Blog (Treat Yourself) - Visit Lake District

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, the Masons Arms Inn, Strawberry Bank offers you an idyllic base to immerse yourself in nature's wonders.

Embrace a dog-friendly environment, ensuring you can enjoy a worry-free getaway while your beloved pooch sits right beside you.

Planning your summer adventures? Why not head to Cumbria and discover a county rich in charm, with plenty to see and do. From a family holiday to a romantic getaway, this is the perfect place to be.

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The Michelin Stars for 2023 have been announced, and the Lake District, Cumbria has an outstanding 13 Michelin Stars across 11 restaurants! Read on to discover some of the wrold-class restaurants on the list.

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With the holidays fast approaching, there’s a cultural feast available for everyone in South Lakeland this Easter. Get inspired with these arts, culture and heritage attractions & activities across the South Lakes.

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It's March in the Lake District, Cumbria, and now is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Read on to get inspired, from great places to stay to wildlife activities.

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With its stunning landscapes, unique places to stay, and fantastic food and drink, the Lake District is a romantic’s dream - and the perfect place to pop the question!

It only seems five minutes since Christmas, but the half term holiday is already upon us! If you’re visiting with your kids, we’ve got plenty to entertain you.

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Discover a rich arts and culture scene in the South Lakes. From museums and art galleries to theatres and historic homes, there's something for all to enjoy.

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Discover February in the Lake District, Cumbria: there's plenty to experience throughout the month.

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Reflect, reconnect and rejuvenate in the Lake District, Cumbria. This is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and take care of your health and wellbeing.

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2023 is the perfect time for an adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria. There's lots on this year in our beautiful region - check out our ultimate guide to visiting the area this year.

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This is the perfect time to plan ahead for 2023, and the Lake District, Cumbria, has all the promise of new adventures to enjoy. Whether it’s a family break, a romantic getaway, a solo trip or a holiday with friends, this is the perfect place to be.

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From theatre to lunch with Santa, there’s plenty for a fun-filled Christmas for all the family in the Lake District, Cumbria. Read on to discover what's on across the area during the festive season.

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Cosy winter accommodation, Christmas markets, glittering lights and plenty of festive fun awaits in the Lake District, Cumbria, this December. Discover what's on this month here.

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‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we’ve got plenty to get you into the festive spirit in the Lake District, Cumbria. From Christmas markets to spectacular landscapes, discover why the Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to be this Christmas.

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The Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to be for a taste sensation. Join us and discover for yourself why the Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to eat and drink.

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You will find the Royal Oak hotel situated at the pretty village of Rosthwaite in the Borrowdale Valley. We consider ourselves fortunate to have an abundance of walks accessible right from our door-step, Cat Bells, Castle Cragg, Langstrath Valley, Grange Fell and High Spy to name a few.

From the sparkling frosts to the snow covered mountain tops and frozen lakes, December in the Lake District is the essence of Christmas. Enjoy the secluded fells and villages at the quietest time to visit the popular World Heritage Site and finish your days at our hilltop hotel, alongside a roaring fire, sipping on mulled wine.

As winter approaches, there’s so much to look forward to in the Lake District, Cumbria. From lively lantern processions and quirky masquerade festivals to Christmas markets and traditional fayres, there’s something for everyone. Discover what's on here.

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Have you got an electric car? It’s easy to enjoy a day out in the South Lakes in your EV, with charging points across the area; and some brilliant places to visit!

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As we say hello to autumn, an exciting roster of cultural events awaits - there's everything from comic art to famous classic paintings. Join us this October and discover a world of arts and culture in Cumbria.

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Pure Lakes Skincare, based in Staveley, Cumbria has won, ‘The Makers & Producers’ award at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2022. This category recognises makers and producers whose high quality, locally made products create a unique and memorable experience for visitors to Cumbria.

Looking for somewhere to go for brunch in the Lake District, Cumbria? From classics like avocado on sourdough, to creative dishes like smoked beef briskets, these brunch spots in the Lake District, Cumbria, will be sure to satisfy your appetite.

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Join the Hiking Household as they explore family friendly attractions across Cumbria - from historic castles with adventure playgrounds, to heritage railways and scenic steam boats.

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In July the Cumbria Tourism Awards winners were crowned. To celebrate, we’re running through our bucket list of winners - today, it's the turn of our food & drink businesses.

