Cumbria and the Lake District

Day One

Arrive in Cumbria and check in at the Lakeside Hotel. Situated on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park, this former coach inn retains the atmosphere of its 17th century past with oak panels and real fires. The 2 AA Rosette Lakeview serve  a range of classic and Cumbrian dishes, using the finest local produce, fresh from Lakeland farms, lakes and estate.

Enjoy lunch at the established Michelin Star restaurant, L'Enclume, situated in the historic village of Cartmel. The restaurant prides itself on pushing the boundaries of cooking using the finest locally sourced ingredients. 

Situated near the historic village of Cartmel, Holker Hall, Gardens & Motor Museum is a magnificent Victorian property that is home to Lord & Lady Cavendish. The Hall, Gardens and Motor Museum comprises of three attractions in setting. Holker Hall also has a delightful Cumbrian Café, unique gift shop with many items personally selected by Lady Cavendish, plus a food hall offering locally produced items and a unique range of Tuscan products from the estate of Lord and Lady Cavendish in Italy.

Enjoy an evening meal at the hotel.

With 19 4* hotels in the Cumbria region, you can alternatively choose to stay in unique and elegant properties including Rothay Garden Hotel, Low Wood, Lodore Falls and Swan Hotel

Check in at the Holbeck Ghyll in Windermere. One of the most luxurious hotels in the Lake District complete with health spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and endless views of Lake Windermere. Set in its own extensive grounds, the hotel is the perfect location for a relaxing, pampering break.

Take a traditional stroll up Stock Ghyll Lane through the leafy woods to the tumbling waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force which drops 60ft. There are benches to rest your feet and admire the views.

You can be as virtuous or as decadent as you choose at this award-winning lunch time Ambleside institution. The emphasis at Lucy’s On A Plate restaurant is on quality local produce so expect damsons, fresh trout and Waberthwaite bacon to make an appearance.

Return to the hotel to enjoy your choice of treatment in the luxury spa. There is a wide range of pampering treats to choose from including scalp massages and body polishes. Then you can relax in the sauna and spa.

In the evening, experience fine dining in the Michelin Star restaurant.

On arrival to Ullswater, check in at Sharrow Bay. Nestled amid twelve acres of private gardens and woodlands, Sharrow Bay and its Michelin starred restaurant is one of the finest luxury hotels in the Lake District and the original country house hotel. The dining room affords spectacular views to the lake and fells beyond.

Take a trip around ‘England’s most beautiful lake and enjoy the scenery on one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Celebrating over 150 years of sailing on the lake, Ullswater Steamers have a vessel that was originally launched back in 1877. The vessels create the perfect opportunity to combine relaxation with views of the natural fells and mountain surroundings.

From the lake, sit for lunch at the Inn on the Lake. As the name suggests, you can’t get much closer to the water than at this hotel. Restaurant tables spill out onto the terrace overlooking the lake.

Visit Europes largest earth covered building and award-winning attraction of Rheged- Named after Cumbria’s Celtic Kingdom. The attraction includes a cinema screen the size of 6 double decker buses, work by local artists and a well stocked food hall that is bursting with local produce.

For dinner, enjoy the hospitality of Leeming House Hotel. This 200 year old house is surrounded by 22 acres of gardens and woodland leading down to the shores of Ullswater. The Regency restaurant offers a modern, classic menu, using only the finest local ingredients, with everything made in-house.

Arrive at The Roundthorn Country House, a Grade II Listed Georgian Mansion, set in its own landscaped grounds with panoramic views of the Eden Valley, Pennines and Lakeland Fells.

Spend the morning at Rookin House Farm, an established adventure venue that has been offering a wide variety of outdoor activities for over 20 years. Family owned and operated, Rookin House has a strong focus on both fun and safety. With over 35 horses, great facilities and beautiful countryside to explore, the equestrian centre offers something for riders of all abilities. Alternatively, try other activities off site such as canoeing, ghyll scrambling, cycling, sailing, rock climbing and abseiling. 

For longer incentives this itinerary can easily be combined with the following itineraries;

* Liverpool and England's Golf Coast

* NewcastleGateshead and Durham




** For more information about this itinerary or other Cumbria & Lake District suggestions please contact us at meetengland@visitengland.org **