Visiting the Lake District, UK

Despite not knowing too much about the Lake District, I knew it was the most sensible place to stop on our way from Manchester to Edinburgh. After all, driving through the English countryside has been on the top of my bucket list for years. And finally, I got to experience it. Although, quite honestly, I would have appreciated at least a few more days to really absorb all of its beauty and history. The Lake District is best known for its lakes, forests and fells (mountains), and its associations with Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and other English poets. Todd and I explored the southwest corner of the district, hitting up Windermere and Ullswater lakes . . .

GETTING THERE

The Lake District is a surprising mere hour and a half drive from Manchester, so if you're brave enough to operate a vehicle on the other side of the road (thanks, Todd!), I highly recommend renting a car and experiencing the scenic route on your own time. However, give yourself plenty of time to get to your final destination (ours was Ullswater Lake) as you'll want to stop at all the quaint little towns along the way. Just northeast of Windermere Lake, the largest natural lake in the Lakes District and in England, you'll want to visit the tiniest village of Grasmere, home of the world famous Grasmere Gingerbread. Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854 in the village from where it gets its name and they've been continuing to make her biscuit like gingerbread the same way ever since. Grab some fresh gingerbread, take in the beautiful scenery and hit the road again!

STAY

Set on northwest shores of Ullswater is Another Place, our final destination in the Lake District. The Georgian house, which was recently refurbished into a breathtakingly beautiful 40 room resort, is all about connecting guests to the surrounding elements by way of swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, hiking, and cycling. I appreciate that the vibe here is anything but posh and exclusive, despite the incredibly stylish interiors and elegant ambience. Another Place is actually refreshingly laid back, casual and very family friendly, with an almost camp-like feel. I loved the different common areas, where guests could play board games fireside, enjoy the sunset over the fells with a cocktail, or just read a book poolside. I couldn't help but plan my next visit with my family.

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EXPLORE

There's a plethora of places to explore in the Lake District - I honestly believe you can spend weeks here and still not experience everything this region has to offer. There is one place, however, that must not be missed and that is the Stott Park Bobbin Mill. The 19th century bobbin mill, located southwest of Windermere Lake, once provided millions wooden bobbins to the ever growing textile, weaving and spinning industry in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Today, the mill is a working museum brought to life by tours and demonstrations run by English Heritage. It is, in one word, fascinating!

Next stop: Edinburgh, Scotland!

this post was created in partnership with Visit Britain. all opinions are my own.

Leave a Comment

11 Comments

  1. Maralynne wrote:

    These are stunning. The photos capture the art perfectly. Takes me away to another world, just staring at these! Thank you for sharing.

    10.23.18
    Reply
  2. Michelle wrote:

    What a beautiful beautiful area, this is definitely on my bucket list now!

    10.23.18
    Reply
  3. Corina wrote:

    The Lake District actually only has one lake – Bassenthwaite Lake!

    Hope you enjoy your next stop in Edinburgh, I have just moved here. Be wary of the wind!

    10.23.18
    Reply
  4. Eva wrote:

    AHHHH! This is so awesome! I’m hoping to go to the Lake District next year, but my husband wants to camp and do landscape photography there, rather than have a glorious tour. Haha. Maybe we can find a way to fit in both, but thanks for your guide, I’m definitely saving this for later!

    Eva | http://www.shessobright.com

    10.23.18
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      Ohhh, I definitely think you can do both!! It’s so picturesque. You both will love it – there is so much more to see, I only wish we had more time!

      10.24.18
  5. URSULA THOMPSON wrote:

    Looks good and that you are enjoying the beautiful countryside…I have only been in bleak mid-winter and then it is rather dull…but Autumn looks good. Nice photos too.

    10.25.18
    Reply
  6. Astha wrote:

    It’s So Amazing And Far.
    http://www.swarnprastha.com/

    10.30.18
    Reply
  7. These photos are gorgeous! Definitely would like to visit!
    With Love From Indonesian

    5.16.19
    Reply
  8. Your site always goes beyond fashion and stylish…and this blog depth and understanding and your intense kindness… very good. do appreciate everything you do for us… Thank you so much.

    6.12.19
    Reply
  9. Maria Lena wrote:

    Amazing post. Thanks for sharing this nice traveling experience of Lake District, UK. I like all these beautiful images of this place and I am very interested in traveling there. Anyways, I am Zara a passionate girl who loves traveling and writing. Now, I am working as a freelance academic writer at https://studyclerk.com/annotated-bibliography-writing-service where we are especially working on student’s academic assignments and annotated bibliography writing solutions. My passion is traveling and sharing my knowledge with people.

    8.28.21
    Reply
  10. zack smithZ wrote:

    The Lake District is a surprising mere hour and a half drive from Manchester, so if you’re brave enough to operate a vehicle on the other side of the road , I highly recommend renting a car and experiencing the scenic route on your own time.family-friendly hotels

    5.21.23
    Reply