Latest news with #GoApe
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautifully British Lake District village with cobbled streets and untold charm
A beautiful village in the UK with a lot of hsistory is bound to become the next summer destination with a gorgeous Lake District A quirky village surrounded by landscapes and beauty of the Lake District promises to be a haven away from tourists and noise. Located in the north of Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead is the ideal place for the perfect Instagram picture, and you'll understand why once you get there. With a tiny population of just 519 people the village of Hawkshead in the Lake District promises to offer visitors a unique experience - and it's not too far from home. Although the journey to get to Lake District can be challenging, it's so worth it. Surrounded by beautiful nature, it's the perfect place for adrenaline seekers with tons of hiking trails, cycling routes and water activities. Suitable for all ages and those traveling with families. There's also a lot of cobbled streets with plenty of shops, cafés and pubs for locals and visitors to enjoy. As of today, cars are not allowed in the village centre, as they're aiming to preserve its old-town atmosphere. The village also has a lot of rich history. Interestingly, the name behind Hawkshead comes from the Old Norse words 'Haukr' (a personal name) and 'saetr' (dwelling), which means 'Haukr's summer farm. Its Lake District National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was awarded the title in July 2017, under 'Cultural Landscape'. Its lakes and mountains are one of a kind, making in a worldwide recognised cultural and natural landmark. Article continues below Things to do and visit in Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead Grizedale Forest: Great for walking and hiking, as well as mountain biking. You'll find well-marked trails and even a Go Ape treetop adventure course. Esthwait Water: Fishing, boating and water sports. It's also known for its picturesque surroundings and rich wildlife. Coniston Water: The third largest lake in the Lake District, ideal for those wanting to do some kayaking and paddleboarding, overseeing the gorgeous scenery. If you're looking for a unique experience and a different environment, look no further and visit Hawkshead. The beauty of nature will be so much different than any over-crowded and costly destination could ever offer. With breathtaking views, a friendly atmosphere and nothing but just greenery, Hawkshead is the place that will help you reconnect with nature without having to travel hundreds of miles away. It's also the perfect place for a short trip or even a romantic getaway with your partner. So pack your bags and don't think twice!
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
From Go Ape to Henry VIII: A relaxing stay at England's famous ‘Castle of Queens'
With only four lodges, they offer an exclusive weekend away with peaceful views and cosy rooms LODGERS HAVEN From Go Ape to Henry VIII: A relaxing stay at England's famous 'Castle of Queens' FROM calm terrace views over the lake to manic Go Ape adventures, the Lakeside Lodges at Leeds Castle are ideal for all ages with different ideas of fun. Leeds Castle is best-known as the UK's 'castle of queens', thanks to its connections to six medieval queens. Advertisement 2 The cosy rooms have lake-side views The property was first built in 1119, but was subsequently used by King Edward I to house his Queen, Eleanor of Castile, and Henry VIII also turned the castle into a home for his first wife, Catherine Of Aragon. Where is the resort? The estate is seven miles east of Maidstone in Kent. Hop off at Junction 8 of the M20. Being only an hour from London it is perfect for a quick staycation for you Londoners. Travelling by train from the North may be tricky, but Southeastern trains run into Hollingbourne or Bearsted stations with an extra 5-minute taxi ride. Advertisement What is it like? Introduced last year, the Grade I-listed Castle has four luxury lodges built on the lake's edge surrounded by 500-acre grounds where guests can roam around after hours. Right next to the tranquil Great Water Lake, you can relax in your cabin or from your private deck. What are the rooms like? No expense has been spared with the décor, comfy beds, and quirky outdoor bath. But the highlight was the huge sliding glass doors which opened onto a paradise for bird-lovers. Advertisement The lodges are from £245 per night – rather pricey but great for all the extra adventures offered – for two adults, B&B. Book here. What is there to eat and drink there? Hearty food such as roast chicken and beef bourguignon is offered at the Castle View restaurant You are not limited as there are also great pubs in the surrounding area. What else is there to do at there? The list is endless. You will get free entry to the castle which is worth the visit to see the grand rooms or if sport is more your style, enjoy a round of golf on the estate. Advertisement There is a Go Ape high ropes adventure course for both children and adults, a huge playground, and adventure golf, plus a large maze. Time your visit right, and you could see seasonal attractions – fireworks night or the Christmas lights. Is Lakeside Lodges family-friendly? All lodges are adult-only, but the Leeds Castle has two B&B family-friendly rooms. There are lots of activities available at the castle that are great for children. Advertisement Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, in the Castle and grounds, but call the lodges for specific room requirements. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
From Go Ape to Henry VIII: A relaxing stay at England's famous ‘Castle of Queens'
