We sent two former Carry On stars on a bit of a staycation - see how Amanda Barry and Sherrie Hewson survived the great outdoors.
Complete with their own luxurious Yurt, soft-top classic car and butler, Sherrie and Amanda bring star-studded glamour to Cumbria. In fact, their trip couldn't really be much further from the mucky moors of Devon (sorry Matt and Johnny!).
Whilst on their Cumbrian retreat the ladies they try their hand at a few local crafts. They learn how to (attempt to) complete a sheepdog trial, try their hand at waterpainting and spend some time playing with some bushes - also known as topiary, which they did at Levens Hall Gardens. The ladies travel to Grasmere and have some fun serving customers in the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, and take luxury one step further with a visit to the exclusive Storrs Hotel for the Ultimate Picnic.
Tucked away in North West of England, Cumbria is known for its natural beauty. It's a great place to experience a variety of landscapes including ancient woodlands and forests, river valleys, lakes, mountains and stunning coastlines. Cumbria contains the entire of the Lake District National Park, which itself has 16 lakes, six National Nature Reserves and the highest mountain in England. From luxurious lakeside retreats and Michelin-starred splendour to traditional country inns and quirky camping pods, Cumbria is said to have something for everyone. The county is rich in history and includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall, as well as being home to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth - two of its most famous residents. To find out more visit
www.GoLakes.co.uk
Full Circle Yurts
Our thespian travellers started their journey with the luxury Full Circle Yurts in Rydal. The
Yurts are imported Mongolian Yurts, complete with traditional Mongolian decoration. The
static buildings come fully furnished; including beds and fresh linen, cooking equipment and
utensils, books and games, and a wood burner to keep you warm in the winter. In fact the
Yurts have been known to house travellers in -14 degrees! Prices start at £345 for a 4 night
Sheepdog trial experience
Sherrie and Amanda travelled to Crosthwaite for a lesson in sheep dog trials. With a Border
Collie in one hand and crooke in the other, Amanda and Sherrie went head to head. The
ladies each took guidance from owners Chris & Alan, who instructed the ladies with the
Nearby to our sheepdog experience was the delicious Punch Bowl Inn where we stopped for
Levens Hall & Gardens
The ladies moved on for a special topiary lesson just for them at the pristine Levens Hall
Gardens. The Gardens accompany the stunning Levens Hall stately home and are Grade I
listed. Both the house and gardens have a rich history, and the gardens have been around for
over 300 years. The House & Gardens are open Sunday - Thursday during high season and
Storrs Hall
Taking their trip to the next level of glamour and luxury, Sherrie and Amanda headed to Storrs
Hall on the shores of Lake Windermere. The hotel has an award-winning restaurant, and
the ladies were keen to sample the most exquisite treat of all - the Ultimate Picnic. Included
in the ladies' hamper was caviar, lobster, oysters, rare meats, champagne and wine, along
with salads and desserts that were decorated with gold shavings. The Ultimate Picnic costs £1,566.60, however if this is outside your budget, the hotel also produces picnics priced at £25 and £35 per head:
www.englishlakes.co.uk
Grassmere Gingerbread
Amanda and Sherrie travelled to the world famous village of Grasmere in search of some
tasty treats. Known for being the home of Wordsworth, tourists come in their droves to the
area, and many will be found queuing outside the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop.
The gingerbread has been produced since the late 1800s, and the recipe for Grasmere
Waterpainting
Sherrie and Amanda took a lesson in waterpainting on the grounds of the beautiful Allan Bank - a National Trust site next to Grasmere where William Wordsworth once lived. The ladies took instruction from Steve Taylor as they painted (or attempted to paint!) a view of Grasmere lake. Lessons and locations vary, and prices start at £30 for half a day's tuition:
www.lakedistrictwatercolour.co.uk
With thanks to