Whether it’s a birthday buffet, a family feast or just an excuse to get together, the Booths Food to Order service has everything you need for any occasion.

In July the Cumbria Tourism Awards winners were crowned. To celebrate, we’re running through our bucket list of winners - kicking off with our experiences and producers.

Summer is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends. Whatever your travel style, there’s something for you to enjoy in the Lake District, Cumbria

If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your summer evenings in the Lake District, Cumbria, we’ve got just the thing. Sail into the sunset on Windermere, glass of fizz in hand, with Windermere Lake Cruises’ Summer Evening Buffet Cruise.

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This summer, discover an array of events taking place across the Lake District, Cumbria. From country shows packed with tradition, to local food festivals, there’s something for everyone.

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Father's Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for a last minute gift idea we've got you covered! There's everything from adventure activities to gift vouchers, whisky tours to glamping.

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The benefits of reconnecting with nature and getting our bodies moving are well documented - and there’s no better place to do so than in the Lake District!

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Hello June: the last month of spring and the start of summer, with all the promise of new adventures ahead. Check out what’s on here, and join us for a right royal knees up.

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With its dramatic landscapes, the Lake District, Cumbria has been the location for more than a few movies and TV series – from Hollywood blockbusters to Netflix originals. If you’re a film fan, read on to discover some of the locations used for filming across the county.

Join us in the Lake District, Cumbria, to celebrate in style, with plenty taking place across the four-day bank holiday weekend.

May in the Lake District, Cumbria, is a truly magical time. A blanket of seasonal colour envelopes our breath-taking landscapes, and our events calendar heats up with festivals and markets taking place across the region.

Calvert Lakes – part of the Lake District Calvert Trust offer a fun-filled outdoor adventure experience in the Lake District, bringing outdoor adventure to all.

Spring has sprung, and the Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to be. With warmer weather comes a fresh wash of colour, as well as the promise of more time spent outdoors. From family fun to outdoor adventure, here are ten reasons why you should put a trip to the Lake District, Cumbria, on your bucket list this spring.

Fan favourite Downton Abbey returns to the big screen this year, in Downton Abbey: A New Era. If the grand houses and luxurious lifestyle of the Crawley family pique your interest, we’ve rounded up some places where you can live out your Downton dreams in the Lake District, Cumbria.

April has arrived in the Lake District, Cumbria, bringing with it plenty to discover. This is the perfect time to explore, as our landscapes come alive with spring colour and new life.

From sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and family fun, to pebbled shores with a fascinating array of wildlife, take a look at our guide to Barrow’s beautiful coast and its beaches.

If you are seeking a cracking last-minute Easter escape, then Cumbria is a must-visit!

Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) will return to the traditional May slot and kick off the summer festival season in style.

Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle is not only a history buff’s ‘must see’ destination, but also a shopper’s delight and a food lover’s joy.

It may be small but Brampton is a town full of surprises.  Known for its proximity to the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, it is less well known for its range of independent shops and cafes plus a wealth of outdoor spaces to explore and enjoy. 

As we become more environmentally conscious, the way we choose to travel is changing. Swapping the trusty motor car for more sustainable travel methods makes a huge difference in reducing your carbon footprint AND helps to protect the spectacular landscapes that we are so famous for.

It’s no secret that Beatrix Potter is synonymous with the Lake District, Cumbria, and 2022 marks 120 years since one of her most famous creations - Peter Rabbit - was first officially published in his own story.

On the southern tip of Cumbria, Barrow awaits. This coastal town boasts the stunning backdrop of Lake District mountains to one side, and the sea to the other. As well as its striking location, it’s also packed with great places to shop.

I have two words for you - Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ll gush irrepressibly and reach for a heart adorned greeting card, feel offended that I dare mention that overrated celebration, or jump into a giant vat of ice-cream.

Now is the perfect time to reconnect: with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself and Cumbria is the place to do just that. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join us for a stay to remember, filled with natural beauty, wildlife, and so much more.

This February, Cumbria’s Dark Skies Festival returns to highlight the magic of the night sky, with a stellar events programme packed with art, outdoor adventure and plenty more.

Hello February: the shortest month of the year, packed with plenty to enjoy! This is a month to reconnect and enjoy precious moments spent with loved ones.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. It’s a day that can feel pressured, compulsory, and commercial. However, it can also be a great excuse to spend time as a couple – an opportunity to reflect and express how lucky we may feel.

