Romantic Places to Visit and Stay in the Lake District
The Lake District has been an inspiration for the romantics for generations. Poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge, the writer and philosopher, John Ruskin and countless artists have been moved to create works of brilliance amongst the lakes, valleys and mountains.
And with the breathe-taking scenery at every turn it’s easy to see why. Who can help but feel overcome with romance in such an incredible setting?
We’ve put together a list of some romantic places to go and lovely things to do with your beloved in the Lake District National Park. We’ve also included some ideas on which cottage might suit you, and your other half of course, for your romantic break in the Lakes, this Valentine’s weekend or any time of year!
- Go for a romantic walk
Everyone’s idea of what constitutes a romantic walk may differ. Once couple’s dream hike up Scafell Pike may be couple’s another’s nightmare. With that in mind we’ve selected three of our favourite romantic walks.
If you’re into gentle but scenic walks then you can’t do better than Tarn Hows. The easy, mostly level paths wrap around the tarn and give incredible views throughout. There’s also regular benches to stop, sit and admire your surroundings together. Perfect.
Where to stay? 1 Kirkbeck – a cosy village in a quiet location yet with everything the village of Coniston has to offer on your doorstep.
If a slightly more ruggedly romantic walk is more your thing, then a hike up to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere is worthy of consideration. Picturesque views surround you as you head up the valley alongside the river and waterfalls before emerging at the jewel like Easdale Tarn, surrounded by rugged & towering fells. There are ample places to sit around the tarn and it’s the perfect wild swimming spot in the warmer months.
Where to stay? Herdwick Place, Langdale – with some of the country’s finest walking from the doorstep this cottage is perfect for couples looking to get out and about during their stay. And with a stylish and contemporary interior it’s the perfect cottage to come home to, together.
Looking for sky high romance? Try Swirl How from Coniston – this stunning fell is very similar in height to Coniston Old Man but far less visited, meaning having the summit to yourselves is far more likely. The views from the top are, dare we say, even better than Old Man! Here you can soak up the vista of the ancient fells, mountains & valley’s of the Lake District before you making the summit the perfect place for quiet reflection with your beloved.
Where to stay? Fellside Cottage – a mountain cottage made for 2. What could be more romantic than a weekend in a mountain cottage made for 2? Cosy log burner, astonishing views, remote yet accessible location – perfect for adventure lovers or couples who simply want to lock themselves away from the world – where better than a mountain side?
2. Go for a picnic by a waterfall
While the central Lakes may feel full to bursting during the summer months, it’s easy to find a quiet spot in Coppermines Valley at any time of year. There are several waterfalls to be found in the valley such as close to Miner’s Bridge in Church Beck and further up the valley in Lever’s Water Beck. And what could be more romantic than a picnic for 2 by a thundering waterfall? Pack up your favourite foods, perhaps even something sparkly, and head out to find that perfect place to eat alfresco.
Where to stay? Bridge Suite, Coniston with private hot tub. The village apartment made for 2 is perfectly place for both walking and enjoying the village amenities. After your waterfall picnic jump in the riverside hot tub and relax with your favourite tipple. Lovely!
3. Find a country pub and settle in
Roaring fire, comfy chairs, cosy snugs, delicious food, a fine selection of drinks and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Just some of things you’ll find in a traditional Lakeland pub. Even better, many of our cottages are within a short walk of a legendary Lake District pub so you can both enjoy your pub visit equally, with no worries of driving or taxis.
Some of our favourites include;
- The Black Bull, Coniston. The well-known pub and famous brewery is a thing of legend amongst visitors to the South Lakes area.
Where to stay? Our Forge Cottages are perfectly placed for lazy afternoons or lively evenings in this fabulous pub being close to the pub yet in a quiet, riverside location. They are some of our most popular cottages for a reason
- Wilson’s Arms, Torver. Popular pub with informal pet-friendly bar and a more formal dining room which services delicious and hearty meals.
Where to stay? Cragg Cottage – Want stay someone truly special? Cragg Cottage offers the ultimate in luxury romantic breaks where you and your loved one will want for nothing. It even comes with its own private hot tub with open countryside views. Who said romance was dead has obviously never been to Cragg Cottage.
- The Cuckoo Brow Inn, Far Sawrey – Situated in the heart of the quiet village of the Far Sawrey, just a ¾ mile stroll to the National Trust home of Beatrix Potter, this pub offers a warm welcome by their fire. Situated at the top of the hill in between Lake Windermere and Hawkshead Village, surrounded by beautiful scenery and popular walking and cycling trails.
Where to stay? Stables Cottage or Drawing Room, Far Sawrey. These delightful holiday homes are perfectly placed to enjoy the beautiful Beatrix Potter country around them. Both made for 2 and with gorgeous views they each offer tranquillity and comfort and access to the stunning shared grounds of the Sawrey Knotts Estate.
4. Go on a lake cruise
Where there’s lakes there’s boats! And on Coniston Water you can take aromantic ride on the iconic Gondola. Cruise around the lake or hop off at Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin, for afternoon tea on their terrace enjoying incredible views over Coniston Water to Old Man and the other Coniston fells.
Where to stay? Badger’s or Mole’s. Two cute and cosy cottages all made for especially for two. Each with its own log-burner, comfy bed and all in an idyllic setting overlooking Coniston Water and the surrounding mountains. The ultimate in Lake District romantic hideaways.
5. Dine out or dine in
A romantic, candlelit meal for 2 might be something for a romance cliché, however here in the Lakes, surrounded by majestic mountains and inspiring scenery, we think there really is nowhere more romantic to share a special meal with your loved one.
Either in your cottage or at one of the many outstanding restaurants in the Lake District, the Lakes is a food lover’s paradise. From the outstanding 3 Michelin Star L’Enclume in Cartmel to fabulous and informal bistros like Steam, Coniston and Base, Ulverston – you could easily dine out every night without getting bored.
And for something really special why not have a chef cook for you in your well equipped cottage kitchen? Or even have your meal prepared by Micheline Star chef Simon Rogan and delivered to your Coppermines Cottage through Rogan at Home?
Where to stay? All of our cottages made for two with full equipped kitchens and, as they are all inside the National Park boundary, they are all perfectly placed for a culinary Lake District adventure for 2.
6. Discover new adventures, together
Zip lining, Vi Ferrata, Ghyll Scrambling, Mountain Biking, Forest Segway – there’s so many new things to discover as a couple here in the Lakes. You know the saying “couples who zip line together, stay together” (it goes something along those lines doesn’t it?). So why not take the lunge and throw yourselves into new adventures during your next Lake District break?
Where to stay? Mill Pool Barn – Perfect for adventure lovers it comes with ample storage for bikes and all your adventure gear. And when you’re taking a break from adventuring you can lie in bed and watch the clouds drift over Coniston Old Man summit. Enjoy a morning coffee in your private and secluded riverside garden. Spend evenings snuggling up in luxury. Enjoy romantic lakeside walks. Visit the alpacas in the neighbouring field. (Ok the last one might not be everyone’s idea of romance but who doesn’t love an alpaca?) All of this and more is available in one of our most romantic cottages, Mill Pool Barn.
