In 'normal' times I'm very much a European city break kinda gal and will squeeze absolutely as much as humanly possible into a holiday (leaving me feeling very fulfilled in terms of having explored a lot, but also feeling like I need another holiday afterwards to recover). For rather obvious reasons, staycations have been all the rage this (and last) year and although city breaks will always have a piece of my heart, I'm a convert to this slower pace of holidaying.
The Lake District is one of the most serene places I've ever been and I felt so relaxed I could happily have just stayed there forever in a little bubble of beautiful scenery and good food. Despite not having been to The Lakes since I was a teenager I think we did a pretty stellar job of planning our time to be as wholesome as possible so I thought I'd put together a few of the things we did right (in my humble opinion).
Stay off the beaten track // We stayed in Coniston, which might not quite be considered off the beaten track, but it's not one of your major tourist spots. Coniston still had all the things you'd want from The Lakes - a lake (obvs), plenty of walks, beautiful scenery, good food - just with not quite so many people. The touristy spots are obviously touristy for a reason so I'd definitely recommend visiting them, but they do get busy so getting away from all that a little makes for a more relaxing holiday.
Drink in the scenery // Absolutely everywhere in The Lake District is beautiful so step away from scrolling on your phone and admire the scenery. Whether you're a passenger in the car (eyes on the road drivers), walking around or sitting having a coffee make sure you simply look and appreciate.
Leave some free time for spontaneity // We made a rough plan of things we wanted to do and places we wanted to visit while we were there, but also made sure to leave a bit of free time. This meant that if we spotted somewhere that looked worth a visit on the way to somewhere else we could simply pull over and explore as we went.
Spend time by the water // This is most likely what you're visiting for anyway, but there really is something so calming and relaxing about being by the water and we absolutely made the most of it. We walked round lakes, sat by lakes and hired two different boats to take out on the water (a rowing boat and a motor boat). The motor boat was one of my favourite things we did while we were there so I'd definitely recommend actually getting out on the water if you can!
Get out of your comfort zone // A holiday in the Lake District can be as active or as not so active as you want to make it; I'd say we opted for a middle ground as we do enjoy a good hike (god I sound old). One thing we really wanted to do was climb up Old Man Coniston, a popular fell walk (although I like to say mountain) and although we've never done anything like that before it was such a fun challenge. It wasn't too difficult (although that's easy to say afterwards) and I'm so glad we did it!
Do you like the slower pace of staycations in the UK?
Amy x
You got some incredible photos from your time there and I like your floral top! It looks and sounds like such a relaxing trip :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you had a great weekend :) We had a busy but fun long weekend!
Away From The Blue
Thank you! Glad you had a good weekend - it already feels like so long ago! xx
DeleteLove this post! We stay in Coniston every year as it's so quiet and peaceful - exactly what the Lakes are all about! Ruth Writes / ruthwrite.blog
ReplyDeleteAh we absolutely loved it! Such a fab place x
DeleteI'd love to do something like this for my honey moon! We went on slow staycation to Whitby at the start of the summer and it was great! We just went with the flow and worked around Leo, it was so relaxed!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are stunning.
Corinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
Oooh The Lake District would be absolutely amazing for a chilled honeymoon! I'd love to spend more time around Whitby xx
DeleteOh my gosh, the Lake District is so beautiful! I love your photos so much!
ReplyDeleteIt was so gorgeous there, thanks lovely! x
DeleteOh, it makes me so happy to see how you enjoyed yourself in the place I call home! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteKatie May x
What a stunning place to live! Thank you lovely x
DeleteThe Lake District looks stunning and I'm so glad you had a lovely time there! x
ReplyDeleteLucy Mary
It's so gorgeous! Thank you lovely :) x
DeleteI've always wanted to go to the Lake District, it's at the top of my list!
ReplyDeleteRosie
Ah it's so good I'd definitely recommend! x
DeleteNever had the chance to go to the Lake District, but I've heard it's amazing x
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing, definitely go if you get the chance! x
DeleteI'm 100% here for the slower pace of life the lakes bring. We've been a few times now and have loved every visit. I think you're right to have a loose plan, but just go with the flow whilst you're there. Your photos look fab!
ReplyDeleteClaire.x
It's such a wonderful place to visit isn't it, glad you've had a good time there too :) x
DeleteSuch a beautiful post! I love the lake district and now I want to go! This is the first year in a while I haven't been there. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks Gemma, it's so gorgeous there isn't it! x
DeleteThis looks like such a chill and relaxing trip; you're making me want to head into the hills with a backpack Amy, haha!
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com x
Ah you should do it, it's so relaxing! x
DeleteFabulous view, and chic look.
ReplyDeleteNice article, thanks for sharing this!
Diana,
Ferbena Fashion Blog & Magazine
I'd love to visit The Lake District at some point, it looks so nice and relaxing. I actually have some family members who holiday there in the VW campervan multiple times per year because they love it so much.
ReplyDeleteP.S. You took some lovely photos during your visit! x
astoldbykirsty.co.uk
It's such a lovely place, would definitely recommend it! x
DeleteThe Lake District is so beautiful, you have taken some gorgeous pictures here, particularly the last one. I visited about a year and a half ago and desperately want to go back.
ReplyDeleteAmy x
The July Rose
Ah thank you, I'm dying to go back already! x
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