A Michelin-starred hotel in the Lake District which has played host to Tom Cruise and David Beckham is set to offer its guests refunds if it rains during their stay.

Despite the fact that it is situated in one of the wettest parts of the British Isles, The Samling hotel in Windemere, Cumbria, has promised to offer people refunds of £100 – even if it is only drizzling – after one of the driest winters in living memory.

Most visitors to the Lake District expect to pack a pair of wellington boots and a rain jacket when they visit the national park, however the region has recorded its driest winter since 1929.

Bookmakers William Hill is offering evens, or a 50% chance, on the Samling not having to pay out between now and the end of the offer in September.

The drought has prompted water company United Utilities to ask the Environment Agency for permission to take more water from Ennerdale lake, which drains some of England’s highest mountains including Pillar, Steeple and Great Gable.

Similar requests may follow for Windermere and Ullswater, whose water levels have already dropped significantly.

Speaking to the Guardian, hotel manager Andrew MacKay said: ‘We’re convinced that we’re going to have a long hot summer in the Lake District.

‘We had some terrible weather last year from floods to heavy snow before the dry spell set in, so I think we are due a bit of fortune.’

Overlooking the north shore of Lake Windemere, the 17th Century hotel is considered one of the most exclusive properties in the Lake District and was once owned by John Benson, landlord to the poet William Wordsworth – who would walk to the house to pay his rent.

The offer is open to anyone staying at the hotel between now and September, with bookmakers giving The Samling a 50 per cent chance of not having to pay out during that time.

Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest of the Lake District at approximately 4 miles long and ¾ miles wide. Despite its size this long and narrow lake is very shallow, at its deepest point it reaches a depth of just 70 feet. The Lake is easily accessible with the A66 dual carriageway running along the western edge. The laybys are extremely popular for people wanting to take pictures and a spot of bird watching.

Coniston Water

Coniston is the third largest of the lakes and is approximately 5 miles long and ½ a mile wide. The lake is hugely popular with tourist due to its large expanse of water, which contains a number of tranquil islands, as well as the stunning scenery. The lake was famously the setting for the book Swallows and Amazons as well as the setting for Donald Campbell’s ill fated attempt to break the water speed record.

Derwentwater

Derwentwater is approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide making it the widest lake in the Lake District.

The lake has a number of islands within, one of which contains Derwent Island House which is open to the public just 5 days a year.

The huge Skiddaw overlooking the lake and the nearby market town of Keswick make Derwent one of the most popular lakes for visitors.

Ullswater

Ullswater is the second largest of all the lakes in the Lake District at approximately 9 miles long and ¾ of a mile wide.

Regarded by many as the most beautiful of all the lakes, Ullswater often finds itself compared to lakes in Switzerland, such as Lucerne.

This favourable comparison is thanks to the beautiful scenery with mountains to one side and green fields and woodland on the other. The lake is great for water sports, with canoeing, sailing and wind surfing particularly popular. There are also the more relaxing steamer boats that take you on a cruise of the lake.

Windermere

Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and is the largest in the whole of England at approximately 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. As well as being the largest of the lakes Windermere is also the most well known and has long been a very popular attraction for tourists. Many of the tourists who do visit end up taking part in at least one of the many on water activities available. These range from wake boarding, sailing and canoeing to a more sedate pleasure cruise.

A Lake District campsite has been given the go-ahead to make major improvements.

The National Trust applied to the Lake District National Park Authority to make the changes to Low Wray Campsite on the west shore of Windermere.

The trust applied to relocate the shop/reception to an existing building in the centre of the site; convert the existing reception/shop into an additional staff bedroom; and connect two halves of the site by a new footbridge across the river.

The trust also proposed to relocate vehicle barriers to alleviate congestion around the existing hamlet of Low Wray; improve access within the site by a boardwalk to the new reception; improve existing parking areas adjacent to Vic’s Meadows; and relocate the children’s play area closer to the new reception.

Mairi Lock, the planning officer who dealt with the application, said that all the proposed works were “closely integrated with existing uses” and all were part of required improvements to the camp site “to upgrade facilities and assist in the operation of the site.”

The only new build was the bridge and the board walk.

Ms Lock added that it would not have an adverse impact on neighbouring properties but, because of the improvements, “could result in benefits to residents of properties close to the entrance of the site.”

Cumbria’s tourism industry could be given a boost with the opening of a new luxury hotel in the Lake District.

According to the Westmorland Gazette, businessman Stephen Leahy has bought Holbeck Ghyll near Lake Windermere and intends to turn it into lavish accommodation.

He said that the establishment will offer more than just a hotel and board, as he intends to throw in new services such as supercar hire, lake cruises and helicopter airport transfers.

The 26-bedroom hotel is already home to a Michelin star restaurant, which the owner intends to keep, preparing top meals and packed lunches for guests enjoying daily excursions.

