Editorial Note: I was going to simply write a review for after my winter trip to Cumbria. But with the tragedy of the Cumbrian flooding and the need to get the word out that most of Cumbria’s tourism industry is largely unaffected, I thought I would release this preview.
For quite some time, I’ve had this itching to visit Cumbria. I’ve heard people swoon about The Lake District. As a lover of literature, I know that many sought the peaceful solitude of Cumbria as an inspiration for his craft. And now that I’m a father, Cumbria is widely known for its association with Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame. Throw in a small UNESCO national heritage site known as Hadrian’s Wall and the region’s attractions are more than self-apparent.
During the summer the Lake District is full of people, uncomfortably so, some say. Additionally, the hospitality industry markets itself well for both the autumn leaf-watching season as well as the Christmas and New Year season. I read that Mr. Wordsworth said that to witness Cumbria in her fullest glory was to see it in winter. Tie this observation in with Christmas markets, late shopping hours, and it seems that there’s even more reasons to travel to Cumbria in the winter.
But what about after New Year’s?
Well, a lot is closed. But not everything. But this is not a bad thing. Part of what made the Lake District so enduring was that its natural beauty felt remote, disconnected from the rest of industrial Britain. In the big sigh of relief after the hustle and bustle of Christmas, just such a setting sounds… perfect. Hear’s just a few of the attraction that Bowness-on-Windermere has on offer.
I must admit, I’m kinda sad the Beatrix Potter Experience will not be open.
Additionally, there are the towns of Ambleside, Kendall, Rydal Mount, Grasmere, and Troutbeck all easily available. Further afield, the towns of Keswick, Penrith, and even Carlisle are all accessible via train or bus. And of course, weather and suitable clothing permitted, there are many opportunities for rambling across the countryside.
Additionally, there are the usual amusements such as a movie theatre and plenty of restaurants to pacify your attention.
As for accomodation, we’re going self catering but there are plenty of options available. And if we get tired of walking or traveling by train, there’s also a car rental agency in town.
I’ll write a full preview after the holidays and share my reviews after my return but lets all remember the original purpose of this post: get the word out that the Lake District is Open for Business!
Winter Vacation in Cumbria: Yes, Virginia, The Lake District is Still Open
Editorial Note: I was going to simply write a review for after my winter trip to Cumbria. But with the tragedy of the Cumbrian flooding and the need to get the word out that most of Cumbria’s tourism industry is largely unaffected, I thought I would release this preview.
For quite some time, I’ve had this itching to visit Cumbria. I’ve heard people swoon about The Lake District. As a lover of literature, I know that many sought the peaceful solitude of Cumbria as an inspiration for his craft. And now that I’m a father, Cumbria is widely known for its association with Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame. Throw in a small UNESCO national heritage site known as Hadrian’s Wall and the region’s attractions are more than self-apparent.
During the summer the Lake District is full of people, uncomfortably so, some say. Additionally, the hospitality industry markets itself well for both the autumn leaf-watching season as well as the Christmas and New Year season. I read that Mr. Wordsworth said that to witness Cumbria in her fullest glory was to see it in winter. Tie this observation in with Christmas markets, late shopping hours, and it seems that there’s even more reasons to travel to Cumbria in the winter.
But what about after New Year’s?
Well, a lot is closed. But not everything. But this is not a bad thing. Part of what made the Lake District so enduring was that its natural beauty felt remote, disconnected from the rest of industrial Britain. In the big sigh of relief after the hustle and bustle of Christmas, just such a setting sounds… perfect. Hear’s just a few of the attraction that Bowness-on-Windermere has on offer.
I must admit, I’m kinda sad the Beatrix Potter Experience will not be open.
Additionally, there are the towns of Ambleside, Kendall, Rydal Mount, Grasmere, and Troutbeck all easily available. Further afield, the towns of Keswick, Penrith, and even Carlisle are all accessible via train or bus. And of course, weather and suitable clothing permitted, there are many opportunities for rambling across the countryside.
Additionally, there are the usual amusements such as a movie theatre and plenty of restaurants to pacify your attention.
As for accomodation, we’re going self catering but there are plenty of options available. And if we get tired of walking or traveling by train, there’s also a car rental agency in town.
I’ll write a full preview after the holidays and share my reviews after my return but lets all remember the original purpose of this post: get the word out that the Lake District is Open for Business!