White Moss House

Red Squirrel visiting every day.

2012-01-11T12:02:00.000Z

A beautiful red squirrel is paying a visit to the terrace outside our window every day. Where's the photo? I haven't managed to take one yet. The camera is sitting right by the window, but that squirrel has a sixth sense, and even though it doesn't seem to be looking at me it hops, skips and jumps away every time I focus on it.
I'll post the photo here when I eventually get one!

Meanwhile, are you thinking about visiting the Lakes in 2012? If you want to walk without taking your car, you couldn't do better than to stay right here at White Moss House. Here are some of the walks you can take whilst leaving your car ( free of charge of course) in our large private car park. ( visitors pay £££££ to park in the public White Moss car parks)

Here's the Walk round Rydal Water from White Moss House, and here is a guide to 6 walks around Grasmere and Rydal Water from White Moss House. Feel free to print these guides.

If you are able to commit now to a stay here in 2012, you can have a FREE NIGHT! Stay 4 nights and have a fifth night completely free. This includes our excellent breakfasts. Bank Holidays are excluded from this offer, but all other dates are fine, subject to availability. Please email me, sue@whitemoss.com to make a reservation. You need to book before the end of January for this special offer.Why not take advantage of this offer to visit out of peak time? Come at the end of March for the daffodils, or late April and May for the azaleas......

Wordsworth wild daffodils ate White Moss House

Every good blog needs a photo, so here you are. These are the wild daffodils described by Wordsworth in his famous poem. There are banks of the lovely little flowers at White Moss House. The end of Mrach, beginning of April is usually a good time to see them.

Our lovely cherry tree- gone with the wind

2012-01-03T18:00:00.000Z

When the doorbell rang at 9am I thought it was the postman with a late Christmas delivery, but it was a Highway Officer telling me that one of our trees was down across the A591.
We were shocked, as we'd just had the tree that we thought was dangerous cut down by the tree surgeon two weeks ago. That was a weeping willow that had been hollowed out by the continuous assault of the Greater Spotted Woodpeckers.Sadly, it's neighbour, a lovely big flowering cherry, possibly missing the protection of the old willow, has keeled over and was in urgent need of removal from the main road.

Luckily, tree surgeon Ben, of the wonderfully named "Absolute Treedom" in Rydal was available to chain saw and clear the mess. Thanks to the very helpful "Highwayman" and the policewoman who helped too- sorry you had to go before your cuppa was ready.

Here's the sorry sight of our beautiful cherry's last moments.

This afternoon the rain and wind eased, and we had a great fresh walk round Rydal Water and Grasmere with my brother who should have been going home to Scotland. All trains north of Carlisle were cancelled, so we've had an extra day together. It's an ill wind....

Happy New Year from the Lake District

2011-12-31T11:22:00.001Z

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year from the home of the Wordsworths, White Moss House.
If you're already thinking ahead to spring and summer holidays, early bookers for 2012 can stay 4 nights and have a fifth night free, any time, any days, except Bank Holiday weekends.
Please contact see our website for details, or email sue@whitemoss.com.

White Moss Snowdrops

Not long now until the snowdrops, daffodils, the azaleas, the bluebells ........

Christmas in the Lake District. Last Minute special offer

2011-12-14T15:10:00.000Z

Our historic Lake District Cottage Brockstone Grasmere holiday cottage is available for 5, 6 or 7 nights over Christmas, at special last minute rates.
Arrive any day from Tuesday 20 December, with the latest check out day Thursday 29 December.
7 nights £695, 6 nights £645, 5 nights £595. This is for up to 4 guests.
Great for walkers. Great for rest and relaxation. Away from the crowds in your own special cottage.

Read all about the cottage through this link.

Please ring Sue or Peter, 015394 35295 for more information, or email sue@whitemoss.com.

Special offer short breaks at Christmas and New Year

2011-11-28T10:47:00.001Z

Our lovely Lake District cottage, Brockstone cottage overlooking Rydal Water is available over the Christmas and New Year periods.
For one week stays, arriving on the Wednesday or Thursday, the rate is £695.( usually £820)
For a shorter stay, the rate is £165 per night, for a minimum stay of 3 nights.
Please ring me, 015394 35295, or email sue@whitemoss.com if you are interested in this great offer.

Special offer for Christmas and New Year in the Lake District

2011-11-21T11:34:00.001Z

Our holiday cottage Brockstone cottage overlooking Rydal Water, is usually booked by the same guests every Christmas and New Year, but they can't make it this year, so our lovely self catering cottage is available for a very special last minute rate.
The usual rate for main holiday weeks is £820, but we have reduced the Christmas and New Year weeks to just £695. This is for a maximum of four guests, and is superb value.
For more information , take a look at Brockstone Cottage website, where you will find lots of information and photos.

Christmas Day is a Sunday this year, and New Year's Eve is a Saturday, so we've made the changeover days Wednesday 21 December and Wednesday 28 December (usually the changeover day is a Saturday )so that you can enjoy a full weekend for Christmas and and New Year. Even if you can only stay part of the week, this is still great value.

A cosy cottage, perfect for walkers, with a spa bath, four poster bed, lovely Smeg fridge, digital TV etc etc, and did I mention the views?

Lunch on Brockstone Terrace looking towards the Langdales, January 2011

For more views and news please look down this blog, or click through to our lake district holiday cottage website

The Olympic Torch goes right past White Moss House on 21 June 2012

2011-11-07T09:54:00.000Z

Yes, it's official , the Olympic Torch will go right past White Moss House. There will be great views from our garden.

I've marked this as a red letter day on our 2012 booking chart. It's a Thursday. Book now to get a front row view of this once in a lifetime event.

Last room for this weekend at great rates!

2011-11-01T13:51:00.001Z

We've just one room left, the lovely Room 5 , for this weekend, at the very special rate of £175 for two guests, for two nights, including breakfast. I know! It's a bargain!
We can't guarantee that this wonderful weather will last all week, but the trees are still looking fab-u-lous ( I'm a Strictly fan, sorry ), and the log fire will be burning.
Email me, sue@whitemoss.com, or ring and speak to me, Karin or Peter on 015394 35295.

For one week only- save £100 on your 3 night Lake District break!

2011-10-25T11:41:00.001+01:00

We're offering great rates until 6 November. You can save £100 on our usual 3 night rates.
For details , see the special offer page on our website.
The clocks will have gone back, but so will the children! Half term is over, and a blissful calm decsends upon the Lake District.

It's your last chance to stay with us at White Moss this year, as we close for our winter break on 7 November, though you can still stay at Brockstone self-catering cottage during the winter months. We actually have a 4 night special from Wednesday 16 November, for only £390.

For more information about Brockstone Cottage, you can read all about our Grasmere holiday cottage here.We still have the Christmas and New Year weeks available.

Brockstone holiday cottage from White Moss Viewpoint January 2011

Here's a winter's view of Brockstone Cotage taken in January- it gets all the sun going, as it's perched up on a south facing hillside. The views over Rydal water, Loughrigg and the Lakeland fells towards Wetherlam are amazing.

The most comfortable beds and the best lounge of any bed and breakfast.

2011-10-23T11:36:00.000+01:00

"Please can we stay an extra night? Those are the most comfortable beds of any B & B we have stayed in, and the Wordsworth lounge is so comfortable and cosy with the log fire and squidgy sofas.... please can we stay an extra night?".......
Such lovely guests! We just happened to have their room free for an extra night. Happiness all round!

White Moss House Wordsworth lounge lig fire

Guests have been playing the grand piano too. Feel free to enjoy the space of our large lounge. We know it's a treat for bed and breakfast guests to have such a great lounge, especially nice for families or groups of friends, who can get together to chat in comfort.
Next weekend we have 2 rooms still available, and are offering special two night rates, so please check our webiste for details.

There must be sunshine after rain.........

2011-10-19T10:45:00.001+01:00

When it rains in the Lakes ( which we all know it does, often) I sometimes hum the old Dire Straits song, "why worry now?....."There must must sunshine after rain, these things have always been the same, so why worry now? "
Yesterday stretched this optimism to the full- we had gales, rain, hailstones, thunder and lightening , but guess what? - it really is a beautiful sunny day here now.
The Australian guests who arrived yesterday went straight out to buy waterproof trousers in Ambleside. They are very happy not to be using them today!
If you're looking for a last minute break in the Grasmere area, then please take a look at the special offer page on our website for White Moss House.
Don't forget your camera. The trees are looking great.

