Exploring Beautiful Britain: The Lake District

Where to stay

We’re very lucky too, as you don’t have to travel far to see sights that will take even the most – shall we say, wilful – child’s breath away. Britain is beautiful with its rolling hills, rugged coastlines, vast beaches and deep lakes, and being a brand with deep rural roots, we’ve been lucky enough to see the best of this green and pleasant land.

Our favourite hotel pick is Another Place, The Lake. With panoramic views of Ullswater, this beautiful Georgian hotel is dog friendly and the ideal place to unwind and discover adventure and tranquillity in the Lakes. Treat yourself to a treatment, have a dip in the pool while you enjoy the views, and cosy up with a cuppa in the peaceful lounges. Bliss.

At Another Place, you’ll find many lovely rooms, but only one has a brass knocker on the door in the shape of a hare. We’ve partnered with Another Place, and decked out a double suite with Joules homewares, furniture and bed linen. Top tip: take a closer look at the art on the wall. Our clever designers were inspired by nature all around the hotel to create something unique and extra special for the Joules suite. There’s room for a family of four but this suite isn’t dog friendly, so it’s worth booking a dog-sitter if you want to stay here.

What to do

Now, we won’t judge you if you want to hang up your wellies for a few days and soak up everything that Another Place has to offer. If you do want to venture outdoors and explore, then you’re in luck as there’s plenty around to keep you and the little ones busy.

After breakfast, do a spot of fishing, take a short stroll down to Ullswater Marine to have a look at the boats or take a kayak across the lake. Afterwards, why not take a drive over to Keswick and take a walk with alpacas around the beautiful Lingholm Estate on the shore of Derwentwater? The drive will take you half an hour, but what you lose in time you’ll gain in memories.

If you have little ones in tow or you fancy reawakening your inner child, then you must visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction and meet some of the beloved characters.

If something a little more daring fits the bill, then Lakeland Bird of Prey is open every day. Enjoy a slice of cake and a cuppa in the tea room and follow it up with a flying demonstration featuring a collection of hawks, falcons, vultures, eagles and owls from around the world. You can even handle them, if you or your little ones are brave enough!

If you fancy pulling on your walking boots and stretching your legs, there are some marvellous sights close to Ullswater. We recommend researching the Fells: Place Fell, Hallin Fell and Gowbarrow Fell. Breathe in the breath-taking landscapes all around you as you explore some of the best sights that Britain has to offer.

Where to eat

It will come as no surprise that this area is littered with charming village pubs, all ready to welcome you with delicious, homemade food. There’s so much choice that you’ll be able to eat somewhere new every night if you’d like to.

Why not take a short drive over to the quaint 19^th-century Pooley Bridge Inn, or if fine dining is your bag, then try Four & Twenty, which is a 15-minute drive away.

Alternatively, great food is available at Another Place, either in The Living Space bar or Rampsbeck Restaurant. A short drive away is the North Lakes hotel in Penrith, which offers live cookery demonstrations every Saturday with delicious steaks cooked right in front of you.

What to play

Whether it’s a long car journey or a scenic walk through the Fells, it’s a good idea to have a selection of games up your sleeve to keep little ones entertained, interested and engaged.

Banish boring car rides with a classic game of I spy, a firm favourite of children of all ages, or The Memory Game, which encourages little ones to both make up and memorise a long shopping list by reciting the whole list and taking it in turns to add one item at a time.

There are plenty of ways to keep little ones occupied once you’ve reached The Lake District. Whether you go on a bug hunt, play in the rain or have a picnic, encourage little ones to collect souvenirs such as pebbles, leaves or fallen flowers to help them remember the trip long after it’s over.