The Greyhound Inn

Carlisle, a sizeable city with heritage sites aplenty, is a 20-minute drive away. The castle, a fearsome fortress whose inside walls are covered with eerie carvings made by former prisoners, once held Mary Queen of Scots. Other spots of interest include the city’s red stone cathedral and Tullie House, a museum and art gallery with artefacts from the days when Carlisle was an outpost on the edge of the Roman Empire. Visiting twitchers staying in the area should flutter over to RSPB Campfield Marsh (25 minutes), a hub for wading birds. For man-made flights, head to the Solway Aviation Museum (25 minutes), a heritage centre located on the same site as a working airfield. Day trips to the Lakes are also a doddle: Bassenthwaite Lake (40 minutes) is a top spot for watersports, while peaceful Derwentwater (50 minutes) has handy waymarked paths for lakeside strolls. While you're here, head to Keswick (50 minutes) to sort boat trips, to try out the local adventure park or to sample the wares at a local Lakeland brewery.