How to Weekend in the Lake District

The moment I touch down at Heathrow International, I feel like I’m home. London is my favourite city in the whole world, hands down. And I each time I visit, I have a routine. I set aside an entire day for the British Museum. Another day for the National Gallery. A couple of days for window shopping. High Tea at Claridges, and a day or two to explore new sights. But like an annoying younger sibling, London’s incessant buzz can temporarily grate on my nerves, and I ache for space, for quiet, and pastoral serenity. And so, like a spoon full of sugar, a weekend in the Lake District helps the medicine go down. A four and a half hour drive will take you to some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ve ever seen. So here’s how to properly weekend in the Lake District:

Stay in a B&B

There are plenty of gorgeous country estates in and around in and the Lake District, but to truly appreciate the tranquility England’s largest National Park has to offer, opt for a charming little cottage like this one. B&B’s are the most cost effective types of accommodation. They’re also located in some of the best locales and your hosts will often be a wealth of information for you. My B&B happened to be located next door to where Beatrix Potter lived, and my room overlooked Mr. McGregor’s garden, a prominent fixture in the children’s book, Peter Rabbit.

Befriend the Local Wildlife

If there’s one thing you’ll see plenty of when you weekend in the Lake District, it’s sheep! And no, they’re not wild per se, but they’re certainly a national treasure. The Lake District is home to the Herdwick sheep, one of the few species that survived the foot and mouth disaster in 2001. World renown Beatrix Potter was once the President of the Breed Association.

Bring your Rainboots!

You never know what the weather is going to do on your weekend in the Lake District. Here I am trouncing around at the end of July in a jumper and yep, gumboots. Consistently being prepared for the elements is an English rite of passage, so remember your ‘brolly’ and a good set of ‘wellies’.

Bring Your Art Supplies

There’s a very good reason why eighteenth century English literature was so whimsical, serene and romantic. “Language is the armory of the human mind, and at once contains the trophies of its past and the weapons of its future conquests” (Samuel Coleridge). Whether you are a painter, writer, photographer, or a poet, landscapes like this are in abundance and sure to inspire your next masterpiece.

Take a Photography Class 

Walk to Your Heart’s Content 

Explore Village Life 

Bring a Loved One or Travel Solo 

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