All posts by The Yorkshireman

Founder and owner of The Yorkshireman - a regional publication that celebrates all things Yorkshire. Find me dawdling in the Dales or walking the dog on the Yorkshire coast.
Travel

This Architectural Boathouse Overlooking Derwentwater Is The Holiday Home Of Dreams

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Craving a little piece of luxury this summer? We don’t blame you. And, we have the perfect holiday in the UK, that will make you forget about the golden beaches in Spain. There are some beautiful places right on our doorstep that we didn’t even know existed. One of which is The Boathouse Derwent Water in the Lake District, which is a feat in architectural beauty.

Credit: The Lingholm Estate

Boasting the type of decor and design that would usually be associated with the rich and famous, the Lingholm Boathouse sits on the shore of stunning Derwentwater, looking out to a picturesque scene which, if I’m honest, doesn’t even look real. It’s that breathtaking.

A romantic bolthole especially built for two, the Boathouse embraces uninterrupted views of the lake directly in front of it, with the whole front of the home fully glazed to allow for panoramic views as far as the eye can see.

Credit: The Lingholm Estate

It’s a very cosy affair nestled in one of the most beautiful spots in the Lake District, with Borrowdale, Blencathra and Skiddaw all close by to see during your stay. Oh, and did we mention it’s walking distance to the nearest pub?

In the snug, modern bedroom, guests will find a plush, comfy bed with all the amenities, including the luxury of a freestanding tub that looks out over the lake through a huge glass pane. Fancy, huh?

Credit: The Lingholm Estate

Elsewhere in the home, guests can pop their feet up to a bit of tele (although why would you with that view?) and cook in the open kitchen space. Afterwards, you can cuddle up for the night in the ultra-peaceful and secluded spot. Well, if your partner will allow for it. Mr Yorkshireman has a strict no-cuddle policy while the TV’s on.

In terms of activities, guests are conveniently located nearby to some of the best walking routes the Lake District has to offer, with routes around Derwentwater and towards lovely Keswick to take advantage of.

Credit: The Lingholm Estate

The estate itself, known as the Lingholm Estate, boasts interesting literary history – with Beatrix Potter spending many of her summer holidays there giving The Boathouse on Derwent Water a beautiful literary past.

The Lingholm Kitchen Garden is also said to be the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Enjoy an uninterrupted dinner with your partner on the gorgeous balcony, or watch the sunset from the bath with a glass of champagne. Whatever you do in this house, you’re sure to be feeling incredibly relaxed upon leaving. Find out more or book your stay here.

Originally published on The Yorkshireman.

[Featured image Credit: The Lingholm Estate]

Travel

This 5-Star Party House In The Lake District Is The Dream Getaway

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Now, this is a holiday! This private estate in Ullswater, the Lake District is absolutely mesmerising! Boasting beautiful views, the coolest indoor cinema, and home spa equipment – it’s the ultimate location for gathering with friends and adding a little spark to your summer. Known as ‘Waternook’, the 5* conversion has recently been awarded the Visit England Rose Award for “service excellence”, so you know you’re in for a brilliant stay.

Credit: Cool Stays

Nestled on a 26-acre lakefront estate in the heart of the English Lake District National Park, the stunning location is nothing to be sniffed at. Enjoy breakfast while staring out over the dramatic setting on the edge of one of Britain’s favourite lakes surrounded by rolling wilderness.

Credit: Cool Stays

It’s so vast, you’ll feel like the only people in the world. The home sleeps 12 people in six gorgeous suites, with The Great Barn sleeping an additional 8 people in similarly lavish comfort, and 8 deluxe bathrooms.

Credit: Cool Stays

The lavish interior of the house is just as exciting as the incredible views, too. The spa and wellness sanctuary has a bar for you to enjoy a drink while you make use of the amenities, and you can enjoy an evening with some bubbles in the hot tub with the most beautiful backdrop, and feel like you are living like the other half live for a few days.

Credit: Cool Stays

Elsewhere in the house, there’s a state of the art cinema with a huge screen and comfy seating, with space enough for all the gang to kick back and relax to a movie of your choice. Additionally, there’s a lounge area with a wood-burning fire for you to sit and rest after a hard day of relaxing.