It's been an international week at White Moss House, Grasmere

2011-10-17T11:31:00.002+01:00

We were full all last week, with lots of guests from around the world. Usually at this time of year the overseas guests have gone, but in the last 7 days we've welcomed visitors from Australia, the USA, the Netherlands, Estonia, Ireland and Singapore.

After that really busy week, we find that we have rooms available this week, so we're offering some great last minute rates. Whether you want to come for just one day, or a two or three night weekend break, you can see our special last minute bed and breakfast rates here.

The piano has been in use lately. Please feel free to play to your heart's content! The log fire is very popular too. Scrabble by the fire anyone? Please email sue@whitemoss.com or ring 015394 35295 to make your reservation.

This beautiful tree is on the walk round Rydal water from White Moss House

Bring your camera. You'll want to photograph the autumn leaves, which are looking lovely right now. This tree is only 10 minutes from our front door, on one of the famous White Moss Walks. I've written a Guide to the 6 best White Moss Walks- please feel free to download and print this, or any of my articles. You'll find lots of useful information if you're planning to visit Rydal Water or Grasmere.

2012 bookings rolling in- from Australia

2011-10-12T12:22:00.000+01:00

This year we've had lots of Australian guests, and 2012 looks like being the same. The Aussie dollar is very strong right now, and it seems that lots of Aussies are taking the chance to visit the UK whilst the pound is at bargain basement rates.

The flights must be on sale now at attractive rates, as we are now getting lots of bookings for May 2012 from down under.I don't think there will be many of us heading in the opposite direction right now ! Amazing how things turn around. It doesn't seem that long ago that Australian holidays were great value for us in the UK.

Closer to home and more immediate- we have offers on our website from now until we take our winter break in November. See our special Grasmere bed and breakfast offers here.

We are fully booked this week, but we do have rooms still for the half term weeks- children very welcome. Please email sue@whitemoss.com for our best quotes if you want to bring the family. This really is a great time of year to visit Grasmere and the Lake District. Everything looks even more beautiful than ever.

Rydal Water from White Moss Viewpoint

Red Squirrels and the heron

2011-10-08T12:03:00.000+01:00

Walking past White Moss Tarn yesterday, we saw our old friend the White Moss Heron, standing and posing in the tarn. He's often there, on his own, looking totally fed up. That must be just how herons look.
We were just waving goodbye to him, when something rushed past us on the road.
It was a red squirrel- joy and excitment all round- apart from the heron of course.

We've seen red squirrels a lot recently, but it's still a thrill.

Autumn's back next weekend- special log fire offers.

2011-10-02T11:41:00.003+01:00

It looks like our heatwave will be over by next weekend, but the good news is that you can curl up on the sofa by the log fire in the Wordsworth lounge and read, play the piano, play cards, chess or Scrabble , and just relax after a day in the fresh Grasmere air.

We've got a special weekend bed and breakfast offer for two nights, Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday, 7, 8, and 9 October. We're fully booked the following weekend, so if you can get here in the next few days you can take advantage of our special bed and breakfast offers. The leaves are already turning, and the lakes are looking beautiful ( as always).

White Moss House log fire in the Wordsworth Lounge

Here's a photo of the log fire-( taken in Spring when the daffodils were out). Don't wait until spring to visit us though - treat yourselves to a great value October weekend and walk round Rydal Water, Grasmere, and enjoy the Lake District this autumn.

Grasmere's too hot for guests from Tel Aviv!

2011-09-29T11:36:00.000+01:00

We have lovely guests staying here from Tel Aviv, and they're too hot! They're not complaining at all about our wonderful autumn heatwave, but they've brought the wrong clothes- all warm wintery jumpers and wool trousers. They wish they had shorts!
They loved their sail on Windermere yesterday, and today they're going up to Keswick and round Borrowdale, Buttermere and Crummock Water. I've given them a route for a great Lake District day out.

First stop though, will be Grasmere Pharmacy ( a brilliant, proper local shop), to buy some Pure Lakes Geranium Aloe Vera shampoo.. Having used the wonderful Pure Lakes shampoo , shower gels and soap that we provide for our guests, they are very keen to buy a supply to take hope with them.
I'm a big fan of all the Pure Lakes products. My two absolute top favorites are Rosehip and neroli night oil ( for "mature skin"- that's me!) and Lemon and chamomile lip balm. You can buy all the Pure Lakes range online .
No, I'm not on commission!

Just look at this amazing Virginia Creeper

2011-09-28T13:01:00.000+01:00

Viriginia Creeper at White Moss House, Grasmere

I've just taken this photograph of our Virginia Creeper, basking in the sunshine. It's wonderfully warm out there.
If you have some free time coming up in the next few days, you could come and visit us . We are offering special last minute bargain breaks for your Grasmere bed and breakfast stay this weekend and in the next few days.
Here's one more photo I just snapped of the fuschias and the terrace. Afternoon tea and home made cakes on the terrace with our compliments. Wish you were here?

White Moss House bed and breakfast Grasmere on a sunny September morning

Summer's here at last!

2011-09-26T11:09:00.000+01:00

Slightly odd timing, as we've officially just gone into autumn, but the warm sunshine is so welcome, and the leaves are already turning. Time to get the camera out - new photos needed for the blog!
I'm being inundated with offers from hotels and B & Bs, lots of them in the Lakes, who want me to go and stay with them at special rates. It seems like everyone is very worried about being quiet, and it's true that we have rooms free at the weekend for the first time in months.
We are offering special rates, which you can see on the special offer page of our website. In fact, you might like to boomark that page, as we update our offers every day. These are the best rates available, and can only be booked directly by phone or email ( not via the online booking chart)

Christmas and New Year in the Lake District.

2011-09-23T11:44:00.001+01:00

Our Grasmere self-catering cottage Brockstone , is now available to book for the Christmas and New Year weeks 2011.
Changeover days will be Wednesday 21 December and Wednesday 28 December.
Great views, log fire, spa bath, Smeg fridge freezer, DVD, digital TV etc etc.... the perfect Christmas or New Year Lake District Cottage.

With it's south facing terrace, perched high up on the hillside, Brockstone Grasmere self catering cottage gets all the winter sun going.

Our Grasmere cottage terrace in January

Here's a picutre of a lunch on the terrace taken in January 2011. To find out more, please visit our Grasmere self- catering cottage website, where you'll find links to our Holiday Rentals or Holiday Lettings booking sites and Trip Advisor reviews.

Planning ahead for 2012

2011-09-22T15:08:00.002+01:00

I've had so many requests for bed and breakfast rooms at White Moss House, and self-catering stays at Brockstone for 2012, that I've now set up a proper booking chart instead of filling in notes in my diary.

We don't usually take bookings for the year ahead until we reach the end of November-don't know why- it's a tradition! However, with everyone predicting doom and gloom, and the stock market plummeting today ( no point cashing in the pensions right now), we decided to get the 2012 calender out so those of you who want a certain room on a certain day in July are now very welcome to make the reservation. Make that 2 days actually- we don't take usually 1 night bookings.

2012 looks interesting, with the old May Whit week behing ditched for a long weekend at the beginning of June for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Then there's the excitement of the Olympic torch passing right past Whte Moss House on 21 June ( I think that's right, but don't quote me)- followed of course by the Olympics, but as we weren't lucky with the tickets, it looks like we'll be here for all of you who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of London from 27 July to 12 August.

Anyway- book now for 2012- at 2011 rates!

Here's a photo of the front of the house with the creeper on, which you can see in all it's ruby red glory if you visit in the next few weeks.

Creeper on the front of White Moss House, Grasmere bed and breakfast.

Check the special offer page on our White Moss House website and email me sue@whitemoss.com, for the best rates.

Autumn leaves, log fires, healthy walks....

2011-09-21T15:09:00.000+01:00

October is a great time to visit Grasmere and the Lake District.Now is the time to book your October break.

