Mini break to the lovely Lake District
After a crazy summer of moving 250 miles back up North and starting new jobs the husband and I were ready for a mini break.
We only had a week off and didn’t want to travel too far so we settled on the lovely Lake District, as I’d never been before.
I scouted some last minute deals and booked us in for a few days at Elder Grove bed and breakfast in Ambleside.
The B&B is family-run by a father and son duo and is only a short walk into town in one direction and the lake and stunning walks in the other.
It’s laid out over four floors (of course our room was at the very top) and it’s really lovely.
We had ample space, a nice bathroom, comfy bed and plenty of storage. Most importantly breakfast was a real treat – locally sourced food and award-winning homemade jams – delicious!
Unfortunately for us, the British weather did it’s best to dampen our spirits but we were prepared with waterproof jackets and a stiff upper lip.
Steve and I waiting for the boat at Lake Windermere
There’s lots to do in Ambleside and we enjoyed good food, independent shops and some lovely walks.
Cloudy skies in Ambleside
A short walk from the centre of Ambleside, behind the Salutation Hotel, is a walk which leads to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70 foot waterfall.
Stock Ghyll, a tributary of the River Rothay, tumbles down through a series of waterfalls to the centre of Ambleside, passing under the famous Bridge House.
We trudged our way up and over rocks slippy underfoot until we reached the top. It was well worth getting out of breath for.
My husband thought he was being clever trying to get a close up picture and clambered up a particularly slippy rock and ended up taking a tumble and hurting his thumb (bruised – much like his ego). Fortunately he survived his ordeal and we made our descent.
On a particularly wet and windy day we sought refuge in one of the independent cinemas which is housed in two restaurants – Zeffirellis and sister restaurant Fellinis (a short walk between each other) and watched the epic Dunkirk.
The cinema was small but mighty – great picture and sound with comfy plush seats and it was lovely and dark too. It’s well worth a visit for all the family.
We also ventured down to Lake Windermere and took a short boat trip over to Bowness.
Moody sky at Lake Windermere
By the time we moored it was another very wet and windy day so we made our way to The World of Beatrix Potter in an attempt to warm up and dry off.
I’ve always been a big fan of Beatrix Potter and the attractions reminded me of Fenwick’s Christmas window display.
Naughty bunnies at Beatrix Potter World
The Beatrix Potter experience begins with a five minute film introducing you to the author and her stories and illustrations. The doors from the film room open to the main exhibition in which the sights and sounds of Beatrix Potter’s much loved characters are magically brought to life.
The World of Beatrix Potter
There’s also a garden outside, a gift shop and tea room.
Admission prices are reasonable – £7.50 for adults, £3.95 for children and a family ticket is £21. It’s well worth a visit – particular if you have little ones.
Steve and I aren’t big walkers but I can certainly see why thousands flock to the Lake
District all year round to go for long walks with fantastic scenery.
Although we spent much of our break trying to dry off we really enjoyed ourselves and I’m sure we’ll return again soon.
There’s lots of great places to eat, loads of great walks and plenty of day tips to keep everyone busy.
Pin this 👇🏻
Have you visited the Lake District? What would you recommend we try next time we go? Let me know in the comments below.
Other travel and food related posts
See what we thought of glamping at Hesleyside Huts Northumberland
Find out what we got up to during our day date at sunny Tynemouth
After somewhere for a scrumptious Sunday Lunch? Here’s my review of Sunday lunch at the Manor House Inn.
If you’re looking for somewhere for all the family here’s my thoughts on the Blue House Haswell.
Newcastle has a fantastic restaurant week (twice a year) here’s my thoughts on my first taste of NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week
Keep in touch
You can also find me on Twitter @rachael_stray
Or follow my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rachaelstrayblog/
You can see my random pictures on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rachys2011/
And see what I’m pinning on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/rachaelstray/
Looks so cool. Never been to the Lake District but would love to go. Thanks for sharing x
Its absolutely worth a visit so much to do and amazing scenery x
Enjoyed this post…have had many holidays in the Lakes and I love it there…its just beautiful, you’ve reminded me of how lovely it is. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Thank you. I will definitely return for future visits 😊
Great blog. Love the Lakes. Not been properly for ages. By properly I’m excluding the Stag weekend I went on last month and got so hungover I never left the cottage! 🙈
Thanks Barry – you do make me laugh. I will definitely return again maybe with some proper kit so I can do more walking!!
Looks like a lovely place for a weekend getaway. I loved Beatrix Potter as a child, how wonderful to see. 🙂
It really is a lovely place. You can actually go and visit the house she lived in too. It’s on our list for next time!
