So many of my childhood holidays took place in the Lake District that I now make a point of going back there at least once a year to revisit old haunts. It's a bit like opening the door to Narnia. I find myself instantly transported back to a magical time full of happy memories, which always has a revitalising and rejuvenating effect.
The Lake District is England's largest and arguably most beautiful national park. I visited it at least once a year as a child, making regular pilgrimages to Hawkshead to gaze in awe at Beatrix Potter's heritage and hunt for tiny telltale signs of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and friends. It seemed inevitable, therefore, that I would take my own children there to retrace those steps and relive that childhood magic.
Grasmere, home of the poet Wordsworth, was another favourite haunt and it was hardly surprising that the area inspired him to write so much of his poetry there. We loved to explore the fourteenth century Pele Tower of Sizebergh Castle and join the treasure hunt in the amazing landscaped grounds; follow Hadrian's Wall or visit the Appleby horse fair to sneak a few carrots to the horses or walk the town trail.
Of course no trip to the Lake District would be complete without a mini-cruise on one of the numerous lakes. I remember learning as a child that there was actually only one official lake in the Lake District but numerous 'tarns' and 'meres' and 'waters' - and that includes Windermere, which is often called the largest 'lake' in England! There is every possible type of water transport available for boat lovers in the Lake District but I used to love the old steamers on Ullswater. Nowadays I really enjoy sailing on Coniston Water.
There are also several working steam railways in which to sit back and explore the stunning scenery in majestic style. Steam locomotive enthusiasts can visit the engine sheds and the various model railways dotted around. You can picnic in the summer or lunch in cosy Lakeland inns and pubs all year round - a treat for all the family.
For longer holidays during my childhood, we often rented self-catering holiday cottages as there were fewer hotels around twenty or more years ago than there are now. My abiding memory of these hillside cottages was of constant water shortages in the height of the summer and of trekking down the valley to fetch water from the stream for washing. For us that was all part of the fun.
Fortunately now there are very many excellent hotels and bed and breakfast places where you can stay in complete comfort. With all mod cons on tap - including running water - all we need to do is relax and enjoy ourselves, without the added worry of self-catering and cleaning.
I try to go back to the Lake District at least once a year. It's as if it gets inside your skin and once you visit, you are smitten. Whenever I feel stressed, I find myself yearning for the clean, invigorating air and slower pace of life and the moment I arrive a sense of calm creeps over me. I perfectly understand why so many great poets were inspired by the dramatic beauty of the area - it always gets me waxing lyrical when I'm there!
The Lake District is England's largest and arguably most beautiful national park. I visited it at least once a year as a child, making regular pilgrimages to Hawkshead to gaze in awe at Beatrix Potter's heritage and hunt for tiny telltale signs of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and friends. It seemed inevitable, therefore, that I would take my own children there to retrace those steps and relive that childhood magic.
Grasmere, home of the poet Wordsworth, was another favourite haunt and it was hardly surprising that the area inspired him to write so much of his poetry there. We loved to explore the fourteenth century Pele Tower of Sizebergh Castle and join the treasure hunt in the amazing landscaped grounds; follow Hadrian's Wall or visit the Appleby horse fair to sneak a few carrots to the horses or walk the town trail.
Of course no trip to the Lake District would be complete without a mini-cruise on one of the numerous lakes. I remember learning as a child that there was actually only one official lake in the Lake District but numerous 'tarns' and 'meres' and 'waters' - and that includes Windermere, which is often called the largest 'lake' in England! There is every possible type of water transport available for boat lovers in the Lake District but I used to love the old steamers on Ullswater. Nowadays I really enjoy sailing on Coniston Water.
There are also several working steam railways in which to sit back and explore the stunning scenery in majestic style. Steam locomotive enthusiasts can visit the engine sheds and the various model railways dotted around. You can picnic in the summer or lunch in cosy Lakeland inns and pubs all year round - a treat for all the family.
For longer holidays during my childhood, we often rented self-catering holiday cottages as there were fewer hotels around twenty or more years ago than there are now. My abiding memory of these hillside cottages was of constant water shortages in the height of the summer and of trekking down the valley to fetch water from the stream for washing. For us that was all part of the fun.
Fortunately now there are very many excellent hotels and bed and breakfast places where you can stay in complete comfort. With all mod cons on tap - including running water - all we need to do is relax and enjoy ourselves, without the added worry of self-catering and cleaning.
I try to go back to the Lake District at least once a year. It's as if it gets inside your skin and once you visit, you are smitten. Whenever I feel stressed, I find myself yearning for the clean, invigorating air and slower pace of life and the moment I arrive a sense of calm creeps over me. I perfectly understand why so many great poets were inspired by the dramatic beauty of the area - it always gets me waxing lyrical when I'm there!
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