Here at White Moss House we are very lucky to be able to offer all our guests the use of our lovely Wordsworth Lounge, with a log fire, lots of books, games, and a grand piano which you are welcome to play ( no chopsticks though thanks!)
We still have rooms for some weekends, and for half term, often at great rates.
email me, sue@whitemoss.com, for the best Grasmere bed and breakfast offers.

White Moss House: Red squirrels seen every day for three days.

2011-09-14T12:05:00.000+01:00

White Moss House: Red squirrels seen every day for three days.

Red squirrels seen every day for three days.

2011-09-14T12:00:00.001+01:00

Here is the Lake District we love our red squirrels. We've seen red squirrels every day for the last three days on our daily walks from White Moss House. They've been frolicking about in the trees. I saw one rolling over and jumping around on a branch, seemingly just having fun.

There are lots of hazelnuts now, so maybe they are storing their food supplies for winter. If you've only ever seen grey squirrels, ( big ugly things to my mind) you might be surpiresed by how small, pretty and dainty the reds are. Beatrix Potter loved Squirrel Nutkin, and as you probably know, she lived just 8 miles away from us here at White Moss House.

I'm delighted to hear from our guests that they've been reading all my Guides to the Lake District, and have printed out my guide to White Moss Walks. Today they are doing "walk 5" the walk round Rydal Water.The sun's come out at last after all the wind and rain, and it's just lovely here. We're pretty busy right now, but we do have a room for a one night stay this Saturday, 17 September, so if you can get away, take a look at our website for our best offers.

"The six weeks following the first of September may be recomended"

2011-09-11T10:43:00.000+01:00

It has to be admitted, the weather is not good right now. In fact, it's pretty bad for September. Usually we have bright, sunny days, and William Wordsworth in his Guide to the Lakes, discusses the best time of the year to visit the Lakes , concluding" the six weeks following the first of September may be recommended.........."
Here's a reminder of how the Lakes looks on a good autumn day.

Rydal Water frim White Moss Viewpoint

This photo was taken by me last September, just 5 minute's walk from White Moss House.

We're full tonight and Tuesday, but we do have a few rooms still available this week , and if you can manage a last minute break, why not take advantage of our last minute grasmere bed and breakfast offers. This bed and breakfast offers page is updated daily, so you might like to bookmark it for future reference.

Has anybody read Wordsworth's Guide to the Lakes?

2011-09-09T13:07:00.001+01:00

The highly intelligent and thoughtful group of well read people at the Grasmere reading group have just read Guide to the Lakes by William Wordsworth. (I'm one of them by the way!).

I think "mixed" would be a fair reflection of our views on the Guide. Wordsworth had very strong opinions on everything. For example, Lakes should not be too much like rivers. Long thin lakes are not to his taste. Having said that, even the most narrow lakes in the Lake District are much better than those in the Alps and America, which are too big apparently. As for Scotland "whoever travelled along the banks of Loch Lomond....without feeling that a speedier termination of the long vista of blank water would be acceptable...?"

Not many of us actually enjoyed the book, but it's certainly interesting to dip into.

Just to let you know about a new feature I've added to our website. Every day I'm putting special last minute offers on the website for the week ahead. These are the very best rates , so if you're planning a last minute trip to the Lake Distirct take a look at White Moss House last minute special offers.

Leopards came into the village and killed 60 sheep.

2011-09-07T11:38:00.001+01:00

Not in Grasmere, obviously!
We've just had a lovely American couple staying, They live in Kenya where they are teachers and missionaries. They were surprised that the sheep roamed freely all over the place, and asked if they had any natural predators. I'd never really thought about this before, but apart from foxes taking lambs, and the odd sheep being chased by rouge dogs, nothing much harms our wonderful Herdwick sheep..

In their village the other week, leopards had come and killed 60 sheep, a disaster for the village, which is home to the Masai people.

This might sound corny, but it really is a pleasure to meet the huge variety of people who come to stay at White Moss House.

I've just started a "last minute specials" spot on our website. This will be updated daily, so if you're planning a visit to the Grasmere area soon, why not bookmark our Grasmere last minute offers ? See you soon for a complimentary cup of tea with home made cakes by the log fire in the Wordsworth Lounge?

3 days of sun at August Bank Holiday weekend in the Lakes!

2011-08-27T11:41:00.000+01:00

Here we are, the last Bank Holiday till Christmas, a sure sign for the rain to start pouring down, but guess what? It's sunny in the Lakes! I can't go as far as to say "hot and sunny" ,as hot it's not- only about 15 or 16 degrees, but it's great walking weather.I couldn't believe it yesterday when I got a message from someone in London, cancelling their booking for this weekend because of "heavy rain in London" What sort of an excuse is that?! (I've since relet the room, thanks to all who RTd my Tweet about this)

Rydal Water from White Moss viewpoint

Absolutely perfect for doing the White Moss Walks. If you're at home this weekend, but dreaming of autumn in the Lakes, check out our special offer below. To remind you of why you really should be staying at White Moss this autumn, here's a picture I took last year, just five minutes' walk from White Moss House

Great rates for 3 night stays this Autumn

2011-08-24T12:12:00.001+01:00

Stay 3 nights midweek ( any night except Friday or Saturday) at great rates!

Larger rooms usually £342 now £270, and our smaller rooms ,usually £282 are now £210.
This is for two guests, for three nights, and includes our award winning breakfasts.

For more details please visit our website, or email me, sue@whitemoss.com

We are also offering special rates for three night stays that include Friday and Saturday.

You can check availability and book online here.

Brockstone now fully booked until 22 October

2011-08-17T14:42:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone who tweeted and blogged and facebooked ( is there such a word?) about our August offer at Brockstone self catering cottage. We've now filled those nights.
We do still have the week of the October half term free, and there are great bargains to be had over the winter months.
email sue@whitemoss.co or check Brockstone Cottage for more information

Sunshine all the way today- maybe a nice weekend?

2011-08-17T12:44:00.000+01:00

Last night the moon was so bright that you could walk outside at midnight. Which we did- for a few yards! It was cold though, with a strong hint of autumn.
Today is beautiful.
Just a reminder- we still have rooms left for this weekend at a very special rate. Only our larger rooms are left, and we can offer you a room with king bed, at the very low rate of £99 per person ( £198 for the two of you), for the nights of Friday and Saturday, 19 and 20 August.
Please email me, sue@whitemoss.com, or ring 015394 35295 to make your reservation.

5 Star Scores on the Doors

2011-08-15T11:43:00.001+01:00

Excellent! It's always a shock when the bells rings, and there's this man with an ID card telling you he's an EHO ( Environmental Health Officer) come to check your kitchen.
We're always slightly nervous ( who wouldn't be ) but once again we've come out with flying colours.
Just to remind you, we have two special offers right now.
There's a reduction of at least 10% for two nights B & B on 19 and 20 August at White Moss House and we have a 4 night midweek amazing offer at Brockstone Cottage. Details are on the posts below.

4 nights in Brockstone in August only £300

2011-08-14T10:39:00.000+01:00

Can you take advantage of this excellent offer? We have a 4 night gap at Brockstone Cottage for arrival on Tuesday 30 August, leaving Saturday 3 September, and we are offering this at the exceptional rate of £300 for the 4 night self catering stay.

Click on this link to find out more about Brockstone. There are lots of articles that I've written which you can access from this link, including 10 things to do in Grasmere and Wordsworth's Lake District.

Please ring, 015394 35295, or email me, sue@whitemoss.com, to make this reservation.

Special offers for the weekend of 19 and 20 August.

2011-08-13T11:37:00.001+01:00

Can you get away to the Lakes for a last minute break? If so, we can offer you a special offer for next weekend, Friday and Saturday, 19 and 20 August- at least 10% off a two night stay this weekend.

Smaller rooms are just £82 per person for two nights ( usually £94), and larger rooms are only £102 for two nights ( usually £114) This is per person, sharing a room, and includes our award winning breakfasts.
Please email sue@whitemoss.com, or ring 015394 35295 to make your reservation quoting this offer.
( This offer is subject to availability)

Whilst you're here you'll be able to follow the Walk round Rydal Water and all the other White Moss Walks from the door. Leave your car on our car park all day Friday , Saturday and Sunday if you wish- no charge!

To remind you of the great views on these walks, here's one of my photos.

