For many travellers, the UK doesn’t stretch beyond the boutique-lined streets and regal pomp of London. Or if it does, they suppose there’s little to see between England’s capital and Scotland’s cultural hot spot, Edinburgh. But times are changing. Discerning desert-dwellers, gastronomes especially, need to know about the Lake District. A collection of watery nooks and crannies dusted with some of the UK’s hottest countryside hideaways.
Just a couple of hours from the capital, the area is one of the UK’s most popular national parks with acres of mountainous countryside bordering a handful of iconic lakes and pretty market towns, ripe to explore. The region is also known for its locally-sourced food, including the famous Cumberland Sausage, with its distinctive round shape, damson plums, originally from Damascus but grown in the Westmorland area since the 1700s, and some of the UK’s most succulent lamb outside Wales. Not to mention Kendal Mint Cake, a sweet treat favoured by energy-sapped climbers.
And there’s no shortage of places to stay. From boutique family-run bed and breakfasts to larger spa properties with the Dubai market in mind. Most of the best hotels are perched lakeside, for which you’ll pay a premium. But there are also plenty of more affordable options for those with a budget in mind.
SPA SPOT
Peeking over Lake Windermere and Langdale Fells, Holbeck Ghyll is a four-star country house hotel with award-winning dining to boot. Rooms are refreshingly high-tech for a rural spot, yet lose none of their countryside charm, while both the restaurant and spa go back to nature with a host of organic products and locally sourced delicacies.
If you fancy walking off some of the amazing food, the lakes are the perfect place to indulge in anything from a gentle stroll to a full-on hike. If you’d like to take it up a notch, and get an itinerary together in advance, staff have compiled a list of 60 things to do in the area. Or you could just kick back in the spa and soak up the views.
MICHELIN MUNCHIES
Sticking with Lake Windemere, The Samling is another spot well worth swinging by. Awesome views, combined with a Michelin-starred restaurant make it the perfect foodie hideaway for anyone who likes a celebrity-endorsed escape. Past guests are rumoured to include Brad and Angelina, Tom Cruise and the Beckhams but with only 11-rooms available this bespoke retreat books up fast.
Other highlights, aside from the glorious food, include a selection of cycling and walking routes and an outdoor hot tub with breath-taking views of the lake. Rooms and suites are traditionally yet stylishly furnished, many featuring exposed stone walls and open fireplaces, while the hotel’s cosy communal areas provide perfect spots to curl up with a book on chillier days.
HISTORIC HIDEAWAY
Set in 400 acres of deer-packed woods, on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake with Skiddaw Mountain and the fells providing a pretty spectacular morning view, Armathwaite Hall (an ex-stately home) is another foodie favourite. Expect Cumbrian specialities from a chef who uses as many local ingredients as possible to create an Anglo-French menu with a healthy twist. Room-wise, expect traditional décor in-keeping with the property’s aristocratic roots as well as three extra-spacious studio suites if you’re looking for something a bit special.
By Emily Morgan
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Foodie finds
If your client has a rent-a-car, you can become their favourite travel consultant by recommending these favourite foodie haunts.
L’ENCLUME
The brainchild of British superchef Simon Rogan L’Enclume, in Cartmel, is worth the drive - if you don’t manage to bag one of the 17 rooms on site. There is no set menu as food is locally foraged but previous treats include spring lamb with sheep’s curd and damsons. Fresh and fantastic.
www.lenclume.co.uk
DRUNKEN DUCK INN
A table for dinner requires booking weeks in advance, and expect queues out of the door for a lunch, but it’s worth the wait to dine at this spot perched between Corniston and Hawkshead. The menu is packed full of British classics like pork belly and pig’s cheeks, washed down with local ales but there are plenty of other options for anyone looking to dodge either of these. There are also rooms available if you book well in advance.
www.thedrunkenduckinn.co.uk
DRUNKEN DUCK INN
Head to Grasmere for some good old-fashioned country cooking, courtesy of husband-and-wife owners Andy and Chrissy Hill. Favourites include beef crostini and chestnut-and-chorizo soup but the eclectic menu is delicious from top to bottom.
www.thejumbleroom.co.uk