To mark the release of a new film adaptation of Swallows & Amazons this autumn, Coppermines Cottages have come up with the perfect holiday inspiration for this summer.

Whether or not you've read Arthur Ransome's books about the Swallows & Amazons, any holiday splashing around on rivers and lakes will most certainly bring out the adventurous child in you.

Now that summer is looming, the team at Coppermines have selected some of their favourite places to stay each offering a side dish of family adventures.

If you are feeling adventurous you can have your very own Swallows & Amazons adventure and really go to town and let Joint Adventures guide around Coniston Water. During your trip you will travel to places only accessible by canoe or Kayak, such as 'Secret Harbour' on 'Wild Cat Island', where you can disembark to explore the island and see where John, Susan, Titty and The Boy Roger set up their tents and played pirates and even make the 'Jump'. It makes for the perfect adventure for Swallows & Amazon fans of all ages. 

Or if you just fancy exploring on your own you can have a totally authentic experience by hiring a dingy in true 'Swallows' style or for a modern twist you could even try your hand at stand up paddle board (SUP) from the Coniston Boating Centre.

You could steam to Ramsome's 'Foot of the Lake' station on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Or you could enjoy an afternoon cruise on the Coniston Launch and travel down the peaceful east side of the lake to find locations including 'The Amazon River' and 'Octopus Lagoon'.

Why not enjoy a day out in Kendal and visit the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry, where you can discover a reconstruction of Ransome's writing room with his desk, drawings, and a whole host of 'Swallows' memorabilia.

Perhaps pay a visit to Ransome's final resting place and enjoy some quiet contemplation at Rusland Church. Oddly this churchyard happens to stand at the centre of the circle of Ransome's Lakeland homes.  Low Ludderburn, Cartmel Fell, where he lived from 1925-35 and wrote 'Swallows and Amazons', 'Peter Duck', 'Winter Holiday' and 'Coot Club'.  High Nibthwaite, Coniston, where his childhood holidays were spent and the Swallow stories had their basis.  The Heald, Coniston, his home during WWII by the lakeside.

Coppermines offer a range of cottages to suit all pockets from fell top bolt holes, village hideaways to lakeside retreats there's something to suit everyone – perfect for a family Swallows & Amazons adventure.

Cottages such as Bee Bole House, a beautiful 200 year old Georgian cottage, nestling in the beautiful hamlet of Water Yeat at the southern tip of Coniston Water, where you will find Allen Tarn, made famous as 'Octopus Lagoon'. The cottage sleeps up to six people, a four night short break during the summer holidays starts from as little as £544.

Or there's Fisher Beck Nest, part of a quaint 17th century Lakeland farmhouse situated on the Eastern side of Coniston Water, perfectly located for discovering Nibthwaite and the places Ransome loved so much. This cottage sleeps up to four people, a four night summer short break starting from £370.

Both are idyllic spots, perfect after a day exploring the area and following in the footsteps of the Swallows and Amazons. So why not let your family experience the beauty of this place and create some memories that are bound to last a lifetime.

For more information or to make a booking visit: www.coppermines.co.uk 

ENDS

To find out more about Coppermines and Lakes Cottages please visit: www.coppermines.co.uk for more information or to arrange a press visit please contact Rebecca Forsman / rebecca@coppermines.co.uk   015394 41765