Grasmere Lake and Village from Loughrigg Terrace, 10 minutes walk away from White Moss House

The weather's not as bad as expected for Rydal Show.

2011-08-11T12:51:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was terrible- torrential rain all day. The day before, we had a fantastic day's walk in the sunshine. Today was forecast to be wet, which was a shame for all of our sheepdog loving guests who are at the Rydal sheepdog and hound show, just down the road.
BUT, it's actually nearly dry, with a little hint of sun, and really quite warm. We do have 1 room left tonight if anyone needs to rest after the show before they go home!

Here's a photo taken on Tuesday, of Peter, on the top of Wetherlam, with the Scafells in the background, looking over to Brockstone Cottage. The Scafells are in the background.You can see Wetherlam from Brockstone- it's the big hill on the horizon, so obviously you can see Brockstone from Wetherlam. It's just a little spot among the trees, and you have to know where to look. Sadly, my camera a little Canon digital, won't show it, though it does very well for such an inexpensive camera.

We do still have a free week at Brockstone from 27 August. We'll offer a short break rate if you can't manage the whole week. Just email me for quotes sue@whitemoss.com

Looking towards Brockstone Cottage from Wetherlam

Special rates this Friday, 12 August

2011-08-10T09:48:00.000+01:00

Are you looking for a 1 night stay this Friday, 12 August, in the Grasmere area? If so, we can offer you rooms are a very special rate.

Smaller rooms only £79 for two people sharing, including our award winning breakfast.

Larger rooms just £99 for two guests. This is a great saving, 1 night only!

I've just seen a red squirrel running up the garden path and climbing one of the apple trees! Great news! You might be lucky and see one of these special creatures if you are here at any time.

Email me please for this special offer, or to find out about special midweek autumn rates. sue@whitemoss.com

Rydal sheepdog trails next week.

2011-08-05T13:35:00.002+01:00

I love the Rydal sheepdog and hound show. If you've never been, you can still stay at White Moss House for the night of the show- Thursday 11 August, though we only have one room left.
We do have rooms on Wednesday 10th if you want to stay the night before and drive home after.
The show features sheepdogs herding reluctant sheep through gates ( as in the old "one man and his dog" TV programme). There are also hound trails, and traditional events such as judging the best shepherd's crook.
Wonderful!

If you're visiting Rydal show, you might be interested in reading A walk round Rydal water.. Why not take a look, and maybe leave a comment?

Time to book for autumn!

2011-07-26T14:08:00.000+01:00

It's looking like being a very busy summer here at White Moss House. The weak pound is helping, as we've had loads of European visitors plus a healthy dose of Australians who've never had it so good as far as the Aussie Dollar goes. We'll be putting off our trip down under for a while though!
If you're planning an autumn visit, to enjoy the lakes at their best , once the children are back at school, then now is the time to book. September is already pretty busy, and everyone loves to come in October, so don't leave it too long.

July already!

2011-07-02T10:05:00.000+01:00

Here we are in July already. The lavender is looking amazing at the front of the house. We have the annual decision- do we leave it for guests to enjoy, or cut it and dry it so that we can all have the memory of it in pot pourri throughout the year.

Half and half is probably best. Last year I left it too long, and all the lavender got soaked one night and became useless for drying. There are photos and information about White Moss Lavender here.

I know, in the scale of world events , worrying about whether to cut the lavender or not is not a major decision along the lines of "will Greece leave the Euro and send our economy crashing". It's a nice little problem.Just thought I'd share it.

By the way, if you want to book for September and October, now's the time, as bookings are coming in thick and fast. You can email me, sue@whitemoss.com.

White Moss Walks

2011-06-27T12:47:00.000+01:00

The powers that be have put nice brown Tourist Information signs either side of White Moss House, pointing to "White Moss Walks". It shows car parking, toilets, picnic area and disabled access. Very nice!
When you get into the car parks, the Lowther Estate (who own the area , and have now taken back management of it from the National trust), have put up maps and suggested walks.

So now it's official White Moss Walks are a top tourist attraction. Stay at White Moss House, and follow the Walk round Rydal Water, and all the other White Moss walks to your heart's content- with no parking charges!

I wonder if there is a money making opportunity here we should be thinking about? Yesterday I got a phone call from a lady who has just passed on a bus, seen the White Moss Walks sign, and wanted to know when the next walk started, and how much would it be or was it free! mmmmmmm I wonder- Peter loves walking and telling everyone about the area- maybe I'll suggest it to him!

Someone is actually reading my blogs!

2011-06-25T11:39:00.000+01:00

I write away in the hope that someone out there is reading my blogs, and from time to time people tell me that they have, indeed, read them and enjoyed them
Today a guest has just told me that she loves my blogs, all my articles published on Squidoo, and she produced the print out of my White Moss Walks page. Yes! Fame at last!

If you want to use this guide to walks from White Moss, you're very welcome, whether or not you're staying with us at White Moss House ( the only house ever owned by Wordsworth btw) . It would be really nice if you could leave a message in the guest book for the page.

For a more detailed look at the Rydal Round I've written a walk round Rydal Water, which has lots of pictures and information . Take a look, even if you're not visiting right now. Messages are very welcome , here or on the web pages .

Fantastic foxgloves! Rooms free this weekend.

2011-06-22T15:15:00.001+01:00

The foxgloves on the fells and in the fields around White Moss House are looking amazing right now.Great purple heads are pushing up through the bracken all over Loughrigg Terrace, round Grasmere and Rydal Water.
Now that we have an official brown tourist sign for "White Moss Walks" I wonder if even more people will realise what a great area for walkers this is!

Here is my personal guide to White Moss Walks, complete with my own photos too. I'm off for a walk right now, in the sun ( it's raining at Wimbledon, and the only match on is Venus- I'll give her a miss). I'll be taking some foxglove photos for the next post.

We still have rooms this coming weekend, and the forecast is quite good. Please ring 015394 35295 or email me, sue@whitemoss.com for our best quote.

See you soon!

Still special offers available this coming Midsummer weekend

2011-06-19T10:48:00.000+01:00

Glastonbury will be packed, but here it looks like it might be a quieter weekend. We've been full all week, and the Ambleside area has been gridlocked this weekend thanks to the Great North Swim, but we've got a few quiet days coming up, and we just wanted to alert all you blog followers to our special offers.

Thanks to the power of the internet, we have filled Brockstone for most of the nights mentioned in our offer below. We can still offer you bargain rates for a long weekend though, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 23, 24 and 25 June.

If you want to stay self catering go to Brockstone Grasmere holiday cottage, for details, or email sue@whitemoss.com, or phone me on 015394 35295

For bed and breakfast at White Moss House, you can check our rates on our online booking chart. Please ring or email us to make your booking at the numbers above.

The lakes are just looking lovely, and it stays light until after 10pm. Treat yourselves to a break- you're worth it!

Last minute offer for Brockstone Holiday Cottage.

2011-06-15T12:33:00.000+01:00

Brockstone Cottage, perched high up on the "coffin route" from Dove Cottage , Grasmere, to Rydal Village, is free for 9 nights from Thursday 23 June to the morning of Saturday 2 July.

We are offering 3 night breaks at £100 off the normal rates. If you can stay longer, we'll quote you our best rates if you emal sue@whitemoss.com.

For more details and lots of photos, look at Brockstone Cottage Grasmere. Fantastic views, great walks, and long light evenings. A great opportunity for a bargain stay.

Brockstone Cottage overlooking Rydal Water

The Wordsworth Rose is out now

2011-05-31T14:47:00.001+01:00

We have an ancient rose that winds around the porch. Our gardener says it's old enough to have been planted by Wordsworth, when he owned White Moss House.
This might be a bit fanciful, but we go with the idea and call it the "Wordsworth Rose"

The Wordsworth Rose at White Moss House, Grasmere

The Wordsworth Rose has a wonderful scent , and the lavender is just coming out. The garden looks and smells wonderful!

We're fully booked until Thursday, but we have Room 3 free Thursday , Friday and Saturday if you can get away.

See you?

No, you don't have to order your breakfast the night before!

