The Lake District

The Lake District | The Seasons
The National Trust | Historic Houses and Gardens

The Seasons

Spring

April and May often see beautiful weather - the sun is shining, the bluebells surround you and it feels as if summer may finally arrive! The Lake District really comes to life, with trees blossoming and flowers blooming, and everything looking as fresh as the little lambs playing or snoozing in the sun.

Summer

The summer months are picture perfect in the Lakes, nature comes out to play and the scenery often looks as if it can't be real. The mild and moderate climate of the Lake District is influenced by the Gulf Stream, and there is often a light breeze blowing. Luckily for those of you that like to clamber up mountains, the temperature rarely gets too hot for pleasant walking.

Autumn

'Leaf peepers' - those of us who admire the stunning changing colours of the leaves in the autumn months - are rife in the Lake District. The Forestry Commission’s Graeme Prest says: “We think that autumn in our part of ‘old’ England is every bit as good as in New England. The North West really does strike gold at this time of year. The views of woods and forests as they change colour is simply spectacular".

Coniston Water inspired Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, captivated John Ruskin, and later lured the speedlovers Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell to its shores. Walks to the east of Coniston Water have an abundance of everything - a lake and a mansion (with delightful tearooms), meadows and woods, streams and mountains - and are perhaps more enjoyable during the quieter months.

When you get back to the hotel, soothe your aching muscles with an in-room treatment, or indulge in a spot of afternoon tea. Or, should you feel the urge not to venture out at all, stay by the fire with steaming hot drinks and toasted crumpets - and have a good old fashioned read.

Winter

It is true that Jack Frost sometimes visits us during the winter months, and when the crystal blue skies appear it makes for some of the most incredible views. Many walks are particularly lovely around now, and not only have interesting things to see along the way, but also plenty of historical and literary connections. (Do remember that if we do have snow, both the A590/A591 and the Crook Road are kept clear, so there should be no access problems.)

If you prefer to stay toasty warm, jump in the car to find those out of the way places - or even to follow the road well travelled. The crowds have long since gone, leaving just peace and tranquillity for you to enjoy at leisure.

If we do get a magical snowy day and you don’t want to venture far, leave the car where it is and enjoy the beauty on the doorstep - walk straight out of the front door to embark on one of two Gilpin Lodge walks (created for us by Ross Pincott). The longer of the two can easily include a pit stop at the Brown Horse pub, and if perchance you get too settled by the fire and can’t face the walk back, we’ll come and rescue you!