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Holiday cottage review: Cornerstones, The Lake District

THIS year was the second we visited The Lake District and we opted for a cottage in the heart of Ambleside, writes Camilla Chafer.

Having previously stayed at a cottage in the hamlet of Troutbeck Bridge, this time we decided we'd much rather be in the thick of things.

We whittled down our choice to Cornerstones, a charming cottage built in traditional lakeland stone. Crucially for Ambleside, our town of choice, it came with private parking. If you've tried to park here during peak season, you'll understand why parking came high up in our criteria!

You go into the end of terrace cottage through a tiny enclosed porch and sitting room. This had  which had two sofas, TV, DVD and a small music player along with a collection of books and DVDs and a wood-burning stove which looked very cosy for winter stays.

Day trip: Windermere and the Lakeside Aquarium

A RATHER wet week in Ambleside was saved by a fab visit by boat to the Lakeside Aquarium, writes Camilla Chafer.

THIS is the second year running we've been to the Lake District but unfortunately we were caught out by some rather bad weather. However, we managed to squeeze in one great day out on Windermere which we combined with a visit to the Lakeside Aquarium.

Our weekend in the Lake District

WHATEVER they put in the wishing wells around Lake Windermere, it works.

Eleven years ago I held Neil's hand, closed my eyes and asked for us to stay together and have a family. As you can see from the stuff I write about here, I'm so happy my sentimental request was granted.

Last weekend I returned - sadly without Neil (don't panic, he just had to work) - and made a much more modest wish. As it stayed dry and the sun broke through the clouds, it's reassuring to see that once again, it came true.

Me, Emily, Melissa and my mum went to stay just outside Keswick. It was a wonderful couple of days for all sorts of reasons, not least because we laughed a lot.

We stayed at Highside Farm which is six miles from Keswick, on the road to Carlisle, in a room named after Ullock Pike. Oh it was lovely - really comfortable, immaculate and with a very warm welcome.

Holiday cottage review: Barn Cottage, Troutbeck Bridge in the Lake District

RECREATING my childhood holidays was my aim when I booked a holiday cottage in the Lake District last summer. Days of running down country lanes, buying penny sweets in little shops and picnics on hillsides with my mum, grandparents and brothers had created some lovely memories that I wanted my children to experience on our first holiday as a family of five. Dare I say I love Swallows and Amazons too? Yes, I may be a walking cliche but I'm very lovely... and modest to boot.

Day trip: Muncaster Castle in the Lake District

FROM our holiday base in Troutbeck Bridge (a few minutes drive from Bowness in the Lake District), we took the journey over to Muncaster Castle near Ravenglass. Despite frequently wondering if our Satnav was playing with us by taking us on all manner of desolate little lanes, we finally arrived and parked in the car park opposite the gates. As the castle only opens at midday, we'd come prepared with a picnic to eat which was promptly munched in the car on arrival thanks to the drizzle.

The castle is entirely hidden from view and we took a walk along the drive, bordered on either side by mature trees and shrubs with several little paths shooting off much which should please families who are looking for some light adventure. After paying in the pavilion, another walk was taken up to the house which was preceded by a pleasant playground (swings, climbing frame etc), a stable block now housing the gift shop, cafe and tables and the owl enclosure.