Summer has settled over Howtown, bringing long, golden days, lively birdsong, and a vibrant landscape in full bloom. The fells are alive with walkers, the lake is dotted with boats, and the warmth of the season brings with it a joyful sense of energy and ease.

With Summer arrives the bees – and Lucy, who has been tending to them with great care. They bring a gentle hum to the garden and a reminder of how alive everything feels at this time of year.

The meconopsis blue poppies have also been a real talking point with a good display growing stronger and stronger each year. Their vivid colour and lasting blooms have been a beautiful addition to the border, drawing much admiration from visitors. Meanwhile, our roses are still putting up a brave effort despite a few mischievous sheep and deer who seem to find them particularly delicious! We’ve recently renewed the compost and enriched the soil around the rose beds, so we’re keeping fingers crossed for a late flush of flowers.

The cherry trees planted last year are thriving – a very happy sight. Though the birds have made off with much of the fruit, the trees themselves are strong and healthy, and we’re delighted to see them doing so well.

Our exclusive-use hotel weekends have continued throughout the early summer, offering a special setting for family gatherings and reunions with friends. It’s been a pleasure to host guests enjoying the privacy and freedom of having the whole hotel to themselves – relaxed walks, leisurely meals, and evenings full of laughter. If you're considering one of these weekends in the future, we would be happy to talk you through the details.

The Howtown Tea Room is thriving in the sunshine. Open daily from 10:30am to 4:00pm, it continues to be a favourite spot for walkers, cyclists, and those simply passing through. We pride ourselves in freshly made sandwiches and home baked cakes, it’s the perfect place to pause and take in the  surroundings of Howtown.

We’re still receiving kind comments about the recent Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys episode that featured Howtown – and the team of local residents keeping the landscape tidy and cared for. It’s been heartening to see such pride in our community, and lovely to welcome guests who found us through the programme. – Link to the programme

Nature continues to enchant. Red squirrels remain active visitors to the gardens, and this year’s wildflowers and hedgerows have been particularly beautiful – splashes of colour lighting up every footpath and verge. The lake, though still lower than usual following an exceptionally dry spring, has offered wonderful conditions for lake adventure.

As always, we’re grateful for all who visit – whether returning familiar faces or first-time explorers. Summer here moves at its own gentle pace, and we hope you'll find a moment to share it with us.

 

With warmest wishes,

The Howtown Team