Lake District National Park in Cumbria has been featured three times in the best places to visit for Easter in a recent survey which is no surprise to us,
The beautiful idyllic towns and villages have tourists flocking all year round, but it seems that it may be a bit busier than usual according to a study by Airbnb.
The Yorkshireman reports that Windermere, Ambleside, and Keswick featured in the list with Windermere in 6th, Ambleside in 7th, and Keswick in 10th. With the stunning lake they sit on and the beautiful hikes that surround the areas – we love visiting the humble little spots.
Credit: Unsplash
Amanda Cupples, from Airbnb says: “Easter is a perfect time to go away with your loved ones, but we know that choosing where to go, whether abroad or in the UK, can be a hard decision, especially in the current cost of living crisis.
“That’s why we’re excited to share some of the most popular destinations Brits love to travel to in Easter, to help provide inspiration, as well as a wishlist of Airbnbs in the UK with brilliant value for money.”
Brits looking for a weekend away this Easter are looking for beaches, amazing pools, iconic cities, National Parks, and countryside all of which can be found in good ol’ Yorkshire.
Check out the most popular domestic destinations in the UK to visit over Easter below:
If you’re heading to the Lake District anytime soon, whether you’re thinking of taking a hike or looking to explore the lakes and villages we know there is one thing you’ll be looking for and that’s a decent watering whole. We’ve taken the arduos task of searching for the best pubs in the Lake District, from traditional country pubs to Michelin starred venues for you to enjoy on your next visit to the UK’s best national park.
1. The Drunken Duck, Ambleside – best Lake District pubs
Credit: The Drunken Duck Inn
The ye olde pub and inn has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years. It’s a idyllic traditional pub found at the crossroads between Hawkshead and Coniston.
They serve simple lunches and incredible dinners that have influences from across the globe. It serves ales that have been brewed on site and has had the same custodians since 1970s. If you’re a foodie it’s defintely one to add to the list. You can also stay in their boutique bedrooms with terraces that hve fell views. Barngates, Ambleside LA22 0NG
2. The Sun Inn, Ulverston
Credit: The Sun Inn
A newly refurbished grade II listed coaching inn found in Ulverston, The Sun Inn is great whether your there to eat, sleep or just relax with a nice ale or a glass of quality wine. The menu is handpicked by the chef and the pub prides itself on using quality sourced produce from across Cumbria.
You’ll definitely find something you like on their menu for that we are sure. Our favouirte has to be the Lakeland Brewhouse beer battered fish & chips washed down with a local bevvie. The Sun Inn, Ulverston, 6-14 Market St, Ulverston LA12 7AY
3. Wasdale Head Inn, Gosforth
Credit: Wasdale Head Inn
The iconic inn can be found nestled at the base of Scafell Pike, England’s Highest Mountain and next to the shore of Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. So either way you’re in the right place for a drink after a good ol’ hike in the Lakes.
The inn is hope to some fantastic grub they serve all the classic pub favourites that you’d want from a steak and ale pie to a nice juicey steak. Best of all the pub is dog friendly so your pooch can chill whilst you have a well earned rest. They also have accommodation from bed and breakfest to camping perfect for those adventurers out there. Wasdale Head, Gosforth CA20 1EX
4. The Wild Boar, Kendal
Credit: The Wild Boar
The Wild Boar offers up an alternative Northern Tea like you’ve never seen which includes the likes of mini fish and chips, pork scratchings, and pigs in blankets. Found in the Gilpin Valley it is one of the oldest and greatest Windermere Hotels.
Enjoy a great seasonal menu, roaring fires and good selection of ales and wine all served with a smile. You can also watch the chefs cook up your grub with the open kitchen. The name comes from Sir Richard de Gilpib who bravely fought and killed a particularly ferocious wild boar.
The hotel is also a 5 star inn as well as a fantastic gastropub so you can enjoy a snooze after indulging in a northern afternoon tea. Crook Rd, Kendal LA23 3NF
5. Ye Olde Fleece Inn, Kendal
Credit: Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Located in the South Lakes, Ye Olde Fleece dates back to 1654 and is one of the oldest remaining pubs in Kendal. Full of rich history and character the pub has historic timber frames and is a Grade II listed building. The pub is known for its passion for fresh produce and has a menu that reflects this with a ‘moveable feast’ featuring seasonal goods. The pubs food menu features familiar classics recreated with care and attention to detail.