“Whatever guests want, we will get it,” said Mr Leahy, who is also the chief executive of the Select Group if businesses in Manchester.

The news comes as Cumbria tourism officials are preparing to launch a new campaign aimed at boosting visitor spend in the Lake District.

They are offering a Freedom of the Lake District pass similar to existing schemes in London and York, which will give visitors discounts on top restaurants, retail outlets and attractions.

More than 200 rooms across a number of Lake District hotels and guesthouses are up for grabs over the next three weeks following an appeal to boost tourist numbers in the area after last November’s flooding.

Up to 40 accommodation providers have donated an allocation of ‘free’ rooms with breakfast for the remaining two Sunday evening’s in January and on the first Sunday in February.

Visitors will pay the bargain price of just £9.99 per person for a Sunday night stay at many of the county’s leading establishments including the four-star lake-fronted Low Wood Hotel in Windermere, and the five star boutique guesthouse, Number 43 in Arnside.

The Lakes Hospitality Association and Cumbria Tourism are working together on this national initiative to encourage visitors back to the Lake District.

Last November’s unprecedented flooding is estimated to have cost Cumbria’s tourism industry over £2.6 million in lost and cancelled bookings.

Ian Stephens, Chief Executive at Cumbria Tourism, said: “Although much of the flooding was isolated to specific parts of Cumbria, tourism businesses countywide still experienced a significant downturn in business due to widespread media reporting at the time.

“We want to encourage people to come and see for themselves that we are open for business at what is typically a quieter time in the tourism calendar, and if we can attract new visitors to the area with this offer, we are confident that they will continue to return again year after year.”

Jonathan Denby, chairman of Lakes Hospitality Association, recently called on accommodation providers to get on board with the plan to boost visitor numbers and has donated free accommodation at his three South Lakes hotels for the campaign.

He said: “This ‘Open for Business’ campaign is a gesture of goodwill from the Lake District to welcome customers’ back and to show that the roads are clear, the shops are open and the hotels and attractions are ready and waiting to welcome visitors.”

The national park authority has warned walkers not to venture on to frozen lakes and tarns, as a slow thaw has made many of them dangerous to walk on.

As temperatures slowly rise, the ice on the Lake District’s frozen waters has begun to thin, even on those on the high fells. The problem is particularly acute on the high tarns, where help would take much longer to reach if someone fell into the freezing water.

The Lake District national park’s head of countryside services Mark Eccles said: “We’ve seen people walking, sledging and skating on our frozen waters, but now it’s getting warmer, the dangers are even more acute.

“We know people have been on the ice at Bassenthwaite, Ullswater and Derwent Water over the weekend. Police have asked us to do what we can to highlight the potential danger.

“Lakes and tarns, particularly those at higher levels, could appear to have solid ice, even when it’s thawing, and might not hold a person’s weight.

“Although there have been fatalities in other areas, we haven’t had any serious incidents and want people, and their pets, to keep out of harm’s way. There are still lots of fantastic things to enjoy in the countryside, without going on hazardous, ice-covered water.

“We certainly don’t want to be killjoys. And we don’t want to clutter the countryside with ‘ice danger’ posters.

“With a bit of common sense, this amazing winter landscape can be enjoyed by all those prepared to go the extra distance in keeping themselves protected and safe.”

Mr Eccles warned of the risk of letting dogs go on to the ice. He said: “They could be seriously injured or die, if the ice breaks. And anyone trying to rescue them puts their own life in peril.”

Felltop assessor Jon Bennett said ice on Red Tarn, below the summit of Helvellyn – the Lake District’s third highest peak – was not thick and walkers should not be tempted on it.

“We’ve had instances in the past where people have been playing around on the ice. It’s dangerous beyond words. This is one of the national park’s highest stretches of water.

“People are just not thinking about the consequences of ice breaking. At best, it would take mountain rescue at least an hour to reach them. No one could hold their breath or stay warm for that long.”

Fans of legendary fell walker and writer Alfred Wainwright are planning to recreate his first walk up a Lake District fell after uncovering new details.

2010 is the 80th anniversary of Wainwright’s first visit to when, as a 23-year-old living in Blackburn, he travelled to Windermere and climbed Orrest Head.

The experience proved to be a huge inspiration and Wainwright went on to write the classic seven Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, plus many other books which have become bibles for thousands of people who love to walk the fells.

John Burland, of the Wainwright Society, said: “It was only in his later years that Alfred Wainwright began to reveal details of his early explorations in Lakeland before the writing of the Pictorial Guides.

“However, he did leave an account of his first visit to Lakeland and, considering the length of time that had elapsed, it is remarkably detailed.

“He was 23 and was on his first proper holiday with his cousin, Eric Beardsall.

“They set off ‘in a state of great excitement’ and arriving on the bus at Windermere proceeded to climb Orrest Head.”

