Boutique Cottages in Lake District and Cumbria

The Lake District is abundant with sumptuous restaurants and fine dining experiences for you to uncover during your heavenly getaway. Michelin starred Askham Hall in Penrith is a gloriously historic home in a rural setting, where the restaurant presents a 6-course tasting menu crafted from their very own bountiful kitchen gardens, perfect if you’re craving some indulgent flavours. Not too far from the shores of Ullswater is the 1863 restaurant, where you’ll discover chic interiors, a lovely atmosphere, and a team endeavouring to source and forage local produce to bring both delectable and unique flavours to your plate. Further afield, The Samling restaurant has panoramic views across the dramatic Windermere, serving bold flavours with ingredients sourced from their greenhouse, gardens, and surrounding woodland. If you’re looking to savour enticing flavours from the comfort of your luxury abode, pay a visit to Rattle Ghyll Fine Food & Deli, a lovely delicatessen nestled in the centre of The Lake District in Ambleside serving home-cooked goods and ethically sourced food. For those dreaming of sampling flavours from the other side of the globe, The Doi Intanon serves authentic Thai cuisine in Ambleside’s magnificent Market Hall.

Whether you’re seeking a soothing cup of tea or a glass of something special after an adventure filled day, The Lake District is brimming with charming country pubs and cosy corners to unwind in accompanied by the perfect tipple. Established as the birthplace of climbing, the iconic Wasdale Head Inn is surrounded by the Peak’s highest points and is well worth a visit. For a historic afternoon tea, the beautiful Appleby Castle in Eden Valley put on a delicious spread in their extraordinary dining room. Head to The Drunken Duck Inn in Ambleside, an idyllic pub where you can settle fireside to admire their gorgeous interiors. You’ll feel instantly at home under the original beamed ceilings laced with foliage, their walls brimming with quirky frames. If you’re looking for somewhere to admire serene views in a tranquil setting, The Reverie cocktail bar at The Samling, named after a romantic Wordsworth poem, is the perfect setting to enjoy jaw-droppings views of the Coniston mountain range while sipping a carefully curated cocktail. If you’re not straying too far from your retreat, Fell Penrith serves their own vividly branded craft beer from their Cumbrian brewery. If you want to make a day of it, venture to The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria, where they believe in holistic whisky making and naturally layering flavours for the ultimate alcoholic blend. They also have a collection of beautifully crafted gin and vodka exquisitely bottled. The distillery offers a variety of tours, from chocolate and whisky pairing, to meeting the alpacas who graze on site. The Bistro, set in a former cattle parlour even offer afternoon high tea with a cocktail making masterclass. 

Known for the plethora of intricate vistas, wildflower meadows, and stunning lakes, The Lake District is a haven for walkers and wanderlust seekers. The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile waymarked walking route where you can absorb the mesmerising beauty and curves of this natural body of water. Further afield, in the North-West of the Lake District, Ennerdale Water is an incredibly scenic seven mile walk with awe-inspiring views, or you can climb Scafell Pike the highest point in England. If you’d prefer not to walk, hire a multi-coloured rowboat and hop in to travel around the tremendous Lake Windemere, or Lake Buttermere, another jewel for those yearning for a dip. You can even take one of the many steam railways to discover this spectacular region, journeying through winding woodland and epic scenery. Spend days ambling through the many quaint communities dotted around the lakes, such as the Idyllic Grasmere village and adorable town of Ambleside. Penrith, situated in The Eden Valley, is another bustling market town centrally positioned between the Lake District and the North Pennines, where the red sandstone buildings are filled with independent stores and delis serving delicious artisan goods. The Lakes are also home to various ancient stone circles, such as the Castlerigg Stone Circle in Keswick and Long Meg and Her Daughters in Penrith, the second largest cluster in the country. For those seeking some culture after a day exploring the great outdoors stop by the spectacularly situated Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, the creative hub for Cumbria.