The bar is stocked with a handpicked selection of delicious drinks ready to tantalise your tastebudsa after a hard walk in the hills with tables at the bar in the lound and pub areas to enjoy a friendly welcoming environment. 14 Highgate, Kendal LA9 4SX
6. The Blacksmith’s Arms, Broughton-in-Furness
Credit: Blacksmiths Arms
One of the best Lake District pubs has to be The Black Smith arms has been welcoming guests for over 300 years with its relaxed and warm welcome. The Lakeland pub has a great reuptation for quality food and drink all served inside the quaint historic interiot with the owners staying true to the Lakeland areas heritage whislt adding contemporary offerings also.
The pub celebrates a unique tradition the first Saturday in November every three years named the Walna Scar Shepherds Meet, which has been taking place for over 100 years. Fell Farmers would meet to exchange sheep that had strayed, but today farmers bring their sheep to be judged on the field opposite the pub. Afterwards there is a hotpot and plenty of beer and singing. Broughton Mills, Broughton-in-Furness LA20 6AX
7. The George and Dragon
Credit: George And Dragon
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
The George and Dragon’s estate on which it sits has been producing food for over 800 years and has a real farm to fork ethos with as much of the produce used reared here right on the pubs doorstep. Sustainable, simple and tasty food is the aim with fresh seasonal produce from within 20 miles of the pub served with a great pint, wine or spirit.
The pub offers people an experience of the heritage in the area. As well as enjoying food cooked from the gardens and locally you can stay in the heart of the Lowther estate just down the road from Askham Hall right on the doorstep of history. Clifton, Penrith CA10 2ER
8. Masons Arms, Cartmel
Located in the peaceful countryside awat from the honeypot areas of the Lake District, Masons Arms is a quaint pub that serves a decent pint as well as a menu full of locally sourced produce used to create seasonal dishes. The pub itself is a 16-century inn and is full of character. When you visit be sure to dry their famous ribs that are meant to be melt in your mouth good.
They’re also newly-refurbished with two-holiday cottages and five bedrooms in a traditional Cumbrian Inn, make us the perfect base for exploring the Lake District. Strawberry Bank, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6NW
9. The Black Bull Inn, Coniston
Credit: The Black Bull Inn
Found int he shadow of the ‘Old Man’ mountain, it serves up a range of Coniston Brewing Company ales which sits next door, so you know you’re getting real quality ales. Along with the beer, they serve up a range of whiskies, ciders and other drinks to be enjoyed in the quaint countryside pub. They’re perfectly situated for a visit after working upa sweat hiking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Built around 400 years ago the pub is full of character and also has a range of rooms for you to stay in and plenty of top notch hearty grub to enjoy with your beers. 1 Yewdale Rd, Coniston LA21 8DU
10. The Flying Pig Inn, Lakeland
Credit: The Flying Pig Inn
Offering up seasonal grub made using the freshest of ingredients, this family friendly pub is a top pick next time you’re visiting the area. They also serve up a range of local beers and wines from around the world. It’s contemporary interior with a real fire offers a relaxed atmosphere that you’d expecct from a traditional pub.
Close to a range of popular walking routes it’s the perfect place to fuel up after a hard days trekkign in the fells in the Lake District. Whether that’s a three-course meal or just a snack with your drink. Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BZ
11. The Woolpack Inn, Boot
Credit: The Woolpack Inn
Positioned at the top of the incredible Eskdale valley, the Wooldpack Inn is full of charm and character that you’d expect for a country inn. It’s perfectly sitiated to enjoy some great food after tackling some of the highest peaks in the Lakes. You can enjoy tapas, wood-fired pizzas along with traditional pub classics such as burgers and pies. The imxture of contemporary and traditional pub vibes is done to perfection and is a real treat after you’ve slogged it out on the fells of the Lakes.
It’s known as one of the Lake Distritcs most historic inns and has a range of rooms where you can rest up comeplte with ensuites and all the little amenities you’d expect of such a place. Woolpack Inn, Boot, Holmrook CA19 1TH
12. Hole in t’ Wall
Credit: Hole in t’ Wall
Established back in 1612, this pub is the oldest in Bowness, and with this accolade comes the character and charm you’d expect from a traditional pub. The pub, which isone of the Best Lake District pubs, attracts locals and visits to its warm with wood beams and open fires that modern day venues can only dream of.
On tap is a range of award-winning real ales, and the bar serves wine and sprits including Lakes Gin a locally distilled tipple that you have to try. They also serve incredible homemade meat pies, jacket potoates and sandwiches as well as other traditional pub classics. Robinson Pl, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3DH
A stone’s throw from the home of famous children’s writer Beatrix Potter, the Lake District Inn welcomes you with a warm fire before serving up real ales and locally sourced produce such as their incredible Steak & Flakebridge Cheese Pie or the sausages for our Cumbrian Breakfast.
