Activities

Morland is in a central but quiet position in the Eden Valley at the heart of the triangle formed by Penrith, Appleby and Shap, and at the centre of a wider area including the Lake District to the west, the Pennines to the east, the Yorkshire Dales to the south, and Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, the Scottish Borders and the Solway Firth to the north. All are well within an hour's drive.

within the village

Morland is an ancient village. Its church was dedicated to St Laurence in the 7th century and it has the only Saxon Tower (about 1050) in the North West of England. It is believed to be the oldest building in Cumbria still in use for its original purpose.

Morland also has the Mill Yard Café, open seven days a week (10-5) for coffee, teas and light lunches with a local food shop and an off-licence, so it is easy to buy food and drink for the Bower House, or order them in advance. They also do home-made frozen ready meals and soups. There is a sunny outside courtyard with a shady awning for hot weather. See www.millyardcafe.co.uk.

Across the road is the Crown Inn, the local pub open every evening and serving evening meals at weekends. Also nearby, in the amazing Victorian stables of Morland House, is Travelling2, an unusual shop specialising in travel clothing and accessories, see www.travelling2.co.uk, open every day 10am -5pm.

Morland House itself is a unique old manor house now run as a guesthouse welcoming visitors for stays of one night or longer. It is Tudor with Georgian and Victorian additions. For further information ring 01931 714989. Its lovely four acre gardens, centred round Morland Beck, are open every day to customers of the café, the shop - and the Bower House.

surrounding area

The area round Morland is ideal for gentle walks and for bike rides on the quiet lanes and bridleways. Plan your walk from the local map, or get a local guide at the café. Bikes can be hired locally, and can also be delivered and collected, see www.cycleactive.co.uk. You can even arrange your own tour with a personal guide, see www.adventurecycling.co.uk who will advise and accompany you.

The whole area is full of things to do both active and less active. The main website is Cumbria Tourism's www.golakes.co.uk and www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk and from that there are links to many different kinds of activities. You are also recommended to order the local newspaper, the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald, which comes out on Saturdays and contains listings and ads for local events, festivals and shows. Whatever you do, make the most of England's most beautiful county.