FROM calm terrace views over the lake to manic Go Ape adventures, the Lakeside Lodges at Leeds Castle are ideal for all ages with different ideas of fun. Leeds Castle is best-known as the UK's 'castle of queens', thanks to its connections to six medieval queens. 2 The cosy rooms have lake-side views The property was first built in 1119, but was subsequently used by King Edward I to house his Queen, Eleanor of Castile, and Henry VIII also turned the castle into a home for his first wife, Catherine Of Aragon. Where is the resort? The estate is seven miles east of Maidstone in Kent. Hop off at Junction 8 of the M20. Being only an hour from London it is perfect for a quick staycation for you Londoners. Travelling by train from the North may be tricky, but Southeastern trains run into Hollingbourne or Bearsted stations with an extra 5-minute taxi ride. What is it like? Introduced last year, the Grade I-listed Castle has four luxury lodges built on the lake's edge surrounded by 500-acre grounds where guests can roam around after hours. Right next to the tranquil Great Water Lake, you can relax in your cabin or from your private deck. What are the rooms like? No expense has been spared with the décor, comfy beds, and quirky outdoor bath. But the highlight was the huge sliding glass doors which opened onto a paradise for bird-lovers. Most read in News Travel The lodges are from £245 per night – rather pricey but great for all the extra adventures offered – for two adults, B&B. What is there to eat and drink there? Hearty food such as roast chicken and beef bourguignon is offered at the You are not limited as there are also great pubs in the surrounding area. What else is there to do at there? The list is endless. You will get free entry to the castle which is worth the visit to see the grand rooms or if sport is more your style, enjoy a round of There is a Go Ape high ropes adventure course for both children and adults, a huge playground, and adventure golf, plus a large maze. Time your visit right, and you could see seasonal attractions – fireworks night or the Christmas lights. Is Lakeside Lodges family-friendly? All lodges are adult-only, but the Leeds Castle has two B&B family-friendly rooms. There are lots of activities available at the castle that are great for children. Read more on the Irish Sun Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, in the Castle and grounds, but call the lodges for specific room requirements. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 2 The Great Water Lake in front of the lodges
BBC News
28-02-2025
- BBC News
Hamsterley Forest holiday park plan sparks legal objections
Campaigners have claimed plans for a forest holiday park are missing important documents and have used out-of-date travel England is working with two private firms to build 70 cabins, a campsite and a Go Ape high rope course in Hamsterley Forest, in County Durham.A lawyer for a group campaigning against the park said the plans lacked flood risk and protected species assessments and used travel data from July 2021, when some Covid-19 restrictions were still in England said no major concerns with its documents had been flagged by Durham County Council and it was collecting more information to satisfy public feedback. In the letter sent on behalf of the Hamsterley Forest Action Group, barrister Nicola Allan said the planning application was "not fit for validation". "The lack of information and inconsistencies taken as a whole are so grave that if the council proceeded to approve this application then it is likely to be quashed on judicial review," she claimed there were "serious inaccuracies" in the transport statement, drawings and travel plan, including failing to mention a road connecting Hamsterley village to the A68 being closed for two years due to subsidence. Updating the plans Ms Allan has called for the application to be invalidated or paused until concerns with the plans are fixed. Forestry England said its transport statement and travel plans had been submitted to Durham Highways, which had accepted them as providing the necessary organisation said submitting additional details during the "iterative" planning process was expected and would allow it to address any questions raised by the public."These consultees have set out what we need to provide to satisfy their requirements, and we are currently collating this information," a spokesperson said. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
22-02-2025
- BBC News
Hamsterley Forest holiday park plans spark hundreds of objections
Hundreds of objections have been lodged against plans to build a £36m holiday park in a forest containing ancient England, Forest Holidays and Adventure Forest want to build 70 cabins, a campsite and a Go Ape rope course in Hamsterley Forest near Bishop Auckland, County Bainbridge, from the Hamsterley Forest Action Group, said the plans would turn the area "into a theme park" and harm local England said its vision was for Hamsterley Forest to remain "fit for the future, balancing the needs of visitors, wildlife, and the local community". Ms Bainbridge, who lives in one of about 20 homes located in Hamsterley Forest, said about 350 people had objected to the plans."At the moment there are trout, there are salmon, there are otters in the water - that is going to go," she said."Overnight the forest is going to go from very few occupants to being bigger than Hamsterley village." Hamsterley Forest was created by Forestry England in the 1920s and sections are used for lumber production, but the 2,000ha (4,942-acre) forest is also popular with walkers and the plans, Forest Holidays wants to build cabins on a section of commercial woodland while Forestry England wishes to open a camping ground on former farmhouse land and construct a new visitor centre and car Forest also plans to open a Go Ape rope course in a section of Windy Bank Wood. The Hamsterley Forest Action Group believes the development would require sewage and electricity infrastructure to be built in the area, meaning boreholes would need to be drilled in the Woodland Trust has raised concerns the rope course would be within ancient woodland, while Durham Bird Club said the development would disturb animal breeding residents have objected on the grounds it would create traffic and put added pressure on the area's limited water Raby Estates, which owns a range of properties in County Durham, supported the plans as a means of boosting tourism. Forestry England said the development would help meet the demand for overnight stays in the region, create 135 jobs and contribute £6m a year to the economy."We acknowledge the objection from The Woodland Trust. However, the area which Go Ape partially uses is non-native species, with no ancient woodland value," a spokesperson organisation said County Highways had confirmed the existing roads could accommodate additional traffic from the site.A spokesperson for Forest Holidays said: "The proposals offer a new way to experience Hamsterley Forest through peaceful overnight stays immersed in nature."They will also contribute to long-term habitat enhancement, benefiting both the forest and its wildlife, while boosting the local economy." Adventure Forest has been contacted for comment. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here.
