Michelin Magic - Fine Dining in the Forest

About

For a culinary experience to remember, check out one of the area’s Michelin starred restaurants. If you’re planning to make a trip of it, there are a feast of things to see and do around The Cottage in the Wood’s unique location in the sweeping Whinlatter Forest.

Highlights
• Michelin star dining
• Stunning Lake District views
• A historic country house

Good to know: The Cottage in the Wood can be reached by public transport. The nearest train station is Penrith - North Lakes; from here, buses are available to Keswick on the X4/X5 Stagecoach service. From Keswick, taxis are available. Between April - October, the Honister Rambler (77) bus service from Keswick also stops at The Cottage in the Wood.

Things To Do

Visit Whinlatter Forest
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick CA12 5TW
With Whinlatter’s Visitor Centre almost directly opposite The Cottage in the Wood, don’t miss fantastic signposted hiking and biking trails (bike
hire is available on site), with the option of a 1.1 mile sensory walk and some paths accessible for trampers too. Whinlatter is also home to a Go Ape
treetop adventure course, Go Ape Forest segway, forest bathing, orienteering and a range of fitness and wellbeing activities. In the winter months,
look out for special stargazing events to celebrate Cumbria’s famously dark skies.

Eat

The Cottage in the Wood
Magic Hill, Braithwaite, Keswick CA12 5TW
Expect creative cooking, friendly service, and a warm welcome in an epic setting at The Cottage in the Wood - a Michelin-starred hideaway 1,000ft up in England’s only true mountain forest. Family owned and run, with chef Jack Bond at the helm in the kitchen, you may even find some dishes served by the chefs themselves during your meal. There are also several boutique style rooms to choose from, which are available to book on a
dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

Top Tip: Be sure to find the panoramic viewpoint on the WOW (Wonders of Whinlatter) trail, which offers views across Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw.

Discover Keswick
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick CA12 5TW
Spend a day exploring the town of Keswick: it’s home to independent shops, galleries, museums and plenty more.
The Derwent Pencil Museum is a popular attraction centred around the not-so-humble pencil; while at the Theatre by the Lake, you’ll often find matinee performances (and some quiet performances, which are great for people with autism spectrum disorders or physical and learning  disabilities).

Go Hiking
The Derwentwater Walk is a waymarked path taking you on a 10 mile scenic walk around the lake - dip in or out, or complete the whole route! Hardy adventurers could bag one of the famous Wainwrights like Grisedale Pike or Walla Crag.
For a gentler pace, fly a kite at Keswick’s Crow Park or enjoy a stroll and picnic in a peaceful setting at Fitz Park.

Did you know: Check out AdventureSmart to make sure you’re prepared before you set off for your hike.

Explore Basssenthwaite Lake
The only true lake in the Lake District (the rest are meres, tarns and waters), Bassenthwaite Lake offers plenty for nature lovers. Birds including osprey migrate here from around April to September; while it’s also home to Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve - the first of its kind in the Lake District.
Don’t miss a trip to Mirehouse and Gardens: a family run historic house and gardens on the shores of the lake. Wander the gardens, woods and farmland; explore the house; and relax on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

Top Tip: Get out on the water and take a cruise of Derwentwater with the Keswick Launch Co. Boats stop at a number of points around the lake, allowing you to hop off and explore.

Marvel at Castlerigg Stone Circle
One of Britain's oldest and most atmospheric stone circles, Castlerigg Stone Circle is made up of 38 stones and enjoys a dramatic location against the backdrop of Hellvellyn and High Seat; and panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.