Husband and wife team launch new Cumbrian experience firm

Entrepreneurial couple Jennie and Neil Riding have announced the launch of a tour, event and experience business for visitors to Cumbria.

Jennie and Neil, the owners of The Lodges at Artlegarth in Ravenstonedale, have set up Happy Days – a new company offering hands-on traditional Lakeland pursuits such as wild fishing and sheepdog experiences alongside cocktail making, circus skills sessions and tours including Fells & Fizz and The Selfie Safari.

Happy Days was founded in response to recent VisitEngland tourism data revealing that visitors are now looking for authentic cultural experiences, meeting locals and doing the things they do.

The rise of professional reality shows like Masterchef and The Great British Bake Off has also increased the desire of tourists to learn while having fun on holiday, according to Happy Days.

With their new venture, Jennie and Neil are teaming up with other businesses and locals, including sheepdog handling and training provider Katy Cropper.

Jennie said: “Since moving to Cumbria, my family and I have been able to discover a magical place.

“With Happy Days, we want visitors to discover the people, the place and the passion! This new business is all about giving visitors the opportunity to experience something they wouldn’t often get to do.”

She continued: “We are working with highly skilled characters who can offer hands-on experiences with quirky add-ons, such as our ‘Bar in a Box’. We can’t wait to show visitors both traditional and contemporary experiences deeply rooted in the spectacular Cumbrian landscape.”