Heritage weekend
In 1802, William Wordsworth called the Lakes ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’, and over two centuries later, the same still rings true
Explore the inspiring scenery surrounding Lake Windermere
Generation after generation has fallen in love with the seemingly endless rolling hills, quaint slate buildings and rippling waters that are icons of the Lake District, and none more so than Lake Windermere. Poets, authors, photographers and illustrators have all called the banks of this great mere home, capturing its tranquillity and natural beauty in stunning works of art. The Lakeland landscape captured the hearts of the Romantic poets, inspiring Wordsworth’s iconic Daffodils.
It was among the fells that Peter Rabbit found his burrow, Jemima Puddle-duck her nest, and Beatrix Potter, herself, found a peaceful retreat, free from the restrictions of London life.
At over 11 miles long and 219 feet deep, Lake Windermere is England’s largest natural lake and throughout the summer is a hub of activity with lake cruises, rowing boat hires, wild swimming and water-skiing. However, a small walk away from the jetty exposes pockets of peaceful serenity. Walking along the lakeside, it’s easy to see what those writers and artists saw all those years ago.
where to stay
Standing on the shoreline of Windermere’s eponymous lake, Low Wood Bay hotel blends seamlessly into the landscape. Originally an 18th-century coaching inn, today it welcomes families, couples and solo travellers to stay in one of its 131 bedrooms, which are spread between the main hotel and a more secluded exterior courtyard building, the Winander Club. Blending contemporary facilities with classic style, its plush rooms feature super-king beds and spacious baths, with deluxe Winander Club rooms also including a private lake-view balcony and underfloor heating.
There are plenty of quiet spots throughout the hotel to sit and admire the stunning views, cocktail in hand. If you want to upgrade your relaxation, book into the spa and experience the Thermal Journey. With four saunas and steam rooms, as well as a lakeside infinity pool, it’s the perfect way to end a day of walking among the fells. Prices start at £175; to book visit englishlakes.co.uk/low-woodbay or call 0333 220 3195.
For a more central base, Ambleside Lake House offers a warm and friendly place to stay in the heart of Ambleside. Opened in 1850, this familyrun guesthouse boasts stunning views across Waterhead Bay, Lake Windermere and Loughrigg Fell. Each of the 19 en-suite rooms are tastefully decorated in rich fabrics and stylish furniture, all designed to complement the original 19thcentury exterior. Prices start at £125; to book call 01539 432360 or visit amblesidelakehouse.co.uk.
where to eat
With views across the lake, the Blue Smoke on the Bay is at its best at sunset, when the light reflects on the water, creating an almost magical backdrop to the dining experience. Specialising in South American food, the restaurant’s open-kitchen layout makes a feature of the three-metre-long double wood-fired grill, which burns sustainable British wood and transforms steaks, meats, fish and vegetables into richly flavoured dishes. With these complemented by its comprehensive wine list, Blue Smoke serves a meal to remember with the experience being elevated by welcoming and attentive staff. To book call 01539 433338.
One of Ambleside’s favourites, The Unicorn Inn is a quintessential Lakeland pub. With over 300 years of history, it is no wonder that Ambleside’s oldest licensed establishment has such a loyal clientele. Serving an impressive menu of homecooked food it’s ideal for enjoying a pint after a day exploring. Rejecting background music or televisions, The Unicorn favours traditional board games and conversation as well as providing a platform for local musical talent to satisfy all tastes several nights of the week. Dogs are welcome, making the pub an inviting watering hole for hikers and locals alike. For more details visit robinsonsbrewery.com/unicornambleside. ➤
where to shop
● Home to vintage-style home accessories, furniture, gifts and children’s toys, Windermere’s Forget Me Not Interiors is an interior-lover’s paradise. forgetmenotinteriors.co.uk
The Fitzwilliam Gallery is the perfect place to
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find fine art, sculptures and original paintings by local artists. fitzwilliamgallery.co.uk
With a refreshing blend of past craftsmanship and
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present day, The Lakes Crafts and Antique Gallery
has an impressive range of antique knick-knacks and quaint treasures. lakescrafts.co.uk
Rydal Mount
The house from which William Wordsworth published his iconic poem, Daffodils, Rydal Mount is more a home than a museum. The property is still owned and lived in by the Wordsworth family, and seven rooms containing Wordsworth’s collection of art, literature and original furniture have been opened to the public. 19th-century paintings sit side by side with more modern portraits and pictures of the later Wordsworth family. Although a poet by trade, Wordsworth’s dedication to the natural world is evident throughout the four-acre gardens. As you venture through the tranquil grounds, stopping to admire floral borders, and along winding paths flanked by wilder planting, the inspiring nature of the landscape begins to unfold, letting you momentarily into Wordsworth’s world. Adult admission, £7.50; for more details visit rydalmount.co.uk.
