2026 - A Brief Encounter With 'Tom Jones'
4 days
Great winter getaway in the Lake District
It might be chilly outside but this special winter getaway staying on the edge of the Lake District promises cosy evenings, good company, interesting included visits, plenty of fresh air and a 'Tom Jones' tribute night. A heated boat cruise on Lake Windermere, Kendal on Market Day and a 'Brief Encounter' at Carnforth station all form part of this great winter weekend away.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner
- Tea / coffee after dinner
- Packed lunch on one day
- Porterage
- Light entertainment on Friday night
- Tom Jones tribute act & disco on Saturday night
- Drinks reception with glass of fizz on Saturday
- Visit to Kendal
- Entrance to Carnforth Heritage Centre with tea & cake
- Windermere Boat Cruise from Bowness to Ambleside
Tom Jones Tribute 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
Day 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 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 before dinner and entertainment followed by a disco. Showtime this evening is a fabulous Tom Jones tribute act performing favourite songs made famous by the popular Welsh singer during his long and illustrious career
Sunday - Windermere & Boat Cruise (Bowness & Ambleside)
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 Bowness with time at leisure to explore its cafes, shops and lakeside views (NB not all shops and outlets may be open in February) before joining a 35-minute cruise to Ambleside at the northern end of the lake. Surrounded by majestic Lakeland fells, Ambleside’s roots are in the medieval woollen trade, but the town you see today is primarily Victorian, built of traditional grey slate. There are also some fabulous restaurants, cafés and pubs as well as specialist shops offering a welcome variation to high street chains.
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.