There is something quintessentially English about the Lake District and whenever friends from abroad visit, I always suggest they visit this wonderful corner of England. I spent many happy holidays there as a child and regularly go back for short breaks whenever I want to escape the pressures of the city and recharge my batteries. Going to the Lake District means I don't have to depend on the vagaries of airlines or expensive health spas to get feel totally rejuvenated.
We used to go regularly for weekend breaks and longer holidays, camping or staying in working farmhouses catering for the bed and breakfast trade. That suited us fine as we would spend all day out exploring the many stunning sights: the spectacular mountain scenery, the sweet little Lakeland villages and, of course the lakes themselves. We invariably spend time in Hawkshead searching for Peter Rabbit and his friends!
It was the home of Beatrix Potter and provided the inspiration for her beloved country creatures like Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. It was also the home of one of our greatest poets, William Wordsworth and the inspiration for many of his works. Needless to say there are museums and places of interest to visit relating to both these prolific writers in Hawskead and Grasmere. But there are many other places of beauty and historic interest to visit also.
We would have mini cruises on Coniston Water or Lake Windermere or explore the countryside on one of the steam railways. My memories of the lakes are the strongest of all; even though out of all of them only Bassenthwaite is genuinely a lake! No trip to the Lake District would be complete without taking at least one voyage aboard one of the numerous forms of water transport available.
Similarly, no visit could pass without a trip on one of the steam railways. This invariably included a delicious picnic in some beautiful, secluded spot and a leisurely tour of the engine sheds once we returned to our original station. Just like my brother did, my two boys probably find this the best part of our visits nowadays.
When I was a child we used to rent secluded cottages, which always seemed to be half way up a mountain, for weeks at a time. I have no idea how my mother found these places. During the frequent summer droughts we would run down the valley to wash or bathe in a stream and think nothing of the inconvenience. Nowadays, I'm afraid, we are all a bit more fussy and expect all mod cons at the push of a button.
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!
We used to go regularly for weekend breaks and longer holidays, camping or staying in working farmhouses catering for the bed and breakfast trade. That suited us fine as we would spend all day out exploring the many stunning sights: the spectacular mountain scenery, the sweet little Lakeland villages and, of course the lakes themselves. We invariably spend time in Hawkshead searching for Peter Rabbit and his friends!
It was the home of Beatrix Potter and provided the inspiration for her beloved country creatures like Squirrel Nutkin and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. It was also the home of one of our greatest poets, William Wordsworth and the inspiration for many of his works. Needless to say there are museums and places of interest to visit relating to both these prolific writers in Hawskead and Grasmere. But there are many other places of beauty and historic interest to visit also.
We would have mini cruises on Coniston Water or Lake Windermere or explore the countryside on one of the steam railways. My memories of the lakes are the strongest of all; even though out of all of them only Bassenthwaite is genuinely a lake! No trip to the Lake District would be complete without taking at least one voyage aboard one of the numerous forms of water transport available.
Similarly, no visit could pass without a trip on one of the steam railways. This invariably included a delicious picnic in some beautiful, secluded spot and a leisurely tour of the engine sheds once we returned to our original station. Just like my brother did, my two boys probably find this the best part of our visits nowadays.
When I was a child we used to rent secluded cottages, which always seemed to be half way up a mountain, for weeks at a time. I have no idea how my mother found these places. During the frequent summer droughts we would run down the valley to wash or bathe in a stream and think nothing of the inconvenience. Nowadays, I'm afraid, we are all a bit more fussy and expect all mod cons at the push of a button.
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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