Since we wouldn’t be able to go abroad quite yet with the current Covid procedures, test costs and vaccine roll-out situation, we planned a 5 day holiday in the Lake District, staying in an Airbnb a stones throw from the waters edge.
Walking
Barf and Lord’s seat
Neither of us had done this walk before, and having found it in a book of ‘walks to do with children’, I naively thought it would be easy! I definitely wouldn’t suggest this to a beginner, let alone someone walking with a child! I later discovered on the Lake District website, that it’s classed as a medium-difficult fell, however so is Catbells and I walked that confidently as a child so it depends on your ability, but for any beginner, I recommend doing a walk suitable for children. I was using a book made in 1998, and back then Barf and Lord’s Seat probably was suitable for children, however over the years, the path has eroded and is no longer suitable, and this may be the case for many other walks around the Lake District. I would say that using the website to find walks is more reliable than some books, as it’s more up-to-date and includes photographs.
Castle Crag
Castle Crag however is definitely suitable for kids and beginner walkers. It’s 4 miles and in theory takes 3-4 hours but we comfortably did it in 2. It is one of the 214 Wainwrights, and Alfred Wainwright used to comment a lot that the views from the tops were some of the best to be seen from any of them, and I must say they were pretty spectacular. We used the Lake District website as our guide and I definitely recommend it as the descriptions are accompanied by pictures which are super helpful! If you’re looking for a shorter, easier and quicker walk, I’d definitely recommend this one especially considering the views you’ll get from the top. There are also lots of spots you could stop at for a picnic on the way, which we definitely would’ve done had we not been restricted on time.
Where to eat
We spent 4 nights in Keswick- Monday to Friday. On the first night we didn’t feel like eating out after a days drive, so we got take-away pizza from Woodstone Pizza & Flame grill Keswick, however it looked like a great atmosphere to eat in as well. Tuesday night we enjoyed steak night at the Weatherspoons in town – The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. Wednesday night we took part in a pub quiz at The Lion in the town centre and got a pizza from Mama Mia across the street afterwards (it’s useful to note that they only take cash which isn’t stated anywhere!). For our last night we ate out at the Mary Mount Hotel which isn’t in Keswick town centre, but rather at the bottom of Derwentwater. We chose here as we spent the afternoon canoeing on the lake and the car park for the place we rented a canoe from is the restaurant car park and we commented that it would be really nice to sit looking out at the lake.
Where to stay
We stayed in a guesthouse called ‘Hedgehog Hill’ however the street it was on and most of the streets surrounding it had lots of guesthouses so there are plenty to choose from. There are also a few hostels and lots hotels around as well as campsites and caravan parks so there’s something to suit everyone’s preferences.
We’re talking about coming back pretty soon as we loved it so much, next time though, we think we’d probably stay in a hostel on the waters edge.
Derwentwater activities
Walking is a given as that is one thing the lakes are famous for, and the other is water sports. Personally, we canoed and I have done that on previous trips to the lakes as well. You can also hire kayaks, motor boats, take a trip on the ferry, sail, test your balance on an SUP and so much more.
We hired our canoe from Platty + for 1.5 hours and I would suggest doing no less than this if you want to get to the islands as we only just got there and back with just 10 minutes on the closest island. For the best experience I’d say rent for 2 hours + and maybe have food on the island. Every time I do this in the lakes it reminds me of one of my all time favourite movies ‘Swallows and Amazons’ (the original!) and I always get the hankering to sit down that night with some snacks and a blanket and have a cozy movie night.
Places to visit nearby
Grasmere
Grasmere should DEFINITELY be on your list. With beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder famous poet William Wordsworth (who lived there for only 14 years and who‘s grave is a popular sight there) famously described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Grasmere is also extremely famous for it‘s gingerbread. We waited in line for nearly half an hour to get some, but my word is it worth it. Every time I have been to the Lake District the trip has been planned around a trip to Grasmere for this sweet treat, and although it’s available online, it’s not the same without visiting the tiny factory shop where the staff dress up in Victorian outfits, just like they would’ve when the store opened in 1854.
Windermere
If you’re a fan of Beatrix Potter, or you’re visiting with family, Windermere should be on your list. There are a few tourists attractions like her house and the world of Beatrix Potter Attraction. There are also lots of walks around that are said to have been inspiration for many of her stories and there are many walking books you can purchase and websites to explore to find these.
Around Keswick
If you’re sticking close to Keswick, a day trip to the Lake District Wildlife Park is a great way to spend your day off from hiking and water sports. With Birds of prey displays, Cats like Lynx’s and Scottish Wild Cats, and a Burmese Python it‘s definitely a must visit attraction for any animal lover, and great for families too!
The Illusion museum is also great fun, and you’ll get some great photos out of it. If you want some silly pictures to scramble your friend’s and family’s minds, visit The Puzzling Place where there are rooms laid out to form optical illusions, like the ‘anti gravity room’ or the ‘sideways room’ and even the ‘hologram room’.
Leave a comment below, maybe this inspired your next trip!
DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored, these are my honest opinions and recommendations