With Valentine’s just around the corner, we thought there was no better time to share a little romance with the most romantic things to do, places to go or where to dine in the Lake District whether it’s for Valentine’s or just because!
Glencoyne Bay and Aira Force, Ullswater
Widely regarded as the inspiration for Wordsworth’s Daffodils poem, Glencoyne Bay comes alive with a sea of dancing yellow daffodils from the end of February through to May. Walk along the shore of the lake and take in one of the most famous, inspiring views of the Lake District.
This is a nice tranquil walk or you can extend it by a few miles and also visit the majestic Aira Force with views back down to the bay and the lake beyond and of course the waterfall.
Enjoy a drink or bite to eat in Glenridding afterwards for a well-deserved treat!
View the full walk and map here
Hire a boat on Derwent Water
Available to hire from Easter through to October, the row boats on Derwent Water provide a gentle, relaxing way to take in the famous fells surrounding the lake. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy on the lake or for a little more privacy, land ashore on of the little islands for a well-earned break and a chance to relax with the views.
Keswick is home to many pubs and restaurants including our favourites – Healthy bistro Fellpack, burger joint The Round, traditional pub The Dog & Gun or for a hearty breakfast, Lake Road Brunch.
Click here for more information on hiring a row boat or Keswick Launch
Catch a sunset
There is nothing more romantic than watching the sun melt into the distance with a warming flask of tea or if you don’t need to drive, something with a little more fizz! We are very lucky to be able to see some of the finest sunsets in the country as it sets on the western coast.
Just a 10-minute drive from Hutton John is Pooley Bridge. Take a seat next to the lake, wrap up warm and watch as the sun sets across Ullswater then grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants including The Secret Garden, 1863 Bistro or The Pooley Bridge Inn.
Slightly further afield near Keswick, the Historic England site, Castlerigg Stone Circle offers both a dramatic and atmospheric setting to watch the sun set into the distance.
If you would prefer to tie in your sunset with a walk, Catbells just outside of Keswick is an easy three-mile walk and offers one of the finest views across Derwent Water, Blencathra and Bassenthwaite beyond.
Stargazing
The Lake District is one of the darkest skies in the UK. Whether you choose to take in the dark skies from the outdoor space at your accommodation or go slightly further afield, you will be able to see thousands of stars on a clear night. Wrap up warm, bring a pair of binoculars and download apps such as Sky View or Sky Safari to identify the constellations. Keep an eye out for more information on Cumbria’s Dark Skies festival running later in the year from the end of October, through November.
Click here for more information on Cumbria’s dark skies
Picnic in peace
Visit some of our independent food retailers to pack the perfect picnic including Booths, Cranstons or J&J Graham and enjoy a romantic picnic from the top of a fell or by the shores of the lake.
Some of our favourite picnic spots include Sandwick Bay. Combine this with a trip on the Ullswater Steamers to Howtown and take a gentle stroll along the edge of the lake to this sheltered, quiet bay. Walk back the way you came or take the more adventurous route back over the top of Hallin Fell for superb views down the lake towards Pooley Bridge.
Lanty’s Tarn, a steep but short walk from the village of Glenridding provides the perfect summit to spread out the blanket and take a well-earned break whilst taking in the view.
Slightly further afield, Lowther and its ruined castle offer a dramatic backdrop for a picnic. Walk amongst the restored gardens or through the acres of farmland and riverside. There is also the option to hire bikes at the castle so you can explore more of this beautiful part of Eden.
Dine in style
We are fortunate to have many fantastic country pubs and fine dining restaurants just a short drive from Hutton John. Some of our favourites include the traditional country pub, The Horse and Farrier at Dacre, The Dog & Gun, a Michelin Star fine dining pub in the nearby village of Skelton (be warned, you will need to book well in advance), The Queen’s Head at Askham for refined pub food or its sister restaurant, the Michelin Star Alium Restaurant within Askham Hall for a modern tasting menu using local, seasonal produce from the Lowther estate.
If you like the idea of not cooking but would like to stay in and enjoy your time at Hutton John, we can organise for a professionally cooked meal to be delivered directly to your accommodation, prepared by The Lakes Catering Company to your preferred tastes and dietary requirements.
Click here to find out more information on our private catered options.
For those last-minute romantics looking for a weekend away or a mid-week treat, check our latest availability online here.
