HERE is the Days out on your Doorstep column. 

Sights to be seen can be enhanced by snow-dusted mountain tops, frosty fresh air and winter sun.

So, for a day out on your doorstep to remember, step into the heated cabin of a Windermere Lake Cruises launch and head out onto the waters of England’s longest Lake.

Prepare to marvel as you glide by stunning winter landscapes in the heart of the Lake District while sipping a “winter warmer” on the launch. They include coffee, brandy or even a hot chocolate with a hint of rum!

Although Windermere is home to well over a thousand ducks, geese and swans throughout the year, the winter months typically see many more birds flying in from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe - that’s more any other lake in the region.

Bring your binoculars as Windermere is one of the top places in the country for more unusual species including the goldeneye duck, tufted duck, red-breasted merganser and pochard. You may also get to see cormorants and great crested grebes.

And keep your eyes on the ancient woodlands on Windermere’s western shore around Claife Heights. These are home to red deer and its one of the few places you might see a red squirrel!

The winter months are a great time to take a cruise on Windermere as there are savings to be had. If you live locally and are of retirement age why not take up Windermere Lake Cruises’ “Silver Sailor Fridays” offer.

It means you can enjoy unlimited travel onboard Windermere Lake Cruises’ vessels, with a “Freedom of the Lake” ticket for just £7 when the usual price is £21.

There are also big discounts for Yellow and Red cruises and you can get half-price entry to the popular Lakeland Motor Museum to see it’s stunning collection of classic vehicles and automobilia. The Silver Sailor Fridays offer runs until Friday, March 31, 2023.

Local residents of any age can also apply for the Local Residents Discount Card which, over winter and until May 1st 2023, offers half price scheduled sailings and half price entry to the Lakeland Motor Museum.

So, a Day out on your Doorstep to remember awaits you on Windermere this winter. Just wrap up warm and prepare for some stunning seasonal sights.