Credit: Cool Stays

When it comes to eating, you don’t have to skimp on the luxury – because you can take advantage of the place’s private chef and enjoy having a beautiful meal cooked just for you. Although this property is self-catering, guests can make the most of several additional services, including private chefs, butlers, beauty therapists and personalised yoga lessons (talk about the lap of luxury).

Credit: Cool Stays

The 17th Century property has bedrooms that match the lavishness of the rest of the house, with wood beam features, exquisite beds and even free-standing tubs for the ultimate finishing touch. The views out of the windows (which the tubs just so happen to be placed in front of) are superb, and are perfect to take in with a morning coffee.

Credit: Cool Stays

During the day you can head out on horseback or bike, or simply go for a walk in the woods. The Lake District Park is spread out over 912 square miles and has some of the most picturesque views, deepest lakes and an amazing array of wildlife to spot during your visit.

Dreaming of staying at this property? It’ll set you back a fair bit, with the price tag currently £7600 for a 3-day weekend in low season, through to an eye-watering £14,000 for a week in high season (and £17,700 for Christmas and New Years). But hey, what’s £17K between mates?

Find out more and book your stay here.

Originally published on The Yorkshireman.

News

You Can Now Get 25% Off Tickets To The Lake District 

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If you’re looking for a cheeky few days up in the Lakes, then this new offering from Northern Rail and Cumbria Tourism is right up your street. They’re offering a massive 25% off rail journeys for visitors and residents to encourage people to explore the newly expanded ‘Rail Trails‘.

The ‘Rail Trails’ have opened up options to visit places like Western Lake District, Furness Peninsular, and Lakes Line through newly expanded lines. The trails are a series of beautiful walks and activities that are accessible for all ages from either Furness or Lakes Lines with connections across Cumbria and North Lancashire.

To inspire tourists and locals to explore the county by rail, Cumbria Tourism and Northern have teamed up to offer special discounts on ‘duo’ tickets, which will provide 25% off train tickets when you travel in a pair.

Credit: Unsplash

Partnered with Community Rail Cumbria, the initiative gives people the option to leave their cars and explore nature in a more relaxed manner.

With such beauty at your doorstep when you visit Cumbria and the Lake District National Park, these tickets are your getaway to a cheap and accessible way to enjoy some of the awe-inspiring locations that the county has to offer.

Regional director at Northern, Chris Jackson said: “Cumbria is a amazing county to explore, from glorious coastlines to majestic mountains and, of course, crystal clear lakes. And there’s no better way to experience everything Cumbria has to offer than by using the train to go do your thing.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and, to help make the most of any visit to Cumbria, rail users can access great value fares to make sure they have more cash in their pocket to sample either the great food on offer or snare a souvenir.”

Sustainable transport lead at Cumbria Tourism, Gemma Procter, says, “As spring turns to summer, the Lake District Cumbria is a truly magical place – leaving the car behind and exploring by rail and foot can open up memorable experiences for day trippers who want to get out and make the most of our diverse and inspiring county.

“Offering a range of routes of varying length and difficulty, the Rail Trails all start and end at railway stations so planning your day couldn’t be easier!”

If you’d like to access the Rail Trails or find out more about the Northern Duo tickets, visit the website here.

Read More: This Lake District Village Has Been Named In The Top 5 Most Beautiful Villages In The UK

Feature Image Credit: Flickr/ THE STEPHEN J MASON PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION

Travel

You Can Now Stay In A Converted Fire Engine With Stunning Views Of The Lake District

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Just when you thought the staycation inspo couldn’t get any better, we stumbled upon this absolute gem.

Keswick is full of unique accommodation, but if one of them ticks all the boxes – it’s The Old Fire Engine. Nestled in a quiet and secluded spot in a little place called Scales, near Keswick, the incredible converted fire truck makes for a memorable stay – and it’s fun for all the family.

Credit: Coolstays

Big, red and full of little nods to its past, the truck takes alternative accommodation to the next level, with a pole in its living room (that you can actually slide down), a ladder-style staircase making going to bed a little adventure, and all the luxuries you need to feel home-from-home. The living room is fully equipped with a TV and WiFi, so you can wind down from a long day of exploring the beauty of the Lake District with an episode of Corrie before heading to bed.

