1 week Ago
Home to many market towns and leafy villages dotted between rugged fells and dramatic tarns, it could probably be called the perfect getaway, in fact. Each town and village offers a different window to the glorious national park, but if you're stuck for a place to stay, then you'll want to know where the best spots on. Luckily, the definitive guide to 'the best places' has now been released by The Independent.
The Independent's Alice Reynolds said: "Nestled among magnificent fells and a tranquil lake, Grasmere village is perfect for a relaxing stay with gentle walks and helpings of culture. "It was a favoured spot for William Wordsworth and home to his Dove Cottage, where the poet wrote most of his major works." "Admittedly, Cartmel sits outside the Lake District National Park, but it is a great choice for excellent food, drinking spots and shops selling local products – and ideal as a base from which to venture to the Lakes.
"In the warmer months, the village square buzzes with outdoor eating and drinking." Reynolds continued: "Troutbeck is a cluster of hamlets that cling to the hilly road from Windermere to Penrith. "A stay here is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the fells, but you could also take a gentle stroll around the village, stopping at Jesus Church, which is home to stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.
Afterwards, the Queens Head offers a cosy spot for a drink or meal." "Ambleside is a lively town, which is notable for its shopping. Deli Rattle Ghyll is a wonderful spot to pick up takeaway sandwiches and freshly baked pies, as well as local cheese and Winter Tarn Butter.
"A gorgeous selection of perfumes and natural skincare fills the shelves in The Bath House, while Fred’s Bookshop is the place to find your holiday reading." "Keswick is a jolly market town with a broad range of activities on your doorstep, making it an ideal place to entertain the whole family. On a bright day, visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most dramatic and earliest stone circles in the UK dating to about 3000 BC.
"It’s surrounded by glorious fells including Helvellyn and High Seat. In May, Keswick hosts one of the biggest mountain festivals. This family-friendly weekend is packed full of sporting events from trail runs to yoga, as well as live music and a programme of talks.
" Recommended reading: The best waterfalls in Cumbria according to Tripadvisor Beautiful beach in Lake District among the best in Britain 5 best spots in Cumbria to see spectacular cherry blossoms Reynolds finished her list with Coniston, saying: "Coniston village is an ideal base for water sports and outdoor family activities. It sits on Coniston Water, which is a quieter lake than touristy Windermere, so your boating ventures will be less disturbed by tours. "Choose from rowing boats, kayaks, canoes at Coniston Boating Centre, or take a relaxing cruise with Coniston Launch Co.
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