A Love for the Lake District
Take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die
I don't belong, and my beloved, neither do you
Those Windermere peaks look like a perfect place to cry
I'm setting off, but not without my muse - Taylor Swift
I can honestly say there is no place like the Lake District. After being asked all the time about what to do whilst on a short break in the Lakes, here are some tried and tested recommendations to help you plan your next trip all based on what our family have enjoyed in the past.
Places to explore…
As we have generally traveled with young Children, most of the walks we recommend are short and fall in the easy to medium category, but they are full of breathtaking views and adventure.
Walk around Buttermere Lake: The views on this lake walk are spectacular and varied. It takes 2-3 hours to walk around fully but we confess we didn’t make it all the way around last time as the weather was against us. Syke Farm is the place to stop at the start or end (or both) and grab an icecream or a pot of tea (depending on the weather!)
Discover a Magical Waterfall: - Aira Force is known for its wonderful waterfall but if you are really blessed you may even spy a little red squirrel. Please send me a pic if you do! As it is a National Trust site expect the usual great standard of facilities and teashop.
Climb up Orrest Head: This hidden walk is hard to find the start of, but once you have done so thanks to helpful posts like this one, you can enjoy a brisk uphill jaunt that rewards you with an incredible panoramic view at the top of the Langdale Pikes and beyond. The diorama on Orrest Head reminds us how Wainwright fell in love with this view back in 1930 so much so that he was inspired to create his pictoral guides that helped open up the Lakes to the world of tourism. That’s history and happiness in one walk! Look out for the secret Gatepost with the inspiring poetry of John Keeble.
Sit on the Bench at Friars Crag: This holy walk to the end of the lakeside from Keswick is believed to be a point where monks made their pilgrimage to St Herbert’s Island on Derwentwater. Nowadays it is the perfect place for a bench selfie (or benchie?) as you sit looking out over our favourite Lake. The walk is a fun short one after a bit of town exploration and retail therapy!
Walk around the Ancient Stones: The mysterious circle of stones at Castlerigg Stone Circle is well worth an hour or so of your time if you need a blast of fresh air and panoramic views. There are 38 stones of varying sizes and no one quite knows why they exist. What they do know is that they have been there for a very long time….!
Abandon the Lakes for a Tarn: If you are only going to do one walk that is not one of the major lakes, we suggest you do this one at Tarn Hows Circular as it takes just one hour. I am not sure why we love it so much but the mix of views and variety is perfect. Plus I think the gentle walk is good for kids who might not be as excited as you are to be out and about if the weather isn’t top notch. Watch out for the Belted Galloways (furry cows - google them) as you walk around.
Take a Walk in a Mountain Forest: Known as the only Mountain Forest in England, the breathtaking Whinlatter Forest is one of my husbands favourite places in the Lakes. Hire a bike if you want or take a stroll in the hilly and windy woodlands. You could be anywhere in the world once you get lost in the woods!
“Thou who hast given me eyes to see
And love this sight so fair,
Give me a heart to find out thee,
And read thee everywhere.”
Adventures to go on…
Visit Peter Rabbit at Hilltop: Take a trip to Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse which is described as a time-capsule of her life. Brilliant if you are a fan of Beatrix Potter (who isn’t?) and this unique rural National Trust House and Garden full of flora and fauna is always worth a visit. Plus if you travel from the Windermere side you can catch the Bowness Car Ferry. You literally get to drive your car onto a ferry and take the 10 minute ride across the lake - the kids will love it!
Hire a Boat: Whilst you can have fun on a motor boat in the ever popular Windermere (we certainly have) we would recommend considering Derwentwater as your first point of voyage. The reason we think you should hire a boat (motor or rowing) there if you get chance is because you get to leisurely explore the myriad of little islands and make up stories about what it would be like to live on the water forever. It is super fun trying to find hidden islands and secret inlets and still make it back in time to get your boat deposit back!
Take a Dip in the Lake: If we are honest this is the only one on the list we haven’t done in a good while but you can try Ullswater for the shock of your life but the memory of a lifetime. Apparently it is good for the soul!
Explore Caves in your Wellies: Stroll to Rydale Cave for a chance to experience the childlike magic of exploring the unknown again. The wellies are optional but the sense of awe and wonder is compulsory.