👍🏼😊
This looks absolutely gorgeous!! Beatrice Potter was so much of my childhood, and seeing the birth place of Peter Rabbit has been on my to-do list for years ☺ It is funny to me, every country seems to have their lake district (Canada has quite a few), and they are all so relaxing!! Thank you for sharing 😀
Thank you. It is a gorgeous place to visit there’s so much to do. We will definitely return!
I love the Lake District and I’ve been many times. You picked a nice spot and probably did much of what there is to do there. Even when it started with Ambleside I was wondering if you would visit Beatrix Potter’s house.
The weather in the Lakes is a result of it’s own micro climate and it changes very locally and sometimes very rapidly.
As for other places, Keswick is quite nice a bit busier and more touristy but you have the ferry tours around Derwent water. Near there is Castlerigg – a circle of ancient stones and some small mountain walks like Catbells (and another which is smaller but I really like but I can’t remember the name). There is also the pencil museum (I know you think really but try it) and the slate mine museum at Honister pass which is on the way to Buttermere which is a small but lovely village for a pub lunch on a nice (or even bad) day.
Thanks Simon. We will definitely explore more of the Lake District. My husband has been to different areas before (he’s seen the pencil museum) so I’m sure we will return again and do a lot more. It’s stunning!!
It is, the great thing is you can make a tick box a places to visit and some are short visits, some are obviously longer. Make sure you visit the big bakery in Keswick, you’ll add pounds just by walking in, but you’ll lose them from your wallet lol
Oooh like the sound of a big bakery. Thanks Simon I think making a list and ticking off sounds like a fab idea!
It is a good bakery… There’s loads of things to see. Since replying to you things keep popping into my head lol
The more the merrier ideas are always welcome 😊 I really appreciate any tips.
Very nice! Sounds like you made the most out of your break! I have been to the Peak District before and it is beautiful! Sounds very similar!
– Kiarna Jayne xo
I think it is quite similar although I’ve not been to the Peak District 😊
As someone who like a bit rural and not so crowded, lake District would be perfect for my next weekend get away. Looking forward to May, as it`s too cold, cloudy and it will not be fun to visit now.
I’d definitely recommend it 😊
I’ve heard about Lake District before in my English Literature class. It sounds so amazing and one day I hope I will get to see it😊 Lovely post and lovely blog
Thank you so much. It’s been written about by many many authors. It’s a beautiful place 😊
the environment looks so cool haven’t been to district lake…looking forward to visit there. thanks for sharing
Thanks Matthew 😊
We visited the Lake District a lot when we were kids, I remember there being lots of shops selling knitted goods and sheepskin coats and rugs! The weather was always wet too, but still such a beautiful place.
Yes those shops are definitely still there! It’s very beautiful x
We are huge beatrix potter fans! That looks so wonderful!
Looks beautiful! I haven’t been since a school trip in 2009. I imagine it was very cold though! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thanks for reading and commenting Sophie. It wasn’t too cold actually just very damp. Still beautiful though!
This sounds like such a lovely break! I have never been to the Lake District but I am adding it to my travel wishlist coz now I really want to visit! xx corinne
Oh I’d definitely recommend a visit. So many lovely walks and fabulous places to eat and drink. 😊
Definitely wanting to take a mini break now! Sounds like you guys had such a nice time away. I’ve never been to the Lake District but it sounds like a lovely place. I really enjoyed reading about it! 🙂
Thanks so much Annie 😊
Looks so lovely, I went to the Lake District a few weeks ago and had the best time! x
It’s amazing isn’t it?
I’ve never been to the Lake District either! Plus I live in Liverpool which isn’t that far so i don’t really have an excuse. It looks gorgeous and I’d love to go for a lovely walk and see the waterfall and just get out of the city! X
It’s honestly so worth a visit there’s so much to do and see and it’s just stunning
Oh wow this looks amazing I can’t believe you’ve never been to the lakes before it’s sauch a beautiful Part of The country! Ambleside is one of my favourite places and I did my geography field work in bowness and it’s stunning! I’m so fortunate to only live an hour away. Grange over Sands is a nice place to check out if your ever up this way again
Ellie
http://www.headintheclouds.me.uk
Thanks so much Ellie. I know my husband thought the same thing. I’ll definitely return for future visits.
Have never been to Lake District but reading your post & seeing the pics makes me want to go now!
It’s so so worth a visit 😊
Awesome post! Love the pictures!!
Thank you so much 😊
Loved this post, such lovely photos, I love the Lake District! X
Thank you very much 😊
Sounds like such an amazing trip! I would love to go somewhere similar to this as it’s always so sunny where i live, it would be cool to go somewhere cold and rainy haha!
It is really beautiful. I wouldn’t mind some sun though!!
