Horse-drawn carriage rides to a Michelin starred restaurant are part of a series of exclusive summer experiences being offered by a historic country house. Guests at Netherby Hall, which is set in the North Cumbrian countryside, near Carlisle, can travel in style to dine at nearby Pentonbridge Inn in the create-your-own break initiative which is available for limited dates only this summer.

The personalised staycations also include carriage rides through Netherby Hall’s 36 acres of gardens and grounds, and the chance to get a unique insight into the history of the Grade II* listed mansion on a private tour.

Gerald Smith, who owns and runs Netherby Hall with his wife Margo, said: “Our aim is to bring together the best of Netherby Hall to give visitors the opportunity to find out more about its past and present, and enjoy the beauty of the house and its gardens.

“The packages are designed to enable people to create their own bespoke break by adding exclusive tours and experiences to their stay including dining at the Michelin starred Pentonbridge Inn. Our aim is for guests to have an unforgettable experience while staying with us, which they will treasure for years to come.”

Since buying Netherby Hall in 2014, Gerald and Margo have overseen a multi-million pound renovation project, sensitively restoring the house and its walled garden, as well as transforming the Hall’s former outbuildings into nine luxury holiday cottages and apartments. The couple also own and operate Pentonbridge Inn.

As part of the Netherby Hall Summer Experience, Netherby Hall’s head gardener will show guests around the gardens, including the working walled garden which supplies up to 70 per cent of the vegetables, fruit and herbs used for the seasonally-inspired eight-course set tasting menu at Pentonbridge Inn, while Gerald will lead the tours of the house which has a rich and interesting history dating back to Roman times.

The Ride and Dine carriage ride experience to Pentonbridge Inn will follow a four-and-a-half mile scenic route on country roads to the fine dining restaurant-with-rooms which is located in countryside close to the Scottish border. Guests can also book a tour of the restored working stable block at Netherby Hall and meet the Gelderlander and American Standardbred horses which pull the carriages.

There is also the option to discover more about the history of the local area, which includes Hadrian’s Wall and the Borderlands region, by booking a guided tour led by an experienced Blue Badge Guide.

Netherby Hall’s Summer Experiences are only available to book on selected dates this summer, with the first dates launching in late June. Guests can add optional extras such as the carriage rides, dining at Pentonbridge Inn, and the tours of the house and gardens to their stay in the luxury apartments and cottages at Netherby Hall.