“Dove Cottage”, home of William Wordsworth, near Grasmere, England by Strobilomyces

Slate

As you wander around Ambleside and Keswick, two of the most popular towns with visitors, you will notice that a large number of the buildings are constructed from slate and many more have slate roofs. Indeed the slate cottage is one of the characteristic Lakeland dwellings, featuring on many postcards and is a sought after place to stay – you will notice many bed and breakfasts and holiday lets housed in slate buildings. It is of no coincidence that these slate houses occur so frequently in Lakeland towns and villages; within the surrounding mountains there are deposits of slate, which were mined extensively in days gone by. While there may not be many slate mines still open in the Lake District, you are able to visit that at Honister Pass where you are able to take a guided underground tour and can purchase various slate mementos from the shop there.

Stone

Another typical style of Lakeland house is that of stone, again quarried locally, which has had its walls white limewashed to prevent damp – it does rain considerably in the Lake District, so be prepared when you visit. A good example of this type of home is Dove Cottage in Grasmere (a short drive from Ambleside), which was home to William Wordsworth, one of England’s finest poets. As with many properties, including those let to buy, you will notice that slate also makes an appearance on the roof and chimney stack of this cottage, as well as on the floor of the downstairs rooms. A guided tour of the cottage, including what was Wordsworth’s study, provides details of features in each room and is well recommended.

Times gone by

Following your trip to Grasmere, you might like to drive on to Near Sawrey, to visit the home of another famous literary person from Lakeland, Beatrix Potter. The 17th century farmhouse of Hill Top was bought by Beatrix with some of the money she made from the sale of her first books. Holidays to the Lake District as a child inspired her work and she went on to write many more tales of animals after purchasing Hill Top Farm. The site is now owned by the National Trust and visitors can see the interior, complete with the same furniture and possessions, as when Beatrix lived there until 1943. It is worth spending some time in the grounds, as the cottage garden is full of flowers, herbs and fruits typical of its time. The house and gardens can be considered to be a time capsule of the era.

In harmony

There are many more towns, villages and properties with historical interest that you might wish to visit while in the Lake District, each with its own character and style; those discussed here are merely a selection to get you started. Wherever you choose to go, your journey through Lakeland will demonstrate how well the buildings here blend into the surrounding countryside and this factor certainly contributes to the beauty of the area. Features such as dry stone walls, hedgerows and narrow lanes help with the continuum between settlements and the natural environment, but tight building regulations within the National Park have helped to preserve the landscape.

Claire Harrow regularly travels throughout England visiting the many beautiful historic towns and villages where local buildings often reflect locally available stone and construction techniques and styles that go back generations giving them a truly unique appeal.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Adrian Byrne

Children will love the numerous activities both on and off the lake. A cruise along Lake Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises will be sure to keep their interest with trips to mystical isolated bays and deserted ‘treasure’ islands. Off the lake, take the family for a day at The World of Beatrix Potter (great for rainy days!), a unique way to introduce the kids to Peter Rabbit and pals through all 5 senses. Why not stay for dinner? With its own on-site vegetable patch, you can be sure the there will be something for the whole family – Beetroot and chocolate brownies, anyone?

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, look no further than the Lake District. Windermere Lake Cruises aren’t just for the kids. How about a quiet sunset sightseeing cruise with someone special? Or even an onboard wedding! For poetry lovers, head over to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum to see the place Wordsworth called ‘home’ between 1799 and 1808. The museum has regular workshops and poetry readings so check out the schedule to make sure you don’t miss out. For that unforgettable night, Zeffirellis has it all. Start your evening at their intimate independant cinema, then banish those hunger pangs at their award-winning Pizzeria. If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, their live music Jazz Bar is just the thing. Finish off the perfect day by crawling into bed at the exquisite Windermere Boutique Hotel. Check out the ‘Champagne Stays’ for an extra special touch.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrea_44

The Lake District National Park (the largest National Park in England) boasts numerous beautiful hills and mountains with walking and hiking trails ideal for all skills levels, from those wanting a gentle stroll through nature to experienced climbers. If you’re after that once-in-a-lifetime adventure, schedule your trip to coincide with the Three Peaks Challenge, a chance to climb the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales – all within 24 hours! If walking isn’t your thing, Windermere also offers an extensive range of cycling routes, off-road motor sports, clay pigeon shooting, abseiling and much more – the possibilities are endless. A great place to find out more is Activities in Lakeland who can assist in arranging these activities for you. They can even offer itineraries for hen and stag weekends as well as corporate training.

Lying just off the M6, Windermere is easily accessible by car and can be reached from London in approximately 5 hours. There are also direct trains from London Euston Station to Windermere Station, also taking around 5 hours.

With such easy accessibility and so much to do, The Lakes are a perfect spot for a long weekend or an extended holiday in the UK.
Written by Globaltravelguide.co.uk

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