The Dower House is set above the River Duddon at the point it emerges from the confines of the fells to cross the wide salt marshes of the Duddon Estuary on its way to the sea only a few miles away. We have a unique location, nowhere else in Lakeland do the mountains sweep down to the sea providing the area with unparalleled scenery and providing the backdrop for a wealth of activities for the fellwalker, angler and watersports enthusiast.

The peaceful Dunnerdale fells provide the gateway to the central Lake District where a moderate effort will be rewarded by spectacular views towards not only the high peaks of the great Cumbrian mountain ranges but silver-tongued estuaries and the beautiful coastal plain.

Continuing on east are the fells of the Coniston area, where the famous Old Man of Coniston, with sides pitted by  a thousand of years of mining looks across the ruined workings of the Copper Mines Valley, to the village and lake beyond.

Head north from Dunnerdale to enter the most wild and  wonderful valley in the whole of the Lake District - Wasdale - home to Sca Fell Pike, the highest point in England.  Great Gable crowns the magnificent valley head, from which stupendous views are revealed.

Our other great treasure, the coast, is just a short drive away.  The beaches of Lakeland are known to few but here in the southwest we enjoy some of the finest stretches of flat, golden sand anywhere in the country.  Within fifteen minutes are the extensive beaches of Silecroft, an award winning beach with miles of flat sand and Haverigg, sand, shell and shingle banks all backed by a sweeping sand dunes. Exploration of the coast will yield other small sandy coves and deserted stretches of beach. Sand-yachting, windsurfing and sea fishing are popular activities as, of course, are the more traditional forms of beach relaxation.

Towns and villages in the area range from the bustling to the sleepy.  Broughton-in-Furness, only a mile or so from the Dower House, is an ancient market town and still holds weekly sales at the auction mart. Well stocked with inns, eating places and general stores, it provides all that is needed for the visitors well-being.  Millom is seven miles away and has a mix of high street and independent shops, supermarkets, banks, museum and railway station.

Ulverston, just twenty minutes away, is another market town.  Famous as the birthplace of Stan Laurel and the home of the world’s only museum dedicated to Laurel & Hardy.

The communities of the southwest lakes are scattered but you will find among the lanes, woods and fells, small settlements, usually serviced by an inn and a post office, places that seem to have stood still in time since Wordsworth wandered the by-ways writing of the “beautiful Duddon”.

Historic buildings blend into the landscape all about. The Romans built great forts throughout the area and one of the finest remains upon the flanks of Hard Knott, a spectacular mountain pass. Mediobogdum was built to help protect the northern empire and specifically to protect the Roman harbour at Ravenglass where the remains of a Roman bathhouse can be seen.

The Swinside Stone Circle, a pleasant walk from the Dower House, records the presence of some of the earliest occupiers of this land, people who, no doubt, took great advantage of the mild climate and natural resources to be found. The marks of this are seen in the buildings which remain.

Only a few hundred yards from the Dower House stands a fascinating complex of buildings, the Duddon Iron Furnace.  This is one of the largest and best preserved charcoal iron furnaces in Britain. Erected in 1736 it was worked for over 130 years.

Within a short drive are the magnificent remains of Furness Abbey and great houses of Muncaster Castle, Holker Hall and Levens Hall.

Events, attractions and activities are wide and varied and allow the visitor to take life at whatever pace they prefer. Experience the adrenilin rush of water-skiing at Port Haverigg or canoeing the River Duddon to the more relaxed tour of a National Trust property or ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway.  Regular events are organised throughout the year to celebrate the history, landscape and culture of Southwest Lakeland.  The Broughton and Millom Agricultural Show in August a local highlight.

Naval and maritime heritage is recorded at the Barrow Dock Museum, The Rum Story at Whitehaven describes how Atlantic trading in the 18th and 19th Century brought prosperity to the area, you can explore a working iron ore mine at the Florence Mine, Egremont or take a pony trek through this beautiful countryside.

Below are a few website links you may find useful in planning your stay.

High Duddon  Broughton-in-Furness  Cumbria LA20 6ET   Tel 01229 716279

www.DowerHouse.biz     E mail info@DowerHouse.biz
(please include contact phone number in e-mails)

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