Spring in the Lakes is one of the best times to be here.
Daffodils are dancing, lambs are jumping for joy, blossom on the trees and hopefully blue skies and a soft breeze! (We do of course get rain too, so make sure you come prepared for all weather.)
Let us take you on a little tour of some of our favourite places to visit in the Spring.
Brockhole Visitor Centre, Windermere
Brockhole is a brilliant place to take the family and spend the day. With adventure playgrounds, Tree Top Trek, lots of seasonal events, archery, exhibitions and beautiful gardens to wander in, there really is something for everyone.
Add to that different cafes and eating places, the wonderful Gaddum Restaurant and a great shop, kayak and canoe hire, and even pony-trekking, you’ll have a really fun-filled and absorbing day out.
Glencoyne Bay & Aira Force Ullswater
The very place where William Wordsworth saw ‘a host of golden daffodils’. Park at the National Trust car park (fee applies, or free for members) and enjoy the boardwalk and footpath along the side of the road… the gorgeous yellow blooms are just beautiful at this time of year, and you’ll see lambs, and Herdwick sheep. You can then head across to Aira Force car park, enjoy a cuppa in the cafe and wander up the beautiful Aira Force.
Grasmere Village and the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden, Grasmere
Grasmere village is just a beautiful place to potter around, visit the Grasmere Gingerbread shop, perhaps have a cuppa or a beer at a local cafe or pub. The Wordsworth Daffodil Garden was started in 2003, which includes a gentle path meandering around benches, inscribed paving stones, shrubs and daffodils.
Funds raised help various local charities, including the National Trust, the Wordsworth Trust, the South Lakeland Housing Trust, and the Friends of St Oswald’s, for the continuing maintenance of St Oswald’s Church, the beautiful local church of the village.
Grasmere itself has an easy path all the way around, and you can add on the walk around Rydal water too, for a 2 hour level walk.
Stagshaw Gardens, Waterhead, Ambleside
Stagshaw is a delightful haven from the hustle and bustle of Ambleside. Close to the lake at Waterhead, this beautiful 8-acre natural woodland garden is full of azaleas, rhododendrons, camelias and a lovely mix of spring flowers, complete with a babbling stream running through it. It was created for the National Trust by Cubby Acland, and you’ll get peeks of Windermere through the trees and find benches and bridges to explore. Further afield is Skelghyll Woods and the Champion Tree trail, with Cumbria’s tallest tree the Grand Fir. A great way to spend a couple of hours.
Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, Newby Bridge
Blackwell is a rare architectural gem, a Grade I listed building and a fine example of Arts & Crafts architecture. Designed by noted architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, the Arts & Craft movement was inspired by the natural world, embracing traditional craft skills during the 20th century.
Almost all of Blackwell’s original features survive, along with immaculate furniture and beautiful decorative flourishes. With a peaceful, tranquil setting and tremendous views across Windermere and the Coniston Fells, the house also has a lawned garden, hosts fascinating exhibitions, and has a superb cafe serving the most delicious cakes, and shop with work from local and national artists. There’s an entry fee to the house but its free to wander the lawn, and the shop and cafe.
Browse our fabulous lodges, cottages and pods and book your spring break