5 Reasons Why The Lake District Is The Perfect Destination For Couples

Article by Matt Jackson

February is the month of love, and with Christmas out of the way, many couples and lovers are looking for the ideal spot to spend a day or enjoy a short break. The commitment, choice of location and attractions could be so overwhelming that you would take a midnight pillage of McDonalds over trawling endlessly through price comparison websites, particularly for the best destination. The Lake District, by default, strikes a chord with romance more than cupid himself. Why you ask? All will be revealed in this conveniently written article.

Wonder in Windermere
There is a reason why Bowness-on-Windermere is Lakeland’s most popular holiday resort. Resort means hotels, and with a plethora of choice it is recommended that you peruse a few reviews before committing to booking. As the timing of such bookings is seasonal, you will find many hotels offering special winter packages, some of which are only available on the official website of the hotel. The hotels aim to fill rooms during the less popular months, which presents an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a great break without breaking the bank.

This is a blessing and a curse; perfect for those looking to ease the burn of the pocket, albeit secure for online booking. There are a wide range of specialist deals for the romantic weekend, so choosing the right place could make or break your experience.

Whilst these deals are exclusive, it is a good place to start in researching your ultimate getaway in Windermere. Indeed, it proves that using comparison websites are not always best for finding the best deal and availability for Windermere hotels.

Hotels aside, the scenic views are plentiful. Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, plays host to a variety of activities that make a stroll in Central Park look like a tour of a local recycling plant. Boat hire is a popular choice, and with weather permitting the most rewarding for getting the essential Lake District experience. For those whose sea legs aren’t as worthy, the various bistros and cafes that line the lake offer an indoor Lakes experience, as well as the quintessential romantic dinner. Combined with high quality, boutique hotels Windermere offers a perfect excuse to treat your loved one.

Beauty in tranquillity
As well as the beautiful views in Windermere and Bowness, The Northern Lakes are perfect for another intimate experience. Situated near Ullswater, Glenridding offers couples a secluded retreat, and at this time of year there is likely to be snow. So, if you missed out on that white Christmas selfie, then you may be in luck. After a walk through the fells (bring your walking boots!) you can bunker down in cosy pubs, hotels and shops and become engulfed in romantic amazement.

The Lake District is full of lakes, hence the eponymous name. Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater, Coniston Water, Grasmere- the list is long, and that does not include the several Tarns nestled in the post glacial mountains. Either way, each lake has perfectly unique features and you can see why Wordsworth and Wainwright loved them so.

Dinner and a movie

Food and cinema; a known precedent for a date. However, I doubt you will have seen a fully licensed, high quality restaurant combined with a cinema and jazz bar. Zeffirellis, in Ambleside, houses just this; the ability to dine in the award winning Pizzeria and see the latest cinematic releases, all whilst in The Lake District. The sound of jazz will silkily set the romantic scene with warmth, and if jazz isn’t your thing, it will be after this visit.

Locked in a Dungeon?

Finding yourself in a 16th Century dungeon is not exactly the best way to spend a weekend away. Or rather the weekend away. You will certainly not mind being locked in this ‘dungeon’ though. Burrowed in the Langdale Valley, The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel surpasses Downtown Abbey in aesthetics. 19th century architecture creates an aura of tradition and will make you feel at home in the country, offering a hideaway from all the hustle and bustle of working life. The hotel itself can also operate as a base to satisfy all cravings of outdoor adventure, even in the February cold. The site plays host to a variety of activities, including mountain biking, walking, climbing, horse riding and even paragliding. If they don’t take your fancy, the village of Ambleside is only 8 miles away and offers activities like crystal glass making; this is perfect for those couples that wish to make their own handmade memory of the most quixotic weekend of the year.

Don’t forget what was mentioned in the Windermere section: most hotels, like The Hideaway, offer the best deals from their official website. You will not get this information from price comparison websites.

Sweet treats
Sweets are synonymous with romance: chocolates, cakes and various other baked goods are sure to put a smile on your partner’s face: they will certainly put a smile on your face. Windermere entices with homemade ice cream and chocolate, made with locally sourced ingredients. Picture this: you and your partner sharing an ice cream Sunday with views of the lake; tantalising. The sugar rush doesn’t stop there. Luckily, the South Lakeland village of Cartmel boasts the greatest sweet to come out of Cumbria; the sticky toffee pudding. A great pit stop for those heading further North, or even those who wish to stay the whole weekend; this comes highly recommended. Whatever your decision, these sweet highlights are a great reason to visit the Lake District for a romantic break.

The Lake District, an area of profound and natural beauty will make any occasion special. Regardless of where you decide, each unique village offers the perfect romantic escape.

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