Have never been, but I had seen Dunkirk. Looks like I need to make a trip to the Lakes to complete the experience!
What did you think of Dunkirk?
OMG The Peter Rabbit place. I used to love this story. Although it always made me cry for some reason.
Veronika
https://brunettefromwallstreet.com
I love Peter Rabbit too! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
I’d love to visit the Lake District someday! Looks gorgeous! 🙂
-Emma
Nice Post.
I loved the landscape… it sends some nostaligic vibes, I don’t know why… it remembers me of home and cozyness! I still havent watched Dunkirk…
I’m afraid of being disappointed because I love Chris Nolan’s movies so much 🙂
Thank you. Dunkirk is definitely worth watching it’s really good I really enjoyed it 🙂
Nice post. Nice place. I never visited any lake….. its beautiful
Thank you 🙂
Wow! Beatrix Potter World is a must! You reminded me the days when I was a little kid! Thank you!
I totally agree! Thank you 🙂
The porter world is enchanting and the place is beautiful
It really is. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Ooh what a lovely place! I love all the pictures you’ve shared (: I’ve never been there, but I know I would enjoy it! <3
Thank you so much x
It looks like you had a great time in Windermere! It’s one of m favourite place in the UK but it’s probably best to go in May or September. The weather is still good and there are less tourists 🙂
Yeah we went the second week of September when the kids were back at school so I’d recommend going when the kids aren’t off. It was still busy though but manageable. X
Its super when you can plan a little getaway like this. Such a joy!
It really is, thank you 🙂
Wow! Great post and scenary! ♥️😍
Thank you it is a stunning place to visit 🙂
This place looks amazing. Thank you for sharing. Although the weather wasn’t at its best, you enjoyed it. ❤️
Thank you 🙂 we had a great time despite the rain!
Thanks Rachael… We were going for the first time this Christmas but had to cancel … looking forward to rebooking and enjoying the beautiful area with the dogs. Would you recommend a particular area thats best.
The dogs will love it! A lot of restaurants, cafes and pubs are dog-friendly too! I think Ambleside where we stayed is really lovely and there’s a lot there – nice walks, crazy gold, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, shops, the waterfall. Plenty of places to stay too. It’s only a short boat ride across the lake too so you can fit in loads of trips to visit elsewhere. There is loads to do! 🙂
I simply adore this post. The pics are great and the writing is so fun. I wanna visit and have my mini vacay too
Wow, even though the weather didn’t corporate it still looked like fun. I hope he healed up, those rocks can be a little tricky. Thanks for letting us tag along on the adventure.
We had a lot of fun and I want to go back next year. He healed up fine thank you. When he slipped I did get a big fright as I thought he was going to go all the way down and into the river. Thankfully he stopped himself. X
Hey seems you had a great day and wow you visited The World of Beatrix Potter .I want to take my baby there one day as he loved bunnies.And also these hubbies including mine thinking they are super heroes when it comes to photography 😀 😀
I’d definitely recommend it for little ones, it’s really lovely! Haha I think it’s a man thing!
Great post. And very timely thanks as looking to visit the lakes next year and have never been. So pleased to see The World of Beatrix Potter there as didn’t know that.
You’ll love it there is so much to do! x
[…] Read all about our mini break to the lovely Lake District here. […]
[…] Read all about our mini break to the lovely Lake District here. […]
Hello. I’ve just come across your post which has inspired me! I was blogging earlier today about planning my first trip to the Lake District as I’m going there in May. I hadn’t thought about the World of Beatrix Potter and a boat trip on Windermere so I’m going to add these to my list! I’m going to Hardnott Pass which I hear is a very steep, windy road. Did you go there? x
Hi Sarah. Thanks for stopping by. We didn’t go to Hardnott Pass but I’ve heard the same thing! You’ll have a fab time I’m sure 😊
The Lake District is a perfect place to visit for your holiday. We provide the best place to stay with bathroom, the lot of storage space, comfy bed and others. We offer the sourced food and homemade jam.
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
[…] out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District.See what we got up to during our day date at sunny TynemouthAfter somewhere for a scrumptious Sunday […]
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
Never been, but it looks lovely.
It’s amazing 😊
Being here is one of my favourite childhood memories. Thanks for bringing it back.
Thank you 😊
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
What a fun getaway – great photos as well!
Thanks John 😊
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
I’ve always wanted to visit the Lake District. It all looks so pretty x
It’s stunning!
The Lake District is a Great place to visit for your Honeymoon.Thanks For Sharing amazing information.
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
The Lake District is a Great place to visit for your holiday. We provide the best place to stay with bathroom. Thanks For Sharing it.
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]
[…] Find out what we got up to during our mini break to the lovely Lake District. […]