Relax at Fell-foot: This lakeside park by Windermere is great place to stop at on the way home after a busy time ticking off everything else on this list.
Go to a Book Town: If you are coming from the South, on the way up or down, stop off at Sedbergh in North Yorkshire for bakery, book shops in this lovely so called Book Town. A Book Town is apparently a small rural town or village in which second‑hand and antiquarian bookshops are concentrated. I read about that in a book!
Grab a bite to eat…
We tend to be snackers rather than fine diners when we travel so here are a few recommendations for a place to eat or drink if you are on the fly. We will try to add more refined options to the list as the children get older, leave home, and we become Millionaires.
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop: According to their website Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854 in the English Lake District village from where it gets its name. It is said to be a unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, and we can honestly say there is literally nothing else like it! This is the NUMBER ONE recommendation on this entire list. Try this Gingerbread! Go to this tiny shop and queue up (the line can get VERY long at busy times) and all will be good again in the world.
Applepie Ambleside: Great for lunch, this amazing bakery has a fine selection of cakes and baked goods along with homely lunch options. They do great gingerbread here and it is a different recipe from the Grasmere Gingerbread but it is still super-nice. Did we mention the Grasmere gingerbread yet???
Esquires Coffee in Ambleside: Although it is a franchise there is a nice independent vibe to this coffee shop in Ambleside. I have an affection for it because they hosted a great event for me a couple of times. It makes the list for being so conveniently located near to the Church where Charlotte Mason has her graveside memorial and is super close to the Armitt Museum.
Cragwood Country House & Hotel: Grab a Cream tea here and don’t forget to play chess on the lawn. This Lake District Country Hotel is a nice place to stop and relax with a bite to eat and a view to die for.
Places to Stay…
Budget Lake District Sleeping Options: For a really budget option right on Lake Windermere, why not opt for the YHA Hostel in Ambleside - you will be surprised at how clean and comfy it is which is probably why it has over 90% Excellent rating on Trip Advisor. This stylish youth hostel offers an unbeatable location and you can book different types of rooms depending on your needs.
For another cheap option especially if there is a bigger group of you, you can book a bunkhouse to yourself for next to nothing at The White Horse Inn. Four of the stables have been converted into bedrooms, two of which sleep 6 people in bunks, one sleeps eight and the other sleeps four. It comes with kitchen facilities and more. The Pub serves homely food in a rural setting and you can crack on exploring the area around Threlkeld near Keswick after a warm nights sleep.
A Wonderful Lake District Location: The idyllic cottages at Thornywaite Farm are ideal for couples, young families, and can larger family and friends groups looking to escape from the hustle and bustle. Set in the peaceful valley of Matterdale above Ullswater lake in the North Lakes it makes an ideal base for exploring the Lakes. We love the family that run it too! They deserve your business and are doing an incredible job!
Luxury Lake District Accommodation and Spa: Why not treat yourself to a Romantic Spa break at the Langdale Estate. The historic Langdale Estate offers a choice of luxury hotel or self catering accommodation, along with fitness & leisure facilities and a cracking restaurant. The whole estate is a really great place to explore in a drop-dead gorgeous location. You can do great walks right from the Estate and there is always somewhere nice to stop on the way. We stayed in the self catering accommodation which was top notch and had daily access to the Spa. Our favourite part was 100% being outside at night in the hot spa pool under the cold starry night! Delightful!
If you are a fan of Charlotte Mason…
If you are familiar with the rest of my website you will know how much I appreciate the 19th Century Educator Charlotte Mason. Her connection to the Lake District is well-known and there are a few must see things to do when you visit the Ambleside area if you are a follower of her work.
Visit the Armitt Museum which has an unprecedented collection of Charlotte Mason’s writings, articles, artifacts and educational resources. You have to book a slot but you can have access to the Archives for an unforgettable experience in history.
Walk up the hill in the car park next to the Armitt Museum to see the exterior of Scale How. Mason moved to Ambleside in 1891 and established the House of Education in this building , which was a training school for governesses and others working with young children.
Finish your tour with a trip to Charlotte Mason’s grave in the graveyard at St Mary’s Ambleside. A little sign will help point the way as you start your approach in the Churchyard. The sense of historical significance is tangible.
