2025 - Valentine's Day Massacre & A 'Brief Encounter'

Itinerary

Highlights

• Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner 
• Tea / coffee after dinner (not on Saturday night due to entertainment)
• Packed lunch on one day
• Porterage
• Light entertainment on Friday night
• Murder Mystery & disco on Saturday night
• Drinks reception with glass of fizz on Saturday
• Visit to Kendal 
• Entrance to Carnforth Heritage Centre with tea & cake
• Entrance to Lakeland Motor Museum
• Windermere Boat Cruise Lakeside to Bowness

Murder mystery and an action packed weekend

Day 1 -  After joining your holiday coach head north with a pleasant lunch time stop en-route to Cumbria. Arrive this afternoon for the next 3 nights with porterage on arrival. There is light entertainment in the bar this evening. DBB

Days 2 - 3 At leisure with two included excursions. The hotel will provide a packed lunch on one day.

Saturday - Kendal Market Day & 'a 'Brief Encounter' at Carnforth Station
Start the day in Kendal, the Southern Gateway to the Lakes (less than a mile from the boundary of the National Park) and home of the famous Mint Cake.  Much of the town centre is pedestrianised with narrow lanes and yards branching from the main street.  The unique History Trail, a walking route around the town centre with information plaques along the way delves into the town's story. Experience the town's friendly vibe at the weekly outdoor Saturday market held on the picturesque market place - look out for fresh produce and lovingly handmade delicacies. There is also an indoor market at the Westmorland Shopping Centre.

Travel back in time this afternoon for a nostalgic visit to Carnforth Station, best known as the location for the filming of David Lean's film 'Brief Encounter' released in 1945 starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard. The station was fully restored in 2003 after lying derelict for several years. The award-winning Heritage Centre is located on Platform 1 and is home to exhibitions and galleries where you can discover background information about the making of the film, film locations and the cast members. A cup of  tea and cake is included at the station cafe. Return to the hotel after the visit

Meet for a drinks reception in the hotel with a glass of fizz at 7pm before dinner with Murder Mystery entertainment followed by a disco. In 1929, Jack, a self-styled Chicago gangster runs a lucrative night club. The local cops tend to ignore him until a link is found between a series of murders and the club. What has Jack been up to? Is he being framed? If so, by who and why?

Sunday - Windermere, Lakeland Motor Museum & Boat Cruise
Into the National Park and for many, where the Lakes begin proper begin - Windermere. At ten and a half miles long, a mile wide in parts and a shade over 200ft deep, the lake itself - Windermere, incidentally, never 'Lake' Windermere - is the heavyweight of Lake District waters - actually England's largest natural lake. Head to the southern end of the lake to Lakeside for a visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum where you can explore the fascinating collection of over 30,000 exhibits. Located in a converted mill, the museum traces the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century - cycles, motorbikes, motor cars and automobilia.  Then it will be time to join a lake cruise to Bowness (approx. 40 mins) to take in some breathtaking winter views of the Lake District scenery. The boat is heated with toilets, bar and refreshments available on board. Enjoy time in Bowness with its cafes, shops and lakeside views (NB not all shops and outlets may be open in February)

Day 4 - After a hearty breakfast all aboard to start the homeward journey. A break for lunch in an interesting spot - time permitting.

Accommodation

Shap Wells Hotel  - Shap, Cumbria Shap Wells

Situated in a secluded, wooded valley, high in the Shap Fells and surrounded by mountain streams yet only minutes from the M6 (Junction 39) and the A6.

3* Shap Wells Hotel is the ideal place from which to explore the Lakes.  Perfect setting surrounded by open and wooded countryside, red deer, red squirrels and other wildlife within the grounds of the hotel and beyond.

Many of the rooms having breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside and fells, offering a true taste of the English countryside. The hotel has retained many of its original features over the years and much time has been taken to retain the true character of the building. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire hotel including all public areas and guest accommodation. Lift access to most rooms.