Lake District Holidays

The Lake District National Park located in North West England is the largest National Park in England and Wales. It is a mountainous region with 14 lakes and has been very popular with tourists for centuries. Today, it still offers placid lakes, breathtaking mountains and sandy beaches interlaced with ancient stone walls and monuments that are perfect for weekend breaks or extended Lake District Holidays. Along with the lakes, there are open moors, woodlands and rolling fells. These can be enjoyed with leisurely walks and gentle boat cruises or the more challenging windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, horse riding, hiking and cycling.

Lake District touring offers a lot for the outdoor enthusiast. Gorge walking, canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and much more are easily available.

Gorge Walking includes walking over uneven terrain and traversing gorge sides. It also includes roped climbs to deep pools where swimming is possible in the summer months. The terrain is so rugged it may take 2 hours to cover half a kilometre.

Canoeing is easier than a rowing boat, and, with a little practice, the canoe is easy to control. Open canoes will seat two or three people and can be an adventure to the middle of the lake or a leisurely drift in the shallows near shore.

Abseiling is very exciting. With special equipment it involves lowering down a sheer rock face. Usually considered only for experts, it is possible even for children to enjoy because there are different cliff heights available.

Rock climbing activities combined with hiking are also geared for the novice as well as the expert. The rock in the Lake District is mainly granite, limestone and slate. In some places climbing, hiking and abseiling can be combined.

Kayaks were designed by Eskimos for hunting on the sea. The boat is covered except for the place where one person sits. It’s easy to maneuver on a lake and when skills are developed they can be taken on rivers.

Biking in the Lake District can be smooth on a trail or challenging on rough terrain. Whichever is chosen, they are both lots of fun. Mountain biking takes place in remote areas going up and down steep inclines. It may include river crossings, drop-offs, rock steps, bunny hops and more. Trail cycling can cover more distance and focus on the scenery rather than the challenge of the terrain.

Lake District touring has been a resting place from the bustle of city life for over three centuries. Strenuous physical activity is not the only attraction in this beautiful scenery. There is a rich archaeological heritage beginning 15 thousand years ago at the end of the last ice age and traces of these people are still seen today. There are medieval agriculture markings and monuments of stone circles, Roman roads and forts.

Lake District Holidays are also a chance to enjoy some specialty shopping with antique, book and arts and crafts shops throughout the Lake District. There is a large selection of nurseries and garden centres where it may be possible to take home some of the gorgeous native flora. There is a great sense of freedom that comes with wandering over the fells and beside the lakes that gives true rejuvenation.

English poetry is deeply connected with the Lake District with Thomas Gray in 1769. However, William Wordsworth opened the door for visitors when he lived there from 1799 to 1850. It is possible to follow William Wordsworth through the Lake District and experience his overwhelming sense of oneness with nature as well as visit the family home of Beatrix Potter and imagine her famous characters must be around somewhere.

There are many festivals every year that attract people from around the world. In different parts of the district there are agricultural shows as well as festivals for beer, jazz music and fishing. Theatre is also very popular especially the Theatre by the Lake at Keswick which has six plays in its summer season repertoire. There are also theatres at Moresby and Bowness-on-Windermere.

There is a large variety of accommodation for Lake District Holidays. With the hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns and restaurants with rooms there is a place to suit each budget. Apartments, cottages, country houses are available as well as facilities for self catering.

Most hotels are situated in a beautiful area and offer all the amenities including TV, Jacuzzi bath, coffee and tea in the room, swimming pool, fireplaces in the room, the necessary electrical outlets and facilities for children and pets. Many give discounts for weekend breaks as well as for longer holidays.

Most inns are located in villages and especially cater to people who want to be out and about. As with the hotels, they will arrange food to take out for the day. Some have Wifi so those who want to stay connected, can. Many country houses have been made into hotels and retain all the private charm that the original owner intended. Guest houses are also smaller than hotels and offer a lot of privacy as well as home cooked meals.

Bed and Breakfasts are also very convenient with all the amenities including complementary Wifi. Since they focus on breakfast, they offer a large selection from a full English Breakfast to fruits, nuts and yoghurt.

A restaurant with a room is the perfect solution for someone who doesn’t plan to stay indoors long. It is also an inexpensive way to have a weekend break and enjoy all the beauty of the area. The rooms are clean, convenient and with en suite bathrooms.

For an extended holiday a self catering apartment is a good solution. Cooking meals at home will save money on food. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the Lake District have awarding winning cuisine which can be sampled when it’s convenient.

Wherever visitors gather, there are great restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and pubs to add to the overwhelming experience of well-being. The Central Lakes area produces Cumberland Sausage, Grasmere Gingerbread made with a centuries old recipe, Boar Goat Meat and Windermere Char, a salmon like fish found only in Lake Windermere.

East Cumbria specializes in Cumberland Cheese, smoked ham, Ullswater wild brown trout and Kendal Mint Cake, a world famous confection.

In the North Lakes area there are world famous local ale brewers and home made cordials and wines. Salt Marsh Lamb and honey also come from the lush green farm land of the north.

The South Lakes area specialises in Oyster Sausage, Hawkshead Relish traditional red onion marmalade, organic trout and organic farms with fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheeses and many other things.

The West Lakes and Coast have great sea food including fresh shrimp and traditional fish and chips. With imported ingredients from centuries of trading, two sweet deserts were invented—Toffee Pudding and Cumberland Rum Nicky. Made with dates, rum and brown sugar or ginger and butter these sweets are a traditional delight.

A Lake District holiday is a very special blend of breathtaking scenery and highly challenging sports with home made food and the warmth and friendliness of locals. Whether a visit is to challenge the body or find peace of mind, it is one of the best places on earth.