By Kelsey
Get to Know the Lake District
Seeking a getaway that won’t break the bank? Consider a weekend trip to the ever-so whimsical, dreamy Lake District. Even if you aren’t a creative person, something is inspiring about the lakes cradled by mountains, where adventure awaits. Venture to craggy peaks by foot, paddle and swim in the lakes, or meander the charming villages and towns. Literature lovers will also fall in love with the landscape that seduced William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter into creating iconic poems and stories.
In this article, I will tell you all about the budget-friendly activities in the Lake District.
Go Walking
What better way to explore the Lakes than to discover the scenery on foot? Feel your adrenaline rush along ridges unveiling incredible panoramic views, or watch the sunlight dance on one of the many lakes from a higher vantage point. You’ll find a range of walks in the Lake District that cater to all skill levels, whether you want a fell walk, an adventurous technical journey, or a relaxing loop. My favourite walking adventures in the Lakes are the Helvellyn Walk, Haystacks Walk, and the Scafell Pike Walk.
Swim in the lakes
Are you craving a dip in shimmering bodies of waters reflecting lofty peaks? You’ve come to the right place. The Lake District—as you’ve probably guessed—boasts a collection of spots for wild swimming and watersports. One of the most popular spots to swim in the open water is Derwentwater, near Keswick. Go to Ashness Jetty for a refreshing sunset dip!
Other spots include Black Moss Pot (discover a waterfall), Buttermere (hello, views), Wastwater (England’s deepest lake), and, of course, the most famous lake in the Lake District: Windermere.
Brush up on literary wonders
Calling all literature lovers! Okay, even if you aren’t one for books, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the charming scenery sweeping Rydal Mount and Grasmere, home and inspiration of literary great: William Wordsworth. Visit his quaint cottage and tour the surrounding manicured gardens or just enjoy the garden that still maintains Wordsworth’s design to this day.
Dig deeper into Wordsworth’s past by checking out Dove Cottage in Grasmere, where his sister, a lesser-known poetic genius, lived, dreamed, and created for eight years. Not convinced? Let Dorothy’s journal entry from Tuesday, May 20th, 1800, do the convincing, as taken from the Wordsworth Grasmere website:
“It was a sweet morning – Everything green & overflowing with life, & the streams making a perpetual song with the thrushes & all the little birds.”
Lastly, Beatrix Potter’s home is also a popular attraction in the Lake District! Her vine-ridden home quietly tucked in nature exudes creativity. Harking back to the 17th century, England’s National Trust has actively preserved her personal artefacts. It’s like her home has been frozen in time!
Give mountain biking a try
And back to the sweat-inducing activities! The rugged, undulating landscape bodes well for eager mountain bikers. Just warming up? Consider the easy, chill Windermere Lakeside route. And if you want something really technical, advanced, and intense, Ullswater and the Boredale Valley may be more your style. You can find rides ranging from relaxing and kid-friendly to moderate to advanced!
Take up a watersport
With countless lakes, you’ll find quite the selection of watersports to match. Go canoeing,
kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, dragon boating, and the list goes on. This may not be the most budget-friendly option if you rent equipment, but you can always seek out deals. Naturally, the cheapest options would be to bring a dinghy, floatie, or just go wild swimming!
Find boat hires at Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater, and Derwentwater.
The Lake District boasts mesmerising scenery, where a collection of lakes, charming woodlands, soaring peaks collide to create an unforgettable experience, no matter your budget.
About Kelsey:
After Kelsey graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, she began working as a writer abroad and fell in love with the lifestyle that travelling and working online provided her (even though she was on a strict budget!). You can find Kelsey dreaming about her next adventure, playing and watching sports, eating cheese, and hiking to extraordinary places outside of work. Currently, Kelsey writes and edits for 10Adventures.