2011-05-30T14:19:00.000+01:00

A guest we had staying the other days asked Peter in the evening "when are you going to ask me what I want for breakfast?"
"When you sit down at a table in the dining room tomorrow morning" he said.
It seems as if most bed and breakfast places ask you to order your breakfast by about 8pm the evening before. Also, you often have to pick a time slot.
Not at White Moss House you don't! Our 30 years experience of serving highly rated Good Food Guide dinners has meant that serving a freshly cooked to order breakfast, juice, cereals, choice of teas and coffees, all served to you at a table of your choice at a time of your choice, is something we can do really well ( no point in false modesty here!).
We have an award from the AA for outstanding breakfasts. If you've never visited us- take a look at our website and see if you're able to sample the Wordsworth lounge, the lovely terrace, the White Moss walks...............etc, etc! Here's the link to White Moss House website

Enjoying the baby grand piano in the Wordsworth Lounge

2011-05-16T12:31:00.000+01:00

The Wordsworth Lounge at White Moss House now is proud to feature a baby grand piano. Guests are very welcome to play it, and this morning we've all enjoyed hearing a very talented young man from Germany seranading us!

We seem to be welcoming lots of overseas guests right now. Current guests are from Germnay, Australia and Spain. In fact, we seem to be seeing a lot of Australian guests right now. The Aussie dollar is stronger than it's been for years, which is great news, as they are always great guests. We Love Aussies!

Last minute availabilty this weekend

2011-05-12T12:23:00.000+01:00

Fancy a last minute break? We have some last minute rooms this weekend at special rates if you can stay two nights.Check here for special rates this weekend.

We do also have a room for just 1 night on Saturday- a rare thing! Please email sue@whitemoss.com to make a booking.

Have you seen the new Rydal Village website?. Take a look- it's got lots of useful info and lots of pictures.

Are your free for 5 nights from Sunday 15 May?

2011-05-09T18:22:00.000+01:00

If you have a window in your diary for 5 nights from Sunday 15 May, you could stay at Brockstone Cottage for just £450. This would be for up to four guests, self catering in this Grasmere Cottage, which may just have the best views of any Lake District cottage.

If you can only stay 3 or 4 nights, please email me ( sue@whitemoss.com) for our best offer.
The azaleas and rhodies are looking amazing right now, and the Lakes are pretty quiet- a great chance for a special luxury break at a very special rate.

It's a beautiful time to visit the Lakes right now.

2011-04-30T11:06:00.000+01:00

We've been very busy over the Easter and Royal Wedding weekends, and the Lake District has been full of happy visitors enjoying the dry weather and sunshine.
If you can visit the Lakes in May, you'll see the very best of the azaleas and many beautiful coloured shrubs and blossoms.
We have some special rates for stays midweek during May, so take a look at White Moss online bookings by clicking on the link to see what our best rates are. You don't need to fill in the online from- simply email me sue@whitemoss.com to make a quick reservation.
If you can only come at weekends, why not also email to see if we can offer you any last minute reduction.

Brockstone Grasmere self catering cottage update.

2011-04-19T12:35:00.000+01:00

Brockstone Cottage is now full for Easter. I posted the last minute cancellation all over the blogosphere, facebook and twitter, and it worked!

I'm now a firm believer in the power of the social network and internet for marketing! It took me a full hour to post all the links, but it was time well spent.
I've got a couple of 5 day gaps from 2 May to 7th, and again from 15 May to the 20th. Any offers? Please email me (sue@whitemoss.com) and I'll give you our best possible rates if you can fill one of these slots at Brockstone cottage Grasmere .

Five nights at Brockstone over Easter at very special rates.

2011-04-17T12:42:00.000+01:00

Starting on Saturday 23 April, leaving on Thursday 28 April, 5 nights for up to 4 guests at only £590.
Stay at Brockstone Grasmere self catering cottage with its amazing views for a real Easter treat.

This very special offer is due to a cancellation.
If you can only stay 4 nights the rate is £540, or for 3 nights it is £450.
Please email me ( sue@whitemoss.com) to book.

Special last minute offer for Brockstone Cottage.

2011-04-13T12:07:00.000+01:00

Due to a cancellation, Brockstone Cottage is available from Saturday 23 April, to Saturday 7 May

The usual rate for these holiday weeks would be £820, but we are offering a special rate of £690 for 1 week bookings starting Saturday 23 April or Saturday 30 April.

This is for two guests self catering. For 3 or 4 guests the rate would be £740 ( usually £870)

If you can't manage a full week we would consider a 4 night minimum stay.

For pictures and info please look at Brockstone Cottage website , or email sue@whitemoss.com

Bargain 5 night stay at Brockstone Cottage

2011-03-31T15:13:00.000+01:00

Can you arrive on Sunday 15 May and stay for five nights? If so, Brockstone self catering cottage with the most amazing views is yours for just £450.

For more information and photos please look at Brockstone Cottage Grasmere .

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Special Offers to see the Daffodils at White Moss House

2011-03-23T11:02:00.000Z

Great special offers to visit White Moss House and see the daffodils.
The weather here is fantastic, and the daffodils are out all over the Lake District, with a great show in our garden at White Moss House.
We have superb offers for you if you can stay 2 or 3 nights between 29 March and 14 April. For details please click Special Offer at White Moss House and go through to our website, where you'll find the details.

Here's a reminder of what our special little wild Wordsworth daffodils look like.

Wordsworth daffodils at White Moss House, Grasmere ( once owned by Wordsworth)

Special Early Spring Offer at White Moss House.

2011-03-09T09:53:00.000Z

Were back from our holidays and looking forward to welcoming you all in 2011.
We open at White Moss House on Thursday 24 March, and until 2 April we have a great offer, where you save £100 per couple if you stay 3 or more nights.
For details, please see the Special Offer page on our website.
The wild Wordsworth Daffodils are just opening their delicate little heads in White Moss Garden. The photo was taken in our garden in March last year.
Come and stay, an see the Lakes before the crowds arrive for Easter.

Another fabulous Grasmere Day

2011-01-21T17:27:00.000Z

Here are a couple of photos from today's walk. I set off from White Moss House, through the meadow and down to Grasmere lake where a couple were having a rather cold picnic- the sun hadn't reached this spot all day.

Then I went through the woods to Grasmere lake and caught a lovely view of Helm Crag reflected in Grasmere Lake.

I then walked up through Bannerigg woods,zig zagged left and through Ladywood, all the while being followed by a couple who seemed to think I was searching out some new route for them. I shook them off at White Moss tarn as I went up to White Moss viewpoint, then back down to Brockstone Cottage and home to White Moss, where I took this picture from the garden looking towards Loughrigg at 5pm- the end of a beautiful Januaryday.

Rydal Water and Wansfell on a late January afternoon

2011-01-20T17:17:00.000Z

We walked up to Brockstone Cottage from White Moss late this afternoon. It's been a brilliant day in the Lake District. Last night was full moon, and the sky was absolutely clear. This morning we had a thick white frost.
By mid morning the sun had melted the frost in all the south facing fields, but on the north side of Rydal and Grasmere where the sun never shines in winter it stayed icy all day.

This photo was taken from the spot where the Thirlmere Aqueduct goes into Nab Scar, just behind Brockstone Cottage ( our self catering cottage ). There was someone ( probably from Nab Cottage) in a canoe on Rydal Water. You can see how cold it was on the north shore of Rydal, still very frosty at 3pm.

Looking towards Ambleside from the same spot in the photo below you can see sunny Wansfell with one of the Rydal estate houses, Cote Howe, in the foreground, with no sun all day.

Is there a sunnier rental cottage in Lakeland?

2011-01-12T15:09:00.000Z

Yesterday the Lakes was blessed with January sunshine. We had jobs to do at our self catering cottage, Brockstone. It's the cottage that you pass as you walk from Dove Cottage to Rydal Mount along the coffin route.

View from Brockstone Cottage over Silver Howe to Wetherlam and Sergeant Man

Here's a picture I took whilst we had our lunch on the terrace. You can see that there is snow on Wetherlam ( left horizon) and Sergeant Man ( the little pimple on the right horizon)
This was taken on 11/1/11 .As the cottage is high on the hillside, it gets all the sun that's going.
If you want to make a booking for 2011 in our Grasmere self catering cottage, do it now!

