The perfect holiday destination for those in search of peace and quiet, unspoilt scenery; for ramblers, riders, anglers, golfers, rock climbers, canoeists and water sport fans, is the Limousin region in France.  The region has three departments: the Haute Vienne, Creuse and Correze, which is known as the ‘Lake District’ of France.

The land of green, green, pastures, forests and pure water springing from the region itself or just a little higher in the Massif Central; waterfalls, springs, fountains, rivers and streams, flow into the Loire or South into the Garonne. This region of France is so beautiful and green with woodlands and gorges.

The Haute Vienne is one of the departments of Limousin, and it is an area of open countryside, with Limoges as its capital. To the north of the department lies the Basse Marche, dominated from the south by the Monts de Blond and the Monts d’Ambazac. These mini-mountains reach a maximum height of 700 metres, and afford the tourist the most magnificent views from their granite slopes.

The range of fishing venues in the Limousin region is enormous, offering at least twelve lakes which are open all year round for fishing.  The rivers here are full of Trout, Trench, Roach, Carp and Pike.  With its unspoilt country side, breathtaking views, (if  you’re lucky) you may see some of the numerous deers, wild boars and the abundance of birds of prey throughout the woodlands and forests. This area is, surely, a paradise of natural beauty.

It has it all – golf, canoeing, water sports, cycling, and hiking.  In fact, with so many activities, you will be spoilt for choice.  With all this beauty surrounding you, it is no wonder that artists such as Renoir and Monet celebrated the landscape here; the whole area is a joy to behold and an artist’s paradise.

The markets in Limousin are a must. You will certainly get the French feeling. They are full of interesting characters and wonderful produce.  And if this is not enough, a fantastic array of celebrations such as music festivals, medieval fairs and much much more, is for your pleasure throughout the summer months.

La Traverse, a stunning 19^th century house offering bed and breakfast in Limousin, is near Limoges in the Haute Vienne Department of the Limousin. It is the perfect base for touring around the Limousin region.  This is a home away from home, offering luxury accommodation and the choice of a four-course evening meal – if you just want to relax in the evening after a full day or sightseeing and activity.

Bed and breakfast in Limousin does not get any better than La Traverse. With the opulence of traditional French fabrics and decor; light and airy bedrooms with ensuite facilities; and superb cuisine that tantalises the taste buds, this is your perfect holiday destination.  Your hosts Ian and Kate, having spent many years in the hospitality industry, are confident that they will make your stay in their beautiful house truly memorable.

For further information visit:  www.latraverselimousin.com

Editor’s note:  La Traverse is represented by online advertising consultancy, Media Solutions Marketing.  Please direct all media enquiries to:

Email:  [email protected] or call 0845 6809802

The weather has been very cruel to the United Kingdom this Winter but why let that stop you enjoying Christmas festivities.

For the last two weeks, Cumbria – the Lake District has been the main focus on all the news networks. This beautiful location may have been battered and bruised by the weather but it is still one of the most beautiful areas of the United Kingdom and fully open for business.

And Christmas is an ideal time to visit the Lake District with its warm hospitality, endless real fires and top quality local produce.

The Castle Inn Hotel and Spa near Bassenthwaite, Keswick have a small number of places available for their luxury Christmas break. This special Christmas break commences on Thursday the 24th of December right through to Sunday 27th December. The mix of organised events and time alone to explore the area or visit the health spa has been perfectly combined.

Set overlooking some of England’s highest fells and Bassenthwaite Lake, the Castle Inn Lake District Hotel is in a beautiful location, just 8 miles from Keswick.  They are ideally situated for those wishing to explore Bassenthwaite, Keswick and the Lake District. The Castle Inn Hotel is one of the finest hotels Lake District offering a warm welcome and the ideal location for relaxing after a busy day discovering the beauties of the Lake District.

Those requiring further information on the festive Christmas break at the Castle Inn Hotel & Spa should visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk or telephone 017687 76401.

The Lodore Falls Hotel played host to ladies from Lancashire and the Lakes at a luncheon.

Over 100 guests enjoy a three course lunch and fashion show and the event raised over £750 which will be donated to Keswick Mountain Rescue.