Wether you’re just popping in for a pint or staying in one of the 14 en suite bedrooms the pup offers a warm and friendly welcome for travellers and locals alike. Far Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LQ
14. The Queens Head, Troutbeck
Credit: The Queens Head
The Queen’s head is cosy pub found in Lakeland, they take great pride in the food they produce making sure they’re serving up fullfilling meals that the freshest ingredients from around the area. Nestled in the fells of the Troutbeck Valley, this is one of the best Lake District pubs where you can enjoy a range of real ales and comforting food in a beatiful country setting.
They also have a range of stylish and comfy rooms with some dog friendly ones for you to choose from. Town Head, Troutbeck, Windermere LA23 1PW
15. Kirkstille Inn, Cockermouth
Credit: Kirkstille Inn
This little gem can be found near Lowewater one of the Lake District’s lesser-known bodies of water. They have brilliant views straight up the summit of Melbreak, the local peak which is great on a clear day. Inside, you can enjoy the low-beamed bar giving it that country feel. The pub serves up hearty meals and a range of award-winning ales on tap made from the outbuilding brewery. Loweswater, Cockermouth CA13 0RU
16. The Flying Fleece, Ambleside
Credit: The Flying Fleece
Offering the finest and freshest local ingredients, The Flying Fleece, one of the best lake district pubs, serves up delicious pub meals for you and your family. Along with the lovely grub you can enjoy award-winning local ales, fine wines and views onto the famous Bridge House. Nearby are a range of lcal walking routes which you can do to work up an appetite. Rydal Rd, Ambleside LA22 9AN
17. The Plough at Lupton
Credit: The Plough at Lupton
Just a stone’s thow awat fomr incredible scenic viws, The Plough is situared so you can visit a range of beautiful spots includes the Dales, Forest of Bowland and of course if you head north from the pub you’ll be deep ito the Lakes. They serve a range of food as well as real ales for you to sup after a good hike whether you’re ehart desires that day. A65, Cow Brow, Carnforth LA6 1PJ
It may come as a shock to some that, given the Lake District National Park has lake it is name, it may have a lake or two. But, one TripAdvisor user didn’t make the connections as on his visit to the popular tourist spot he was horrified to find that there was water, well, everywhere.
User, FightCoward, left a review after visiting last year and commented that there were “too many lakes” and advised others who “find lakes unpleasant” because they are “too wet”, to steer clear of the park in the future.
The review, which is either a brilliant bit of satire or the inane ramblings of a madman was titled “Too many wet lakes!” and in the reivew they wrote: “As somebody who is not fond of lakes (too wet) I was expecting there to be some lakes but not this many!! By God there are lakes EVERYWHERE!! My advice is to steer clear if you find lakes unpleasant as they can’t really be avoided.”
One user, reacted to the review as everyone else reading would commenting “the clue’s in the name!” and another agreed writing “done their homework they should have known how many lakes there are”.
As you can imagine, the overall reviews of the Lake District are postitive with most rating the National Park “excellent”, but this user however might want to take his next holiday in the Sahara Desert if he finds water so displeasing.
This isn’t the first time that someone on TripAdvisor has been left unsatisfied by the unmatched beauty of the Lake District, with another user coming out with a crazy review not disimilar to this.
One disaapointed visitor didn’t quite get the Lake District experiene. After a trip to the beautiful Lake District last year, one user wrote: “There was too much water for my liking not enough free Wi-fi. Thought the place was a bit boring too many ducks.”
After taking a trip to one of the most amazing national parks in the country, some TripAdvisor users were left less than impressed by the Lake District National Park.
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’.
It has been announced that one of the most popular long-distance walking trails in Britain is set to have a £5.6 million upgrade.
The amazing Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk in the North of England is a 197-mile walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay and it is set to become a National Trail.
Watch the 190 mile walks over 14 days below:
Starting in Cumbria it heads through the Lake District and Yorkshire’s two stunning National Parks the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.
Devised by Alfred Wainright, who it is named after, it is a challenging but extremely rewarding walk that showcases some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery such as Iron Age hill forts and medieval castles along with the natural beauty of the high fells and heather moorlands.
Around 6,000 people complete the route each year and the new investment will include upgrades to surfaces and signage making it accessible to people of differing abilities, and the addition of shorter circular routes which is set to be complete by 2025.
There will also be more promotion to encourage domestic and international tourism.
TV presenter Julia Bradbury, who was an advocate in pushing it to be a National Trail described the walk as “just stunning” saying “I’m so pleased that this well-trodden route is to become an official national trail.”
Chairman of the Wainwright Society Eric Robson said: “This is a very exciting and important step and we look forward to working with partners along the route to establish the walk as one of the UK’s great National Trails.
“As Alfred Wainwright said of the walk he devised, ‘Surely there cannot be a finer itinerary for a long-distance walk’.”