A wonderful winter's day in the Lakes

2011-01-08T10:22:00.000Z

You might wonder why I hit you with a post about my Dyson. Well, if you have lots of Blogs, as I have, sometimes you post on the wrong one. That's the explanation! However, as I do love my Dyson so much, and it was topical for Twelfth Night, I decided not to delete it. Hope you found it of passing interest!

Back to today, and the sun is shining out of as clear blue sky. We've got a few jobs to do, but on a day like this you just have to get out, and we'll be Walking round Rydal Water later. Maybe we'll see you in the tearoom at Rydal Hall if you're around!

Thanks to Cumbria Tourism for the picture, which is not for reuse other than by members of Cumbria Tourism ( which we are)

The Dyson DC 25 vacuum cleaner changed my life!

2011-01-06T11:51:00.000Z

I spent yesterday, Twelfth Night, clearing up from Christmas, and this job ( which I hate) was made much easier by my lovely Dyson ball vacuum cleaner.
This gadget really has made housework a relative pleasure. Not that I'll ever enjoy housework, but efficient tools make an enormous difference.

I decided to write a Review of the Dyson DC 25 to share my enthusiasm. Take a look if you need a new vacuum cleaner. I think the Dyson vacuum cleaner is well worth the high price.

Incidentally, if you are the person who left an unopened selection box behind a chair in the lounge- claim it soon- finders keepers!

Beautiful Rainbow over Rydal- what a great walk.

2010-11-24T15:53:00.000Z

This great photo was taken by one of our lovely guests at White Moss House a few weeks ago.
I've written a detailed description of the walk round Rydal Water. You're very welcome to take a look and print it off.

Snow on the Lake District fells today.

2010-11-08T17:21:00.000Z

Looking out of the window this morning, Loughrigg had a coating of snow. Wansfell looks pretty white too, and it's cold and windy!
Definitely the end of summer, and autumn too.
Time to snuggle up by the log fire with a good book.
I'm thinking about making the Christmas puddings, and maybe some home made chocolate truffles,- perhaps I can freeze some and use them at Christmas too..... if there are any left!

The autumn colours really are looking great!

2010-10-30T12:40:00.000+01:00

I know, we say this every year, but I've just been out to Grasmere to get the newspapers, and driving back around Penny Rock Woods, the trees were just the most incredible shades of brown, red , orange, and everything in between.
Do try to come up for a night or two ( free bottle of wine by the log fire for stays of 2 or more nights).
Check our rates online, then email me to book- please!

A Walk Round Rydal Water in the next few days would be two hours well spent.

Lots of very happy guests at White Moss House

2010-10-29T11:53:00.000+01:00

Half term is always very busy in the Lakes, but this year everyone was predicting doom and gloom, with all the spending cuts looming. With a couple of weeks to go, our booking chart looked very thin, but happily we filled up, and the guests who came have been so complimentary!
Some had stayed in B & Bs Ambleside or Grasmere before, and they just loved the special qualities of White Moss House- the Wordsworth history, the Wordworth lounge with its log fire- great for a game of scrabble at the end of the day. The car park was much apprecciated too- if you've stayed in the villages before you'll know the problem.
Walking from the door round Rydal , Grasmere and Loughrigg has also scored brilliantly with our guests.
We know what a great place White Moss House is- we've been here for 30 years!
If you can fit in a visit, we are open for 2 more weeks.
We are also taking bookings for 2011!
To check availabilty and prices, we now have our online booking system up and running
Just click on White Moss House online bookings .
We hope to see you soon!.

How about a November break?

2010-10-27T14:25:00.000+01:00

At the end of the week the half term hoards leave, and the Lakes settle down to a period of calm. Here at White Moss House, we stay open until 14 November, so why not consider a short break?
If you would like to see our best rates, and check availabilty, you can do so by clicking on this link, which will take you to our online booking system. You'll find that the best rates are for stays of 3 or more nights- why not take a look?

You'll see that we have some extra special rates and offers for November.

If you are planning to visit the Lake at Christmas, we won't be open ( sorry- we're full with family and friends!) , but I've written a web page, Christmas in the Lake District, which will give you lots of useful tips and information.

Amazing weather this autumn - the Lake District trees look fantastic.

2010-10-17T12:38:00.000+01:00

What an odd year it's been for weather! Maybe we could say that every year- no years seem to be "normal" these days.
This year in the Lake District we had no rain to speak of from January to June. People not on mains water ran dry around April and on July 9 a hose pipe ban came into force.
That was the day it started to rain, and it didn't seem to stop until September. However, the last two weeks have been dry, sunny and warm, and even though colder weather is on its way, the storms seem to be keeping away.
I've just put a special offer on our website, so if you click on this link you'll see how you can save at least £60 on your visit to White Moss House. Stay in November and we'll throw in a bottle of wine for your to enjoy by the log fire in the Wordsworth Lounge.
Here's an autumn picture to whet your appetite.

Rydal Water from White Moss Viewpoint

Save £40 this weekend, 15, 16, 17 October.

2010-10-14T12:46:00.000+01:00

Book 2 nights B & B this weekend, and save £40 on your 2 night stay.

White Moss House in its Autumn colours

Standard room usually £220 for two guests for two night now £180.
Smaller rooms usually £180 now £140.
This is for 2 people sharing a room, and includes our award winning breakfast.

The Lakes are looking glorious right now- come and see for yourselves! Please email sue@whitemoss.com, or ring 015394 35295.

Poetry Readings at Dove Cottage- a great way to spend a Lake District Evening

2010-09-28T11:16:00.000+01:00

If you are planning a stay at White Moss House ( once owned by William Wordsworth!) take a look at the Dove Cottage website to see what special events are on there that you can visit during your stay.

From April to October, leading poets read their own works in Grasmere church, alternate Tuesdays.This week we are delighted that Annie Freud,who is reading her poetry in Grasmere tonight, has chosen to stay with us at White Moss House for her visit to the Lake Distirct.

Other poets have also stayed here!

Dove Cottage wants to keep poetry alive, rather than just be known for William Wordsworth and the Romantic poets. A brilliant and very successful concept. Take the chance to stay in the only house Wordsworth ever owned ( White Moss of course) on your visit to Wordsworth's Lake District.

Autumn in the Lakes

2010-09-22T14:57:00.000+01:00

The leaves are beginning to turn, the log fire is being lit in the lounge, and autumn is on its way. The creeper on the front of White Moss House looks glorious.
If you are planning to visit us for an autumn break, do try to visit during the week, rather than at weekends if you possibly can. We are offering 10% off our usual rates for stays of 3 or more nights midweek.
Please email me, sue@whitemoss to com, to make your reservation.

Brockstone self catering cottage- fully booked (nearly) till the end of October

2010-09-17T11:49:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the power of the web we have filled our last minute week from Saturday 18 September at Brockstone Grasmere self catering cottage.
However, it is free for Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26 September. Usually we ask for 3night minimum stay, so this is a rare chance for a two night special break.

Two nights self catering for two guests , 25 and 26 September, just a very special rate of £220.

Please email me if you would like to book- sue@whitemoss.com.

Self catering cottage with amazing views over Rydal- special September offer.

2010-09-10T11:39:00.000+01:00

Do you have a few days spare towards the end of September? We have a 9 night gap at our lovely cottage Brockstone, from 18 to 26 September inclusive.

Here's our offer!

Usual rate for a 7 night stay £690, now £550. This is for two guests, self catering all bills included.

We can also offer shorter breaks, at the following very special rates.

3 nights, £300
4 nights £370
Extra nights £60 per night. This is for 2 guests, self catering.

Pictures and information, please click on the link above, or email me- sue@whitemoss.com

What are your favourite Lake District guide books?

2010-09-07T18:23:00.000+01:00

I've just written an article on the books that I think are some of the best to buy if you are visiting the Lakes.
Do you have any other suggestions? Please take a look at The Best Lake District books and tell me what you think. You can leave a message at the end of the article.

Blackerry time ! A great White Moss blackberry recipe for you.

2010-09-01T09:53:00.000+01:00

The hedges are bursting with blackberries around Rydal Water and Grasmere right now.
Our Grasmere Apple and Blackberry crumble recipe is a perfect way to use the blackberries.
What is the Grasmere part of this recipe? Well, you've heard of Grasmere Gingerbread, and this recipe has a hint of ginger in it, which just adds a little extra something to the usual recipe.

