A north Cumbrian country estate plans to open a farm shop and cafe this spring.
The 250 acre Blaithwaite Estate, near Mealsgate, is home to the Donald family.
It already offers accommodation for campers, plus has luxury lodges, pods and cottages. It is planning to add extra lodges and will welcome day trippers.
Open to both staying guests and day visitors, the cafe and farm shop will showcase the county’s quality produce.
The farm shop, which will be open from 9am until 4pm, will support local and independent suppliers from lesser-known areas of the county stocking butchery, eggs, fresh milk and seasonal vegetables from surrounding farms, charcuterie from Stonehouse Smokery and cheese from Torpenhow Cheese alongside guest essentials and take home-baked treats. Local beers and spirits will also be available including Tirril Brewery, The Tractor Shed Brewing Company, Hawkshead Brewery, The Lakes Distillery and Tipsy Filly.
The cafe, which will be open from 9am until 3pm, will use the local ingredients available to buy in the farm shop to create fresh and seasonal dishes.
The estate is launching an annual membership programme to encourage locals to make use of the walking trails, get involved in conservation and attend events on the estate.
The new membership will give people access to over 80 acres of the estate and encourage them to engage in conservation work.
The membership will include 10 per cent off all Blaithwaite activities and events throughout the year, five per cent off in the cafe and farm shop, and the opportunity to take part in two conservation days per year.
Funds from the membership will go towards the maintenance and restoration of ancient woodlands, increasing biodiversity through conservation work and ensuring the estate grounds can be enjoyed for future generations.
Co-owner of the estate, Kate Donald, said: “This is a really exciting time for Blaithwaite Estate. The expansion of our offering to encourage more locals to enjoy the estate is something that is really important to us.
“Our cafe and farm shop will work in synergy with our new membership and will highlight some of our county’s best producers. What could be better than a walk in an ancient woodland followed by a delicious lunch highlighting some of the best local produce?
The Blaithwaite membership will be available to buy online soon and those interested are invited to Blaithwaite’s first Estate Day on April 10 from 2pm to 4pm for tours, talks and to find out more about the membership.