Credit: Coolstays

The main bedroom can be found at the top of the truck, with cosy features including a red carpet and checkered red furnishings, keeping in-theme with the Big Red’s heritage.

Downstairs by the living room, you’ll find a smaller bedroom equipped with two beds – which are actually single-sized fire trucks, perfect for keeping the kids happy. Complete with bright red bedding, they’ll feel like a real fire fighter for the entirety of their stay. If the lovely little touch of the beds wasn’t exciting enough, there’s also a little cabin at the end of the truck full of dress-up items such as fireman uniforms, hats and even a truck hose. That’ll keep the little buggers busy.

Credit: Coolstays

The dining space and decking overlooks the countryside, providing undisturbed views of Blencathra fells, where you can kick back with a glass of wine and have an al fresco dinner before checking out the truck’s very own sauna. Yep, you read that right.

Just five miles from the truck is the lovely town of Keswick, as well as the nearby Lakes Distillery and the uber-fun Go Ape. Head towards the picturesque Derwentwater, potter around the town, or check out the historic Castlerigg Stone Circle – either way, you’ll get some stunning photos to remember your trip with.

Credit: Coolstays

Fancy yourself an idyllic trip to the Lakes? Find out more about the unique fire truck and book your stay here.

Originally published on The Yorkshireman.

Travel

You Can Now Camp In A Converted School Bus In The Lake District

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All everybody wants to do after being cooped up for two years is get out into the wilderness. And with that in mind, we’ve been hunting down the best stays in and around the North to get you folk some fresh air. While on our grand search, we found some amazing stays – and this unique converted school bus VW camper combo is definitely one you won’t forget in a hurry.

Credit: Canopy and Stars

A stone’s throw away from Keswick in the stunning Lorton Valley, this old school bus and VW camper combo has been shipped all the way over from America and turned into the perfect weekend stay all year round. With a built-in AGA cooker, hot shower, compost loo, modern sound system and all of the original driver fittings, combined with modern gleaming wood and lattice glass – it’s a seriously impressive stay.

Did we mention that the bedroom is upstairs in a VW fitted on the school bus’ roof? You can wake up to beautiful views of the Lake Districts picturesque landscape, views of which are difficult to match. We couldn’t think of a better way to be woken up.

Credit: Canopy and Stars

The interior of the van has an old British cottage vibe, with a warm wood finish and cosy furnishings. It fits in perfectly with the view that you look out to and makes you feel comfy and warm just looking at it. With just the one double bed up top, it’s a great stay for a couple’s getaway.

The outside features are just as impressive, too. There is a gorgeous fire bowl and hot tub so you can enjoy the sunsets with a few vinos – whether it’s a summer’s day or a cold winter’s night, you can enjoy a cosy stay all year round.

Credit: Canopy and Stars

There are a few pubs to visit a couple of miles away if you fancy a hearty meal, and there is a mini BBQ if you fancy getting back to nature and cooking up a meal in the great outdoors.

This beautiful stay rings in at a minimum £150 a night, with a two night minimum required. It’s an idyllic getaway, that is matched only by the beauty of the land that it sits – and if you want the chance to stay, you‘ll have to get in there quick to book as it is a very popular destination! Find out more and book your stay here.

Originally published on The Yorkshireman.

Feature Image Credit: Canopy and Stars

Food & Drink

This Lake District Hotel Has Created The Ultimate Northern Afternoon Tea

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When we think of an Afternoon Tea, our minds immediately jump to pretentious little finger sandwiches stuffed with unnecessary ingredients, with fancy little cakes carefully stacked up onto a ghastly floral cake stand. But transforming the occasion for proper Northerners like ourselves, The Wild Boar in Windermere have reinvented the traditional mealtime, making it much more accessible for normal people who like normal food – with not a single finger sandwich in sight (thank God!).

Combining all the beige grub we could ever dream of, the cosy hotel and restaurant has collated an incredible menu that’s perfect for an afternoon munch – and it’s literally a Northerner’s dream.