This is an up market crumble!
You are welcome to use this White Moss recipe- please leave a comment on the bottom of the page if you enjoyed it.

Beautiful weather in the Lakes today- come and enjoy 10% off next week!

2010-08-26T10:17:00.000+01:00

Autumn creeper at White Moss House September 2009

What a beautiful morning today in the Lake District! It's cool though- there was a hint of a frost, certainly a heavy dew this morning.
It actually looks as if the weather will be good for the Bank Holiday. We're fully booked, and have also filled Brockstone Cottage, but why not visit after the Bank Holiday? Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are quiet.
We'd be happy to give you a 10% discount for B & B on 30,31 August and 1 September if you stay 2 or 3 nights.
Please email sue@whitemoss.com if you would like to take up this offer.

Thursday Friday and Saturday are special dinner dates- we do still have a smaller room left at the rate of £85 per person per night for dinner, room and breakfast on 2, 3 and 4 September. The only other chance for dinner at White Moss this year is 11, 12 and 13 November, when Brockstone Cottage is free. Otherwise we are fully booked.

Brockstone Grasmere cottage- special Bank Holiday offer. Save £100

2010-08-17T11:06:00.000+01:00

Brockstone Cottage has last minute availability for 1 week, arriving Saturday 28 August.

The usual rate is £790 for the week, now only £690 for a week self catering.This is for 2 guests, but please ask if you are a party of 3 or 4 for more special rates. For more information , look at either Brockstone ,my own web page with YouTube videos of the view ( thanks to Graham Whyte ), or our Brockstone on Holiday-rentals website.

Great views, spa bath, smeg kitchen, flat screen digital TV with dvd player, stereo cd system- plus amazing views and wlks from the door.

Email me, sue@whitemoss.com if you can visit.

Congratulations from White Moss House some very special walkers

2010-08-14T12:28:00.000+01:00

Four of our guests last weekend completed all 214 of the "Wainwright walks". One of the ladies had decided on her 50th birthday that she wanted to make a point of walking every fell in every book, and on Sunday they did walk 214, Crinkle Crags in the Langdales.

The weather was good, and a bottle of champagne in the sun in White Moss garden marked the end of a great campaign!

A fine example to all ! Congratulations!

August Bank Holiday weekend at White Moss House Grasmere

2010-08-13T15:45:00.000+01:00

We've been very busy all through August, but we do still have rooms for the August Bank Holiday weekend, for a 2 night minimum stay.
Please book as soon as you can for the best choice of rooms and dates.
email sue@whitemoss.com.

Dove Cottage- there's an excellent new exhibition there right now.

Brockstone self catering cottage for one weekend only!

2010-08-06T12:29:00.000+01:00

Would you like a 2 night break at Brockstone Cottage? This Grasmere self catering cottage has one of the best views in the Lake District- maybe even in the world?!

Usually we let Brockstone for 1 week stays during the school holidays, and 3 nights minimum at other times, but we have a 2 night gap available on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 August. The rate is £300 for the two night self catering break.

See the view on YouTube via this link

Please email sue@whitemoss.com .

Dinner, bed and breakfast at White Moss House, Grasmere

2010-08-05T12:09:00.000+01:00

We have very limited availablity now for our dinner, room and breakfast weekends in 2010. If you would like to catch the famous White Moss Dinner this year, this is what we have;

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2, 3 and 4 September- 3 nights dinner room and breakfast in a smaller room at £290 per person. We could offer a 2 night stay, at £210 per person.

Thursday and Friday, 2 and 3 September, dinner room and breakfast , staying at Brockstone Cottage. If there are two of you staying there, the 2 night package would be £240 per person, for dinner room and breakfast. Brockstone is booked on Saturday 4 September, but you could add days earlier in the week for B & B or self catering. If you are a party of 3 or 4, please email me for our best rates.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11, 12 and 13 November- dinner room and breakfast with accomodation at Brockstone Cottage, £330 per person for the 3 night package.( this is for two guests using the cottage- please email me for a quote for 3 or 4 guests )

Brockstone Cottage

That's all folks- all other dates are fully booked.

Lake District Information from White Moss House, Grasmere

2010-08-03T14:04:00.000+01:00

I've written an article pulling together lots of Lake District Information. I've collected lots of useful links, and up to date events.
If you have a blog or an event which you'd like to add, please leave a link in the guestbook, or email or tweet me.

If you are planning to visit the Lakes Lake District Information might help.

Brockstone self catering cottage Grasmere- now on YouTube

2010-07-30T14:30:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Graham Whyte, a guest at White Moss House guest house, Grasmere and also at Brockstone Cottage, Grasmere for taking these videos and posting them on YouTube.
Take look at them here.

See the drive from Dove Cottage to Brockstone Cottage in all its bumpy glory!

Back at White Moss House, Grasmere after the wedding.

2010-07-28T15:10:00.000+01:00

Some of you who know us or read my blog will know that our eldest son was getting married this summer.
Well, the big day was Saturday, 24 July. The wedding was held in St Edmunds Church East Mersea, on Meresa Island near Colchester, and the reception at East Mersea Hall next door.
It's a really lovely place, and the whole of Mersea Island is like a little place that time has passed by.
Or new daughter in law knew the island from her childhood, and her mother lives close by.
It's now back to reality- a busy summer of B & B at White Moss House Grasmere.
We do still have some rooms in August, and are offering 10% off stays of 3 or more nights midweek in August.( subject to availabilty)
For more details please look at our website.

What eats wasps? Badgers eat wasps! Latest from Grasmere.

2010-07-14T11:47:00.000+01:00

Following yesterday's burning question, do badgers eat wasps? The answer is yes!
Our gardener tells us that badger do eat wasps- so there we have it!

How a badger came in the night to Whitemoss garden, and dug up a wasp nest just below our bedroom window without us hearing anything is another question!

Do badgers eat wasps part 2

2010-07-13T11:21:00.000+01:00

White Moss House Bed and Breakfast Grasmere, the scene of an overnight garden mystery- do badgers eat wasps?

Here are two incriminating photos. The walls of the nest have been broken up . They actually have honycomb patterns like a bees nest- makes sense I suppose- I've never seen inside a wasps nest before.There is no sign of any of the tasty grubs ( I believe fishermen sometimes use them as bait), just a few shell shocked, dopey looking wasps ( which is why I could get so close)

I've often wondered what function wasps served in God's Great Plan. If they give a badger ( or whatever) a good dinner, then that's a fair use for them in my book.

If you have any info on this, please eamil me- sue@whitemoss.com, or tweet me, @whitemosshouse.

Do badgers eat wasps?

2010-07-13T10:21:00.000+01:00

Today's burning question from White Moss House, Grasmere is.... what eats wasps?

In the garden we have a wasps nest, which was actually built in a hole dug by a mouse. We've been trying to get rid of it for days, in a gentle sort of way, but the odd wasp keeps appearing.

This morning, we find that an area about 18 inches in diameter and about 18 inches deep has been excavated, and we can now see the bottom of the waps nest with about 10 wasps left. It has what looks like paper round the egdes- quite clever really.

It looks like a badger hole, but there are no droppings- who knows?

Hopefully the puffer will finish them off this time.

Walks from White Moss House, Grasmere

2010-07-12T17:09:00.000+01:00

One of the great things about staying at White Moss House bed and breakfast, Grasmere, is that you can do amazing walks from the front door. You don't need to take your car to go around Rydal, round Grasmere, oever Loughrigg, to Alcock tarn, up Nab Scar to Fairfield.........and many more!

Here are some of the walks you can do Cricular walks from White Moss, Grasmere..

If you want to walk round Rydal, taking in the caves, Rydal Tea room, Rydal Mount, Rydal Hall Gardens and the Badger Bar , then The Rydal Water Walk describes this in more details for you.

Thanks to Cumbria Tourism and David Willis for the photo, taken from the shore of Rydal Water looking back towards Whitemoss , with Silver Howe in the background.

Great things to see from White Moss House Grasmere

2010-07-08T10:20:00.000+01:00

One thing that lots of visitors to the Lake District overlook is Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Perched up on a plateau just before you get to Keswick, about 20 minutes drive from White Moss House and Grasmere, this neolithic stone circle dates back around 5,000 years.

