As much as we fantasise getting on a plane and sipping ice cold mojitos in the sun, sometimes the perfect escape is right on your doorstep. Though it's a different type of retreat, make the Lake District your next escape and leave with a peaceful outlook on life, a refreshed perspective ... and probably achy legs too!
Becoming wrapped up in the hustle of everyday life is more common than most of is care to admit ... the solution? A weekend escape. A few days of exploring caves, hiking new trails and taking a dip in natural infinity pools is exactly what you need to reconnect with yourself and with nature.
Situated on England's north-west coast, The Lake District represents everything relaxation is about. Unspoiled landscapes make for the perfect backdrop, whether its lunch or a morning stroll, no where in England quite compares. To start with there's so many different places to stay all with something different to offer! Let's start with Keswick, a cobbled town filled with pubs and boutiques, tourists gathered around buskers and perfectly sat at the foot of Scafell Pike. Alternatively, for those seeking small village charm and delicious gingerbread, there's no beating Grasmere. Windemere is perfect if you love water sports and nightlife and for a combination of them all, my favourite; Ambleside.
There isn't a right or wrong way to discover The Lakes, it's personal preference, but I can certainly share my tips to making the most of this stunning corner of our country. As like many destinations, food plays a vital role in how your time goes, but first let's talk building your appetite!
On the first day of every visit we like to head on a 'break-us-in' walk, usually something around 1000ft with pretty views and a steady incline. My personal fav is Easedale Tarn in Grasmere. If you head to Emmas Dell on the corner and head towards Allan Bank woodland, just after you cross the cattle bridge take the first right and follow the path through the gate and to the end. Once you're at the road head left up the hill past the house selling flapjack until you reach a little bridge on your left over a mini river. Head straight up that path and once you spot the waterfall, that's where you're heading!
The image in the middle is the view you'll see from the bottom!
Other walks of a similar height include Alcock Tarn in Grasmere, this is also a lovely walk if you're heading from Ambleside. Walk along the Coffin Route until you see the sign for Alcock Tarn and then start heading up, this is a little steeper than Ease Dale but trust me, the views make up for it.
Once your legs are adequately aching, you're ready for something a little more challenging! Something in between a mountain and a breaker walk is perfect for the next day or two and with many of the routes you can always walk along the ridge and down the next peak, perhaps look into Helm Crag or Nab Scar.
From there there's only one more must do and that's a mountain or two. We tend to stick with Helvellyn at 950m/ 3020ft. Start your journey with an incline of steps through the woodland and before long you'll welcome incredible views over the opposing tarn. Continue heading up the step like stones until you reach the top, checking the weather app before you begin is always worth it! The first time we climbed it back in 2016 it was the greyest day with minimal visibility which really took away from the experience once we reached the top.
A trip to The Lakes usually goes one of two ways, you love the challenge and spend the rest of your week conquering the likes of Skiddaw or Great Gable, or you're like me and one peak is enough and revert back to the easier walks like Sweden Bridge for the last couple of days.
But whichever way you choose to spend your days, there's always a pub or a restaurant waiting for you once you're done. Depending on where you choose to stay there is a vast variety of cuisine right at your fingertips, but for real foodies I'd recommend staying in Ambleside. Starting your week off strong with an Italian at Dods Restaurant! The most delicious gnocchi and the perfect ambiance, though it is walk-ins only so if you're a party bigger than two I'd suggest getting there for when it opens.
Located in the heart of Ambleside town, you'll find Sheila's Cottage, perfect for a three course banquet of homemade soups, tender pork belly and a sweet treat better than any, cheesecake of the day. Slightly on the pricier side, consider Sheila's Cottage a treat after a hard days hike, or maybe just because you're on holiday and deserve it. Head to The Vault afterwards for two-for-one cocktails and a game of pool.
Bar eS takes you on a Spanish adventure through spicy tacos and potato bravas and offers a lively atmosphere to enjoy a meal and some spicy tequila! Choose from an extensive menu and enjoy the food fresh from the oven, as and when it's ready for the true Spanish experience. Tucked away in the centre, Bar eS is not one to pass by.
For an evening focused less on making an effort and more on pub classics and quiz nights, head to The Temperance or The White Lion. Burgers, fish & chips, pie & mash, sometimes you just can't beat them!
Our favourite is and will always be the Golden Rule pub. An old-timey pub with small nooks and games rooms, a timeless scene. Sip a pint and snack on a fresh scotch egg or pork pie from the butchers next door and spend the evening playing cards before heading back for a cosy night in.
