Enjoying the Lakes on a Budget
Enjoying the Lakes on a Budget
The Lake District National Park is here to be enjoyed by everybody – whatever their budget. While those who wish to can come and “splash the cash” it is equally possible to come, enjoy and get the very best out of this UNESCO World Heritage Site whatever your budget may be. Here are our top tips for experiencing everything this stunning part of the world has to offer without breaking the bank.
- Travel outside of the busy and peak seasons. If it’s possible to do so then it will be of no surprise to learn that visiting the National Park outside of the peak season is cheaper and, with the exception of a few grazing Herdwicks, you can have the fells largely to yourself!
- Walk. It’s one of the main reasons people come to visit the Lakes and it’s absolutely free! The only cost to you will be calories burned. There are endless walks for all abilities, from gentle strolls along peaceful lakesides to challenging fell walks in amongst spectacular mountain scenery. Coniston has many varied walks possible from the village itself meaning there is no need to pay for parking if you are staying in the village. Simply plan your walk, strap on your boots and head out for an invigorating, soul-refreshing experience that money simply cannot buy.
- Pack a picnic. Replace some of that energy spent walking at some of the best picnic spots in the country. With no need to trawl the internet for reviews, no need to phone up to try and secure a reservation and no need to worry about the final bill, the opportunities for alfresco dining in the Lakes are practically infinite. And the staggeringly beautiful views from your dining room come completely free of charge!
- Grab a towel and head to the beach. You may not necessarily think of beaches when you think of Cumbria yet, as well as lakes and mountains, the county also encompasses mile upon mile of stunning, and mostly empty, beaches. These are vast, wide open spaces, offering opportunity aplenty for walking, riding, exploring, playing and, if you’re feeling brave, swimming. Our favourites include; Silecroft Beach, Haverigg Beach, Roanhead and the beaches along Walney Island’s western shore, which is also home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria.
- “On yer bike”. If you enjoy mountain biking, or just fancy giving it a try, then the Lakes is home to hundreds of miles of trails, for everyone from the absolute beginner to those who want to be seriously challenged. Forests such as Grizedale and Whinlatter offer mountain biking trails with a variety of distances for a varied range of abilities. There are also endless bridleways woven throughout the National Park to explore. And, if your legs are feeling up to tackling some hills, then cycling can be a fantastic and free way to get around.
- Visiting with children? As well as the opportunities for walking, cycling and swimming the Lakes is also home to some excellent (and free!) play parks. Brockhole, on the shores of Windermere, has one of the largest and best adventure playgrounds around. The Visitor’s Centre offers the free play park alongside paid for activities (which you can choose to partake in if you wish) or you can simply spend some time exploring the grounds and the historic house, walking along the shoreline and stopping at one of the ample picnic spots. Grizedale Forest also features a popular play park alongside its various walking trails, featuring sculptures and artwork awaiting discovery amongst the trees. Finally, Fell Foot Park offers a grand day out for families on a budget, where you can spend the day taking in the stunning views, relaxing by the lake, strolling through the grounds or participating in some of the activities which run throughout the year.
- Cook for yourself. Instead of going out for an evening meal consider buying food at a local market or farm shop and preparing it yourself; all of our cottages contain well-equipped kitchens to aid you in your culinary creations. Cumbria is bursting with fabulous, fresh, local produce and is famous for specialities such as Cumberland Sausage and Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding. Farmer’s Markets take place every Thursday and Saturday in Keswick, every Wednesday at Sedbergh and at various other towns and villages throughout the county. Food Festivals also run throughout the year with some of the most popular including and the Taste Cumbria Festivals in Ulverston and Cockermouth.
- Do your research. We have cottages to suit every pocket from five-star luxury to quaint countryside retreats and from cosy, sleep 2 home from homes to large inter-connecting houses which can accommodate up to 22 people. Choose the location that’s right for you, meaning less money spent on transport while you’re here and, if you’re lucky enough to have plenty of friends, then booking a large cottage and splitting the cost between you can be a great way to keep individual costs down.
We are local experts with first-hand knowledge of all of our properties and are on-hand seven days a week to offer practical help and honest advice to assist you in planning your visit. So if you’re looking to stay local, and book local, then look no further than the Coppermines.
