Greystoke
a potted history
Greystoke is a picturesque village built around a green, boasting its own castle built in 1353 and occupied by the same family, the Howard's, since Elizabethan times. The magnificent 13th century church was used by villagers in more turbulent times seeking refuge from bands of marauding Scots. The village is also the home of the late Gordon Richards horseracing stables and you can still see the horses being led out. There is a village shop and an 18th century coaching inn to partake in some much needed refreshments
places of interest
Greystoke Gill Pottery - browse handmade stoneware, watch the professionals or maybe try your hand at throwing your own pot.
Greystoke Church - A magnificent 13th century church, steeped in history with a glorious East window, oak stalls and 'misericord' seats - carved under seat shelves.
Village Pool - just the place to cool down after the days cycling exploits (opening times vary).
Beckstones Art Gallery - a specialist art gallery exhibiting original work by up to 40 of the nation's top artist's.
cycle shops
You have to go to Penrith for the nearest cycle store I'm afraid.
Arragons - Brunswick Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 890344
Halfords - Ullswater Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 892960
eating places
Greystoke Cycle Cafe - Open Fridays 12am to 6pm / Saturdays 10 to 6pm. and the 2ND Sunday of the month 10 -6pm
Accommodation
Run by: Stafford House
Large Victorian folly that looks like a walled Gothic castle within the grounds of Tarzan's castle (Greystoke) and shares the same magnificent drive. The house is Grade II listed and sits in 3/4 of an acre of its own grounds with castle battlements on three sides and arched windows. Aside from looking Medieval, it is very comfortable.
Mobile : 07759 133281
Email : hazel.knight@btconnect.com
Rooms : 2D, 1T.
B&B : £35-£40
Packed lunch : from £5
Pub half an arrow flight : Grade II listed
Run by: The Bunkhouse
This new bunkhouse sleeps up to 15 in two dormitories, Blencathra Lodge and Pennine Lodge. The head gardener for Greystoke Castle used to reside in the main house at this property and used the lodge to store all the home-grown fruit and supplies for the Howard family through the long winters. It is now fully kitted out with a fitted kitchen-diner, with every convenience including linen and towels, wet rooms, drying rooms, lockers are available and one of the toilets is easily accessible for the disabled. Tea, coffee, fruit juice, various cereals, bread butter and jams and milk are provided. The rest can be found at the local shop which is only 5 minutes walk and offers a good choice of fare, the Boot & Shoe pub or the Cycle Cafe.
Mobile : 07759 133281
Email : hazel.knight@btconnect.com
Saddleback dorm sleeps 4-6 : Blencathra dorm: sleeps 8-10
1 double room : £20- (£30 for single occupancy)
Bunk house : £18
Distance from pub : 400 yards
Packed lunch Ł5 : Breakfast: £7
Location : Grounds of Greystoke Castle, next to Stafford House
Run by: Boot & Shoe
Since Jan and Ben took over in July 07 the Boot & Shoe has enjoyed a new lease of life. There's a real buzz about the place; cyclists, jockeys and locals jostle for place while Jan hands out steaming plates of excellent food ranging from chicken balti to local dishes like Lamb Henry. A real community hub. Log fire in the bar, stove in the lounge plus selection of well kept real ales.
Website : www.boot-and-shoe.com
Email : mandale@lineone.net
Rooms : 4T+1D/T (en-suite)
B&B : £30-£37.50
Evening meal : £5.95-£12.95 (main courses)
Packed lunch : Yes - price depends on what you choose
Special deals - 2 night packages with a lift to Whitehaven :
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Run by: Greystoke Cycle Cafe
This is a splendid little stop off for a nice summer's day, or take shelter in the barn if it's not so nice. Annie's garden is a lovely spot and the home baked cakes, scones, paninis, bacon butties and home made soups are a treat. Tea, coffee, cold drinks and all the essentials you could imagine at this delightful pitstop just a stone's throw from the village green. Annie organises all sorts of activities from this old farmhouse - just take a look at 'Quirky Workshops' on the website. The Cyclists’ Barn’ is open 10–6pm with hot drinks /cakes solely for those on bicycles. Great views across parkland to Greystoke Castle. Car/van parking for C2C support drivers only.
Run by: Brathen
Comfortable barn conversion on the outskirts of the village with a warm welcome and hearty breakfasts using local produce.
Web : www.brathen.co.uk
Email : stay@brathen.co.uk
Rooms : 2D, 2T, 2F
B&B : £25-£30
Packed Lunch : £4
Distance from C2C : On route. Pub 300 yds
Run by: Blencowe Hall
This Grade I twelve bedroom, 11 bath fortified manor with two pele towers works best for large groups who plan to spend some time in the local area (min stay = 3 nights). If there are 24 of you then it works out about the same price as a B&B. Anyone who has cycled the C2C will have seen this recently renovated building overlooking the Greystoke to Blencow lane. The courtyard entrance is dated 1590, but this is one of the newer bits. It has its own chapel and many genuine medieval features, such as spiral stone staircases and inglenook fireplaces, all restored under the supervision of English Heritage. Massive welcome hamper including wine & breakfast items, T/D & W/M, 2 TVs. ***** rating from VisitBritain. Blencowe is rented out through Rural Retreats. See the website to get a fuller flavour.
Email : info@ruralretreats.co.uk
Rooms : 12. There are 11 bathrooms.
Rate : £25-£50 a night depending on season (but don't forget that you need to fill the place)
Ample Parking : No dogs
Aga kitchen : Medieval walls with 21st century comforts
24 bicycles available for guest use (small charge) : Secure lock up
Drying room : Linen & towels etc provided
Fishing beat on the adjoining River Petteril : 30 acres of fields and gardens



