When planning a UK vacation, one glorious region should be borne in mind. The Lake District of England is one of the most scenic and beautiful spots in the British Isles and has much to offer in the way of a luxurious stay.
What is dubbed the Lake District National Park is situated in North West England in the county of Cumbria. One of the largest national parks in the country, according to a blog on the House Parties website, it is one of several places that everyone should visit before they die.
The Lake District is considered to be among the most scenic regions in the UK and is a premier destination for hiking, climbing, and boating. The region comprises 16 lakes, 53 tarns, and several “waters,” all framed by incredible backdrops of mountains, fells, and lush woodland.
When it comes to luxurious accommodation, according to the Telegraph , visitors are spoiled for choice, with several great luxury hotels dotted around the region, often with amazing lake and mountain views.
The reviewer particularly mentions Holbeck Ghyll, a Victorian hunting lodge that has been converted into a luxury hotel with a spa, helicopter rides, and all the trimmings. The hotel offers a stunning view of Lake Windermere (as pictured below), along with the Old Man of Coniston and the Langdale Pikes, and includes delicious meals in the paneled dining room.
Reportedly, the owner, entrepreneur Stephen Leahy, is a friend of American actor David Hasselhoff, who has reportedly been spoiled at the hotel in the past.
Besides the luxurious hotels on offer, there are many quaint and comfortable bed and breakfasts dotted around the area, and the restaurants and pubs in all the small towns offer an excellent range of cuisine or quick snacks.
When it comes to activities for the whole family, the Lake District has plenty to offer. The following is a brief introduction into just some of the lakes and towns on offer.
Popping down to Coniston Water and Coniston Village gives the opportunity to hire boats and bicycles from the boating center to tour the area. Coniston Water itself is around five miles long and half a mile wide, and is backed by a mountain known as the Old Man of Coniston. The village offers several shops, pubs and eating places.
On the eastern shore of Coniston Water can be found Brantwood, previous home of John Ruskin, a leading English art critic of the Victorian era, which includes the Ruskin Museum, interesting for its exhibition about Sir Donald Campbell, who was killed in 1967 while attempting to beat the world speed record in his speedboat Bluebird.
Situated at the town of Keswick, Derwentwater offers excellent walks in the countryside — the walk around the lake itself is eight miles — or the choice of a 50-minute lake cruise on the Keswick Launch.
The views from the lake include Friar’s Crag, which juts out into the lake, and to the west the fells of Cats Bells.
In Keswick itself, there are several outdoor equipment shops for those with an active frame of mind, as well as boutiques. Just south of the town, the “Theater by the Lake” offers regular performances.
Ullswater is yet another beautiful lake in the Lake District, surrounded by mountainous scenery to the south and more gentle hills to the north. Ullswater is the second largest lake in England and is seven-and-a-half miles long, but it is narrow at less than one mile across. The lake can be circumnavigated by both vehicle and on foot, offering dramatic views all the way.
Right at the foot of the lake, Glenridding is a charming small village and is a popular spot for walkers and climbers in the area. From Glenridding, the Ullswater Steamers can be taken to travel out on the water, or on a smaller scale there are rowing boats, canoes, and kayaks for hire.
All in all, England’s spectacular Lake District is a choice destination for a luxurious vacation in the UK. See more of this beautiful region in the video below where it is revealed that popular children’s author Beatrix Potter left a legacy behind her in the area.
[Images: Featured image CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 mariusz kluzniak – View of Lake Windermere from Holbeck Ghyll CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Mark Richardson – Coniston Water CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Clive – Derwentwater and Ullswater CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Andi Campbell-Jones ]