Credit: The Wild Boar

Consisting of alllll the good stuff including pigs in blankets, fish and chips, pork pies and Yorkshire puddings (to name just a few!), the three-tiered Afternoon Tea is ideal after a day of exploring the gorgeous Lake District – and even includes a Beer bat (consisting of 3 1/3 pints of your choice or a glass of fizz. That’s my kinda fancy.

In addition to all of the savoury goodness mentioned above, there’s a little something to fulfil the sweet tooth, too, including brownies, scones and seasonal fruit tarts. Yum.

Available to order every day of the week, the genius menu offering costs just £25 per person, with a veggie version also available for those who prefer things meat-free.

To find out more about The Wild Boar Afternoon Tea or to book your table next time you’re around the Lake District, head to their website here.

News

This Lake District Mountain Receives Brutal 1-Star TripAdvisor Review For Being ‘Too High’

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We’ve all been on TripAdvisor for some tips and inspiration for places we are intending to visit. It’s a great place to gauge what you are in for when venturing to somewhere new, but this TripAdvisor review about the Lake District leaves you wondering ‘what was this person expecting?’

After hiking up Skiddaw, a popular beauty spot in the Lake District a woman didn’t hold back on what she thought about England’s third-highest peak.

Credit: Photo © Douglas Gemmell (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The beauty spot stands at 931 metres tall and boasts some fantastic views across the Lake District National Park. One TripAdvisor reviewer wasn’t happy with the thing and left her thoughts about Skiddaw naming it a ‘weak and poorly developed visitor attraction’.

She continued comparing it to the Welsh mountain Snowdon saying: “Snowdon has a funicular railway to carry people to the summit. At Snowdon summit there is an excellent visitor centre with the full range of facilities – and the whole operation attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year.

“Ascending to the summit of Skiddaw is an exhausting experience on the basis that the only means to get up there is to walk. It is just too high and too steep for most people. How can the Lake District National Park people expect people to go up there?”

Credit: Pixabay

Her harsh review continued: “I visited the summit this last weekend and was very disappointed with the experience. There was sod all to see and do there. If people had to pay to go there then nobody, and I mean nobody, would bother with it.

The young entrepreneur had some advice for the park, saying: “The National Park people should charge visitors £5 to go the summit and use the proceeds to develop it. Essentials include a proper visitor centre. Long to medium term, consideration should be given to building a funicular railway to Skiddaw summit.”

This was not the only one-star review for Skiddaw, with a man named BobScarlett taking on a similar stance and complaining about the lack of ‘things to do’ at the summit. We don’t know what he wants at the top… a bowling alley, nightclub, slide down?

A disgruntled Bob, who had clearly chosen to hike the mountain in the winter, wrote: “OK, I guess it is the third highest peak in England. But there isn’t a lot to do there.

Mostly garnering positive reviews, England’s third-highest peak is well worth the trip.

Feature Image Credit: Photo © Douglas Gemmell (cc-by-sa/2.0)/ Steve Cadman / Flickr

This article was originally published on The Yorkshireman.

Travel

9 Of The Most Quaint, Idyllic Villages In The Lake District And Cumbria

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The Lake District National Park in Cumbria is one of our favourite places to visit in the world. The views in the Lakes are some of the most impressive sights that you’ll ever see and usually leave you with a feeling of awe. But, as well as the gorgeous views, the villages in the Lake District & the rest of Cumbria are some of the most idyllic places to visit ever. Hidden in huge valleys and net to gorgeous babbling brooks or vast likes these sleepy villages look like they’ve not been touched by time and are well worth a visit.

1. Cartmel

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The ancient village of Cartmel is home to the 12th Century cartmel Priory that has beautiful stained windows. Outside the priory you are led down to the village square with its idyllic scene of a market cross, water pump and fish clabs. Visit the Priory Gatehouse, which is a Heritage Centre depicting the history of the village and monastery.

2. Elterwater

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Situated in the valley of Great Langdale, Elterwater is a beautiful village in the Lake District that has a small lake with the same name just 800m south-east of the village. Around a quarter of the houses in Elterwater are permanently occupied, and the rest are holiday cottages.

Book your stay at Elterwater here.