The event was organized by Kit Graves in conjunction with Hilary Cookson from the renowned dress shop Maureen Cookson from Whalley in Lancashire and a regional a lifestyle magazine. Whilst there were a number of ladies from Lancashire, Liverpool and beyond, there were also tables of local ladies from Cockermouth and Keswick.

The fashion show was presented by Hilary Cookson from the Maureen Cookson shop and during her show she also gave a humorous talk about what to pack in a suitcase for holiday.

Local ladies include Susan Farrell and her team from Solway Heaters in Workington, they regularly book their Christmas parties but took the opportunity to have a look at the autumn clothing from Maureen Cookson. Her collection included a mix of practical and very stylish clothing and of course, some sparkle for Christmas.

Kit Graves Director of Lake District Hotels Ltd said “it was a wonderful opportunity for ladies outside the Lake District to experience what we have to offer. The autumn weather was lovely so they had a fantastic drive through the lakes. We were especially pleased to see a group of ladies who had been dropped off by their husbands for a surprise treat – they went on to do some walking and collected their wives on the way home!”

During the lunch, £750 was raised to support Keswick Mountain Rescue.  Anyone interested in finding out more about organizing charity events at the Lodore Falls Hotel should contact Stephen Johnston at the Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 77285.

It was pamper time at the Lodore Falls Hotel this week at a networking event organized by the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

The event was a sell out in only a few days and more than thirty ladies enjoyed an afternoon of relaxed networking between treatments and afternoon tea.

The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has been organizing a variety of different events for members and this is the second time they have gathered at the Lodore Falls Hotel this year. Earlier in May the Chamber hosted an event at the hotel which was aimed at women. The positive feedback from that evening lead Suzanne Caldwell, the Chambers Enterprise & Development Manager to organize this Spa pamper networking event.

Suzanne said “We recently held a golf day which was mainly attended by men so we thought SPA networking afternoon would be perfect for businesswomen who can use the day to meet new contacts and take time to address their work life balance. The Lodore Falls Hotel is a fantastic venue, they are used to catering for groups and events and the food is always first class. The facilities are excellent and we have been well looked after – we enjoyed afternoon tea in our robes and felt very comfortable doing so!”

Kit Graves, Director of the luxury Lake District Hotels Ltd Group said “Christine Bibby our Spa Manager has worked hard to make sure our Chamber guest had chance to experience SPA treatments in peace and tranquility – there were a lot of treatments and it was important to us that they didn’t feel rushed. They were certainly very relaxed when they enjoyed their afternoon tea and I am sure a lot of networking was done too – just in a more informal way!”

Anyone interested in finding out more about organizing group Spa Days at the hotel should contact Christine at the Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/spabreaks. For more information about events held by the Chamber of Commerce in Cumbria visit http://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/

The Borrowdale Hotel steps back in time with an exhibition of old photographs depicting life in the Borrowdale valley hundreds of years ago. The exhibition is set to run until the end of October.

The display, by kind permission of Patricia Roscamp, is made up from historical photographs that have been hung in the Borrowdale Hotel bar. It is quite fitting that the photographic exhibition is being held at the Borrowdale hotel in the Lake District – built over 140 years ago it was the first purpose built hotel in the valley.

General Manager Stephen Wilcock is also marking the occasion by introducing a luncheon and dinner menu that is representative of the 1800’s. Dinner guests can choose from today’s a-la-carte menu, or choose dishes from a menu available to guests in the 19th century. The menu is as close to tradition as possible, but certainly doesn’t go as far as Heston Blumenthal’s Tudor feasts shown on TV last autumn. Diners can choose from two, three or four courses which includes Victorian favourites like ‘Ham Hock Terrine with pureed peas, roast goose and an old fashioned desert of Lemon Posset with almond brandy.

Head Chef Peter Starauscheck has tried to replicate 19th century dishes wherever possible, but knows tastes have changed! “Local ingredients and seasonality have always been important, but Chef’s in 1800 would have goose on the menu any time of the year – today geese are generally available around Christmas, so we had to place a special order to ensure we could include Goose on the menu. Once the Pheasant season begins we will be introducing a three bird roast of goose stuffed with a chicken and pheasant.”

