A journey into the Lake District – Chapter one

I had heard countless things about the Lake District before finally setting foot in this remarkable region. For some, it is dismissed as “a boring place where you can’t even get proper Wi-Fi,” while for others it is celebrated as “a wonderland of wild spaces, glittering lakes, dense woodlands, and gentle mountains.”

For me, the Lake District is nothing short of extraordinary. A place where cultural treasures blend seamlessly with sweeping views of the countryside.

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to discover the Lake District for yourself: a land of stories, serenity, and timeless beauty.

Into the heart of the Lake District

The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest England. It is famed for its stunning lakes, rolling hills, and charming villages. Whether you call England home or are just visiting, the Lake District is unmissable!

Home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and its deepest lake, Wastwater, the region has inspired poets, writers, and travellers for centuries.

Even if you’re a city-dweller like me, the Lake District has a way of stealing your breath away. The scenery is stunning, and the way the light dances across the lakes, hills, and valleys is simply magical!

Our journey from London to the Lake District took a bit more than 5 hours by car, giving us plenty of time to anticipate the stunning landscapes ahead. Now, let me take you through some of the places that left the deepest impression on me.

Windermere: in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Windermere is England’s largest natural lake and one of its most visited destinations. With its sweeping waters, surrounding hills, and bustling lakeside towns, it has long been a magnet for writers, artists, and travellers alike.

It’s easy to get to Windermere, which makes it a popular stop for visitors. It also happens to be where Beatrix Potter once lived. Her presence is still felt everywhere, with the nearby towns happily (and sometimes a bit over-enthusiastically) celebrating her life and stories.

Like many visitors, we couldn’t miss the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere. The experience was beautifully designed, thoughtful, immersive, and truly respectful of Beatrix Potter’s imagination and beloved literary works.

At the entrance, you will start by watching a short film that introduces Beatrix Potter’s most beloved characters and offers a glimpse into her fascinating life.

From there, a charming path leads you past displays where the characters are brought to life in scenes straight out of her books.

It was such a delightful attraction, and we all felt transported back to Beatrix Potter’s time, which was perfect, since we had planned to visit Hill Top, her charming home. The visit was absolutely fascinating!

Hill Top: Beatrix Potter’s beloved home near Windermere

Beatrix Potter used the earnings from her books to buy a 17th-century farmhouse near Hawkshead, on the west side of Windermere. Leaving Bowness-on-Windermere behind, we set off to visit it, even taking a ferry across the lake to get there.

Visiting Hill Top is truly incredible, as Beatrix Potter left her entire legacy to the National Trust, including all her belongings, which you can still see inside the house.

Inside, you can compare some of the drawings she created for her stories with the very rooms, gardens, and nearby hills that inspired them. Beatrix Potter was a gifted naturalist, and from a young age she was captivated by nature and animals, which she sketched with remarkable precision. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of her drawings, some even reminded me of the works of Dürer.

Everything is carefully preserved to give you a sense of her world… and remarkably, very little has changed since her passing.

Discovering Hawkshead: a hidden gem near Windermere

Hawkshead is a picturesque village in the Lake District, known for its narrow cobbled streets, historic grey-stone houses, and a charming church atop the hill. A perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to soak in the village’s timeless charm!

Its houses, built from the region’s characteristic grey stone, give the village a feel reminiscent of the Pyrenees in southwest France.

Steeped in history, it was once a center for wool trade and now delights visitors with its traditional architecture, quaint shops, and connections to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Absolutely worth taking the detour!

Wray Castle: a gothic gem by Windermere

We continued our journey north along the shores of Windermere and arrived at Wray Castle on a sunny day. The castle itself is striking, and the surrounding landscape is as serene as it is beautiful. Only the occasional bleating of sheep breaks the peaceful silence…

Wray Castle sits near Ambleside, right on the shores of Lake Windermere. Inside, you’ll find brief historical insights about the castle and learn about some of its famous visitors during its golden years, including Beatrix Potter, who spent a summer here.

But don’t expect fully furnished rooms: the focus is more on the castle’s striking exterior and its playful, imaginative interior design.

It’s a fantastic spot for kids, with rooms designed for dress-ups, castle-building, boat-deck adventures, and fun photo opportunities. They’ll hardly want to leave!

For lunch, you can enjoy a picnic on the castle grounds while soaking in the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. I’ve never experienced a picnic with such a spectacular backdrop!

All in all, Wray Castle is the perfect blend of fun, history, and stunning scenery. An unforgettable experience for both kids and adults alike!


The Lake District is full of hidden treasures, and I’ll be sharing more of them with you very soon. If you have fond memories of the Windermere area, I’d love for you to share your experiences on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!


To find out more:

World of Beatrix Potter Attraction website

Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BX

Hill Top website

Address: Near Sawrey, Cumbria, LA22 0LF

Wray Castle website

Address: Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA

See my other recommendations for England getaways here.



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