Exploring The Stunning Lake District, UK

If I had to choose the most memorable and beautiful place I’ve ever had the chance to visit in the British Isles, I automatically think back to a blissful summer spent exploring the stunning Lake District. This beautiful area, known colloquially as “The Lakes”, is absolutely awe-inspiring. Nothing can prepare you for the majesty and beauty of the natural scenery of Cumbria and it’s this wildness and sheer breath-taking backdrop that helps make the Lakes one of the ultimate countryside breaks in the UK.

Eden Valleys

We spent a few weeks travelling along its border, starting our trip through one of nature’s finest displays in Eden Valley – positioned with the Pennies to the East and the Lake District Fells to the west.

As it turned out Eden Valleys was the perfect starting point for an exciting and well-planned series of short UK sight-seeing trips which we intended to focus around Cumbria.

We soon realised there is one problem with holidaying here – there really is too much to do! Make sure you plan carefully as unlike other holiday destinations there really is a lot to see that you may find you’ll need longer – perhaps a week!

Scafell Pike

Perhaps my favourite afternoon was spent scrambeling around Scafell Pike, sometimes confused with the nerighbouring behemoth, Sca Fell. From the top you can see for miles, the rugged mountain tops breaking up the horizon, the many glistening waters below, reflecting the moody sky and clouds.

Historic Houses and Lakes

Wordworth’s daffodil fields, The Fairy Steps, Lacys Caves and Hadrian’s wall all help give this stunning part of England an almost other-worldly, ethereal feel which can’t avoid warming even the coldest of hearts! Apart from the beautiful walks and treks, a highlight of our time at the lakes was the visits we included into some of the beautiful historic houses in the area – Dalemain and Brockhole are both, most definitely, worth a visit.

Carlisle Railway

My memories of Eden Valley include the ten intriguing, seat-like sculptures known as the Eden Benchmarks and a relaxing trip on the Settle to Carlisle Railway which allows you to take in the spectacular scenery – you’ll be hard pushed to find anywhere more breathtaking on a summer’s day, when the sun sparkles on the clear waters and the hills seem to to roll on forever.

As you’re probably well aware, posts and articles focusing on romantic trips or any kind of short breaks in the UK, regularly highlight the beautiful surroundings and views scattered through Cumbria. Memories of a summer spent travelling are always fond, but the few weeks we spent travelling around Cumbria’s lakes were magical.

Yes, the fantastic weather helped but ultimately it was the inspiring setting and unbelievably exquisite landscapes that keep the Lake District in my mind when planning other short uk breaks. Once you’ve visited, it truly is unlikely you’ll ever want to go anywhere else again.

(photo credit: 1 – 2 – 3)