From our depot in Leicestershire to Kendal will take around 3 hours.
Day 1 – Starting at Kendal.
Historic Kendal was one of the most important woollen textile centres in England; its numerous yards were once filled with workshops processing cloths and leather goods. It is also home to the famous Mint Cake, a very sweet and much needed energy boost for ramblers.
Kendal Camping and Caravanning site at Millcrest would be an ideal place to stay. It is secluded and within walking distance of Kendal where you will find an eclectic mix of local, traditional and contemporary food and drink. Kendal has a vibrant arts and culture scene with live music, arts, theatre and even intriguing museums – you’ll find plenty to inspire the whole family.
Why not visit the 13th century Kendal Castle which sits proudly above the bustling Cumbrian market town.
If you are looking for something different why not try The Quaker Tapestry Museum. This unique and fascinating museum takes you on a journey through the Quaker influence on the modern world, exploring the industrial revolution, developments in science and medicine the stories are brought to life in more than 40 vibrant embroidered panels.
Kendal is a lively market town with speciality shops in cobbled streets. There is a farmer’s market on the last Friday of every month and for active members of the family that may want to try indoor rock climbing there is Kendal Wall.
From Kendal taking the Windermere road and in around 30 minutes you can be in Hawkshead. With its cobbled streets and black beamed Tudor buildings, the walks around Hawkshead are more than just a stroll around any old village. Marvel in the architecture while getting lost through maze-like side streets, stopping off at pubs, cafés and farm shops selling local produce along the way.
Hawkshead village is not only home to the Beatrix Potter gallery displaying a range of her original artwork in an historic 17th century house, but also her home. Hill Top has been preserved just the way she left it so you can step back in time and experience the inception of Peter Rabbit and friends – ideal for literary lovers as well as children yet to be introduced to the magic of the tales.
From Hawkshead to Windermere should take around 20 minutes.
Day 2. Heading to Windermere.
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England.
Windermere offers plenty of water-based activities including cruises, canoeing, wind surfing and the Aquarium of the Lakes. If you don’t want to get wet with all the water based activities but still want to enjoy the lake you could hop on cruise. Windermere Lake Cruises has a busy timetable of trips on old-fashioned steamers or modern sightseeing vessels.
Keeping with Beatrix Potter, you will find The World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Windermere with its magical indoor recreation of the books.
Why not see the Lake Windermere from land and enjoy one of Five walks around Windermere
Orrest Head
The walk starts on the A591 by the large ‘Orrest Head‘ sign and follows a lane most of the way on its 20-minute journey to the summit.
Brant Fell
Brant Fell is an easy short walk from the centre of Bowness giving lovely views right up the Lake, 2.1 Miles, Easy, mix of road and soft footpaths.
School Knott
This walk is 2.5 miles in total and takes a couple of hours.
The Tarns Walk
This walk really captures the essence of the Lake District. At approximately 6 miles long, there is a lot of time to take in the rugged landscapes and the thriving wildlife
West shore walk
This is a wonderful linear low-level lakeshore walk, through woodland and parkland. It features great views of the islands, interesting woodland archaeology and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle. You could stay at the Windermere Camping and caravanning site.
This family-friendly camp site is between popular Bowness-on-Windermere and the bustling market town of Kendal. Its location makes it ideal for exploring both towns and the varied attractions of the southern Lake District.
From Windermere 10 minutes along the A591 you will be in in the beautiful town of Ambleside.
There are many restaurants and other places to eat in Ambleside and an exciting range of arts, crafts, jewellery and interior design shops.
You’re in walkers’ heaven in Ambleside – enjoy gentle rambles through the Rydal and Grasmere valleys and climbs to spectacular views from Loughrigg and Wansfell. A short walk will take you to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall. Ambleside is the gateway to the Langdale Valley, home to one of the most popular and distinctive mountain ranges in England.
Day 3 England’s second largest Lake Ullswater.
This clean clear lake itself provides a huge range of activities and water sports, Wake and Surf offer Paddle boarding, Wakesurfing or you can charter a Boat.
For campsite in Ullswater try Campsites.co.uk
Day 4 Keswick
Keswick is easily found just off the A66 and A591, there is plenty of parking around the town.
So what can you do on a rainy day? Well, if you going to get wet you may as well do it spectacularly!
Our general manager Sam would recommend Ghyll Walking/scrambling, she did it in October so it is something that can be done in all weathers.
She described the experience as exhilarating, terrifying and cold!
This exciting outdoor activity involves working your way around natural rock chutes, sliding into deep pools of water and jumping from waterfalls – all in the heart of the beautiful Lake District.
If this outdoor activity is not to your liking also in Keswick is Derwent Pencil Museum, Home of the world’s first pencil.
Keswick Camping and caravanning site
Keswick camping site on the shores of Derwent water is hard to beat as a base for your explorations.
The site boasts a prime location in the north of the Lake District with stunning views extending over the lake to the hills beyond.
For a more tranquil time you could head to Cocker mouth where you will find Wordsworth house and gardens.
William Wordsworth is Britain’s most famous poet.
Day 5 Grasmere
Head to Grasmere where Wordsworth described his new home Dove Cottage and the garden surrounding it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. It was a place that fed inspiration; here Wordsworth wrote some of the most famous poetry in the English language.
If you like Gingerbread, then stay in Grasmere and Learn the history of Grasmere Gingerbread. It was invented in 1854 by Victorian creator cook Sarah Nelson.
35 minutes from Grasmere is Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain approximately 6 miles high and will take around 5 hours.
Heading back down you can call in at Bootle village.
Bootle village is recorded in the Domesday Book and was granted a market charter in 1347, it is said to be the smallest market town in England. Bootle village station is just over 1 mile away and has a lovely beach which is popular with locals for fishing and walking.
If you struggle to find somewhere to stay in the Lake District this summer then keep your eye out for pop up camp-sites. Local landowners are being encouraged to convert their fields into temporary camp-sites as the Lake District is tipped to be one of the most popular staycation destinations this year. More information click here.
