Focus on Lake District in winter

Making the most of your winter lodge holiday in the Lake District

Explore the Lake District this winter and make the most of your lodge holiday on the doorstep of a World Heritage Landscape. The area boasts stunning views that have inspired generations of artists and writers, and there’s a very tasty food and drink scene to enjoy too – here are our recommendations on how to make your winter lodge holiday in the Lake District one to remember…

1. Lunch at The Old Stamp House, Ambleside.
The former workplace of William Wordsworth, the Old Stamp House is rapidly becoming one of the Lake District’s best restaurants. Chef patron, Ryan recently featured on BBC Masterchef (The Professionals) and has received numerous awards since opening the restaurant in 2014. The Old Stamp House aims to offer ‘a unique and unprecedented experience of the food culture our county has to offer’ – you can expect delicious local ingredients such as herdwick, potted shrimps, foraged wild herbs and mushrooms, and local game on the lunch and dinner menu.

2. Winter wildlife in the Lake District
Red squirrels can be seen in a number of Cumbria’s woodlands during the winter. They don’t hibernate but they do rest for long periods during the day so early mornings and late afternoons are a good time to go squirrel spotting. Look out for their reddish-brown fur and tufted ears, which distinguish them from the more widespread greys. Prime red squirrel-spotting locations are Skelghyll Wood in Ambleside and the National Trust’s Allan Bank, where they spend £900 per year on squirrel feed and provide binoculars for guests hoping to spot a rare red.

3. Favourite view.
We have a great selection of views in the Lake District, which is hardly a surprise given its World Heritage Status, but which is the best? A recent article in the Telegraph (November 2017) saw Derwent Water and Haystacks take the top two of twenty spots in a round-up of the UK’s best views. We whole-heartedly agree with the two choices but, on a clear winter day, the chance to spot the Irish Sea nudges Haystacks into first place for us. And apparently, we’re in good company as this was Wainwright’s favourite fells and his ashes are scattered close by. Here’s a good guide to walking his (and our) favourite route and taking in the best view in the Lake District

4. Winter walks.
If you are not a fell walker and prefer lower-lying but equally beautiful routes, then we recommend you head to Coniston Waters and Tarn Hows. Left to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter, the man-made expanse of water is one of the most well-loved spots in the Lakes for gorgeous views. There’s a flat, circular walk of 1¾ miles and it is accessible by wheelchair. Perfect for a gentle walk, the calm surroundings are very hard to beat.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you this winter!

Sheryl, Paul & the Lakeland Lodges team