While listening to BBC Radio 2 over my morning cup(s) of coffee I am listening to stories of flooding in the Lake District, and how, despite the weather, people are being encouraged to visit the area (where it is safe, of course) and enjoy its natural beauty.
We had the pleasure of visiting the Lake District on summer holiday in 2014. We’d packed up our Rav 4 with provisions and took the ferry south to the mainland for our very first family holiday on the mainland. This was the first time our youngest had ever visited the mainland, and we wanted it to be something special.
While camping in Grizedale in the heart of the Lake District, and visiting the nearby Go Ape facility, we were recommended by staff to visit Tarn Hows, if we had a chance. Not really knowing what it was, we followed driving instructions down the scenic road to get to the National Trust Park.
Upon arrival there was a small stand selling ice cream (yay! It was sweltering hot and this was most appreciated!) and another selling summer hats.
I bought a floppy summer hat.
My regular readers will know that where I live, on the wild and remote Shetland Islands, there is no use to own a summer hat. It would blow off your head in a matter of seconds.
I treasured that summer hat for this walk, as it kept the sweltering sun off my delicate redhead fair complexioned skin!
Tarn Hows is located approximately 2 miles north east of Coniston, or 1.5 miles north west of Hawkshead in the heart of the Lake District.
It was originally a series of three smaller ‘tarns’ (small mountain lakes), but in the late 1800s landscape improvements were made by the land owner creating the larger tarn that we can see today.
There is a very well-maintained 1.5 mile path around the perimeter of the tarn, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lake District.
As I sit here typing, the winter gales howl outdoors in the pitch black and I can still feel the warmth of that summer sun on my shoulders. It was absolute positive heaven, and our children really enjoyed exploring the area.
The children’s author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, lived nearby, and you can see how she would have been inspired by the landscape, and the animals inhabiting it.
All in all it was a fantastic day’s outing, a glorious walk and one of the highlights of our Lake District trip.
PLACES TO EAT NEARBY
The nearby village of Hawkshead boasts several quaint little eateries (and an outdoor shop if you’re needing extra sleeping bags/camping equipment!), including The Queens Head Inn & Restaurant.
We visited here with friends for my husband’s birthday lunch, eating al fresco under the summer sun. Service was good and the meal was reasonably priced and of very good quality.
In Coniston we stopped at The Sun Hotel, simply because it was at the top of the hill and it had magnificent views (and it was one of the few places we could spot with a table free outdoors!). Again service was decent and our meals were delicious, especially after a day’s meandering around Tarn Hows.
To find out more about the Tarn Hows and Coniston visit The National Trust website. You’ll also find updates on whether or not the area is currently closed due to flooding – at the time of writing, it’s open.
Go and play! 🙂
You might also like my other Lake District post about our camping experience – To the Trees! Forest Adventures in the Lake District.
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Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Joy Armour says
What beautiful photos! I absolutely want to go to Tarn Hows now!
sarah says
Wow, what an amazing place! I can’t wait for summer so we can have days out like this! I’ve never been to the Lake District but I’d love to visit, it looks beautiful! xx
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Idaintyit says
this place looks so beautiful! I have been to the Lake District but didn’t go here, definitely on my list for next time
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Emily Underworld says
Your photos are beautiful, I’d love to visit the Lake District!
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Heather Haigh says
That looks absolutely idyllic and the photos are so good.
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Maggie says
Lake district looks like a amazing place to have a family day out!!! Especially sun hotel looks like a amazing place to have an outdoor food with scenic view. Wish I’d visit this place soon…..
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Katie says
Oh wow, these images are stunning. You are a brilliant photographer. This is such a wonderful place – I think I may visit in the summer. I have a national trust pass so this is brilliant. Thank you for including places to eat too. I can’t get over how beautiful this place is!!!
Life as Mum says
Oh wow. Those photos are stunning and so beautiful. Looks like a gorgeous place x
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Emma T says
It looks beautiful. I was at Lancaster for uni so I’ve been to the Lakes a lot, but never there. Gorgeous photos too.
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Kacie says
This looks like such an idyllic setting for a family holiday. These photos are beautiful!
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Working mum Blog says
Stunning photos! I love the lake district. I have been to Keswick a few times and I loved it there. Looking through your photos makes me want to visit LD again this summer.
