The Area & Things to Do
The Scenery
Surrounding Holgates there is a wide variety of scenery, from historic ruins to sandy beaches. For those wishing to travel not too far - The Lake District offers a rich abundance of fells and lakes.
The Area
Holgates superb location offers many opportunities to walk and explore. Nature lovers will find RSPB's Leighton Moss bird sanctuary a paradise, whilst the ancient market town of Kendal - 'Gateway to the Lakes' - is only a short drive away. Whatever your interest, the region is bound to have something to fascinate and excite you.
Arnside
Arnside Knott (522ft) dominates a rocky peninsula where the village of Arnside stands. In days gone by, small coasters, steamers and yachts called at landings in Arnside, but when the estuary began to silt up, Arnside lost its marine ties.
Today, Arnside's many visitors enjoy strolling through the bustling seaside village, perhaps catching the remarkable sight of the tide as it sweeps up the bay.
Silverdale
Noted for the majesty of its landscapes (and now a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), from its highest points, Silverdale offers unrivalled views over the estuary and bay. The Leighton Moss Nature Reserve is home to over 255 species of bird. Large numbers of wildfowl use the open water for much of the year, the elusive bitterns amongst its rarest inhabitants.
Kendal
The 'Gateway to the Lakes' is a mere 15 miles away, and provides good shopping facilities, including a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Kendal also has much of historical interest, with its 13th Century parish church, Abbot Hall Art Gallery, and museum offering a glimpse of Lakeland life and industry throughout the ages.
The Lake District
With its breathtaking scenery, the Lake District offers the perfect setting for visitors to indulge their passions. The beautiful landscapes are favourites among walkers, while the forests, fells and lakes provide the setting for many sporting activities. Visit historic towns and buildings and famous locations such as the former homes of Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and the poet Wordsworth.
Wildlife Habits
For exploring nature Holgates Caravan Park has it all. Watch Roe Deer and Brimstone Butterfly. Explore historic limestone grassland and native woodland. Gold Winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme.
History - an evolving landscape
In the late 1700's up until 1950 Middlebarrow Plain was open rough grazing, forming part of Arnside Tower Farm. Holgates first rented the land from Dallam Tower Estate in 1956 and eventually bought it. The existing light scrub gradually formed woodland. After about 1980 when sheep grazing was completely excluded from the park, the woodland became thicker. Holgates also have a caravan park at Far Arnside, which is part of Arnside Knott.
Limestone Pavement and Grassland - a mosaic of colour
There is a very rich ground flora of herbs and relic limestone grassland in glades and the open woodland on the rocky hilltop. The abundance of spring flowers includes primroses, cowslips, early purple orchid and rare species typical of this limestone area. In the summer dropwort can be seen with its delicate flowers and pink buds and the yellow flowers of the common rock rose are abundant. Aromatic wild thyme is to be found scattered through the species rich turf.