We love the Lakes District and the rest of Cumbria, there is no place like it. Whether it’s lakes, mountains or waterfalls everything is bigger and better in the Lakes, which is why it comes as no surprise that it features on most people’s bucket list for staycation ideas.
Windemere, Coniston and more pull in visitors all year round, which is why the lakes came in fourth place in a list of bucket list places to visit in the UK. Only beaten by the Scottish Highlands, Cornwall & Edinburgh.
Credit: Unsplash
It was beaten out by some stiff competition, so we’ll take the fourth place. People’s top five reasons for picking these places were due to their natural beauty, seen on TV, and recommended by friends and family amongst other reasons.
Travel restrictions over the past couple of years have led many Brits to explore the beauty of the UK rather than holidaying abroad, so it’s great to see that over half (52%) of Brits now want to visit the area in the UK because of the beauty of the area.
Credit: Unsplah
The reasearch carried out by holidaycottages.co.uk four in ten (38%) people asked would choose UK staycation spots than international destinations on their bucket list, according to new research.
Interestingly, the study found that almost two in five (38%) Brits would rather visit more UK places in their lifetime than abroad, with over four in 10 (43%) saying they’d like to visit more UK locations, but still go abroad too.
Only 14% said they would rather visit places abroad in their lifetime than in the UK, showing that staycations are here to stay, even with the lifting of international travel restrictions.
Commenting on the research, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, says: “We know how much the UK has to offer in terms of beautiful scenery and history, and we wanted to see where in the UK most appealed to Brits and which destinations in the UK topped their bucket list. It’s really interesting to see that so many would rather visit UK destinations in their lifetime than those abroad, so we can surely expect to see more and more Brits continuing the staycation trend of the past two years.”
The top 10 bucket list staycation spots that Brits want to visit most, are:
The Lake District, known for its rugged mountains and huge lakes is a great place to get back to nature, and there is no way quite like camping to bring you closer to the simpler things in life. And, it seems that we aren’t the only ones who think so with the Lakes featuing amongst the best camp spots in the UK.
Three of the Lake Districts camp spots where ranked amongst the best camping spots in the UK by Cotswold Outdoor, which asked 2,000 people were quizzed on where they’d like to reconnect with nature in a poll.
The research was done as part of its #ProjectRewild campaign that aims to encourage more people to enjoy and reconnect with nature.
Credit: Cool Camping
The poll featured Waterside House campsite at Ullswater, near Penrith, Tarn Foot campsite, near Ambleside and Turner Hall Farm, at Seathwaite all featured in the list of the UK’s top campsites.
Cumbrian, Piel Island off the Barrow coast also featured in the list of places
Jose Finch, managing director of Cotswold Outdoor, said: “Watching the sun set and rise in these locations is a joy to behold and camping can often be the best way to enjoy them. Living in the UK, we’re treated to some amazing outdoor locations which can often be easy to forget.
“Hopefully this research reminds people of the amazing experiences that can be had on our doorstep, while thinking more about what they can do to preserve the beauty of the outdoors.
“We’ve all got a part to play in preservation of the great green spaces in this country and spending quality time outdoors can really drive home its importance.”
There is nothing better than a hotel in the countryside and this Lake District stay at Cedar Manor in Windermere won across three categories in the TripAdvisor Hotel Awards 2022 including 2022 Travellers’ Choice® Best of the Best Awards for Hotels, which highlights travellers’ favourite hotels worldwide.
The 2022 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards are based on ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period along with the quality and quantity of traveller reviews from the 1st of January 1, to the 31st of December, 2021.
Credit: Cedar Manor
Steeped in history, the 1854 Lake District retreat, provides a home from home including fine food just minutes from the lake, village and railway station. It serves up the best Afternoon Tea in the Lake District made by skilled chefs and served on the finest quality china.
The hotel came top in the UK for luxury and 10th in Europe. It also came second in the UK for the most romantic hotels and 10th in Europe again, and third in the UK for small stays and 15th in Europe. Not bad going – eh.
Credit: Cedar Manor
It wasn’t the only Cumbrian hotel to feature in the list. Windermere Boutique Hotel also featured in the UK’s most romantic list coming in 14th place and also in the top 25 of the UK’s romantic stays coming in at 21.
Kanika Soni, chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor said: “We know that travel is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so the Travellers’ Choice Awards have you covered–no matter what type of trip you’re planning.”
Credit: Cedar Manor
“Winners for 2022 span six continents and 90 countries, ranging from cave hotels to overwater bungalows to castles and even family-owned B&Bs.
“Browse through these winners for a dose of wanderlust along with recommendations from the best guides in the world: other travellers.”
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.
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.
Lakes Life 