Great breaks in the Lakes
Take it easy with our pick of the loveliest places to stay in the Lake District, and you don’t even have to pack your walking boots…
The Lake District is famous for some of the country's most
satisfying walks, set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. But,
if more gentle sightseeing is your thing, here are four places to
stay where you can kick back and relax.
Stop 1 : Ulverston
Ulverston is a picturesque market town nestled snugly between
the mountains of the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. The town is
famous as the birthplace of Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy - and a
statue of the comedians was unveiled earlier this year in the town
centre. On your way around be sure to visit 'gastro café' The Hot
Mango Café on King Street for a bite to eat. If you're feeling like
enjoying a spot of culture, on 1 August, the Northern Chamber
Orchestra will be performing a selection of composer Joseph Haydn's
greatest works in the town's Coronation Hall, conducted by Denis
McCaldin, president of the Haydn Society. Stay at The Bay Horse
Hotel, named 2009's Cumbrian Inn of the year, for beautiful views
of the sands and estuary.
Stop 2 : Kendal
Another Lake District destination always worth a visit is the
town of Kendal, which, funnily enough, is the home of Kendal Mint
Cake. There's plenty to do and see around the town this summer, but
the highlight has to be on September 11 when the Kendal Torchlight
Carnival celebrates its 40th anniversary. This free family event
includes street entertainers and a trip down memory lane with
plenty of classic cars, bikes and steam engines on display. There
are even costumed riders and moonlight mazes on offer. For a
picturesque, low-key stay, try Bridge House B&B. The listed
Georgian building is a former station master's house, built around
1840. It specialises in home-made bread and preserves and a full
English breakfast is served every morning.
Stop 3 : Windermere
If you fancy something more active then Windermere might be the
place for you to undertake Lake Windermere's Great North Swim on
12-13 September. This year, more than 5,500 people have signed up
to swim in England's largest lake. The one-mile open water course
is set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District National
Park, so it's a pretty special day out, even if you just watch the
competition pan out from the comfort of your hotel room. The
Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel, which is celebrated as one of
the Lake District's finest hotels, has a Michelin-starred
restaurant, celebrity connections, (Renée Zellweger stayed there
during the filming of Miss Potter in 2006) and stunning views of
the lake - truly the place to go if you want luxurious
surroundings.
Please visit our
destination guide for more information on Windermere.
Stop 4 : Penrith
No trip to the Lakes would be complete without a visit to
Penrith for the stunning scenery surrounding Penrith Castle. The
area is also famous for its connection to the poet William
Wordsworth - his grandfather owned a house on Devonshire Street,
which is now a shop, and he and his sister attended The Dame Anne
Birkett School, which is still standing today. For a change of
pace, head over to the Taste! Food Hall at the Rheged Centre in
Redhills for a showcase of British food, including fresh and smoked
meats, cheeses, chutneys and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
If silence and privacy sound like your idea of heaven, The Bower
House in Morland, near Penrith is a must. This newly-converted,
luxury holiday cottage is set in the beautiful Eden Valley. Built
from local limestone and sandstone, the cottage boasts a huge
picture window looking out over the Pennines. Incredibly peaceful,
this is the perfect way to escape the rat race for a few days for a
spot of R&R.
Please visit our
destination guide for more information on Penrith.