Situated in Kendal at the south-east corner of the Lake District, Nigel’s apartment is the perfect home from home. With stunning walks, scenery and landscapes a short drive away, it would be easy to think of Kendal as just the launch pad, but there is also much to see and do in this busy Cumbrian market town – on rainy days or sunny ones.
Pubs, restaurants and nightlife. I highly recommend a visit to The Riflemen’s Arms – a friendly, local away from the main town centre at the top of a steep hill (be prepared for the 15-minute upward climb). Sunday is quiz night. Organised by the landlord himself, it is well run and lots of fun. Thursday night is folk night and what a treat to listen to highly skilled local musicians, sharing their extensive repertoire whilst seated around the pub tables. Good real ales on tap.
Despite its relatively small size, Kendal offers a huge variety of cuisine for the visitor at reasonable prices. Highly recommended is ‘Pedro’s Casa’, a family-owned tapas restaurant with a Spanish and Mexican inspired menu. Other favourites include Mumbai, Bangkok 7 and La Pekora Nera. For the avoidance of any doubt, they are Indian, Thai and Italian cuisine in that order. Service at all restaurants is friendly and helpful. I would add that it’s best to check ahead if you want to eat out early in the week as some of these places only open from Wednesday – Saturday. The convenient location of Nigel’s apartment means all are accessible on foot for an evening out, and a take away collected at the restaurant will still be hot after the short walk home.
Famous for its lakes, mountains, valleys and landscapes, the Lake District is both a walker’s paradise and a thrill seeker’s dream. From short, accessible walks labelled ‘Miles without Stiles’, through to Scafell Pike, anyone can access the outdoors. Walks around lakes and tarns offer woods, streams and an abundance of wildlife. I recommend Loweswater and Tarn Hows – short, accessible walks and level underfoot.
Walks in the Great Langdales offer the drama of sweeping landscapes and seemingly endless sky. A walk along the valley floor is a great way to experience the grandeur although there are many climbs and more challenging walks for those who are more adventurous. If you are lucky (or unlucky), the RAF might be practising their low flying skills and your peaceful reverie will be shattered by the thunderous but utterly exhilarating sight and sound of a fighter jet......... if you’re quick you might even get a photo.
Another good walk that offers rough paths, streams and some uphill, but is not too difficult, is around Grasmere and along the River Rothay. Finish with a visit to Wordsworth’s cottage and / or grave.
If the weather is hot, there are multiple safe and sandy beaches for swimmers. Windermere and Coniston Water offer boat rides across the lakes and many can be combined with a walk or a stopover. Thrill seekers can choose from rock climbing, abseiling, ghyll scrambling, canoeing, paddle boarding, etc. Add in shops, souvenirs and local specialities such as Kendall Mint Cake and Grasmere gingerbread – (don’t tell your dentist), there is something for everyone.
Rainy days......
But the Lake District also has history. As steam trains made travel accessible to the middle classes in Victorian England, the Lake District attracted visitors from the cities. Beatrix Potter found peace and tranquility in her little cottage and wrote her whimsical stories inspired by the landscape and wildlife. She became known for her conservation work and her National Trust property in Near Sawrey tells the story.
John Ruskin, a wealthy Victorian philosopher, writer, art critic and public speaker, bought Brantwood on the shores of Coniston Water where he lived until his death. He wrote with expertise on a huge range of subjects, even developing an interest in issues of social justice. A visit to Brantwood can be included in a boat trip on the lake. Speaking of boat trips, the steam yacht ‘Gondola’ on Coniston Water is a unique way to travel on this stretch of water with a great commentary to accompany the peaceful (non-diesel) journey.
The pièce de résistance of houses though has to be Blackwell, one of the best preserved ‘arts and crafts’ houses in England. Designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, this Grade 1 listed building demonstrates the core practices of this movement. Built to make use of the natural light and using motifs from nature herself, the house also embraces traditional crafts in an age where industrialisation and mass production were quickly overwhelming centuries-old traditional skills.
As for your accommodation, Nigel’s apartment is just perfect for your stay. The 2 flights of stairs might be challenging after a long day of walks, but your ‘home from home’ makes it worthwhile. Beds are extremely comfortable and the living area, spacious and relaxing. The fully equipped kitchen makes meal preparation easy with the local supermarket Booths providing all your culinary needs. The bathroom is functional, clean and bright while a washing machine and drier are discreetly tucked away in an alcove. Rainy days and evenings in are catered for with TV and the all-important high end music system.
Want a perfect week away in the Lake District? Not long enough, book 2!