There's nothing quite like a weekend in the Lake District and for me, each visit always feels like the first. England’s prettiest lake, Ullswater, does not disappoint. Situated in the northeast of the Lake District, it's the second largest lake at nine miles long and three-quarter’s of a mile wide. The surrounding Ullswater Valley has it all; from walking routes, boat rides, cycling, pony-trekking and camping to exploring inspiring scenery, there's something to suit everyone. For experienced climbers, Ullswater is ideal as it lies at the foot of one of England’s highest mountains, Hellvellyn, or for those that enjoy less strenuous pursuits, the woodlands and easy routes that surround the lake are a perfect option. The Ullswater Way Travelling with my 10-year-old niece means we have to be slightly more mindful when it comes to choosing an appropriate walking route. The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile walking route around Ullswater Lake, which offers various treks suitable for all levels. You can pick and choose where to start and to make life a little easier, catch the open top bus or a steamer to help you along your way. We walked the Lower Route from Pooley Bridge to Howtown, meeting the Higher Route just past Barton Fell - a spot that guarantees magnificent views of the lake and its windy ‘Z’-shaped path that leads to Glenridding. After a good two and a half hour walk, we reached Howtown where we stopped for a well-earned break to enjoy some tea and cake at Howtown Hotel. From here we booked a ticket for the Ullswater Steamer to take us back to Pooley Bridge. The walk and boat ride took the best part of four hours, done at a gentle pace with snacks in between. We definitely plan to return to Ullswater to visit the almighty Glenridding and the waterfalls at Aira Force! Where to stay Check in to the Rampsbeck Hotel, an 18th Century house set in an idyllic spot on the shore of Ullswater Lake (prices starting from £129). The staff are friendly and the hotel is a beautiful old fashioned house with plenty of room to find a comfy fire-side sofa (dreamy in winter), play a game of Scrabble, dig into a delicious afternoon tea or enjoy a glass of wine. We loved the breakfast menu, which offered tasty pastries and fresh fish caught from local lakes. The bar menu is varied and serves both lunch and dinner, with the option to dine in the evening from the a la carte menu (prices start from £50 per head for three courses). Pooley Bridge Head to nearby Pooley Bridge to get all your holiday tidbits and enjoy a hearty meal at one of the public houses. We recommend the Pooley Bridge Inn, a classic old English pub with a great sized front and rear garden, the perfect spot for an after walk tipple. Top tip: Visit the information kiosk by the public restrooms; the staff will provide maps and invaluable knowledge of the local area. Essentials to pack when out and about:
For more information visit: Visit Cumbria Lake District National Park Go Lakes Howtown Hotel Rampsbeck Hotel Rosanna Head
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If you're looking for fabulous places to visit in the North of England, then you'll love these amazing accommodations from Farm Stay UK.
The Lake District Tottergill Farm Cottages, Brampton, Cumbria Boasting breathtaking views of the Lake District and Scottish Hills, this collection of nine self-catered cottages on the outskirts of the quaint village of Castle Carrock, offers guests a luxurious escape amidst spectacular scenery. Cottages are sleek and spacious with plenty of traditional twists - think exposed beams, high ceilings and wood burners, and many have outside decking complete with private hot tubs. The fantastic walking and cycling opportunities of the Lake District are on your doorstep here, as well as Hadrian’s Wall and a host of traditional pubs. A two-night break at Ash Cottage starts from £260 (based on two sharing) on a self-catering basis. The Yorkshire Dales Stone Barn Escapes, West Leas Farm, Ripon, Yorkshire Located in the heart of North Yorkshire is West Leas Farm, a working farm home to a collection of converted stone barns set amidst rolling farmland. The six cottages offer well-equipped kitchens and spacious living areas as well as plenty of traditional touches harking back to the barns’ pasts. Guests can spend time exploring the beautiful Yorkshire countryside as well as the pretty postcard villages and towns around the area that are steeped in history, including Ripon, the oldest city in Britain. A two-night break at Archway Cottage starts from £180 (based on up to four sharing) on a self-catering basis. Northumberland Coquet B&B at Elyhaugh Farm, Morpeth, Northumberland Found at Elyhaugh Farm, a mixed working farm just outside the picturesque village of Longframlington, this elegant B&B offers peace and quiet by the bucketful from its pretty riverside setting. The B&B is surrounded by tranquil countryside, perfect for long walks and leisurely strolls, with the village of Longframlington boasting a selection of great pubs to enjoy; as well as Longframlington Gardens. A one night stay at Coquet B&B starts from £80 per room per night (based on two sharing) on a B&B basis. Lancashire Chestnut Lodge, Preston, Lancashire Overlooking lush open fields and surrounded by a pretty garden is Chestnut Lodge, a traditional log cabin on a working dairy farm, which can be found down a country lane on the outskirts of the village of Pilling. Built using timber from Estonia’s renewable forest, the cabin offers a unique getaway in the Great British countryside for a family of four, housing two spacious bedrooms (one king, one twin), a well-equipped kitchen and cosy living area. There’s even underfloor heating, ensuring a warm stay no matter what the weather. Pilling Sands, a fantastic spot for walking, fishing and birdwatching, is located just 20 minutes away with a variety of fishing lakes nearby. The traditional market town of Garstang is also nearby, boasting a great collection of independent stores and eateries to enjoy. A seven-night stay at Chestnut Lodge is available from £290 (based on four sharing) on a self-catering basis. Durham Low Urpeth Farm, Chester Le Street, Durham Foodies in search of a cracking breakfast need look no further than Low Urpeth Farm, a pretty farmhouse B&B located on a working farm, offering three cosy en-suite rooms and an award-winning breakfast to boot. Rooms offer a ‘home away from home’ vibe for guests, but the real star of the show is the “Cracking Urpeth Breakfast”. Served in the farmhouse’s traditional dining room overlooking the farm’s lush fields, guests are greeted with a delicious, locally-sourced spread, including fresh Northumberland sausages and onion chutney, Beamish & Northumberland honey, smoked salmon and kippers, fresh fruit and a selection of yoghurts. A night at Low Urpeth Farm starts from £70 per room per night (based on two sharing) on a B&B basis. www.farmstay.co.uk |
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