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If you fancy a bit of retail therapy during a stay in a Lake District holiday cottage then you certainly won”t be short of options.

At least this is the opinion of Carissa Lough, policy planner for the national park, who was commenting on the results of a survey regarding shopping trends in the area.

"Given the size of our towns and villages, there are a lot more shops than you would expect compared to other similar-sized places," she remarked, adding that a high proportion of these outlets are independently run and provide "high-quality service" to customers.

The aim of the research was to see if the volume of visitors that travel to the Lakes has an adverse affect on shopping for residents and Ms Lough noted that this doesn”t seem to be the case.

Visitors who missed out on souvenirs during their Lake District holiday can now stock up from home, as the Lake District National Park”s website now has an online store selling items like books and DVDs.

Posted by David Sollberger

If you’ve been waiting for confirmation that Coniston Boating Centre is back open for business before booking a Lake District holiday cottage then you’re in luck, as the attraction is set to be up and running later this month.

The centre, which attracts around 180,000 visitors a year, was badly hit by flooding that occurred in the area recently, but is now ready for use.

“It’s quite literally been all hands on deck after the centre spent several days submerged in the heavily swollen lake,” explained manager Dave Coxton.

He added that taking a boat out is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery on offer in the Lakes and predicted that demand will be high on Valentine’s Day, as romantic couples look to take to the water.

A wide variety of vessels are available for hire at the centre, including electric and rowing boats, sailing dinghies, canoes and kayaks.

Posted by Andrew Hill

History lovers heading to Cumbria for a stay in Lake District holiday cottages are in luck, as a new exhibition detailing 12,000 years of human activity in the area has just opened in Whitehaven.

”Unlocking the past, understanding the present”, has started at the town”s library and runs until March 8th before departing for the next leg of its tour around the county.

And those with young children who may have been put off from visiting for fear of their kids getting bored may want to try and get there on February 25th, when a special family day will be taking place.

"The open day provides a rare opportunity to handle real artefacts, along with activities," explained Eleanor Kingston, Lake District National Park archaeology and heritage adviser.

And visitors who want to learn more about the area during their stay in Lake District holiday cottages are likely to be spoilt for choice in the coming months, as it was recently announced that Bassenthwaite Reflections”s community projects initiative is to continue for another year.

Posted by Andrew Hill

Lake District holiday cottage users will be able to see the work of Alfred Wainwright on their trip if a new bid is successful.

The writer and illustrator, who used his talents to humorously document the region and his experiences walking through the fells, spent much of his life in Cumbria and the campaign is hoping to keep his work in the Lake District.

Grough.co.uk reports that the original papers, worth £200,000, are due to be bid on by Cumbria County Council, which would keep the items in the county and make them available for researchers.

Subsidies from the Heritage Lottery Fund will cover part of the costs, but the public is now being asked to help support the campaign by sending letters to the County Record Office explaining why keeping the work will be good for the Lake District and its visitors.

Next year is the 80th anniversary of the author”s first visit to the Lake District and the Wainwright Society recently announced it is planning a special event to mark the occasion, the Lancashire Telegraph reported.

Posted by David Sollberger