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Langdale Chase celebrates 50th Anniversary of Swallows and Amazons Offering a magical experience inspired by a beloved story, with a themed afternoon tea.

Langdale Chase is excited to present its Swallows and Amazon-themed Afternoon Tea in honor of the 50th anniversary of this iconic story on screen. In 1974, the hotel was privileged to host the cast and crew of Arthur Ransom Favorite novel during its shooting. The celebration is the perfect opportunity to revisit the enchanting story that has drawn countless visitors to The Lakes over the years. Afternoon tea will be served on hand-painted crockery prepared by local artisans and can be enjoyed in the picturesque dining room, numerous lounges or on the lakeside terrace, weather permitting.

This summer, guests can enjoy an enchanting afternoon tea that brings the magical world of swallows and the Amazon to life. Swallows and Amazon-themed teas will be served in Langdale Chase’s exquisitely decorated dining room, available to both hotel guests and visitors, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Windermere. The atmosphere is so enchanting that if you close your eyes and let your imagination take over, you might feel like a member of the crew aboard The Swallow.

The afternoon tea menu is a delightful homage to the novel’s young protagonists and its author’s culinary adventures. Among the sandwiches, guests will find smoked salmon with beetroot and cream cheese, celebrating Ransom’s love of smoked fish, and pemmican beef with horseradish and red onion, an homage to the corned beef often enjoyed by the story’s young characters.

Potted Shrimp with Crumpets and Savory Cheddar Donuts provide a tantalizing experience for the taste buds, while desserts pay homage to whimsical tales. Chocolate and marmalade evokes chocolate eclairs and kids’ favorite marmalade sandwiches at a fancy pirate’s party. Gooseberry choux captures the essence of berries picked during children’s adventures, and Titi’s Bun Loaf is a must-try. The menu will be updated seasonally to ensure fresh flavors all year round.

In addition to afternoon tea, the terrace and AA Rosette Dining Room are open daily to both hotel guests and visitors. The terrace serves lunch daily, while the dining room offers daily a-la-carte dinner and traditional Sunday brunch.

A rich literary heritage

Langdale Chase has a proud association with the work of Arthur Ransome. The hotel not only hosted Dame Virginia McKenna, the lead actress of the film adaptation, but also served as the venue for the cast and crew’s wrap party in 1974. This historical link adds an authentic charm to the themed afternoon tea, making it irresistible. – A must for fans of the novel and classic British literature.

Arthur Ransome himself is believed to have frequented the hotel during his time in the Lake District. The lakeside views and formal gardens of Langdale Chase may have inspired his beloved book.

Cumbrian Makers

In support of local businesses, afternoon tea will be served on exquisite tableware crafted by local artisans. From the hand-thrown pottery to the finery, each piece is designed by talented local makers, adding an extra touch of Cumbrian charm to the experience.

Cumbrian Makers

Supporting local businesses, afternoon tea will be served on exquisite tableware designed by local artisans. Each piece reflects the craftsmanship and artistic heritage of the region.

Fiona May Ceramics: The bowls and plates are made by Cumbrian potter Fiona May in a small kiln in her garage, where pottery dries alongside kayaks and mountain bikes. Her work draws inspiration from the surrounding waterfalls and nearby lakes, with nods to swallows and the Amazon in finely drawn detail.

Croglin: The delightful fancy will be served on stunningly crafted and hand-illustrated wooden display boards, adding an extra touch of elegance to the presentation.

Miles Moore: Martin Miles-Moore, an accomplished potter with over a decade of experience, contributes in-depth table settings. Inspired by lakes, he incorporates discarded materials and minerals from Lakeland quarries into his clay, creating pieces with unique finishes and a strong connection to the local landscape.

Lorraine Frost: Adding the finishing touches, Lorraine Frost’s pottery brings the layers of the Lakeland landscape to life. Her beautiful pieces, featuring lines of earth, water and sky, become islands as they hold jams, creams and other delicacies.

Langdale Chase reopened its doors in November 2023 following a 12-month restoration, featuring interiors that transport guests back to the Lake District’s heyday, the 1920s and 1930s. This stunning 30-room Grade II listed property features seven spacious suites with cozy reading nooks by the lake, five dog-friendly rooms, an AA Rosette restaurant, an Art Deco-style bar, cinema room and a wealth of outdoor activities.

Langdale Chase’s mission is simple: to provide superb hospitality in a setting that poet William Wordsworth described as “the loveliest place man ever saw.”