WorldofLauraJane

Those who live in the North West of England will be familiar with the area known as the Lake District in Cumbria, it’s a place where most people who live in the North West go at least once in their lifetime for a weekend but are likely to go several times. 

Lake District is located only one hour drive away from my home city Liverpool making it the perfect place for a weekend away. As the UK’s largest national park as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it’s easy to see as you explore the area why it’s so popular for it’s glacial lakes and mountains. 

I’ve recently been on a trip to the Lake District for the weekend before I then continued on to Scotland for a few days. I stayed in a lodge at Thanet Wells resort for my duration, it’s located at the north of the Lake District. The location of this lodge was very secluded as it was at least 20 minutes before you were near anything that wasn’t country lanes that felt as though you were driving through farmers fields. 

On previous trips to the Lake District I’ve stayed at Ullswater Heights where you are able to find various size lodges, there is also an onsite restaurant. This is somewhere that I would return to in the future, for my recent trip I didn’t stay there due to no availability as it was a trip that was booked last minute. 

Those who wonder what is the best way to get around the Lake District will find that a car is going to be the best kind of transport. If you don’t have a car but you are able to drive I would recommend that you hire a car for this type of trip. When parking your car at one of the car parks prepare for the prices to be high as parking is expensive in the Lake District.

There is no shortage of things to do whilst visiting the Lake District from hikes, boat cruises to museums, there is something for everyone. There is even plenty to do for dogs, it’s an area that is popular for dog owners. The Lake District is somewhere that I have been to several times and I still haven’t managed to see all of it. 

The highest mountain in the Lake District is Scafell Pike and the deepest lake is Wastwater. 

The largest natural lake in the UK is Windermere at 10 miles long and 1 mile wide. Visitors are able to enjoy scenic cruises on this lake or they can hire a boat to explore the lake themselves. Scenic cruises on Lake Windermere are between different places such as Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeland. We chose to do the 35 minute boat from Ambleside to Bowness where we spent some time before getting the boat back to Ambleside to spend some time. There is also the chance to do paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. Just over a mile from the lake shore is where you will find the small town Windermere which is a separate town to Bowness-on-Windermere. 

When visiting Ambleside there is a cafe/bakery known as Apple Pie Cafe which is where I would recommend getting a apple pie slice as they are delicious but be prepared to queue as it is popular. As you walk the streets of Ambleside you are able to find some independent stores as well as some known brands such as Joules, Fat Face and Mountain Warehouse. One of the most iconic buildings in Ambleside is Bridge House which is a tiny building standing over the bridge which was built in the 17th century originally as a apple store before then being use as a counting house and tearoom. 

Keswick is popular for it’s market which happens twice a week on Thursday and Saturdays. After having a walk around the centre of Keswick you can take a ten minute walk to Derwentwater where you are able to take a eight mile walk or enjoy a 50 minute lake cruise which calls at seven landing stages.

Visiting Ullswater you are able to find the second largest lake in England as well as the third deepest lake in England. Ullswater lake is surrounded by mountain scenery that is breathtaking to see. If you are wanting to do a cruise on the lake this is possible with stops at Glenridding, Aira Force and Pooley Bridge. 

If you are wanting to do something different to lakes there is Lowther Castle & Gardens which is from the 19th century on the site of two previous houses. Sadly the castle was demolished in 1957 leaving the facade as well as outer walls remained standing. Visitors are now able to enjoy this attraction as a more of a garden which have been rediscovered as well as renewed. 

This post includes just the areas of the Lake District that I have visited as there are other areas to explore including:

Grasmere

Buttermere

Coniston 

Hawkshead

Langdale Valley

As you explore different parts of the Lake District you will notice various shops selling Beatrix Potter items as this is the home of Beatrix Potter. 

The Lake District is somewhere that I am likely to return back to due to the short amount of time it takes to get there from my home city so I can explore more of what the area has to offer.