Whatever the weather the town of Barrow is brimming with attractions and is a great place to visit with all the family. Read our guide.

This month is ‘Veganuary’: a great opportunity to discover our amazing veggie options in the Lake District, Cumbria. Whether you’re vegan or simply want to discover some great new places to eat, drink and stay, check out our guide.

2022 is going to be an exciting year on the Western Lake District coastal region of Copeland. New art installations, attractions and a programme of outdoor events, are on the horizon so now is the perfect time to plan your next visit.

The Lake District, Cumbria, is a dream for dogs (believe us, we’ve checked!). Long walks, beaches to run on, lakes to swim in, and so much more await both you and your four-legged friend when visiting the area.

A new year is upon us, bringing with it the promise of new adventures to be had in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Cosy season is upon us, and there are plenty of places to stay in the Lake District, Cumbria for a romantic winter getaway.

If you’re looking for stunning coastal views, a rich history, cultural exploration, natural beauty, fantastic shopping, and delicious food and drink, look no further! The Furness Peninsula is perfect for a great day out (or more), with plenty to see and do while you’re there.

Our Christmas Shopping Planner 2021 is your go-to planner to help you get organised for a magical Booths Christmas!

December marks the 250th birthday of Dorothy Wordsworth; diarist, letter writer, one of the first women to climb Scafell Pike (England’s tallest mountain) - and of course, sister of Romantic Poet, William Wordsworth.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we’ve got plenty to get you into the festive spirit in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Copeland lies on the western side of Cumbria and although famous for its world class Lake District landscape and stunning coastline, Copeland is also brimming with dynamic and exciting shops, offering everything from simple groceries to artisan gifts and food.

Across the autumn and winter months – the Ten Lakes Spectacular is Mountain Goat’s beloved full-day tour for visitors. Allowing you to see 10 of our famous lakes in one day – some from afar and many up close at the water's edge, with plenty of time to stop for pictures and short strolls in between.

It’s November in the Lake District, Cumbria; and the magic of autumn can be seen all around. This is cosy season: walks up Wainwrights followed by warming pub meals, trips to museums and galleries; evenings spent stargazing; and plenty more await.

As the clocks fall back for autumn the onset of colder weather and longer dark nights can seem a gloomy prospect, but it’s not all bad! When the clocks change on October 31^st, we gain one full extra hour – so why not put it to good use? Learn something, help someone, do something enjoyable…here are our suggestions for getting the most out of your extra hour.

Things go off with a bang in the Lake District, Cumbria in November. Those crisp winter days and dark nights are a perfect time to explore this amazing part of the world. You’ll find live music, theatre, exhibitions and much more.

There is something magical about giving Christmas gifts that your friends and family love. So, if you are searching for shopping inspiration, we have done the research and compiled a list of shopping ideas to help you find the perfect Christmas gift in South Lakeland.

The Lake District, Cumbria is no stranger to a little rain! Don’t let wet weather dampen your spirits: there’s plenty to do when the heavens open. Explore the area with our list of weatherproof activities across the county.

We have it on good authority that a holiday in the Lake District ranks highly on a dog’s wish list. And so, we took to the parks and did a bit of sniffing around, chatted to some of our four-legged guests, and asked them what makes a pawsome dog friendly holiday.

A chill in the air, crisp leaves underfoot, and hues of red, gold and orange painting the landscape: autumn in the Lake District is quite simply breathtaking. From reinvigorating walks to local food fairs, here are our top 10 reasons why you need to plan an autumn trip to the Lake District.

The leaves are beginning to turn, painting the landscape in reds, golds and oranges; and there’s a refreshing chill in the air. Autumn is here, and the Lake District, Cumbria, is looking simply stunning.

Summer holidays may be coming to a close but there’s still so much to see and do in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Picture this - you have just finished climbing the iconic Old Man of Coniston, there is a light dusting of snow on your boots and your cheeks are rosy with the cold. You arrive back to your inn, delighted to feel the warmth of crackling open fires, smell the delicious homecooked food and see the comfiest of chairs waiting for you.

Ever since it was first announced that The Staycation Express would return for 2021, I was excited about the prospect of taking this journey on the wonderful historic Settle to Carlisle railway. Even more so when I found out the train that would feature this year.

