Now that summer is upon us, it’s certainly time to enjoy a picnic. Visitors to the Lake District will be making the most of the warmer weather and the stunning scenery.
Why not combine a boat trip with a stroll around some of the most beautiful sites in the Lake District and enjoy a picnic.
Ten of the best picnic spots in the Lake District include:
1.Aira Force, Ullswater
Aira Force is surrounded by stunning scenery and this is probably the most beautiful waterfall in the Lake District. There are plenty of places around the falls where visitors can enjoy a picnic, and this is a great place to spend a day if you want to walk in the footsteps of William Wordsworth, who wrote the famous poem, ´Daffodils´ after walking along this route.
2.Tarn Hows, near Coniston and Hawkshead
Tarn Hows lies between the quaint villages of Coniston and Hawkshead. This beauty spot is surrounded by thick, enchanting woodland and is overlooked by the dramatic Langdale Pikes and the imposing Helvellyn. Famous childrens´ author, Beatrix Potter bought Tarn Hows in 1929, before selling it onto the National Trust. Visit outside the main summer season to enjoy a haven of tranquility and peace.
3.Loughrigg Tarn, north of Windermere
Loughrigg Tarn is a natural lake just north of Windermere and just north of the village of Skelwith Bridge at the foot of Loughrigg Fell. Loughrigg Tarn is a fantastic spot for walking and picknicking, and is one of the Lake District’s hidden treasures. It offers tremendous views of miles of rolling fells, across to the rugged beauty of the Langdale Pikes. The calm tarn boasts clear blue water, which during the summer months is adorned with colourful water lilies.
4.Catbells and Ashness Bridge
Catbells and Ashness Bridge offer stunning views down to Derwentwater, and Catbells is a popular walk for families. The route is not too difficult and the stunning views from the top make it all worthwhile. Autumn is a great time to visit when the trees surrounding Derwentwater turn to gold. If you are not feeling too energetic, pack your picnic and head up to Ashness Bridge in the car.
5.Gummer´s How, near Windermere
If you want to enjoy stunning sun sets over Windermere, there is no better place to visit for a picnic than Gummer´s How. Visit in the day time and you can enjoy stunning views which sweep north across Windermere. Particularly beautiful in autumn when the trees are changing colour, this is a fabulous part of the Lake District to photograph, so don´t forget your camera.
6.Birdoswald Roman Fort
Birdoswald is situated towards the western end of Hadrian´s Wall, and is considered to be one of the most picturesque settings along the entire 73 miles of Hadrian´s Wall. The Roman fort stands high above the River Irthing and can be seen from miles around.
7.High Dam Tarn, Finsthwaite
High Dam Tarn is a typically stunning Lake District beauty spot. This place was once described by Alfred Wainwright, walker and writer of Lake District guides as ´a much nicer place than the over-populated Tarn Hows´, although both spots are quite beautiful. Views from Finsthwaite are amazing, from Lakeside and Newby Bridge to Gummer´s How and High Dam Tarn. The tarn was once used to turn the water wheels at Stott Park Bobbin Mill.
8.Ruskin´s View, Kirkby Lonsdale
This incredible view is arguably one of England´s finest, and this stunning spot, looking over the River Lune was commemorated by William Lakin Turner who painted a picture of the famous view. Another famous local resident, John Ruskin, described this spot as ´one of the loveliest scenes in England.´
9. Talkin Tarn Country Park near Carlisle
Talkin Tarn Country Park is located just a few miles from Carlisle and is made up of 120 acres of parkland and countryside. The Talkin Tarn is at the centre of the park, providing a beautiful walk around the water´s edge. You can also spot red squirrels in the woodlands within the Talkin Tarn Country Park, and this is the perfect place to stop for a picnic.
10.Orrest Head, Windermere
Orrest Head is only a 20-30 minute walk from the town of Windermere, and offers stunning views over the lake from the top. This is a great outing for all the family, and there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic on your way up.
Wherever you decide to go in the Lake District you will find a host of great places. Somewhere to hike, walk, climb, sail, go horse riding, enjoy a picnic or simply stroll around and enjoy the true beauty of this stunning region.
Make the most of your stay and book into a spa hotel or boutique hotel in Windermere, and make this the base for your adventures.