Last updated 14:24, Friday, 25 July 2008

WHETHER it is for green motives or cost constraints, families who would normally go abroad for their holidays are in for some surprises when they head for the Lake District this summer.

IN WAINWRIGHT’S STEPS: Julia Bradbury and the BBC's Wainwright Walks series have spurred people to retrace their steps to the Lake District

Savvy guests are demanding more from hotels who in turn, are being more creative in what they offer guests.

The Lodore Falls Hotel in the Borrowdale Valley, near Keswick, has adapted quickly to the demand for more domestic holidays and has developed a seven-night family break full of fun and activity which ties in with Cumbria Tourism’s 2008 Year of Adventure in the Lakes.

They have done so by researching guest feedback and pulling their guests top ten favourite activities together into one adventurous, all inclusive itinerary as part of their seven-night family holiday.

The Catbells Family Break was appropriately named after the Catbells fell opposite the hotel, popularised by the tales of Beatrix Potter and, more recently, by the Wainwright Walks series on BBC television.

This family break is an organised adventure that encompasses some of the most visited attractions and activities in the area.

Activities in the break include:

l Visit to Muncaster Castle and The World Owl Trust

l Take a trip on the Ravenglass Steam Railway

l Visit to The Rum Story in Whitehaven

l Visit to the Lake District Coast Aquarium

l Visit to Honister Slate Mine

l Visit to the Puzzling Place and Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick

l Visit to Trotters Word of Animals at Bassenthwaite Lake

l Boat Launch trip and sailing on Derwentwater

l Canoeing, Kayaking or sailing on Derwentwater with Platy+

l Guided walks and cycle hire from the hotel

Tanya Sentance, sales manager for The Lodore Falls Hotel, said: “We know from Cumbria Tourism surveys that more families are coming to the area and we are ideally suited to this market. Coupled with the strength of the pound, growing airline fuel supplements and awareness of climate change issues, we are optimistic that even more will choose to holiday with us this year – especially with the increasing demand for organised family holidays like our Catbells Family Break.

“It appeals to busy mums who want minimal hassle and families who want their breaks planned so all they have to do is take part and relax without having to work out what to do, when and where.

“This package is a step-by-step action packed holiday that helps families get the most out of their Lake District visit and has been designed to let families spend quality time together, as well as giving parents and children a few hours freedom from each other.”

Stephen Johnson, general manager at the Lodore Falls Hotel, said: “The introduction of the package holiday in the late 1960s and 70s saw a huge number of families taking their summer breaks abroad.

“We have guests who remember coming here with their parents before the package holiday boom and we have noticed that things are definitely changing. Guests are re-introducing their families to the Lake District because it is compact and offers very diverse attractions.

“We are very accessible so the adventures included in the Catbells Family Break take in the far west coast as well as activities around Keswick and Borrowdale. We think there’s something for everyone.”

There are activities on each of the seven days which include a day down the west coast of Cumbria to Ravenglass, Muncaster Castle and the La’al Ratty steam railway – a seven mile trip to the foot of England’s highest mountain.

Another day takes guests to the Rum Story at Whitehaven (winner of best small attraction 2007) and the Lake District Coast Aquarium with its famous stingray pool. The break includes time to enjoy Derwentwater with sailing and boat trips on the Keswick launch.

En-route back to the hotel, guests can call in to the osprey viewpoint to see how this year’s celebrity chicks are progressing.

There’s more action on Derwentwater, canoeing or kayaking with Platy+ as well as recommended walks and cycle rides with bikes provided by the hotel.

In Keswick guests will also visit The Puzzling Place and the Pencil Museum, and a trip down Borrowdale Valley to the last working slate mine at Honister.

During school holidays the Lodore Falls Hotel introduces a programme of children’s activities to entertain the youngsters while parents enjoy a few hours to do something different.

The children can take part in treasure hunts, splash parties, face painting or even pizza and non-alcoholic cocktail making whilst the adults pamper in the spa or enjoy peaceful walks or try something quite demanding like the Via Ferrata at Honister.

For more information about this break contact Amanda Hunt at The Lodore Falls Hotel on 017687 77285 or visit the website www.lakedistricthotels.net