The Mardale Inn
Bampton Valley Community Pub
What to Do in Bampton Valley - and Close By
As either a day visitor or someone who comes to stay overnight, there are many things to do in Bampton Valley, near Haweswater, the quiet part of the English Lake District.
We'll start with the 'Essential Ws':
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Walking & Wainwrights
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Wildlife
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Withnail
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Later we'll introduce you to local attractions all within 20 miles or so of our convenient base on the North Eastern edge of Lake District - yet only 15 minutes or so off the M6 or down from Penrith Rail Station.
Walking
We have many local options to recommend for those who like to walk at any level. These range from a few hours out on a Sunday stroll prior to roast at The Mardale, tiring the dog or just stretching the legs after a long drive on the M6, or 'bagging' some of Wainwright's Far Eastern or Outlying Fells.
Our developing Walks page has multiple routes listed including maps and downloadable GPX & KML files to load into your favourite map app.
Finally we are a popular overnight stop for those undertaking Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk. We welcome weary walkers and muddy boots!
Wildlife
Wildlife in Bampton Valley is really special (we have red squirrels, kingfishers and sometimes otters to spot in Bampton village itself!).
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Wild Haweswater is the RSPB reserve at the eastern end of Haweswater in Naddle where you can enjoy Badger Experiences and other activities.
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On the same site, Wild Intrigue host amazing breakfasts with red squirrels and have set up wildlife photography hides for spotting pied flycatchers.
PS If you book with either Wild Haweswater or Wild Intrigue for an event at RSPB Naddle and wish to stay over locally, make sure you ask for a special discount code for accommodation at The Mardale Inn.
Withnail & I
Did you know that Richard E Grant's breakthrough cult film, Withnail & I, was filmed in Bampton village and multiple other locations around the Valley?
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Here are the quotes - now find the locations!
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"We've gone on holiday by mistake"
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“Where’s my cigar commercial?! What happened to my agent?!"
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“He wants to get down there and have sex
with those cows.”
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“I’m gonna be a star!”
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(Think we've just made that last one too easy!!)
