A Quick Dip in the Lake (District)

With a family wedding in Manchester my husband and I decided to make the long flight from the West Coast to the UK a little extra worth the while with a brief trip to see the oft talked about Lake District. With a bounty of sweet spots to stay and the promise of lush scenery, we booked a little apartment in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Day one we were deep in the trenches of jet lag and so I had pre-booked us tickets to Blackwell House, to serve as an easy way to pass some time and stay awake. A short walk along the road took us from our vacation rental to the stunning lakeside home, featuring a sweet tea room to recharge. We indulged in a quick cream team with scones, jam, clotted cream (perhaps my favorite treat), and a pot of English Breakfast to share. Feeling a little more awake and ready to move again we got a brief overview from the front desk attendant and a lovely hand illustrated map to guide us through the house.

We explored the many rooms of the home admiring the intricate details and care put into each aspect. Everything from the staircase banister to the doorknobs was intentional in its design. We received a friendly tip from another visitor to explore all the rooms in the home before proceeding to the back of the home where the white room sits. The stunning contrast between the dark rich woods of the rest of the home and the bright whites of the appropriately named white room with light streaming in was invigorating and I recommend the same order for all visitors.

After our excursion we made our way back to the apartment for long bath. Along the way we passed fields with lambs and sheep dozing in the afternoon sun and pheasant proudly guarding a small patch of grass next to one of the crossings. The buildings in the area all bear a similar style, with white walls and enviable slate roofs.

Day two we woke up bright and early thanks to having gone to sleep at 8 pm the night before. We enjoyed a slow breakfast in the dining room before prepping and setting out for a hike. When visiting the Lake District, the outdoor activities that the area has to offer are extensive. The lake offers kayaking, boat tours, and paddleboarding. The village is full of shops, restaurants, and a kid-friendly Beatrix Potter attraction. And the surrounding hills have hiking and meandering options aplenty.

We hiked from the Bowness Pier up and around Brant Fell. While not sunny and warm like the day before, the cool mist and moody moors were a welcome counterpart for a fairly vertical hike. The trail started out wooded before opening up onto expansive grassy hills. We meandered our way around at the top, taking in the view of the surrounding countryside. It felt like a scene out of the 1995 Pride and Prejudice movie and I could have spent hours up there.

With our stomachs grumbling we made our way back down and into Bowness, where we stopped at a pub for lunch just in time to escape the rain. My husband and I both opted for pies with gravy and mashed peas, the perfect warming meals post hike. Afterwards we wandered the streets, popping into several of the sweet shops that caught our eye (of which there was no shortage). With a dinner reservation coming up at 7, we walked back to the apartment to clean up and get some rest in.

Dinner for our second, and sadly last night in the Lake District was at Porto Restaurant, featuring modern British cuisine with Spanish influences. The menu was tough to choose from with so many unique and tasty sounding options, and we both ended up with stunning entrees and a delicious appetizer to split. The menu changes seasonally, meaning fresh ingredients and plenty new to try. I had alerted the restaurant ahead of time that we would be celebrating my husband’s birthday and they kindly decorated the table with some birthday decor. We finished our meal with passionfruit cheesecake and champagne ice cream. The champagne ice cream stood out in particular, it was light, refreshing, and such a unique flavor that I hope I can find again.

We took the long way home, walking lake side and enjoying the views one final time. As this was a very quick little trip, the Lake District is certainly on my list of places to return. With endless options for spots to stay, activities to suit all types of vacationers, and stunning scenery I can see why the Lake District is a go-to vacation spot for the local and international travelers alike.

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