As Wainwright was to write many years later: ‘It was a moment of magic, a revelation so unexpected that I stood transfixed, unable to believe my eyes. … Those few hours on Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life’.”

Wainwright left a fairly detailed account of the weather he and Eric encountered during the first four days of their walks.

Using this data, Derek Cockell, one of the Wainwright Society members, checked with the national weather archive office and discovered they must have gone up to Windermere on June 7, Whit Saturday in 1930.

Based on this research, the society plans to celebrate Wainwright’s first visit to Lakeland by climbing Orrest Head from Windermere Station on that day in 2010.

Those interested should email John Burland at publicity@wainwright. org.uk.

Entries are open for this year’s Great North Swim – and hundreds of amateur swimmers from across the region have already signed up to take part.

The event, run by the North-East sports firm behind the Great North Run, is held in the Lake District every year.

More than 6,000 people took part in the open water challenge last year, following the inaugural race in 2008.

The event features Olympic champions, club swimmers, and charity fundraisers, who line up together on the banks of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake.

Only 1,000 places are left for this year’s event.

Colin Hill, project manager for organiser Nova International, described the race, sponsored by British Gas, as an “iconic swim in the sporting calendar”.

The event takes place over the weekend of September 4 and 5, with entries already full for Saturday, and organisers have warned that places could even run out before the New Year.

Mr Hill said he hoped the success of the event would give Cumbria a boost following the recent floods.

Colin Hill, project manager for Great Swim, said: “The British Gas Great North Swim has attracted swimmers from all around the country and is a big positive for Cumbria in the wake of the recent floods.”

Last year’s event featured some of the world’s top swimmers, including North-East Olympian Jo Jackson, from Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Great Swim is open to swimmers of all abilities aged 16 years and over. Entry is £35, including entry fee, an event pack containing Great Swim swim hat and timing chip), souvenir medal and T-shirt.

Entries can be made online at greatswim.org

A South Lakeland hotel is set to gain an extra star following a three-month £750,000 refurbishment.

The Wild Boar Hotel, near Windermere, will reopen in spring with four stars after a refurbishment to restore it to its glory days as a traditional coaching inn.

The plans include creating a smokehouse – making it the first hotel in the Lake District to do so. Meat, fish and cheese will be smoked on the hotel’s grounds and then sold as part of the restaurant’s menu.

The kitchen will become open-plan so diners will be able to watch their food being cooked. There will also be 17 individually designed rooms, with features such as copper baths and log fires, as well as contemporary touches such as iPod docking stations.

Simon Berry, managing director of English Lakes Hotels, which owns the Wild Boar, said: “We want to create something that we didn’t have in the rest of the portfolio. It is a traditional Lake District Inn but with innovative touches.

“There is a focus on real value for money, which is going to be increasingly important for people over the next few years.”

The refurbishment will see six new full-time positions creates alongside the existing 28-strong workforce at the hotel.

Westmorland Gazette

A Lake District tourist attraction has been named as one of the most popular in the country.

Windermere Lake Cruises has been revealed by tourism body Visit England at the fourth most popular paid-for tourist attraction in England in 2008, and the second most popular outside London.

Only Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens and Chester Zoo drew in bigger paying crowds than the Bowness-based business, which provides pleasure trips on the country’s largest lake.

The cruises proved more popular than world-famous attractions such as Stonehenge, Canterbury Cathedral, Roman Baths and the Eden Project.

Almost 1.2 million people boarded the Windermere boats last year, which was actually around 70,000 less than the previous year, where the attraction was England’s third most popular paid-for.

Nigel Wilkinson, managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises, said: “Obviously we are delighted that in the current environment we have been able to stay in the top ten paid-for but to be listed fourth is great.

“It is a great deal of credit to the staff who have worked hard to provide exceptional customer service.”

Mr Wilkinson said the company was also benefiting from having undertook numerous initiatives to expand their offer to customers – such as bringing out a walking book with routes linked by boat journeys, trialing a water bus service with waterfront hotels, expanding its jazz cruises and offering discounts to residents of Cumbria and Lancaster.

Mr Wilkinson said the company was also seeing growth in a fledgling tourism market sector.

“We have seen over the last two or three years a marked increase in Chinese visitors,” he said. “That is a market that is increasingly opening to overseas travel.”

The country’s most popular attraction is the British Museum, which drew in 5.9 million visitors – however, the museum is free to get in.

A spokesman for Cumbria Tourism said the cruises were an important draw for tourists coming into the county.

“It’s no surprise that Windermere Lake Cruises are among the top paid for attractions in England,” they said. “Windermere Lake Cruises are a well established company and have carried many generations of passengers over the years, offering a great service on England’s largest lake.

“Each year Windermere Lake Cruises carry over a million passengers making them the top visitor attraction in Cumbria. They are a huge asset to our county both in terms of their obvious appeal to visitors and their significant contribution to the Cumbrian economy.”