3. Pooley Bridge

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Found in the northwestern side of Cumbria, Pooley Bridge takes its name from a bridge over the River Earmont. The village has hotels, pubs and surrounding walks making it the perfect weekend away for those looking for looking for a wholesome countryside stay.

4. Grasmere

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One of the most popular tourist locations in Cumbria, found in the centre of the Lake District, it was made famous by poets William and Dorothy Wordsworth who lived in Grasmere for 14 years. The village is named after the lake adjacent to it.

5. Coniston

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Famous for stunning village setting and invigorating walks, Coniston is a great place to visit with decent pubs, and cafes. You can enjoy pottering around the quaint village, why not take a visit to the village church as well?

6. Hawkshead

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Found in Cumbria in the South Lakeland area, its home to the Hawkshead Brewery, that is inspired by the area around it. There is the hamlets of Hawkshead Hill and Outgate nearby to visit, as well as the small village itself.

7. Seatoller

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Found in the Borrowdale district in the Lake District, Seatoller is known as being one of the more popular places to start the ascent of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. 

8. Dent

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Dent, originally a part of the historic boundaries of West Riding of Yorkshire is now in Cumbria. The charming village is just south east of Sedbergh, ‘the book village’ and is surrounded by the Dentdale valley within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

9. Boot

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Found in the Eskdale region of the Lake District, which is the heart of the national Park. Its location means that it is central to most activities in the Lakes such as Scafell Pike. Despite only having 20 or so residents it boasts a post office, craft shop, corn mill museum and two traditional Inns.

[Featured image: Credit: Flickr/ Jorge Franganillo]

This article was originally published on The Yorkshireman.

News

This Lake District Village Has Been Named In The Top 5 Most Beautiful Villages In The UK

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There is nothing like visiting a quaint UK village, especially in the untouched North of England. You can expect quintessential rolling hills, stone walls and charming pubs. It’s not surprising then that this village in Cumbria has been named the 2nd most beautiful village in the UK.

Conde Nast Traveller named their top 20 UK villages and the village of Cartmel found in the Lake District National Park managed to take silver in the last beat to the number one spot by the southern village of Devon.

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Travel the length and width of the United Kingdom, and you’ll come across the most sought-after of communities, those that strike the perfect balance between breathtakingly beautiful and not-too-chocolate-boxy.

They include hidden gems to spend the day in – with a pint of shrimp or a local brew in hand – or to use as a jumping-off point for a day of exploration.

Writing about what made it so good they said: “The village shop’s sticky toffee pudding alone would be a good enough reason to mark this medieval village on your map.

“But there are also the narrow, winding streets to explore, and the 12th-century Cartmel Priory with its ancient choir stalls, as well as the Lake District’s foodie stalwart L’Enclume, where chef Simon Rogan’s tasting menu throws the spotlight on the Cumbrian countryside.

“For an adrenalin kick, try horse racing at Cartmel Racecourse against a backdrop of the Lakeland fells, a tradition started by the monks from Cartmel Priory in the 15th century.”

Feature Image Credit: Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Originally published on The Yorkshireman.

News

The Lake District Has Been Named The Top UK Road Trip

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There is nothing like hitting to open road on a beautiful sunny day. And the UK has some of the most scenic drives due to its varied landscape. And, this Lake District route has topped the charts as the UK’s best scenic drive.

Vanarama, a vehicle leasing company, analysed some of the UK’s top road trips and, unsurprising to some the Lake District was named the UK’s top route with over 37,000 searches on YouTube. If you’re looking to get away in the UK this summer, it looks like you’ve found your answer.

The most popular Lake District routes included the Keswick Loop, Grasmere to Windermere and the Coniston Loop (which is the most challenging according to Vanarama). Experience jaw-dropping valleys and beautiful crystal lakes as you make your way through the 912 square miles that the Lake District covers.

Credit: Photo © Kate Jewell (cc-by-sa/2.0)

UK’s best staycation driving routes

  1. Lake District
  2. Snowdonia
  3. North Coast
  4. Peak District
  5. Black Mountain Pass
  6. Dartmoor National Park
  7. Glasgow to Fort William
  8. Glencoe
  9. New Forest
  10. Land’s End

Originally published on The Yorkshireman.