As we head into spring, it’s time to start thinking about all of those bank holiday weekends that are coming up. When it comes to getting away for the weekend, that extra day can really make all the difference, and the bank holiday offers the perfect excuse for a quick trip to the Lake District.
Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider a visit to the Lake District for the bank holiday weekend.
The scenery
The Lake District is a stunningly beautiful place to visit, and its scenery has inspired a good number of poets and artists over the years. From the incredible vistas across its many lakes, to the breathtaking panoramic views you get from its peaks, there are plenty of views that will have your camera to capture the moment. As the weather, hopefully, gets a little bit warmer, this scenery also makes for some pretty spectacular picnic spots where you can relax, feel at one with nature and just unwind in the unrivalled beauty of the Lake District.
The food
From traditional country pubs to Michelin-star restaurants, and cosy bistros to dedicated vegetarian eateries, you will find an incredible range of places to eat, and they all have one thing in common – their dedication to using as much fresh local produce as possible.
In addition to all of the sit in eateries you will find in abundance, there are plenty of small independent bakeries and cafes offering takeout services, which is perfect if you fancy a picnic but don’t want the hassle of making sandwiches yourself.
Don’t forget to make a detour to Grasmere to sample the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread, baked to the same recipe that Sarah Nelson first used in 1834. The building that now houses the tiny Grasmere Gingerbread shop is the tiny schoolhouse home she baked in all those years ago.
If you plan to be in the Lake District over the May Bank Holiday Weekend then another local culinary treat to check out is of course the Cumberland sausage. Muncaster Castle will be holding its annual Sausage Festival from 4th – 6th May 2024.
The history
There are plenty of things to attract those who love history to the Lake District as well. For those with a fondness for words a trip to Hilltop to see the inspiration behind many of the books penned by Beatrix Potter is a must. Dove Cottage, just outside Grasmere, is the destination for anyone with a passion for the words of William Wordsworth, and the churchyard in the village of Grasmere where the poet is buried is high on many visitors’ lists.
There are several steam trains running in the Lake District offering a different perspective on the countryside as they journey gently along their tracks, often to destinations that people may otherwise not really visit.
A gentle walk from the village of Ambleside, past Rydal Hall and Dove Cottage will put you on the Coffin Trail. This oddly named path offers a scenic walk from Ambleside to Grasmere and dates back to the time when the only ground consecrated for burial locally was St Oswald’s in Grasmere. The route was the one that coffin bearers took between the two villages and dotted at regular intervals along the way you will find the large stones that they used to rest a coffin on when they took a break during their journey. The Coffin Trail is not only a great walk, but also offers you the chance to really walk in the steps of history.
One thing we can say for certain is that with so many reasons to visit the Lake District, a Bank Holiday Weekend may not be enough time, but it is sure to be enough to make you want to return.
