A Little Escape to the Lake District

It always amazes me how the Lake District is just over an hour from home, yet it feels like a completely different world. Leaving behind the flat, fertile fields of West Lancashire, the scenery transforms into grass-covered fells, tumbling waterfalls and those vast, mirror-like lakes that make Cumbria so special.

 

 

We started our break at the very bottom of Windermere in Newby Bridge. Our first stop was The Swan, where we drank a glass or two of wine to properly kick off the holiday. Sitting by the water with that perfect mix of excitement and relaxation, it really set the tone for the trip.

The weather couldn’t have been better — warm enough for walking but not too hot, and not a drop of rain in sight (a rare treat in the Lakes!). It meant we could take our time exploring, without rushing for cover or wilting in the sun.

Of course, the Lake District is a place that already feels like home in so many ways. We spend countless weekends here creating wedding flowers at some of the most beautiful venues you can imagine — from the elegant Langdale Chase on the shores of Windermere, to the romantic Silverholme Manor on Graythwaite Estate, to the wonderfully intimate Forest Side near Grasmere. Each setting has its own character, and our flowers are always designed to reflect that — wild and natural arrangements, using locally grown flowers,  that echo the fells, or timelessly elegant bouquets that suit the grandeur of the lakeside houses. It’s a joy and a privilege to bring couples’ wedding visions to life in such stunning surroundings.

This time though, it was a treat to be here without a van full of flowers or a tight wedding morning schedule! We even hired a little boat on Windermere — something we always say we’ll do but never quite manage when we’re working. From the water, we spotted some of those familiar wedding venues from a completely new angle. Seeing places we’ve decorated with flowers rising up from the lakeshore was magical, reminding us why the Lakes truly are one of the most breathtaking wedding destinations in the country.

From Newby Bridge we wound our way up the length of Windermere, pausing often to take in the views, before reaching Ambleside at the northern end. Ambleside is one of my favourites — lively but still cosy, with plenty of places to eat. We had an amazing dinner at Dodds Italian, followed later in the trip by a visit to The Schelly, a new small plates restaurant that was nothing short of incredible. Every dish was so fresh and full of flavour — one of those meals you’re still thinking about days later.

On the way, we stopped off at the Hawkshead show,  a traditional country show filled with sheep, crafts, horses, fell racing and little individual stalls. 

We also made time for Ullswater, which has a quieter, more dramatic feel than Windermere. Standing by the water there was this sense of calm that made you just want to stop and soak it all in. That’s until Ted swiped us over the head with his soggy fishing net! 

It’s funny how a place so close can still feel like an adventure far from home. The Lake District has that magic — the perfect mix of scenery, food, flowers, and fresh air. Whether we’re here for weddings or just for ourselves, it always leaves us refreshed and already planning the next visit.