Conservation
A National Treasure - Your Vital Contribution
Over the last 100 years, the National Trust has become owner and protector of over a quarter of the Lake District National Park. Much of the central Lakes, where you will find many of our properties, are in the care of the Trust.
As the guardian not only of historic buildings but of the landscape itself, the Trust has to balance the needs of the countryside with those of its many visitors.
But caring for this living landscape, its footpaths and dry stone walls, its buildings, wildlife and ancient woodlands, is very costly!
At Heart of the Lakes, we know that many of you share our passion for this wonderful, unspoilt area and our concern for its preservation. So you will be heartened to know that by holidaying with us, you are supporting important conservation work.
"The National Trust is extremely grateful to 'Heart of the Lakes' for their generous and long-term support for the conservation work in the Lake District. The innovative scheme (Our Man at the Top) not only raises money directly for vital work but also encourages other organisations to support our efforts to maintain this beautiful but delicate landscape."
John Atkinson, Project Manager, The National Trust
'Our Man at the Top' - Conserving the Beauty of the Lake District
One of the greatest pleasures in the Lake District is walking the fells. Inevitably, all those feet take their toll on the landscape and dedicated teams have to be employed to maintain the miles of footpaths. To help fund this vital repair work, we created the innovative 'Our Man at the Top' project, under which, the sum of £1 was donated from every week booked with Heart of the Lakes (see booking form).
So successful was the scheme that from 2005, the figure was upped to £2. As you enjoy the unique Lakeland landscape, you know that together with Heart of the Lakes, you are playing a crucial part in conserving its fragile beauty.
With added £2 matched support from Heritage Lottery Funding, we at Heart of the Lakes, are now contributing around £50,000 per year to this vital work.
Some of our regular guests often make an additional contribution to the 'Our Man at the Top' project. If you wish to do the same, simply send us a cheque made out to - Heart of the Lakes 'Our Man at the Top'.
Should you wish to find out what 'Our Man at the Top' is up to, just ask after his whereabouts at our Ambleside office. You will be able to see his work first hand and discuss its importance with him.
"The support we receive from 'Heart of the Lakes' is fundamental for us. Over the years Peter and Sue's commitment, and the support of their customers, has raised thousands of pounds for Upland Path repair work.Thank you all very much, and here's to the future!"
Nurture Lakeland
Staying in or around Ambleside?
We want you to make the most of your holiday and are sure you will enjoy 'Fresh Air is Free', a mini-guide we have written in conjunction with Nurture Lakeland. 'Fresh Air is Free' gives you lots of ideas for car-free days in the immediate area so you can become more carbon friendly, save money and give your car a holiday too…you'll be amazed what's just around the corner, so stay local and enjoy the freedom and relaxation of a car-free day out.
Funding Conservation through Tourism - www.nurturelakeland.org
Full 'Fresh Air is Free' details will be available in your cottage but you can make your advance plans by looking at these pages here...Fresh Air is Free >>
We hope you enjoy 'Fresh Air is Free' which has been funded by the Lake District National Park's Sustainable Development Fund. Nurture Lakeland is a registered charity No. 1130453.
What our guests say
A very peaceful but convenient location, close to the shops and lots of walks from the door.
Another great week in this wonderful apartment
We have spent a lovely quiet week here to celebrate my 18th birthday. We enjoyed a night out in Bowness and a couple of long dinners at some good restaurants. Wouldn't hesitate to come again as Hillside Cottage is in a very good location. Thank you.
A wonderful stay in the apartment. We had a fantastic time in Keswick and the sun shone for us....can't wait to come back
Returned again for the 3rd time. Just love the house. Thank-you once again
A fantastic and relaxing home ....
Many thanks for another very enjoyable visit.
We have chilled out, mesmerised by the view and feel fit to face the business world again with renewed vigour.
Apartment is superb. More than we expected. Thank you.
It was great to have Sunday lunch on arrival. The food in the bistro is excellent and good value for money.
Cosy cottage. Great location. Had some great walks, made some great memories...
A pleasant week in a delightful cottage. We fed the birds regularly and saw dipper, heron, jays and all the 'common' visitors and a beautiful merganser with eight healthy youngsters.
Wish we could stay for next week's torch and fireworks on the lake.
We have had a lovely holiday and have really enjoyed staying in Rose Barn. It's a perfect location and a very comfy place to stay.
This is what makes Great Britain so great - fantastic countryside, amazing lakes, wonderful walks! We had 2 weeks of relaxation & thrills - Striding Edge on the way to Helvellyn is a must, Go Ape is also a great family day out. Thank you for sharing your
Our return visit. Glad to be here for the Ambleside Sports - hounds, wrestling and fell running - real Westmorland life.
Lovely setting, excellent facilities. Enjoyed walks from Neaum Crag. Our first taste of self catering and in surroundings like this we will be back.
Extra touches made so much difference; co-ordinated bedding, fruit bowl, tea/coffee etc. & beds made up for arrival - all appreciated; it feels homely here, well done!!
The house is amazing, the staff fantastic! Can't wait to tell everybody and come back soon.
Have had a lovely holiday in the Rydal Suite. Just what we needed for an enjoyable Autumn holiday in Ambleside.
2nd visit and the cottage is as good as we remembered. Hard to leave but we hope to be back again next year.