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Emma White says
oh what stunning pictures and I agree the Lake District is just beautiful I am not far from it you could have popped in for coffee
Jenny Eaves says
Stunning! Absolutely gorgeous photos as always. I’m sure I’ve been there as a child, we often holidayed in the Lake District with my parents. I wonder what the area looked like prior to the landscaping, we have a local loch that was flooded f or a reservoir too. Love the place you chose to eat, amazing views for lunch! Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
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Chloe says
Oh my goodness it’s breathtaking. I so want to visit here. Your pictures are incredible. I can see why you needed a summers hat, the weather was definitely on your side. It’s looks so peaceful and completely picturesque. Even the found you ate looks divine! I’ve always wanted to visit here. It’s a must visit for sure. Thank you so much for linking your adventures to #whatevertheweather xx
Anca says
It’s a beautiful place, I hope I will be able to visit it this year. I would recommend Townend in Lake District, the house is beautiful and they have an old recipe book (from late 16oos). For kids Wray castle is amazing. xx
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Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Wow what stunning scenery! Love that we have such beautiful places on our little island 🙂
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Mama Herself says
We always went on Lake District holidays when I was a child and I have been meaning and meaning to go again with my kids. Haven;t made it yet, but you have reminded me of the plan.Lovely pictures. The view from the Sun Hotel looks particularly stunning. Mind you, it was never sunny for our visits!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I really do think it is more important than ever to visit the Lake District to support their economy. It’s such a beautiful part of the world too.
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Ting at My Travel Monkey says
It’s just bloody beautiful isn’t it? I need to go and explore more of the Lake District. Last time I was there it peed down the whole time! Thanks for sharing your stunning photos again on #MondayEscapes
Camilla says
Stunning scenery and what fabulous food you had too – thanks for sharing:-)
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Mini Travellers says
What stunning photos. I was at Tarn Hows myself in October but the weather was much less sunny than this. These photos are beautiful. #whatevertheweather
Diana says
Never been there but it looks beautiful! You always get to visit the most amazing places!
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Cathy @ Planet Veggie says
Your gorgeous photos are inspiring me to go out for a walk!
Ceri @Natural Kitchen Adventures says
I have never been to the lakes, such stunning natural beauty, and wonderful photos you have taken to show it off.. A walking trek there beckons…
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Sarah Stockley (@kipperscurtains) says
Jealous much! How stunning is the Lake District? One place I’ve never been but would totally love to. Amazing pictures! Sarah #whatevertheweather
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Baby Isabella says
Your photos are beautiful and really do the place justice! We went on a National Trust adventure too this week! #Whatevertheweather xx
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Sarah - Craft Invaders says
You post makes me wish summer would hurry up and get here – the photos are fabulous, what a beautiful spot x
Emma says
Stunning photos. I did my teaching training in the Lake District near there and nearly settled there for a work as a result! I absolutely love the Lake District with its awe inspiring views and cosy pubs after days spent walking.
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Ickle Pickle says
My parents used to take us here when I was a child, I will never forget its beauty. Your photos are stunning. Kaz x
Rachel says
My gosh that scenery is just stunning! Ive never been to the Lakes and it is on my list of places I want to visit x
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Kacie says
It looks like such a beautiful place; I’ve never been before but after seeing this post I would love to go!
Rachel | Beauty and the Bird says
These photos look absolutely GORGEOUS! Definitely on my ‘to visit’ list! 🙂
VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood says
One of the most beautiful places in the country, if you ask me. Absolutely adore The Lake District, and you have just reminded me why.
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Alison says
I love the lake district, will have to revisit soon
Stella Kashmoney says
Loving the lake district. It looks so beautiful.
Rebecca Smith says
Oh wow this looks such a beautiful place to visit! I have always wanted the Lake District as I’ve heard how scenic it is 🙂
Sarah Bailey says
What an absolutely stunning looking place to visit. There is so many hidden gems all over the place. It is great to hear about a new one.
becky says
I’ve never been to the Lake District, its on my list of places to go. Your photos are stunning and makes me want to visit all the more!
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Catstello says
Looks like a lovely day out for the family!
Coombe Mill says
That looks like an absolutely beautiful place to visit on a family holiday, you are all so lucky with the scenery you have at home so it’s amazing you’ve found somewhere almost as beautiful. I bet exploring the woods and lands around the tarn was great fun too. It looks like a lovely place to take a dip, my lot would’ve been in like a shot. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
Rebecca says
Oh my goodness, your post has brought back some memories! My baby’s dad and I had our first ever holiday in a National Trust holiday cottage that over looked Tarn Hows. It was so incredibly beautiful. We went in February and got snowed in after the first two days, so could only trek down to Coniston each day, and it really was a trek, through Narnia, the snow was that heavy! It’s a magical place, so strange to read your memories of it on a summers day!
Leanne says
I’d love to visit the lake district. It looks lovely. I really like how you’ve recommended places to eat within this post. Very helpful! X
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mellissa williams says
The lake district looks beautiful. I don’t think I have ever visited and I really should! What was your favourite part?
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Elizabeth says
It’s a stunning place. My favourite part was definitely camping in Grizedale in the camping pods. Crouched down next to the fire pit with a glass of bubbly in one hand cooking dinner over an open fire – bliss!