New Race Track Opens at Westcliff Primary Academy in Bispham

By Cllr Don Clapham

Westcliff’s pupils and parents have warmly welcomed these new facilities thanks to a generous donation from councillors.

Above: The Race track was opened by Cllr Don Clapham (cutting the tape) and Cllr Paul Wilshaw along side the Principal Amanda Stokes with a very enthusiastic group of pupils

The £25,000 race track was officially opened by Bispham Councillors Don Clapham and Paul Wilshaw, who donated from their Bispham Ward Fund £20,000 to provide pupils with this unique track. Without their generous donation, the scheme would not been affordable.

Councillor Don Clapham said: “Westcliff is our only school in Bispham Ward and along with the excellent teaching and learning at the Academy we wanted this unique track.

We believe that the pupils need to be fit and this track will support their health and well-being.

These young pupils are our future in Blackpool and what better way of helping to make a difference as Ward Councillors.” www.lancmag.com LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 53

Windermere

By Megha Seth

Windermere, located in the North West region of England in the South Lake district of Cumbria, is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the country.

This is essentially due to the presence of the majestic Windermere Lake which happens to be the largest lake in England. Windermere’s pleasant temperature during its summer season is attractive to almost everyone in England. Because of this, Windermere is a perfect summer holiday destination, and every year, tourists flock to the town to enjoy the sunny weather.

The town of Windermere, located a kilometer away on the east shore of the lake, is indirectly named after it. Normally people would think that the lake is named after the town which is the case for most lakes, but for Windermere, it is actually the opposite. A BRIEF HISTORY OF WINDERMERE

Historically, Windermere has always been a part of the county of Westmorland, northwest England. The small town of Windermere, before being named “Windermere”, was customarily known as Birthwaite. But after the launch of the Windermere Railway, the town was renamed as Windermere, due to the growing popularity of the lake. The Kendal and Windermere railway project built a line branching from www.lancmag.com

the main railway line to Kendal, which in turn also connected to Windermere.

The construction of this new railway line led to the mutual growth and merging of Windermere Town and the adjacent village of Bownesson-Windermere.

Although both these places now identify as one town, each of them still has its own individual town centers. The opening of the railway station turned Windermere into a popular tourist hotspot connecting the world to its stunning natural attractions apart from just Windermere Lake.

Windermere Lake, the largest natural lake in the country, is about 18 kilometers long and about 1.5 kilometers wide and has its surface scattered amongst 18 distinguished islands. The lake was formed approximately 13,000 years ago, by the water from the melting glaciers, that was held in place by the moraine rocks.

These moraine rocks are essentially a special kind of rock that has been deposited by the glaciers around the lake during the Ice Age.

Windermere Lake, with its mesmerizing view of the infinite lake horizon, naturally happens to be a popular tourist attraction. At that time of year when Winderemere is at its best, people come here in order to enjoy the incredible summer sunshine and the variety of recreational activities to do on the lake such as wild swimming, sailing, boating, and fishing.

PLACES WORTH A VISIT IN WINDERMERE

The beautiful town of Windermere has many incredible places you can’t miss visiting. Some of them are:

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is the closest hilltop viewpoint that you can find from a 20-minute walk from the famous A591 road from the village of Windermere. The walk down follows through the bucolic St Catherine’s Wood via High Haywood and back to Windermere.

Rydal Water

In contrast to Windermere Lake, Rydal Water happens to be one of the smallest lakes in Cumbria which is only about 3/4th mile long and 1/4th mile wide. The water body has a maximum depth of 55 feet and offers a natural green scenery that makes this place fairly popular apart from its connection with William Wordsworth. Apparently, the steps from the western end of the lake that lead upwards to “Wordsworth’s Seat” are reputed to be the famous poet’s favourite viewpoint.

Holehird Gardens which is supposedly the ‘Home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society’ is 12 acres of land with stunning gardens that are run and maintained solely by volunteers throughout the year. The garden consists of a variety of species of plants that are particularly suited to the local climate of high rainfall. On a regular visit, you can find the entire place made up of extensive rocks and heather gardens, alpine houses, and a walled garden of herbaceous borders. The garden was built as a private home in 1860 and has been once voted as one of the UK’s most favourite gardens by the BBC gardeners.

Brant Fell

Brant Fell is a must-visit for people who are particularly interested in hiking. Hikers or not, you are bound to enjoy the immensely beautiful natural landscapes on this walk in Bowness on Windermere. It is a reasonably easy 2-mile walk that leads you up to the fell top that has the most splendid views that you definitely cannot miss out on.

Hill Top

When the famous beloved children’s book author Beatrix Potter died in 1943, she left her home Hill Top and thousands of acres of land in the Lake District to charity. To date, the property and her lovely little house with all its contents are maintained and open for public interest for people to explore.

Located on the western shore of Windermere Lake, the roads at Hill Top are narrow with limited parking space. So, instead of driving up to the place, it would be ideal if you could just take a pleasant stroll through the countryside to the house.

Food in Windermere

The delight of eating in Windermere comes not only from the food but also from the distinct raw scenery each restaurant has to offer. Almost every restaurant has an outdoor seating arrangement which makes it perfect to enjoy breakfast or brunch under the gentle morning sun.

One such place happens to be Folk Cafe which is a small cafe with an outdoor seating arrangement that makes it perfect for brunch or breakfast. They are quite popular in town for their chicken wings and burgers.

Sugar and Spice Cafe and Bistro is another excellent option for you if you happen to have a sweet tooth. This place offers a wide variety of items, especially from their breakfast and dessert menus. Their service is said to be “sweet” too.

