A week in the Lake District

Thank you for coming to read about our week in the Lake District.

Why we decided on the Lake District

We decided on a week away in the Lake District because Dave had 3 Manchester United games in one week so easier to be up there than travel up and down! It was also my birthday so a good excuse to get away.

One thing we hadn’t fully considered before we went was just how cold it would be. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that a 4.5 hour trip directly north can result in quite the temperature dip. It did make it extra beautiful though.

Accommodation

We stayed in Graythwaite Cottages booked via Sykes Cottages and it was beautiful. We paid £413 for the week. The only minor downside was that the heating was off and door open (literally open) when we arrived so it was like the artic for a day or so before we got it under control! I actually think that the Lake District, including these Cottages come alive in the Summer months so, despite us having a great time, it would be even better in peak season. The upside to this is that we often had places to ourselves and everywhere was peaceful and calm.

There was a cot and highchair provided which is always a big help. The car fills up quickly without having to take things like that along.

Exploring the local area

There were plenty of walks starting at or near our cottages so we took ourselves off on one early on our first morning. We loaded our daughter into a back carrier (we’d borrowed it from a friend just for this trip) and heading to the nearby lake.

We decided to chance our luck on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam train but failed miserably as it was so misty we couldn’t see a thing (first trip of the day was probably a bad idea!). It was so cold that no one else was even on the train :-). The cogs had frozen solid and the platform was like an ice rink but after a bit of deicer and a chat with the Driver we were off. Yes, we couldn’t see anything but we still enjoyed ourselves. I’d love to go back in Summer or for one of their Santa events, it looks great.

We explored the local Lake District towns, such as Ambleside which was lovely and quaint. There were many opportunities to warm up in the numerous tea shops and pubs. We also took a drive to Coniston Water for a stroll which was nice. I often find we are somewhat limited to how much walking we can do with children but did manage a few short walks on this holiday – I don’t think we’ll be able to do anything longer until she’s a bit older.

Dave had to work one of the days we were there so the little one and I took a trip to The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. Children get in free (I paid £7.95) so it was a cheap way to spend a few hours. We explored the books of Beatrix Potter through their magical displays and film. I’d wanted to go and see Hill Top, Beatrix Potters house while we were there but unfortunately it had closed for winter (it’s closed during the week from November and all the time during December, January and most of February).

We then headed off to the Lakes Aquarium where we were the only people there! It was quite a unique experience having the place to ourselves. Again, children are free to get in so another reasonably cheap thing to do (Adults cost £5.95).

Summary

The Lake District is so beautiful, and a great place to spend a week or more. I loved being there in the winter and warming up by the fire each night but I think we’d be even more impressed in the summer months. We will definitely come back, many times I expect.

Have a look at our few days in the North of England holiday for similar adventures.

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