – save for a beautiful few Market Towns and one of the nation’s most scenic railway lines.
The Eden district has the lowest population density of any in England and Wales, averaging just 25 people per square kilometre – this means it is also England’s greenest space. Eden is still very much a natural paradise, and the district council want to keep it this way, going to great lengths to ensure that the valley remains an area of outstanding beauty through the promotion of eco-friendly travel and sustainable living.
While it may seem that all Eden must offer are cows and a few sheep (when I say few I actually mean a lot; sheep populations vastly outnumber humans at 6:1) the valley packs a huge punch when it comes to things to do, eat and see. The region is replete with some of the country’s best gastropubs and delicatessens, with an outstanding Michelin-star restaurant thrown in for good measure. There are world-class country festivals, some excellent mountain biking trails, a llama trekking centre and England’s highest café, to boot. It really is beggar’s belief how this small slice of heaven has remained secret for so long.
As you might have guessed, Eden is a lush and fertile land, and for millennia, farming has been tremendously successful in yielding bountiful harvests. The district’s largest town, Penrith, has held a market charter since 1223, and today continues to host two wonderful farmers markets, both held on Tuesday mornings, that bring the vibrant farming community together. Penrith is also home to Cranstons, a butcher/delicatessen/food hall that has recently been voted as the UK’s best butcher. There you will find local luxuries like the curly Cumberland sausage, air-dried Cumbrian ham, rum butter, chutneys, mint cake, Cumbrian ales and hundreds of fine wines.
On top of that, Penrith is home to a number of excellent pubs, including the delightful Highland Drove and the sensational The Yanwath Gate Inn, a pub often regarded as the best in Cumbria. Expect delicious food such as Wild Mallard Breast with dauphinoise potatoes with a roast garlic and herb jus or Pork Loin steak and cider cream sauce, accompanied with an impressive array of ales and single malts.
If you like your food even fancier then there is Sharrow Bay, a stunning Michelin-star restaurant that laps the banks of Ullswater lake. It is an opulent affair, bedecked in lavish furniture and complete with a 700- strong wine menu and home to what many believe is the original – and best – recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding.
During the summer months, there are some wonderful outdoor festivals which fill the calendar, including the excellent Lowther Show which, as well selling the finest Cumbrian cuisine, also plays host to antiques fairs, falconry shows, archery events and even ferret racing. On the 15th and 16th of August 2015, Lowther has the honour of hosting the World Series championships in clay shooting and gundog events – these are not to be missed!
When it’s time to burn off your culinary indulgences, then Eden becomes the ultimate adventure playground. Hiking and cycling are the best ways to experience much of the valley, where the hills are more forgiving than their Lakeland big brothers. There is a wealth of traffic-free trails that crisscross up and down the slumbering hills and sleepy hamlets, and a number of National Cycle routes that pass nearby. Cycle maps along with a numerous activity ideas can be found at www.nurtureeden.org.
You can also paintball, golf, fish (the River Eden has some of the best trout fishing in the country), clay pigeon shoot and even pamper yourself at a luxurious spa centre. There are also a number of equestrian centres where instructors will take you hacking around the fells of Ullswater Lake. If you wanted to try something a little different, then there’s also a Llama trekking centre that offer trips around Ullswater.
Other highlights of Eden Valley:
Eat: George & Dragon, Penrith. Superb gastro-pub serving fresh produce from the family’s estate.
Four & Twenty, Penrith. Swish new restaurant in the heart of Penrith that’s already the talk of the town.
Do: Rookin House Equestrian and Activity Centre, Ullswater. Adventure centre where you can quad bike, fire bow and arrows, shoot air rifles and complete an assault course.
See: Rheged Visitor Centre, Penrith. Eco-hub hidden in a hill that’s full of independent shops, a food hall, pottery workshops, and a large 3D cinema screen.
We have a number of luxury houses that can accommodate you, your family and your friends as you explore the riches of this truly gorgeous part of the world. The Long House, Tortree Hall, Tortree Cottage Birkmere Hall, Birkmere Barn, Johnby Cottage, Warwick Hall Eden Cottage, Fell Cottage, and Hallin Fell House all reside within the district of Eden. They will all make for an amazing basecamp for an unforgettable holiday.
