ullswater - the lake district
Despite hoping we would be more than warm kipping in a tent in late may in the UK - the lakes lived up to its reputation and rained on us profusely throughout our stay. We refused to let a little water and wind chill dampen our spirits - carried on with our day plans, snuggled together for warmth in the evenings, and succeeded in making our trip a memorable one. This is our experience of ullswater.
where we stayed
We rested our heads for a few nights at the ‘Waterside Farm and Campsite’ situated alongside the lake between Pooley bridge and Howtown.
It was perfectly picturesque waking up (ALWAYS before Ryan and Marlow - those lazy bones) and drinking takeaway hot coffee from the on site cafe, while staring at the view of the lake from the opening of our tent. Having arrived thinking we would be roughing it off the grid in the sense that we would have no access to electricity, we were pleasantly surprised to find sockets to re-boot our devices overnight. Which turned out to be handy - as it seems that documenting holidays and sat navving our way around the Lakes required more frequent charging needs than we had originally anticipated.
The campsite was set on a working farm (with a farmhouse dating to the 1690’s) which meant farm smells and newly calved babes to ogle at while Marlow swung to her hearts content on the swing set. The only downside was how dang cold Great Britain can get in the late evening - with what can only be described as gail force wind making it impossible to keep our fire alight. However, it did mean, Ryan had no qualms about snuggling together for warmth in bed - an added bonus to our trip.
where we ate
When you picture eating out on holiday you imagine good food, conversation and that altogether belly full o’riches vibe. Eating out with a toddler does not easily click with this scene. In the ideal scenario said toddler will sit in highchair and join in the polite conversation whilst eating whatever you order for them. In reality it undoubtedly results in loud protestations from the highchair bound infant, and a pair of frazzled parents. Understandably from your toddler’s point of view - remaining stationary whilst waiting for food to arrive is b-o-r-i-n-g.
We had come away as much for her enjoyment as our own, so in contrast to previous holidays whereby we have indulged in fancy meals and lavish wines, on this trip the aforementioned frazzled parents opted for the quick bite to eat and run approach. We found ‘The Pooley Bridge Inn’ fit the bill nicely, and was very child friendly.
What we did
We wandered ‘Brougham Castle’. We shared the grounds with a rogue sheep, but had the entire ruin to ourselves. Entry was inexpensive, and you can park right at the entrance, however due to covid you must pre-book online first (this can be done on the day).
Lunched in Penrith.
We spent an afternoon at ‘Lowther Castle & Gardens’ with what can only be described as the most incredible children’s outdoor play area we have come across. It also has a cafe/restaurant, exhibition inside the main castle and beautifully manicured grounds to explore. Again you can book your tickets in advance, online.
Visit one of the ancient stone circles nearby. We ventured to the ‘Castlerigg stone circle’; one of Britain’s oldest neolithic monuments. There is nearby roadside parking and no entry fee required. Simply climb the steps built into the old stone wall to enter the field.
Walk the ‘Ullswater Way’. This was a story in itself; beautiful views but it took us around six hours with a toddler (with no place to pitstop on the way, so bring a picnic with you!)
