Category Archives: Travel

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

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.

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

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

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

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

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.