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2012 marks the 13th Keswick Film Festival . Choose from an exciting and original mix of 30 UK and international films, previews and UK premieres and experience the stunning views of the Lake District all in one weekend.

With guests John Hurt, Tony Palmer and Tony Britten, fantastic UK premieres including Pardon; David and Kamal;, Vacation; No Pain, No Gain; Sherpas – the True Heroes of Everest; Little Moth and The Year Dolly Parton was my Mum. Preleases of Carancho and Babycall and our usual Best of the Fests plus more.

Tony Palmer will be here introducing his fantastic film Wagner and Bird on a Wire. This is a wonderful opportunity to see ‘one of the truly great experiences of the cinema’ said The Guardian about Wagner.

Some of last year’s guests said of the event ‘I love it! I find the programme to be a brilliant mix of really interesting films. I love the venues. I like the intimacy of the fest as well, the familiar faces from intros, as well as regular audience members I keep seeing at screening lets me feel I’ve been allowed to attend something really special’. ‘Fantastic. My first visit – but I will be back.’ And ‘My favourite fest of the 5 or 6 I’ve been to – can’t wait for next year’

To enter the competition visit http://www.golakes.co.uk/prize-draws/keswick-film-festival-competition.aspx.

To book accommodation in Keswick visit our ‘sleep’ section http://www.golakes.co.uk/accommodation/

Be romantic at… No1 Silverbank, Coniston

A five star self catering cottage near the Lakeland village of Coniston complete with oak beams, log fire, Egyptian cotton bedding and a decadent roll top bath.   The ‘Concierge’ menu takes indulgence to another level – As well as listing a visiting beautician as one of the available services, it also offers a personal chef, waitress service, private yacht trips, balloon flights and flower delivery.  This is perfect for those wanting pampered in private peaceful surroundings.

Enjoy the scenery of Cumbria… Hot Air Balloon Ride

Take in Cumbria’s spectacular terrain from high above in a classic hot air balloon.  High Adventure is a small family run company offering relaxing hot air balloon rides in the heart of the Lake District, so you and your loved one can float gracefully over Cumbria’s beautiful scenery in decadent style from your traditional airborne wicker basket.  They’ll even provide you with champagne when you come back down to earth.

Treat yourselves to Michelin Star… Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere

A fine country house hotel surrounded by woodland with a Michelin starred restaurant.  The bedrooms are luxurious, all individually furnished and offer little treats like a decanter of sherry, bathrobes and fresh flowers.  As well as a gym, the spa has a sauna, steam room and relaxation room.  The treatments are Espa and there’s a good range of pamper days and breaks to choose from.

Relax and soak up a SPA day… Rothay Garden Hotel, Grasmere

With the brand new Riverside Spa at Rothay Garden Hotel, loved ones can sit back and relax with amazing floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding fells in Grasmere.

Something for him… in a 4×4

Nobody sees the Lake District quite like Kankku who provide off-road driving adventures on wild trail routes throughout the National Park. They have access to areas that are normally off limits giving you the rare chance to explore some of Cumbria’s most remote areas.  If you’re feeling adventurous you can take the wheel and make the most of their expert tuition, or if you would prefer to relax you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

Enjoy peace and tranquility… The Quiet Site, Ullswater

Idyllic setting amongst the fells, The Quiet Site is a popular camping site situated in a secluded position, perfect for romantic couples to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lakes Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, the facilities being housed mainly in old converted farm buildings. There are many beautiful walks that you can start from right outside the Quiet Site and numerous activities and attractions a very short drive away. The site is also in an ideal position for touring both the North and South Lakes by car. Prices £16 – £30 per adult per night depending on which time of the week.

Indulge in traditional pub grub… The Yanwath Gate Inn, Yanwath

Voted UK Cumbrian Dining Pub of the Year 2011/12 in the Good Pub guide, it’s a real gem of a place for those in search of a romantic experience, in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. This delightful 17th Century Inn built in 1683 takes its name from its original function as a ‘toll gate’ for people travelling east or west, north or south. With a growing reputation for fabulous food, a beautiful garden and outside seating the Gate Inn is a place you will want to return to again and again.

