Although I’m a city girl at heart, there’s nothing quite like an escape to the countryside. My twin sister Laura, our family dog Tilly and I headed up north, for a trip to the Lake District in Cumbria. It’s my new favourite place in England. The views were incredible driving through the Yorkshire Dales, the crisp air and the abundance of greenery, made me feel very relaxed and happy.
After a five hour drive we were ready to check in. We stayed at a lovely B&B in Lake Windermere called Ellerdene Guesthouse where I would definitely recommend if you’re visiting the Lakes. It’s a very cosy, friendly, comfortable guest house in a great location. There are a lot of places to explore in the Lake District, so we decided to go to a different place each day. My favourite places to visit were Keswick, Hawkshead, Ambleside & Grasmere.
Walking through Keswick was breathtakingly beautiful and we were able to see some amazing views of the mountains. Tilly loved having a run around and meeting other dogs. Keswick is a town of the Lake district, located on the stunning Derwantwater Lake, a great walking route. 
Beers and blankets after a day of exploring 🙂
Hawkshead is a wonderfully picturesque village with cluster’s of whitewashed houses, archways and alleyways, courtyards and squares.
It’s filled with traditional gift shops and tea rooms. We had lunch in the Sun Cottage Cafe, how could we not? I’ve never seen a Victoria Sponge cake so big…
I went for the chocolate and strawberry victoria sponge which was just delicious…
Ambleside was another favourite place of mine. A busy market town surrounded by beautiful scenery and has lots of lovely shops and cosy pubs/cafes.
We went to a tea room for lunch that had been recommended called Rattle Gill cafe, it was raining and cold outside and we fancied something comforting to eat and this was the perfect place. I had homemade vegetable chilli with warm bread 🙂
Afterwards we couldn’t resist but to make a visit to a very well known café and bakery in the centre of Ambleside called ‘The Apple Pie Cafe’. The name gives it away, they are famous for their homemade apple pie and bath buns, of course I went for the mixed spiced apple pie with ice cream.
An afternoon walking round Ambleside left us sat by the lake with choc dip ice creams, the best kind!
Grasmere is a very popular village, again has plenty of gift shops and places to eat. Most of the buildings date from the 29th early 20th century. There is a famous Gingerbread shop in Grasmere where victorian cook Sarah Belson invented Grasmere gingerbread in 1854. The gingerbread is a cross between a biscuit and a cake, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Grasmere.
I felt thoroughly refreshed after a week in the countryside. The Lake District is a place I will definitely be returning to whenever I need some rest and relaxation.
Have any of you guys visited the Lakes before? G xx