Located on the western shore of Windermere Lake, the roads at Hill Top are narrow with limited parking space. So, instead of driving up to the place, it would If you are looking for Asian food then Gilpin Spice is the be ideal if you could just take a pleasant stroll through the countryside to the best you can find in Windermere. The interior design of house. this place and the food are both fulfilling to the eyes and the stomach. A dish you might not want to miss out on is Food in Windermere their “Chicken Tikka Flatbread” and the “13 spice mixed vegetable curry’’. It is a perfect place for lunch and dinner The delight of eating in Windermere comes not only from the food but also from and is vegetarian friendly, serving many good vegetarian the distinct raw scenery each restaurant has to offer. Almost every restaurant has dishes to indulge in. an outdoor seating arrangement which makes it perfect to enjoy breakfast or brunch under the gentle morning sun. One such place happens to be Folk Cafe which is a small cafe with an outdoor seating arrangement that makes it perfect for brunch or breakfast. They are quite popular in town for their chicken wings and burgers. Now, just in case you are craving pizza and beer together, The Smith serves the best pizza and beer combination you can find in the town. It is the second highest-rated restaurant here in Windermere with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from their widespread menu. The best-selling pizza here is the “Smoked chicken, crushed tomatoes, chillies, artichokes, parmesan & mozzarella 13 inch pizza”.

v e g e t a r i a n d i s h e s t o i n d u l g e i n . p l a c e f o r l u n c h a n d d i n n e r a n d i s v e g e t a r i a n f r i e n d l y , s e r v i n g m a n y g o o d “ C h i c k e n T i k k a F l a t b r e a d ” a n d t h e “ 1 3 s p i c e m i x e d v e g e t a b l e c u r r y ' '. I t i s a p e r f e c t h e e y e s a n d t h e s t o m a c h . A d i s h y o u m i g h t n o t w a n t t o m i s s o u t o n i s t h e i r W i n d e r m e r e . T h e i n t e r i o r d e s i g n o f t h i s p l a c e a n d t h e f o o d a r e b o t h f u l fi l l i n g t o I f y o u a r e l o o k i n g f o r A s i a n f o o d t h e n G i l p i n S p i c e i s t h e b e s t y o u c a n fi n d i n t

Applegarth Villa & Restaurant

Places to stay in Windermere

With so many sites to visit in Windermere, the location and place of your stay may determine the convenience and overall experience of the town. There is a wide range of options for every kind of traveler—from fancy five-star hotels to informal B&Bs all around the town.

Applegarth Villa & Restaurant is a five-star hotel with its own restaurant that serves complimentary breakfast to its residents. It is located right in the heart of Windermere and is only a walk away from the Orrest Head hill and a few minutes drive to the popular Windermere Lake, Brockole, Wray Castle.

If Applegarth Villa may seem a little expensive then Holly Lodge Guest House is a place that is right up your alley. It is a four-star hotel alongside Applegarth Villa but is comparatively cheaper with the same amenities the location has to offer.

Hotels’ steep prices tend to make travelers on a budget shy away from going to certain places, which led to the introduction of B&Bs. Rockside Guest House is an informal B&B (bed and breakfast) located off the A591 road built with a nineteenth-century stone design that offers complimentary wifi and breakfast. It offers everything you may need for your stay and is affordable.

S u g

a r a n d S p i c e C a f e a n d

B i s t r o i s a n o t h Cragwood Country House, located 2.5 miles away from the town, offers a spectacular offshore view of the e r lake with 20 acres of land as their garden. Their rooms e x c e l l e n t o p t are well-furnished and equipped with flat-screen TVs and wifi. There’s a restaurant with a garden terrace that serves lunch, dinner, and breakfast for a small surcharge. There is also a casual bar that offers a lake view with several lounges equipped with sofas and a log fire. i o n f o r y o u i f y o u h a p p e n Windermere is an extremely beautiful place not just during the summer, but pretty much every time of the year with its overwhelmingly beautiful natural landscapes, rich historic architecture, and warm accommodation. The people of the town are extremely warm and welcoming due to the tourist visits all year round. All in all, it makes for an enticing place to visit for nature lovers and also equally alluring for people who just wish to take a break from their usual busy everyday life to get a taste of one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District.

Applegarth Villa & Restaurant is a five-star hotel with its own restaurant that serves complimentary breakfast to its residents. It is located right in the heart of Windermere and is only a walk away from the Orrest Head hill and a few minutes drive to the popular Windermere Lake, Brockole, Wray Castle. Applegarth Villa & Restaurant is a five-star hotel with its own restaurant that serves complimentary breakfast to its residents. It is located right in the heart of Windermere and is only a walk away from the Orrest Head hill and a few minutes drive to the popular Windermere Lake, Brockole, Wray Castle. If Applegarth Villa may seem a little expensive then Holly Lodge Guest House is a place that is right up your alley. It is a four-star hotel alongside Applegarth Villa but is comparatively cheaper with the same amenities the location has to offer. Hotels' steep prices tend to make travelers on a budget shy away from going to certain places, which led to the introduction of B&Bs. Rockside Guest House is an informal B&B (bed and breakfast) located off the A591 road built with a nineteenth-century stone design that offers complimentary wifi and breakfast. It offers everything you may need for your stay and is affordable. Cragwood Country House, located 2.5 miles away from the town, offers a spectacular offshore view of the lake with 20 acres of land as their garden. Their rooms are well-furnished and equipped with flat-screen TVs and wifi. There’s a restaurant with a garden terrace that serves lunch, dinner, and breakfast for a