For those days you spend relaxing and taking in the surreal views with both feet firmly on the ground, there are plenty of places to try out fairly close too! In Keswick I recommend the The Wainwright Pub in Keswick, although it may not look the brightest or the busiest from the outside, I stake my foodie reputation on their burgers. In Grasmere check out Heidi's Café and Windemere, The Albert.
But even though relaxing days start with food and end with food, there's also plenty to see through the day too. During our most recent visit I head to Iris Massage Studio for a honey back massage! A relaxing afternoon and the owner was lovely which made it a great experience too. Or if keeping active is more you're style head to the sports grounds at the bottom of Ambleside for a game of pitch and put, crazy golf, tennis, pickle ball or even bowls (which is surprisingly quite fun and not just a sport for retirement)
Windemere is home to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, bringing Peter Rabbit to life, perhaps the perfect family morning before heading for a boat tour across Lake Windemere, or even kayaking around the edge!
If you're happy to drive, head to Carlisle to experience a different side of Cumbria and of course for some shopping too!
For extra information select the drop boxes below :)
What should I pack?
Let's start from the beginning! What to pack for a destination so universal in weather every day of the year. For context, I most recently visited mid July and we had 2 days of heavy rain, a day of glorious sunshine and a few cloudy, sunny and everything in-between afternoons. So, first and foremost, walking boots! Over the years we've bumped into so many people climbing peaks in standard shoes and don't get me wrong, I love my crocs more than the next person but it isn't worth the risk of a broken ankle!
You can find decent boots in Mountain Warehouse or Go Outdoors and if you don't want to spend much you could even pick up a pre loved pair off vinted for a bargain. With the boots also comes walking socks, I promise you they make all the difference when you're on your feet all day.
As for the rest of your suitcase, I'd always suggest a decent waterproof and a rucksack for your walks, but for everyday wear, equal parts shorts to trousers, t-shirts to hoody's and an umbrella to be on the safe side!
Accommodation in the Lakes
There are so many options to enjoy The Lakes, from luxury hotels to glamping pods, so let's dive in!
Airbnb's/Cottages ...
Over the past decade me and my family have stayed in a variety of cottages in and around Ambleside and we probably always will. Although The Lakes can be a great option for no day time spending, when it comes to dining out it can be a little on the London side, so having your own cottage means you always have that option to grab a takeaway, put on a spread or stick a microwave meal on. If you've read my packing advice above you can probably imagine the amount of storage you'll need too, so a cottage also means you're not going to trip over your boots in the middle of the night!
Hotels/ BnBs ...
Cumbria offers a vast amount of hotel accommodation, from lake view hotels in Windemere to 6 bed b&bs in Ambleside, but each come with their own perk. The Windemere hotel offers incredible views and a bed you won't want to leave but it also comes with a price tag ... or head to a local b&b for a homey full English. (Few of the b&bs in Ambleside offer views facing Wansfell)
Pods/ lodges ...
An industry growing with popularity month on month, pods and lodges offer a whole new experience, and what better place to test it out than in The Lakes. Based on who you're traveling with, pods can be the perfect retreat for couples looking to explore the area at their own pace.
We regularly pass Rydal Hall site and it looks perfect!
Camper Van ...
An experience i've not yet done but is definitely on the bucket list ... exploring The Lakes in the comfort of your own van. There is so much to see and do in The Lakes, and a lot of it can only be accessed via car/bus, so what better way to see it ALL then exploring top to bottom yourself. Picture - pasta cooking on the stove, doors opened, quilt and pillows spread across the bed and a view overlooking a lake like no other. A truly unique perspective and definitely perfect to create memorable moments.
https://www.lakescampervans.co.uk/
When's the best time to go?
The Lakes is a universal destination so if you're looking for a trip that isn't weather dependant, look no further.
Head up in summer for your best chances of clear views across the peaks and to make the most of the outdoor facilities around the towns. Though with June/July also comes 30 degree (we hope!) temperatures which can make longer walks uncomfortable, if you do happen to be hiking on days like that then be sure to pack extra water. A few showers can probably be expected no matter how hot the day starts out, but it's all part of The Lake District adventure.
Visiting during the later months can add a nice touch to your visit, timing it with their Christmas light turn on means you not only get to immerse yourself in hot chocolate, knitted gloves and a healthy dose of Michael Bublé, but you also get to taste the best local veg produce on your roast dinners, making it ten times the meal you get at home!
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