Lunch time visitors to this luxury Lake District hotel can sample the ‘Bygone Days two or three course luncheon’ while they peruse the photos and history of the valley; potted salmon with pink peppercorns, egg, lemon, peppers and a tomato vinaigrette, or chunky vegetable and bacon soup, followed by slow braised shoulder of mutton served upon stewed pearl barley and vegetables. Proper puddings were certainly fashionable in the early 1800’s and a rhubarb and Bramley apple crumble mixed with oats and nuts would be warmly welcomed – then and now.

Stephen Wilcock said “we have completed most of the hotel refurbishment and thought the exhibition would be a good opportunity for local people to come and have a look. We have mounted the old pictures and hung them in the bar so visitors can see how the valley used to look while they enjoy lunch afternoon tea or dinner. Adding a 19th century dinner menu certainly tested Chef – but like today, they would have used as many local lake District ingredients as possible and diners will be delighted when they see what we can offer.”

For more details on the exhibition and details of the 19th century dinner menu at the Borrowdale Hotel please contact the General Manager – Stephen Wilcock on 017687 77224, http://www.lakedistricthotels.net or http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/borrowdalehotel/index.htm.

Windermere Marina Village are offering cycling enthusiasts a £50 discount on self-catering cottage breaks if they ditch their cars and arrive by bike.

With Windermere station a mere 10 minute ride away and numerous trails on our doorstep you won’t need a car to get the most out of your biking break. Four-star self-catering cottages, secure bike storage and a wash down station ensure you and your bike are well catered for at Windermere Marina Village.

Occupying an enviable position on Windermere Lake, the marina is the largest in the North of England offering not only moorings but also cottages in Windermere. The cottages overlooking the marina are spacious, well-equipped and offer you a little luxury after a day out cycling. Many of the cottages have double rooms that can be converted to twins offering flexibility for groups and can be booked for 3, 4 or 7 night breaks. Throughout your stay you will also enjoy full use of our onsite bar, bistro & leisure club; soothe those aches and pains with a dip in the Jacuzzi or pint on the terrace.

Jason Dearden, Managing Director of Windermere Marina Village & mountain biker says “We want to provide cyclists with the facilities they need and are keen to encourage people to leave their cars at home, reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy the stunning Lake District landscapes; so we’ve installed secure bike storage, provided flexible accommodation and an incentive to book”.

For further details of the facilities on offer please check out the website at http://www.wmv.co.uk/bike-holidays-lake-district.asp or call the reservation team on 015394 46551. Please quote “Car Free” to receive your £50 discount and ensure the bike storage is booked along with your cottage.

From October, couples marrying at the Inn on the Lake Hotel on the edge of Ullswater will be spoilt for choice when an ornate Victorian style Gazebo will be competed in the gardens of the hotel.

The new outdoor covered feature will then be an option for brides wanting an outdoor ceremony or somewhere different for photographs.

Planning permission has already been granted and the Victorian style design of the gazebo is currently being finalized. The covered structure is being made to order and will feature ornate aluminum balustrade and a hardwood handrail to three sides. Painted in ivory white it has a Verdi Gris painted roof, and will be located close to the shore of Lake Ullswater – making it a fairytale location for wedding pictures. It also enables a smaller wedding party to be catered for as often wedding venues are geared around and for the larger wedding ceremony.

Designed for intimate ceremonies the gazebo is already attracting attention from wedding party planners across the county and beyond. The luxury Lake District Hotels Manager Gary Wilson said “we already have one of the most romantic settings for weddings and also have one of the most photographed jetties in the country. Adding a romantic gazebo to the garden is like the icing on the cake and we really think there’s nowhere better for stunning Lake District weddings.

The gazebo is being produced by Andy Thornton Limited who specializes in design and manufacture of ornate metalware.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the new gazebo should contact Gary Wilson at Inn on the Lake Hotel on 017684 82444 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/innonthelake/index.htm

For the 4th successive year the Lodore Falls Hotel has taken an award at the Keswick Tourism Association ‘Keswick in Bloom’ Competition.

Results were announced earlier this week (Tuesday) and the hotel scooped Best Garden in the large hotel category.

The hotel has 40 acres of grounds to manicure and uniquely has the Lodore Falls situated in the grounds – which makes it an attractive and very audible garden. It also has its own pack horse bridge and lakeside frontage – popular settings for photographs.