It is a truly amazing location, surrounded by the lakeland fells- Blencathra, Skiddaw, Helvellyn.
There is no visitors centre, no tea room, no entrance charge.
You may even find yourself on your own there- apart from the local sheep.

Hosepipe Ban for the Lake District

2010-07-07T11:41:00.000+01:00

It's hard to believe after we had more rainfall on 19 November 2009 than on any day on record EVER, but from Friday we are not allowed to use hosepipes to water our gardens or wash our cars.
It has been such a dry spring here in Grasmere and the rest of the Lake District.

The phone has not stopped ringing in the last 24 hours with people looking for rooms for the weekend.

We are fully booked, but if you want rooms next weekend, ring now! or email me sue@whitemoss.com.

Check out our website, White Moss House for more details.

The terrace at White Moss House, Grasmere, looking lovely in the sunshine.

Still some last minute dates free at Brockstone Grasmere self catering cottage

2010-07-06T11:25:00.000+01:00

We've now let this weekend, but the cottage is still free from Monday, 12 July, to the morning of Wednesday, 21 July.
If you have time to visit for 3 or more nights please contact me for our best rates- sue@whitemoss.com.

For more info on Brockstone Cottage,, or on one of the Brockstone links in the right hand column.

Great reviews for Brockstone Cottage, Grasmere self catering cottage

2010-07-05T13:14:00.000+01:00

Thank you very much to all who have taken the trouble to write lovely reviews. We were really delighted to get the latest review for Brockstone Cottage- take a look at Brockstone Cottage review !

Are you free from Friday 9 July anytime until Tuesday 20 July? If so, we can offer Brockstone Grasmere self catering cottage ( 5 Star reviews!) at a special last minute rate. Please email me for offers- sue@whitemoss.com.

Lavender looking good at White Moss House, Grasmere

2010-06-27T11:09:00.000+01:00

Here at White Moss, Grasmere, in the Lake District we're in the middle of a very, very dry spell. After the floods of November 2009, it is hard to imagine, but we are having a drought, and there is talk of a hosepipe ban soon!
The lavender , however, is just loving this dry, sunny weather- and so are the bees.
At White Moss House we have at least 6 different lavenders- heavenly!

White Moss House and the Wordsworth Rose

2010-06-16T09:39:00.000+01:00

At White Moss House guest house, Grasmere, we have an ancient rose, which we call the Wordsworth Rose. The house was bought by poet William Wordsworth for his son, Willie, and the poet often called in and sat in the porch where the rose gr0ws.
We are told it is very old, so we think it dates back to the time of William Wordsworth.

It flowers once a year, just a few very scented blooms, and its out now! If you would like to stay, enjoying the glorious June weather, we have rooms free from Sunday 20 June for up to 4 nights, and again from 26 June (only 1 room left on 28 June).
Please email me if you want to make a last minute booking- I can offer you a June discount if you can stay 2 or more nights.
( we are fully booked on 17, 18 and 19 June, and also on 24 and 25 June)

Tuesday's walk from White Moss House, Grasmere

2010-05-26T09:24:00.000+01:00

The View from Jenkin's Crag, Waterhead, Ambleside, overlooking Windermere.

The walk actually begins and ends in Ambleside, but we hopped on the bus at Whitemoss- no point trying to find a day's parking space in Ambleside ( especially if you have a bus pass!).
We walked up Stock Ghyll, over Wansfell, had lunch at the Mortal Man, then back round Jenkins crag.
It's a walk we've done many times before, sometimes the other way round.

As it was a hazy day, the photos are poor. This is the gentle path back from Robin's Lane, with Windermere on the left and the Langdales in the background.

Some people only manage the short walk from Waterhead to Jenkin's crag. Even on a hazy day the view from Jenkin's Crag is superb.

Outstanding on this walk were the wild flowers- bluebells, wood sorrel, wild garlic , buttercups, violets, little yellow orchids. The hawthorn trees are also finally bursting into life. Popularly known as "May" trees", they are just managing to blossom before the end of the month in this late spring.

May Tree looking gorgeoous, above Waterhead, Ambleside.

We thought we had just missed the bus back from Waterhead, where the walk ends, but happily for us, the bus was 10 minutes late- dropped off at the bottom of White Moss House drive.

Note to all visitors to White Moss House- if you have a bus pass, bring it !

Sweet cicely at White Moss House, Grasmere

2010-05-23T10:52:00.000+01:00

Sweet cicely is a great herb , and it's looking extra good this year. Here is a photo taken this morning from our kitchen door looking into the Whitemoss herb garden.

It's a very pretty herb, with its masses of white flowers.Its main use for us it as a sweetener in rhubarb, gooseberry and other fruit desserts. If you chop up sweet cicely leaves and add them to the fruit, you can halve the amount of sugar you use. Nature's own low calorie sweetener!

For more information on sweet cicely , plus an amazing recipe for sweet cicely schnapps, you can take a look here.

Windermere Marathon Weekend

2010-05-17T09:44:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to all those, including our intrepid guests, who ran this marathon.
Great weather, great organisation, perfect conditions- so I'm told!

I'm especially in awe of the 10 in 10 people- 10 marathons in 10 days!

Cumbria Festival of fishing- stay at Brockstone Cottage at special rates.

2010-05-07T10:01:00.000+01:00

Cumbria Fishing Festival runs from the 15th to the 23rd May.
We have 2 fishing permits for our guests at White Moss House Grasmere B and B, or Brockstone self catering Grasmere cottage to use on all local waters free of charge.

We are pretty full in White Moss House itself, but our Cottage up on the famous"coffin route" from Grasmere to Rydal is free, and we are offering 20% disconts on the normal self catering rates. This is from 16 May to 28 May. Minimum 3 night stay, flexible changeover dates.

For prices and details , see Brockstone Grasmere self catering cottage

White Moss goes to Sizergh Castle- gardens looking fantastic!

2010-05-05T14:44:00.000+01:00

If you can get to Sizergh Castle,near Kendal, this week, then do- the blossom is amazing and the gardens are looking great.

Here are some of my photos from yesterday. They don't do it justice, but you get the idea! This is a wonderful tulip border.

Part of the famous rock garden

The cherry blossom avenue- just spectacular- worth the annual National Trust membership on its own!

And of course, there's the castle- a remarkable building to look around- and the tea room is pretty nice too!

Sometimes we overlook the wonderful things to see close to home- if you are near Kendal- go to Sizergh now!

Herdwick lambs invade White Moss House Grasmere!

2010-05-02T17:02:00.000+01:00

Herdwick lambs- so tiny, so cute! Their mums thought the grass and bluebells at White Moss House were so much better than in their own field.
Most herdwick lambs are black, turning grey later.

This one is quite bold

Time to gently send them back over the wall to their field

No doubt they'll soon be back!

Primroses at White Moss House, Grasmere

2010-04-30T11:42:00.000+01:00

This blog is turning into a nature blog! Bluebells, blossom, and now primroses.

These little beauties are beside the path that goes from White Moss House to our Grasmere self catering cottage, Brockstone, which is on the "coffin route" from Rydal to Grasmere church.

This path was washed away by the floods of November 2009, but the LDNPA have done a beautiful restoration job on it.

Please, please, always leave wild flowers for others to enjoy- don't pick the primroses ( and certainly, if you see anyone trying to dig them up -stop them!)

Wordsworths at White Moss House , Grasmere

2010-04-27T17:19:00.000+01:00

It was good to welcome back members of the Wordsworth family to White Moss House this weekend, in Grasmere to celebrate the senior Mr Wordsworth's 70th birthday.
When we first lived at White Moss House , about 30 years ago, the generation of Wordsworths who had lived at White Moss as children used to drop in on us an roam around as if they still lived here.( We used to call them a "host of golden Wordsworths" when they descended on us!)

It was always lovely to see them, and hear their anecdotes. For example, Dorothy told us she was actually christened Dorothy Wordsworth, so that as an unmarried girl her name was Dorothy Wordsworth Wordsworth- so that she would still have the Wordsworth name after her marriage.This would have been in the days when married women gave up their maiden name.

Wordsworths are always welcome at White Moss House, the only house that the poet William Wordsworth ever owned.