Grasmere Gingerbread
The church cottage that houses Grasmere Gingerbread was never intended to be a tourist spot. Instead it was a lowly home, originally a school, rented to the lower-class Nelson family in 1852. It was in this house, in the winter of 1854, that Sarah Nelson perfected a recipe that was to forever change her life, home and Grasmere itself.
Today, her iconic gingerbread is known worldwide, with freshly made batches regularly flown as far as Australia and China. Still created to the same safeguarded original recipe (it is locked in the nearby bank), Grasmere Gingerbread – with its rich flavour and iconic crumbly top – never entered mass production and is not stocked in any other shops or supermarkets. Instead, it is still sold as Sarah Nelson intended, fresh from the front room of her cottage next door to the churchyard housing Wordsworth’s grave. Follow the queues to the green door and taste the spectacular gingerbread, which is still wrapped in paper and sold to villagers and tourists outside the cottage. For more details visit grasmeregingerbread.co.uk.
Hill Top Farm, near Sawrey
Universally synonymous with the tales of Peter Rabbit and friends, Beatrix Potter’s legacy transcends the page. A dedicated environmentalist, upon her death in 1943, she donated 4,000 acres of land and 14 farms to the National Trust to ensure their long-term preservation – the culmination of half a lifetime’s work. Today, Hill Top Farm, her Lake District home, appears as if she has just stepped out for a walk. It is full of treasures and references to her iconic tales, whether that’s the view from her parlour window as seen in The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, the cast-iron miniatures of her characters on display in the Treasure Room, or her childhood dolls’ house, in which you’ll likely spot furnishings familiar from the illustrations of The Tale of Two Bad Mice. Having taken your time exploring the house, venture out into the farmhouse cottage garden. Restored to Potter’s original design, it looks as though it’s straight from her books – you can imagine Jemima Puddle-duck trying to hide her eggs in the rhubarb patch or a little blue-jacketed rabbit racing through the onions. It is a childhood dream come to life. Adult admission, £11.80, via a timed entry slot booked on the day; for more details visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ hill-top.
Explore on foot
When it comes to walking in the Lakes, you are spoilt for choice. However, you’ll struggle to beat the versatility of Helm Crag. Known affectionately as the Lion and Lamb after the shape of the rock formations at the summit, Helm Crag provides the perfect walk for experts and novices alike. At only 1½ miles, even the untrained walker can get a taste of Lakeland walking. One of the favourites of Alfred Wainwright, the renowned writer and fellwalker, the walk begins in the heart of Grasmere.
From here, take the lane towards Easedale Tarn; it is shaded by conifers and flanked by lakeland slate stone walls. Venture past the Youth Hostel, houses and holiday cottages, keeping your eyes peeled for Herdwick sheep, the native breed of the central and western lakes, recognisable by their characterful white faces and thick grey wool. An endangered breed, Herdwick sheep were returned to the hills thanks to the work of Beatrix Potter and other fellside farmers.
Follow the road over Goody Bridge, and continue until the road forks. Take the right prong and join the public bridleway and Helm Crag footpath.
At the top of the lane, pass through the gate, turning left and continuing until you meet a track signposted ‘Helm Crag’ on your right. Stick to the path’s zig-zag pattern until you reach the summit, identifiable by the large ‘lion’ and small ‘lamb’ rock formation, where you are rewarded with stunning views of Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell. Return to Grasmere via the same route.