"The Old School" If you have clicked on to our links page please read on. Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill for either a change of employment or as a hobby? Listed below are some companies of whom we know personally who are doing courses from 1day, to a weekend, to weekly. They are established businesses with good reputations. We as a Bed & Breakfast business will provide your accommodation , packed lunches, and Dinner on return if required. We are also working with Mr Andrew Jackson of "ShowmeCumbria". He will pick you up from "The Old School" and take you on a half or full day tour of the area's of Cumbria you choose. We will provide a packed lunch of your choice, then you can stop on the tour when you want to eat and enjoy the scenery Lastly we are providing a service of our own of bespoke hardwood garden furniture. We work mainly in "English Oak", treated and finished to your specifications. The Tables and benches can be made to come apart (flat packed) for the ease of transport. There are some images on this page of commissions sold in Green Oak, kiln-dried Oak and Elm. These woods are from sustainable local estates in Cumbria

"G&S Timber-Crafts" Here you can learn to woodturn. Please contact them for when their next turning/training course or exhibition will be.At G&S you can purchase machinery, tools, and of course many varities of English as well as exotic timbers.

"The Wood Workshop" Here you can learn the art of fine furniture making. Please contact Mr Richard Harrison via his website for when his next courses will be.

"ShowmeCumbria" Please ask when booking your B&B if you would wish us to arrange a tour for you, or contact Andrew direct.

"Cumbria School of Saddlery" This saddlery business has been run under the name of "Hunter Saddlery" for 9 years by Mr David May. Here you can learn the craft in all aspects of traditional leatherwork from a beginner to advanced gaining a qualification at City and Guilds level. Please contact David direct via his website for when his next courses will be.

Mr & Mrs Edward & Sue Clark Les- Chenes (The Oaks) is in an unspoilt hamlet in the upper Dordoyne. To let is a two bedroomed cottage with an open large living/dining area, with oak beams, doors, staircase etc.with a well fitted kitchen and a fully tiled floor throughout. There is a back garden with patio,lawn and flower beds,a front gravelled garden with flower beds with an old well, and orchard. There is also parking for two cars under the hanger. The nearest villages are Busseroles, St. Mattieu, and Nontron where you can get provisions, petrol, post a card home etc. The nearest airport is Limoges which is an hours drive away. Please click on to their website for fuller details on the cottage and the facilities it has. Their email address is; edsue.clark@les-chenes-gites.com

The Marmalade Festival This is the second year for this event. It was a great successs last year and we as guest house proprietors enjoyed the experience and hoped it would be repeated. We are adding this to our visitor attractions because it is well worth a visit. Please log on to the url; for more information.

"Dalemain House" Further to the above on the Marmalade Festival, Dalmain has other events during the year such as in May, a Fell Pony Show and Vintage Tractor Rally. In June there is The Cumbria Life & Dalmain Garden Festival and much. much more. There is something on each month from May until September and we would be glad to accommodate you for any of these occasions. Please log on to the web address above for more information

"The Eden Valley" The Old School is in the Eden Valley District. Here you will find plenty of visitor attractions. There are many events during the year, local shows, festivals, farmers markets, craft fairs etc. There are golf courses, fishing, walking, Museums, Castles, and Adrians Wall is not far away. Please log on to the web address above for all information on the area. The local information office will send you a brochure on request. Once again we will be glad to accommodate you here in our Guest House.

"Ullswater" We are members of "The Ullswater Association" This area is renown for its beauty in its hills, climbing and walks. Here you can fish, canoe, windsurf and sail on the lake via the steamers. The brochure lists "Things to do" as well as places to eat and accommodation. Please log on to the site for more information about the area and the walking festival this year which will be from Saturday the 10th of May to Sunday the 19th of May.

Keswick Film Club The Lonsdale Alhambra Cinema Keswick is 15 minutes by road from us where you can have a meal in Keswick and see a show. Please log on to the site for their timetable of shows.

"Theatre by the Lake" This theatre was originally "The Blue Box Theatre" by the lake in Keswick. When re-built it was opened by Dame Judy Dench and her late husband Michael Williams. This venue has many good productions, we ourselves have enjoyed a pantomime there as well as some regular guests of ours to "The Old School" who come a few times each year to visit the theatre. Please log on to their website for further details for forthcoming productions.

"Potfest" There are 2 potfest shows. One at "Hutton-in-the-forest" which is known as "Potfest in the Park" and is from the 25th to 27th July. The second is called "Potfest-in-the-Pens" which is held at PFK auction site by the M6 roundabout in Penrith from the 8th to 10th of August. At these shows there are potters from all over the world displaying hand thrown pots. All shapes and sizes for use in the home or garden. For more information please log on to the website.

"Lowther Horse Driving Trials" This is one of the main events of the year. The Duke of Edinburgh is a regular visitor taking part in the horse trials. There are other contests such as shooting, archery, dog trials and much more. There are of course stalls to purchase goods from. There are tents and stalls to find something to eat, as well as a fair and rides for the children. Please log on to the site to find more information. The trials are on from the 8th to 10th of August.

The Old School - Proprietors Pauline & John Lake
Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0HT
Telephone: +44 (0)17684 83709 Mobile: 07899 777419
Email: info@theold-school.com