Champagne baths and midnight feasts… A Corner of Eden, Kirby Stephen

Enjoy a bubbly bath, in candlelight, while sipping chilled Moet and Chandon Champagne at A Corner of Eden.  Their champagne bath service, which costs £45, is ideal for romantics.  After your bath don your cosy robe and head to sit in front of the roaring fire in the guest lounge or enjoy privacy and peace in your chic bedroom.  If you’re peckish after all the champagne you can make the most of the packed Butler’s Pantry which is full of home-made cakes, home-made bread, cheese, home-made chutney & jam, fruit, tea, coffee and juice and is included in your room rate.  There’s also an honesty bar to which you are invited to help yourself, stocked with a healthy supply of robust reds, cheeky whites, smoky malts and curious beers and spirits. From £130 per room per night including breakfast and unlimited access to the Butler’s Pantry.

Fall in Love… Broadoaks Country House Hotel, Windermere

Broadoaks is offering couples a special Valentine’s Day Package this year to celebrate being in love. Loved ones can enjoy Valentine’s with a weekend of serenading, champagne and fine food all set within the luxurious surroundings of Broadoaks Boutique Country House. Spread out over the weekend of 10-12 February, Broadoaks is offering the perfect package. Fall in love all over again with an arrival cream tea, canapé reception, evening dinner and speciality tea or coffee by The Music Room fire on the 10 February. Then enjoy The Courtship on the Saturday night, 11 February 2012, by romancing your loved one during the afternoon with a cruise on Windermere, then join Broadoaks in the evening for a champagne and canapé reception and let your ears be seduced by the gentle sounds of the resident pianist. End the day in Oaks restaurant to begin a passionate affair with food, take time to appreciate your loved one through 5 courses of exquisite dishes, finished with chocolate covered strawberries and a half bottle of Champagne served to your room. 2 Night Package from £175 p/p

Something different… The Worlds Original Marmalade Festival

12th—13th February 2012

Amateur and commercial marmalade lovers from across the globe are being encouraged to enter their own marmalade in this prestigious marmalade contest. The 2011 World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival will take place at the historic Dalemain Mansion, in the Lake District, Cumbria in February and is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors. The World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival, now in its sixth year, includes: a marmalade concert, a keynote lecture by famous food historian Ivan Day, the presence of the world’s most famous marmalade lover, Paddington Bear, and of course, delicious marmalade tasting. Have fun with your partner this Valentine’s Day!

The afternoon of Sunday 3^rd June will see a thousand boats gather on the river Thames in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It will be the largest flotilla in modern times on the river with rowing boats, working boats and pleasure vessels of all shapes and sizes beautifully dressed with streamers and Union Jacks, stretching for an estimated twelve and a half miles.

The event has proved extremely popular with three boats applying for every place. The pageant organisers and representatives from the river community were involved in the selection process which included considering safety, fitness-for-purpose and range of vessel type as well as exploring whether the vessel was of historical significance or had an interesting story to tell. At the end of 2011, organisers confirmed to applicants the lucky boats who will take part in this historic event. 

The Queen of the Lake, owned by Windermere Lake Cruises and Captained by Ron Walker, has been selected to take part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Queen of the Lake, a traditional Windermere wooden launch is one of the vessels listed on the National register of Historic Vessels which will be travelling in the flotilla.

Nigel Wilkinson, Managing Director, Windermere Lake Cruises said: “We are delighted that Cumbria will be represented at such a high profile, patriotic event which will inevitably strike a cord with the whole country as we celebrate her Majesty the Queen and her 60 year reign together.

“We are pleased to be working with the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Royal Windermere Yacht Club and the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club to showcase an iconic image of the Lake District, Cumbria, not just to the Royal Family but also to the Great British public and the wider world. We hope to be able to involve the wider Cumbria community in this project and to give some younger Cumbrians a day out that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Built in 1949, measuring 15.2 metres and able to accommodate up to 84 passengers Queen of the Lake is based at Ambleside and is in daily service from April to October carrying passengers on Windermere, England’s longest lake. She is no stranger to royalty, having carried HRH the Prince of Wales in March 2010 when he visited the Lake District.

Queen of the Lake will travel from Windermere to London by lorry on a specially designed frame, covering almost 300 miles, a distance she hasn’t covered since she travelled to Windermere from the Thames-side town of Molsey, where she was built over 60 years ago.

Alex Williamson, Boat Building Manager for Windermere Lake Cruises and Operations Manager Russell Bowden, will be leading the team down to London for the event while Windermere Skipper Ron Walker will Captain the boat on the day itself.

Every vessel will proudly take its place in the flotilla alongside Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family aboard the Royal Barge, The Spirit of Chartwell. It will be a once in a lifetime moment for Queen of the Lake, her crew, her passengers and the Lake District, Cumbria as a whole, to be part of this glorious moment in our rich royal history.