Making the most from your visit
At the farm
With a perfect blend of interest and comfort, there is something for everybody at Brackenthwaite Farm.
The Long Barn
Primarily used for functions and special occasions, when not in use, The Long Barn is available for indoor play with a darts board, table tennis, board games and puzzles, and a mini snooker table (for little people).
THE ORCHARD
For outdoor fun, this could be your ‘go-to’ area. It’s 2 ½ acres big, fully secure, and great for sitting out in the sunshine, walking round, and relaxing in. If the season is right, you might even pick a piece of fruit from a nearby tree to enjoy while taking a gentle swing in the hammock.
OUTDOOR PLAY AREA
Found within The Orchard, this designated corner boasts a climbing frame, trampoline, basketball hoop and swing ball set. We also keep an area cut short for anyone who likes a kick about with a football, too.
Fire Pit
This is a real treat! Imagine being here with friends or family and lighting a campfire to sit around, tell stories, or maybe even have a little singsong following a BBQ evening meal and taking in the setting sun. This is where some of the best memories can be made.
ROSE GARDEN
If you fancy getting your zen on, The Rose Garden is a wonderful space with over thirty rose bushes and other plants and flowers for you to sit in and soak up while the sun shines down.
PIZZA OVEN
Located in The Rose Garden, the pizza oven is available to book during your stay. While best experienced over several hours with good company and your own handmade pizzas, there’s nothing stopping you from sliding in a readymade one for convenience.
NATURE WALK
Brackenthwaite Farm is set within almost ten acres, so why not take a stroll around the grounds, which includes a stretch alongside our wildlife area that we leave (mostly) for nature to do its thing. A complete circuit around our carefully crafted pathway is just one mile.
ANIMALS
While not an active farm, we do have resident farm animals. All of them are pets and have names. During your stay you can meet our very friendly Kunekune pigs, sheep, Gloria and Bubbles the goats, Lucy and Juicy Goosey, Tina Turkey, and a whole host of hens and ducks who gift us wonderful eggs.
time to find your walking boots
Local Walks
Distance - 1.3 miles
The 'Fairy Steps'
A limestone staircase above the village of Beetham - legend has it that if you ascend or descend this narrow stone staircase without touching the sides, the fairies will grant you a wish! Dogs welcome.
Distance - 1.6 miles
Gait Barrows Nature Reserve
Situated in the heart of the Arnside & Silverdale area and one of Britain’s most important limestone landscape and peatland habitats. Set in 122 hectares or varying landscapes that support an abundance of exciting and often rare wildlife. Dogs welcome on leads.
Distance - 2.8 miles
Arnside Knott
Taking around 2 hours to complete and with a café en route, Arnside Knott is a popular choice for walkers. It is not especially high at just 159m (522ft) but affords visitors some spectacular sights of sandy beaches, the mountains of The Lake District, mixed woodlands, and lots of greenery in all directions. Dogs welcome.
Distance - 3.2 miles
Silverdale Pepper pot
The Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee Monument – or Pepper Pot – stands proud upon Castlebarrow Hill at Eaves Wood. As with many places in the local area, here you will find superb views across Morecambe Bay. The magic of The Pepper Pot and Eaves Wood makes it a perfect place to fall in love and count life’s blessings. Dogs welcome.
Distance - 3.7 miles
Jack Scout & Jenny Brown’s Point
A circular walk to enjoy over several hours. This 4-mile walk starts in Silverdale centre and takes in ancient footpaths through wooded areas, open expanse farmlands with spectacular coastal views, Lindeth Tower, the remnants of lime kilns and a bygone industrial age, a giant’s seat, and the mysterious Jenny Brown’s Point. Dogs welcome – some lead work required.
Distance - 4.5 miles
WARTON CRAG Nature Reserve
Dominated by limestone cliffs and decorated by wildflowers, Warton Crag is an enchanting walk colonised by rare butterflies and known for having nesting peregrine falcons. Its height of 163 metres (535 ft) is a prominent limestone outcrop that stands proud over the village and marks the highest point in the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape. Dogs welcome.
Distance - 4.9 miles
FARLETON KNOTT
A 6.1km circular trail that can be done as a hike or on mountain bike. Breath-taking views from the summits of Farleton Fell and Newbiggin Crags Limestone Pavement. Considered a moderately challenging climb but with diverse routes for a variety of activities and interests. Dogs welcome.
Distance - 8.5 miles
Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve
An extremely popular walk 8km (5 miles) long with a vertical rise of 169m (554 feet) in the English county of North Yorkshire. Take in some spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery but please note that an entrance fee is charged on this walk. Dogs are permitted.
Distances vary
Guide Over Sands Trust
Safely crossing walkers & horses since 1548 - The Guide over Sands Trust is a charity which provides two guides, to offer safe passage across both Kent and Leven Estuaries.
The walk from Arnside is a lovely walk with a varied terrain and is between 5.5 to 9 miles depending on the safest route.
Distances Vary
Morecambe Bay
Morecambe Bay is exceptional and a fantastic area to explore and visit. Plus, you don’t always need a car to visit some of the Bay’s most picturesque and nature-rich areas. Spectacular landscapes and special sites are accessible by train, bike, foot and via a network of accessible trails and free mobility vehicle hire sites.
Distances Vary
ARNSIDE & SILVERDALE NATIONAL LANDSCAPE
From the simple beauty of the wild orchids to the shining sands of Morecambe Bay, the area is simply awe-inspiring. Stunning limestone pavements, ancient woodlands, intimate orchards and meadows and an impressive coastline make Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape one of England's finest landscapes.
you won't want to miss these
Places to visit
Distance - 1.6 miles
Wildlife Oasis
A one-of-a-kind experience at the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis awaits you with its remarkable collection of over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Great for kids. There is also a café and small shop. Dogs not permitted.