General Manager Stephen Johnson said “This is the 4th year in succession that the hotel has been mentioned in the Keswick in Bloom Awards and we are pleased that the hard work put into our gardens is appreciated. They are a natural draw for visitors who enjoy seeing the planting bloom through different seasons. The gardens have been carefully planned to be naturally sympathetic to the local environment – and occasionally there is a Herdwick sheep who wanders through – very in keeping but not popular with our gardeners! The picturesque grounds provide a stunning backdrop for guests enjoying the outdoor hot tub and we also get some great comments from photographers and wedding guests”.

This imposing hotel, part of the luxury Lake District Hotels Ltd group, was built in traditional Lakeland slate has had a commanding presence in the Borrowdale Valley for over 200 years. Standing in 40 acres of grounds with lake frontage and the dramatic backdrop of the spectacular Lodore Falls and surrounding mountains, this Lake District hotel has one of the finest settings, with access to some of the most impressive walks in the area from the front door.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the gardens should contact Stephen Johnson at the Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls/

There are several new experiences at the Lodore Falls Hotel which are proving popular with visitors and locals too.

There’s the new ‘Café Culture’ at the Leisure Club, new treatments for men in the Beauty Salon, a new hot tub with stunning views across the lake and Cat Bells – and finally a new life enhancing club called ZEST!

The whole ambience at the Lodore Falls is one of relaxation and a chance to spoil yourself – and with a number of local people using the facilities, the ZEST experience was an obvious next step.

Zest is a new club that offers a schedule of treatments over 3, 6 or 12 months. It entitles you to a range of half hour or full hour treatments at greatly reduced prices and is very simple to use. The longer your membership the greater the discount on treatments.

It’s not just the ladies that are making use of Zest. Christine Bibby, Salon Manager said “treatments for men are now very popular. We wanted to make sure we can appeal to gentlemen too, so we have launched new facials as well as Turkish wet shaves and massages. It is important that we keep looking for new ideas and the new treatments for men are certainly a hit.”

Kit Graves, Managing Director of Lake District Hotels said “If you have ever thought ‘I would really like some me time’, then Zest is perfect for you and we are pleased to see that more and more local people are making use of the hotel facilities too.”

Leisure facilities at this luxury Lake District hotel are constantly being improved with two more new additions  -  the new Café Culture recently opened in the Leisure Club, providing morning coffee, light lunches or simply a cool drink after a workout in the gym, a swim in the indoor or outdoor pool. The second enticing addition to the facilities is the new outdoor Hot Tub!

The hot tub boasts stunning views across Derwentwater, and sits alongside the river running from the famous Lodore Falls. General Manager Stephen Johnson said “The tub is attracting a lot of attention and many Spa guests are enjoying the hot tub experience with a glass of chilled bubbly – so it’s no wonder our champagne sales have gone through the roof!”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Zest or any of the leisure and Beauty facilities should contact the Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 87722 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls/

Hillthwaite House Hotel, the luxury hotel in Windermere is pleased to announce the appointment of a new member of the management team.

Thomas Cross has joined Hillthwaite as the new General Manager. His family roots are very local with his Grandparents having been the proprietors of the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale, back in the 1950s and 60s. Thomas hopes to bring some of his own skills to Hillthwaite and offer customers an even better experience.

Thomas Cross says “I have already realised that the Hillthwaite House Hotel is a very special place, with a very positive and calm nature”!! Being extremely lucky to live and work in the wonderful area of the English Lake District, Thomas makes full use by having a keen interest in fell walking with his walking companion, Ruby the dog.

Set amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District, between the villages of Windermere and Bowness, Hillthwaite House Hotel is the most ideal of hotels in the Lake District for all types of breaks including short Lake District weekend breaks or for use as a base for your walking holiday in the Lake District National Park. Impeccable service and comfort, lovely food sourced from local produce, friendly, attentive staff and the many guests that return to the hotel time after time speak for itself.

Hillthwaite House Hotel has been awarded a VisitBritain Quality in Tourism Rating of 3 stars and the silver award.  Silver Awards are given to Hotels and Guest Accommodation that provide exceptional quality in all areas, in particular in service and hospitality. It reflects a high level of quality, comfort and cleanliness in bedrooms and bathrooms with very good levels of customer care and food provision.

For more information on the Hillthwaite House Hotel visit http://www.hillthwaite.com or telephone 01539 443 636.