It just happens to be afternoon tea week. Not that we need a special reason to indulge in a selection of sandwiches, scones and homemade cakes.

The perfect staycation does exist and it's here in the Lake District, Cumbria. The great outdoors is waiting for you so don’t miss the chance to celebrate the summer with fun-filled days.

Make your summer one to remember with fantastic food, delicious drinks and being surrounded by friends and family.

Summer holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria are only a short time away. So, get ready to rediscover the outdoors, take a deep breath of fresh air and explore the beautiful scenery Cumbria, has to offer.

Summer here in the Lake District, Cumbria is a truly spectacular time to visit. Rediscover the destination and explore new things to see and do, reconnect with loved ones and make new memories or recharge in the outdoors with fresh air and wide-open spaces.

For our blog, we thought we would ask one of our four-legged guests to take the lead. Unsurprisingly, he bounced at the opportunity to tell you all about his recent trip to Ullswater. We’ll let him introduce himself.

If you’re a regular user of social media, then your friends and family have probably seen plenty of photographs of your favourite meal or perfect pout… So, let’s show them something different for a change!

Explore charming towns and villages, majestic lakes, and exciting attractions and activities. The Lake District is full of unique heritage and wonderful events, not to mention plenty of enticing walking routes you could discover during your holiday.

Do you remember that feeling of exploring the great outdoors on holiday? It is a feeling of excitement as you take on those less trodden treks, armed only with muddy boots and a hot flask of tea, whether in the sun, wind or rain.

Treat yourself to the gift of extraordinary art.
Old Courthouse Gallery - breathing new life into the Ambleside Courthouse Building.

Book with Good Life Lake District Cottages and enjoy wonderful holidays in strong and supported communities. As part of The Original Cottages family, we know how important it is for you to get your holiday just right. This is why our properties are looked after by locals, who know the Lake District like the back of their hand, because this is where they call home.

It may not be a usual Valentines day in 2021 as we know you can’t bring your better half for that romantic break away just at the moment, however it is the perfect time to plan that little getaway for later in the year.

Claire & Gareth Mc Keever are the owners of Pure Lakes Skincare and we recently sat down with Claire to talk about life in the Lakes.

Introducing Home Spa - Handmade by Pure Lakes in their Lake District workshop.

Specially designed to bring the spa into the home, allowing you to have the relaxing and luxury experience of a natural spa treatment, anytime.

Christmas at Booths

Now more than ever, spending time at home with family has become important to us all. Whether the festive season is spent in your own home, visiting family or you’re ‘going home’ for Christmas – we’re sure that excellent food and drink will form a significant part of your celebrations.

We’ve picked out a few of our favourite products from this year to get your taste buds talking!

As the nights draw in, we feel a well-deserved, cosy winter visit to The Lake District, Cumbria is in order – and where better to stay than at one of The Inn Collection Group’s stunning venues?

Nestled snugly to the west of Windermere, Coniston and its namesake lake, Coniston Water, is one of those little towns which takes a little longer to get to when you’re travelling into the South Lakes from the east, but the long and winding road to get here is just as enjoyable as everything that’s on offer upon arrival.

This summer, Booths Buyer Andy McDermott recently refined and revamped our range of soft drinks. With a growing thirst for alcohol-free alternatives, craft soft drinks and healthier drinks, it was time for a change to represent this within our in store ranges. Find out more.

If you're planning a self-catering trip to the Lake District and want to experience the best local food and drink Cumbria has to offer, www.adayswalk.co.uk is for you! A Day’s Walk is a new business established this year specifically to offer Lake District Visitors the opportunity to enjoy genuine local Cumbrian produce, delivered freshto your door during your visit.

Although famous for its world class landscape, The Lake District, Cumbria, also boasts a multitude of fabulous independent shops, as well as high street favourites with plenty of retail therapy on offer both across the whole county. From villages in the stunning National Park, towns in Cumbria's Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley & the North Pennines and those dotted along more than 100 miles of the county’s coastline.

"Pure Lakes skincare products are just what they say - pure, lovely to use and smell divine." Carole W. June 2020

This recent review says it all. Everything is handmade in the Pure Lakes workshop in the Lake District. Find out more...

Many wonderful producers from the Lake District, Cumbria are offer amazing products online that can be delivered directly to you or someone special. Alternatively, we have a huge selection of vouchers for a wonderful treat away that can be used when life returns to normal.