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Staying in a cosy Coniston cottage provides an excellent base to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the area. Here’s our guide to the must-do activities, top attractions, and best places to eat during a long weekend. Friday: Arrival and Evening Stroll Arrive at your chosen cottage on Friday afternoon and settle into the charming and comfortable surroundings. Coniston cottages provide you with a home from home, with picturesque views and plenty of things to do. After settling in, take a leisurely evening stroll along the shores of Coniston Water. The serene lake, surrounded by stunning fells, offers…

The Lake District is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil cottages, but it also boasts an impressive food scene. If you’re visiting the Lake District for a holiday, the region’s Michelin-starred restaurants offer a dining experience that’s certainly out of the ordinary. Here’s our quick guide: Allium at Askham Hall, Askham Located in the picturesque village of Askham, Allium at Askham Hall is one culinary gem you’ll want to try at least once. Housed in a beautiful historic hall, the menu highlights seasonal produce sourced from the estate’s gardens and local suppliers. The dishes reflect the rich heritage of…

If, when it comes to Wainwrights, you like the maximum bang for your bucks, then these Wainwright bagging bonanzas will have you ticking them off quicker than you can say Catstycam (well maybe not quite that quickly). All the routes below are circular – with the same starting and finishing points. So you can park up, get your boots on, grab your gear and start some serious bagging. Fairfield Horseshoe – No. of Wainwrights 8 16km 6 hours Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike The absolute classic Lakeland route takes in…

Looking to embark on some cold-water therapy on your next Lake District break? An increasing number of our guests at the Coppermines Mountain Cottages are, somewhat bravely, partaking in cold water swimming in the Coppermines Valley Waterfalls. Here the crisp, clear and clean water runs straight from the mountains and into the rivers and becks, tumbling over waterfalls into deep turquoise pools. During the months of November to April the temperature of the water in Coppermines Valley can drop as low as 2 degrees centigrade. Given that our body temperature is just below 37 degrees the feeling of being in…

The Lake District is certainly well-known for its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty. Popular spots like Windermere and Keswick attract their fair share of visitors and are well worth a visit. But there are some hidden gems you may want to add to your trip to the region. These are under-explored, peaceful retreats away from the crowds that offer something special and memorable. Renting a holiday cottage in these lesser-known areas provides an ideal base from which to explore the unique charm of the Lake District. Here are five destinations to consider for your next holiday. Ennerdale Water Known as…

A barbecue against the backdrop of the Lake District will be an amazing highlight for any holiday in the region. Whether you’re cooking for family or inviting friends, however, it’s a good idea to be well prepared. For a start, it’s crucial to approach your BBQ with some care to avoid environmental damage and safety risks. The Charm of an Amazing Lakes BBQ The rolling landscapes and wonderful lakes provide a perfect location for a barbecue. You could set up beside a tranquil lake or within a stone’s throw of some sweeping hills, whichever you choose, the natural beauty will…

The Lake District is well-known for its stunning landscapes and tranquil waters. But it’s also an amazing place for food enthusiasts of all types, we have stunnig food festivals. If food is your thing, in 2024, the region is set to host an array of festivals and events that promise to delight the palate of locals and provide a feast for the eyes. From the famed Taste Cumbria Food Festivals to the unique Cumbria Vegan Fair, there’s something for everyone. Of course, staying in a self-catering cottage offers the perfect base to explore these culinary delights, blending the freedom to…

You can now get seriously medieval at Muncaster Castle. In their new attraction, The Weapon’s Hall, wannabe knights can learn combat sword skills, discover to axe-throw like a viking, fire a cross-bow like a middle-ages pro and acquire some admiral archery abilities. Perfect for stag or hen parties, groups or families with older children looking for new and exhilarating medieval experiences, The Weapons Hall even features mechanical horses, so the newly knighted can practice their jousting skills. Opened in March 2024, The Weapon’s Hall is an indoor arena consisting of purpose-built weapon ranges, making it an exciting place to visit…

Interested to know about film locations in the Lake District National Park? From starring roles to “blink and you’ll miss it” cameos, the Lake District makes for a dramatic and photogenic cinematic backdrop. We’ve put together a list of some Lake District locations made famous by the big screen, so you can follow in the literal footsteps of Hollywood movie stars, and create your own movie magic at some of these picturesque places and iconic settings.   Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 – Buttermere and Fleetwith Pike While somewhat lacking in logic to those with any familiarity to this area…

If you’re coming to stay in Coniston village, you’ll discover it’s the perfect place to park your car at your accommodation, and find you don’t actually need it for the rest of your holiday. There is some of the best walking in the Lake District direct from the village centre. Mighty mountains, hidden tarns and far-reaching views; there are so many incredible hikes to discover in this spectacular area. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourites, so you can give your car a well-earned holiday in Coniston too. Dow Crag and Goats Water 13km 4.3 hours This…