There are many places to visit in the Eden Valley. The best are often those you just stumble accross on your travels. Here are just some of our personal favourites that are consistently good and we return to time after time. All are only a short drive from Hazel Cottage.

The Dukes Head Inn at Armathwaite is a lovely traditional country pub with a hunting, shooting, fishing theme, that serves excellent locally produced food. We recommend you book a table if you wish to eat in the dining room (Tel: 016974 72226 ) or take a chance of getting a table in the bar area.

The Highland Drove  at Great Salkeld serves excellent locally sourced food with an wide choice of beers and wines.

Combine a visit to Long Meg Stone Circle with lunch at Little Salkeld Water Mill, especially try the homemade soup with a selection of breads made from grain milled on the premises.

The market town of Penrith is only 7 miles from Hazel Cottage. (Market day is Tuesday) It has a number of traditional and locally owned shops as well as the usual high street favourites. For a treat call in George Hotel for morning coffee or afternoon tea, and relax for a short while in the atmosphere of a long gone era whilst watching the world go by. There are also a number of really nice, affordable cafes in the town centre and around St Andrews church yard.

The Upfront Gallery at Unthank is also worth a visit. Based in a peaceful rural setting, it is always popular both for its changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year and its vegetarian coffee shop.