Distance - 2.2 miles
RSPB Leighton Moss
Experience the magnificent wildlife that Leighton Moss has to offer. Home to otters, bearded tits, marsh harriers, egrets, red deer, and the very rare bittern with its springtime booming call. Hear the rustles of nature coming from the reedbeds and enjoy sightings throughout the wetland paradise. Café and shop onsite. Dogs permitted in parts on leads.
Distance - 2.2 miles
Beetham Nurseries
Beetham Nurseries is a dream destination for gardening and outdoor enthusiasts. A family-owned, independent garden centre established in 1984, here you will also find a Growing Nursery, Food Hall, Garden Café, and Wood Fired Kitchen. Dogs welcome on lead.
Distance - 3.2 miles
Leighton Hall
Leighton Hall is a beautiful Grade II* listed building and home of the renowned Gillow furniture making dynasty. Marvel at its rich heritage then enjoy a stroll around the amazing outdoor spaces including 19th century walled gardens, ornamental vegetable patch, path maze, and woodlands with adventure playground. Tea Rooms and Shop. Dogs permitted access to public footpaths only.
Distance - 7.4 miles
Sizergh
Located near Kendal in the picturesque county of Cumbria, Sizergh House and Estate is lovingly preserved by the National Trust. Explore this medieval house, rich gardens and 1,600-acre estate.
Distance - 8.6 miles
Levens Hall
Levens Hall is a stunning privately-owned house at the heart of a 9,500-acre agricultural estate providing much of the produce for the wonderful onsite cafe, Levens Kitchen. It is also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens.
Distance - 17.2 miles
Ingleton Waterfalls
Take a walk in a waterfall wonderland during this 4 ½ mile guided trail. As educational as it is remarkable, with rare and interesting plants and wildlife throughout this designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A self-guided tour is available to download at entry to the site. Refreshment kiosks and picnic areas. Dogs welcome on leads.
Distance - 18.2 miles
White Scar Caves
Follow a guided cave walk of one mile that lasts around 80 minutes. See underground streams and waterfalls, prehistoric mud pools, and thousands of stalactites. See how time have created natural wonders such as The Witch’s Fingers and The Judges Head, and squeeze your way between narrowed gaps on this charming adventure underground. Weather dependent. Dogs not permitted.
spoilt for choice
Beautiful locations
Distance - 2.8 miles
Arnside
Situated on the River Kent Estuary, Arnside is a beautiful seaside village with stunning views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells. Here you will find independent shops along the seafront, phenomenal fish and chips from The Arnside Chippy, and if you time it right you can watch the wave from the Arnside Bore as the tide begins to come in.
Distance - 3.2miles
Silverdale
An extraordinary place with amazing wildlife, stunning scenery, and superb walks. The village centre is quaint with a handful of independent shops. Perhaps most awe-inspiring is Silverdale’s magnificent sandy beach. Sitting in a quiet cove, retreating tides reveal an expanse of soft sands extending for miles around. Discover miniature caves as savour the panoramic views of this magnificent, hidden gem on Morecambe Bay. Excellent for dogs.
Distance - 10.6 miles
Kirkby Lonsdale
Surrounded by stunning countryside, Kirkby Lonsdale is known for its breathtaking views and unique attractions. From its quaint cobbled streets to its vibrant market square, this beautiful town oozes character and charm.
Distance - 11.3 miles
Kendal
Getting its name from the River Kent upon which it sits, Kendal is a market town that offers vibrancy as well as history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visit The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal Castle, or take a trip to times past with a stroll along the cobbled stones of interweaving alleyways where you will find an abundance of artisan traders with food and drink to tempt your fancies.
Distance - 13.5 miles
Morecambe Promenade
Famous for its promenade with breathtaking views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District, Morecambe promenade stretches for 9.3 km (5.7mi) as a complete ‘out-and-back’. Along the way you will pass Happy Mount Park, the Eric Morecambe statue, The art deco Midland Hotel, stone jetty, and a variety of lookout points and points of interest woven along the promenade itself. Plenty of hospitality en route. Excellent for dogs.
Distance - 13.5 miles
LANCASTER
Boasting attractions that include Lancaster Castle and The Ashton Memorial at Williamson’s Park, the historic city of Lancaster is a vibrant and quirky city with a captivating past and cultured present. Lancaster is full of creativity and art throughout the year and has prominent artisan, environmental, and independent influences. An abundance of hospitality, culture, and interest. Dogs welcome in some venues.
Distance - 15 miles
The Lake District
The Lake District is England's largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, a warm welcome and a rich cultural heritage. Explore the fells, splash about on the lakes, take a wild adventure, or simply enjoy the peace. Some key highlights include Windermere and Ambleside, World of Beatrix Potter, and Fell Foot Park. Dogs generally welcome on leads.
Distance - 30 miles
The Forest of Bowland
Like Arnside & Silverdale, The Forest of Bowland has been designated a National Landscape due to its rich heritage and wild, natural landscape. Here you may explore some of the many unique villages steeped in history, pass your time observing some of the rare and enigmatic birds and wildlife the area offers, or simply indulge in afternoon tea in some fantastic cafes, tearooms and inns. Dogs often welcome on leads.
there's nothing better
Local Pubs
Vegan, vegetarian, healthy eating and special dietary requirements are all available at the majority of our local pubs and cafes. Please see their website or menu for further information.
For when a coffee and a cake hits the spot
Local Cafes
Distance - 2.2 miles
BEETHAM NURSERIES GARDEN CENTRE, BEETHAM
Distance - 2.5 miles
Posh Sardine, Arnside
Distance - 3.3 miles