February was a special month as I headed to the scenic Lake District for a week to celebrate my sister’s wedding! As a girl whose furthest trips up north have been Wigan or Birmingham, I was beyond excited to explore the picturesque views, charming little towns, and—of course—take my dog along for the adventure (even if it meant braving the cold).
Here’s a overview of what I did:
Where We Stayed
With over ten of us, including partners, nieces, and nephews, we opted for an Airbnb in Windermere to create a wholesome, shared space. The vintage-style house, called ‘The Boundary’, was perfect—spacious, cozy, and complete with a giant dining table where we all gathered for breakfast each morning. It was in the ideal location too, nestled between two towns and just a short walk from cute coffee spots and local shops.
Part of my love for travel is stumbling upon hidden gems, and ‘The Brew Room’ was exactly that. This dog-friendly café had the cutest aesthetic, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, and an unreal coffee menu. They had a lavender-cinno that sounded intriguing, but I went for a white mocha, which I still think about to this day.
What We Did
Orrest Head Viewpoint
As soon as we arrived, I was desperate to take in a proper view of the lake—despite the weather not being on our side. We hiked up Orrest Head, a scenic spot in Windermere with different trail options, making it accessible for my two-year-old niece who joined us. The highlight? The adorable Gruffalo statues near the top—perfect for a photo op.
Just as we reached the peak, it started pouring rain, but honestly, I think it made the moment even more fun. My hands were frozen, but the view? So worth it. Naturally, my Canon camera made an appearance—because did it even happen if I didn’t take a picture? This might have been the highlight of my trip.
Exploring Windermere
Windermere town had everything from local sweet shops to independent boutiques, giving it such a charming feel. Walking through the streets, I couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be to come back in the summer—ice cream parlors on every corner, bakeries tempting you inside.
One local treat I had to try? Kendal Mint Cake—which, to me, tasted sort of like a giant After Eight. If you love mint chocolate, you’d be obsessed.
Peter Rabbit Museum
A trip to the Lake District wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Peter Rabbit Museum. My niece had the best time, but honestly, I loved it just as much. Beatrix Potter lived in the Lake District, so learning about the history behind the books felt like a must. The Peter Rabbit obsession didn’t stop there—keep reading for our visit to Beatrix Potter’s home!
Ambleside Boat Trip
A boat cruise on Lake Windermere? Yes, please. Despite the rain, the 75-minute ride with Red Cruises was still so scenic, taking us past all the lakeside towns. Some cruises let you stop off, but we opted for a round-trip and later explored Ambleside on foot (where I, of course, managed to squeeze in another scone).
National Trust Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s Home
You know a trip isn’t complete for me unless I spend as much time outdoors as possible. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home, was a must-visit. Small but full of charm, it was lovely to step inside the world where the magic of Peter Rabbit began. If you’re ever in the area, it’s definitely worth stopping by!
The Main Event: My Sister’s Wedding
Of course, the biggest highlight of this trip was celebrating my sister’s wedding! A beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and our whole family together—truly the perfect way to end an amazing week.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me why I love UK getaways—so many hidden gems and scenic spots right on our doorstep! Have you ever been to the Lake District? Let’s chat in the comments, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more travel moments: @justagirlguide_blog
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