Information about the local area's amenities and attractions:

• The Eden Valley - don't just take our word for it, have a look at the Visit Eden website for more information on our beautiful and tranquil corner of Cumbria, and see Visit Cumbria for some superb photos of the river
• Kirkoswald - Visit Cumbria also has some information about and photos of the village, its church and castle ruins (see also the Raven House Photo Gallery). There are two pubs in the village, the Fethers and The Crown Inn (the Crown was temporarily closed in Summer 2007)
• In Lazonby, about mile from Raven House, you'll find an open-air swimming pool (recently mentioned in The Times as amongst the best in the UK), the nearest railway station on the Settle-Carlisle Railway line, the local Co-op supermarket and a couple of good pubs
• Armathwaite is 5 miles away, has a picturesque bridge over the Eden (under which is the start of a lovely walk along the river through Coombs Wood), Armathwaite Castle with its 4 story pele tower, and two pubs, the Dukes Head and the Fox & Pheasant, both of which serve excellent food (booking often essential)

• Langwathby, which is only 7 miles away, hosts the unusual attraction, Eden Ostrich World (children love it!), and the Brief Encounter Cafe
• Long Meg & Her Daughters - nearby is one of the finest stone circles in the north of England, and one of our favourite local walks visits these ancient stones and the curious Lacy's Caves
• Little Salkeld Watermill - Cumbria's only fully-operational working watermill and its fine teashop is not far from Long Meg
• Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill - the nearest National Trust property is only a 15 minute drive
• Hutton-in-the-Forest - historic house and gardens less than 10 miles away
• Penrith - our nearest town, which is only 10 miles away, has a ruined castle, an attractive red sandstone centre with plenty of shops (don't miss Grahams grocers and Cranstons butchers), tearooms and restaurants, a cinema, the local tourist information office and Penrith Museum
• Rheged - a mile or so from Penrith town centre and just off junction 40 of the M6, this local attraction is perfect for whiling away a few hours on a wet day with its exhibitions, giant cinema and shops full of local produce

More information about just a few of the many other attractions nearby, which you may find useful when planning your trip to the area:

• Our nearest lake, Ullswater, is only 20 minutes drive away, and the rest of the Lake District is within easy reach
• Ullswater Steamers - take a boat trip on one of the Lake District's most beautiful lakes and, if you're feeling energetic, walk back
• Aira Force - these spectacular falls are the highlight of a lovely short walk through National Trust woods by Ullswater, and there's a tearoom by the car park
• Dalemain - historic family home and gardens, near Ullswater
• Dove Cottage - the Grasmere home of William Wordsworth
• The Lake District Osprey Project - in summer, view the only Ospreys breeding in England
• Keswick - it's only 27 miles to the centre of one of Cumbria's most pleasant towns, where you'll find the picturesque Derwentwater, a host of shops, tearooms and the Theatre by the Lake
• Hadrian's Wall - 30 minutes in the opposite direction brings you to Birdoswald Fort and nearby Housesteads Fort, and the rest of the western end of the Roman Wall is within easy reach
• Alston - about half an hour's drive from Raven House over Hartside pass (1903 feet) is England's highest market town, which recently featured in ITV's Oliver Twist, and which is on the route of the Pennine Way National Trail
• North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - one of England's most special places: a peaceful, unspoiled landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty
• Settle-Carlisle Railway - you can travel on this picturesque railway line from Lazonby station, and if you're lucky you might occasionally spot a steam train on the line
• Carlisle - this 2000 year old city, about 20 miles from Raven House, has a red sandstone cathedral and castle, a museum & art gallery, two multi-screen cinemas, a race course, a pedestrianised shopping centre and several large supermarkets
• Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - you'll find this little-known and peaceful coastal area west of Carlisle and to the north of the Lake District

Other websites you might find interesting or useful:

• Walking: The Cumbria Way, Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail and The Pennine Way National Trail; the Ramblers Association local group and walking information service
• Cycling: The Eden Valley Circular Cycle Route, Sustrans National Cycle Routes in Cumbria, Eden National Cycle Network Rangers, Cumbria Way Cycle Route,
• Fishing: River Eden & District Fisheries Association - information about fishing the Eden, one of England's best salmon rivers
• Canoeing: some information on canoeing down the Eden and other local rivers can be found here
• Friends of the red squirrel - if you see one of our delightful local red squirrels, you may want to know more about our native species and how to help protect them
• Cumbria Wildlife Trust - voluntary organisation devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria
• Met Office Weather - Northern England - although the Eden Valley is much drier than the surrounding hillsides, we can't predict the weather and you should always come prepared!
• BBC Where I Live, Cumbria - news and information about Cumbria
• Cumbria Safety Cameras - information about driving carefully on Cumbria's roads