If you were to ask me to picture a part of the world that could quite easily belong in a fantasy epic or a fairy-tale, I think I would probably go ahead and picture the UK’s Lake District National Park.
If you’ve read my previous articles in the past, you’ll no doubt be well aware that there are plenty of National Parks in the UK which is as popular as they are beautiful. I personally would definitely have the Lake District in my top 3, as would many others. In fact, a lot of my readers would probably rank it as their number 1, and I wouldn’t blame them in the slightest.
With its rolling hills, green pastures, mountains, narrow country lanes, waterfalls, quaint towns and villages, and of course, lakes and stretches of open water, the Lake District is the perfect destination for those looking to escape city living.
If you’ve never been before, I implore you to visit and experience it for yourself in all its natural glory. To help make your visit even more special, I’ve compiled a list of 7 fun things to do in the Lake District, and here it is.
Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere
As you can see guess by the name, the Lake District is home to plenty of lakes and stretches of open water.
Now, if you were feeling brave, you could don your wetsuit and brave the cold waters of Lake Windermere and partake in a spot of water sports. I’m far too much of a wimp to do that, which is why instead, I’m recommending that you enjoy a boat cruise on the lake.
Lake Windermere is the largest lake in the area and stretches for more than 10-miles between Newby Bridge and Ambleside. Cruises on a traditional steamer are regularly offered here, where you can hop on and enjoy an open-topped tour along the lake. If it does get a little too chilly for you, you can always head downstairs into the cabin.
Scoff down some traditional Cumberland sausage
In the UK, generally, there are two types of sausage that rule the roost, or should that be pen? And they are: Lincolnshire Sausages and Cumberland Sausages.
Cumberland sausages are my personal favourites, especially in a spiral and they originated in the age-old county of Cumberland, which is now a part of Cumbria.
Cumberlands are not as herby as Lincolnshire sausages, though they are still seasoned generously. For the ultimate breakfast, why not go the whole hog (last pig pun, I promise) and enjoy a traditional full English breakfast?
For me, a full English should have Cumberland sausage, bacon, hash browns, black pudding, toast, fried bread, baked beans, fried egg, and scrambled egg, with a combination of red and brown sauce. I’ve deliberately left out mushrooms as I’m not a fan, although as most people are, you might want to include them on your brekkie too.
Visit Beatrix Potter’s House
Hill Top is a house from the 17th century that was gifted to the National Trust by the Lake District’s most famous children’s author – Beatrix Potter.
Located close to Hawkshead, Hill Top was once the home of Beatrix herself and is where she created some of her most memorable stories and characters such as Peter Rabbit, and Mrs Tiggywinkle.
Beatrix purchased the farmhouse in 1905 using royalties from her first book: ‘The Tale of Benjamin Bunny’. She left the house to the National Trust in her will, following her death in 1943, to help preserve the stunning lands that had lent her the inspiration to pen these amazing children’s stories.
If you’re looking for things to do in the Lake District, I would definitely suggest you visit Hill Top and see where one of the greatest children’s authors of all time lived.
Sample some Grasmere gingerbread
The Lake District has produced some amazing culinary delights for greedy so and so’s like me, and while Kendal Mint Cake is also very worth checking out, Grasmere Gingerbread takes things up to a whole other level entirely.
Invented way back in 1854 by a woman named Sarah Nelson, this gingerbread is like a cross between a cake and a biscuit and is nothing like the dry cardboard-like attempts you find in supermarkets. Crumbly on top and gooey in the middle, if you like ginger you’ll be blown away, and even if you don’t, you’ll still love it.
Head on over to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop which is set in the home of Sarah Nelson. Afterwards, why not just go for a stroll as the village itself is very picturesque.
Scale a fell
If you’re worried about all of the calories you’ve consumed in the form of Kendal Mint Cake, Grasmere Gingerbread, and Cumberland Sausages, you’ll want to burn some of them off with some exercise.
The lakes are famed for their ‘fells’ of which their names are derived from the old Norse word for ‘Mountain’ and they’re a great way to see all that the lakes have to offer whilst taking in some amazing views.
Fells high and barren landscapes such as moorland hills or rugged mountainsides and the Lakes have more than enough to go around. For those looking for something not too challenging, Windemere’s Orrest Head is an ideal starter fell and is a great way to burn off your morning fry up.
Hide from ghosts in one of the UK’s most haunted castles
This may come as a shock to some of you, but I actually quite enjoy a castle. Yes, I know, it’s not like I’ve mentioned it a million times before, but come on, how can you not find them interesting?
The castle I’m talking to you about here, though, is one which I wouldn’t fancy visiting in the dark as it is reportedly one of the UK’s most haunted castle – Muncaster.
Muncaster Castle is set amongst 70-acres of woodland gardens, which in the autumn look fab, by the way, and is often frequented by ghost hunters and paranormal researchers looking to find proof of the afterlife.
There have been many reported sightings of ghosts and other paranormal goings-on, which is why a few times a year, brave souls can enjoy an overnight ghost vigil in the castle itself, with a team of scientific paranormal researchers.
Enjoy a drink and a meal at a local pub
Finally, if you’re on holiday and are looking to relax, what better way to do so than with a drink and some pub grub, at a local Lake District pub?
The Lakes are home to countless pubs offering a selection of tasty foods and beverages, all in peaceful surroundings with stunning views.
In the summer, grab a drink and sit outside and enjoy the scenery, and in the winter, get cosy in front of a log fire with a warm drink and a plate of steak and ale stew and dumplings. Bliss.
Here are some fun things to do in the Lake District! Have you been?
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!