Top 5 Valentine’s Day Lake District Activities | John Norris
The stunning and dramatic landscape of the Lake District is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day filled with lots of unique Lake District activities. Surrounded by majestic mountains and tranquil rivers, you and your Valentine’s date will have an unforgettable couple’s retreat surrounded by the immense beauty of the Lake District. It is no surprise that romantic poets such as William Wordsworth and Robert Southey found inspiration in the spectacular scenery and fairytale villages. Below are our top 5 Valentine’s Day Lake District activities for you and your loved one to explore this Valentine's Day.
Romantic Walks
The Lake District is renowned for its breathtaking views and exquisite walking trails. One of the most beautiful excursions to try is the Dark Sky Walk. This Lake District activity will have you stepping over a babbling brook, walking paths alongside the beautiful Beacon Tarn and climbing the 255m peak providing stunning 360° views that overlook Coniston Water and the Western Lakes fells at the top. This Lake District walk is sure to impress and create the romantic ambience every couple deserves on Valentine’s Day.
The northern shore of Ullswater is said to have inspired William Wordsworth to pen one of his most iconic verses, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” So, head up to Aira Force to experience a visually impressive waterfall and see for yourself why Wordsworth was so enthralled with the surrounding area's beauty. If you enjoy the Aira Force waterfall, Colwith Force is another waterfall sure to have an impact. Standing at 40 feet, Colwith Force Falls is located on the River Brathay and is only a short walk through the woodland from the car park, or to lengthen the walk, you can start your journey in Elterwater.
Buttermere near Keswick is fantastic for a remote and scenic walk with your partner. Make the most of it by packing a picnic with some fizz and chocolates and enjoy the picturesque views. At John Norris, we stock the highest quality walking and hiking gear to keep you comfortable and safe on your adventures.
Hotel and Spa Break
For those looking to indulge a little more this Valentine’s Day, why not book a hotel and spa break? The Lake District has some of the most quintessentially British and luxurious accommodation options in the UK, with many surrounded by romantic gardens and vibrant woodland. Intimate and relaxing, a spa experience is the perfect way to spoil you and your partner. The 4-star luxury, Appleby Manor Hotel and Garden Spa is a magnificent country house hotel, overlooking the Eden Valley and the Lake District fells. They are offering a Valentine’s Day Break Package from the 9th-16th of February, which includes a 4-course dinner in their award-winning restaurant, 2-course dinner in Bistro 1871, a free bottle of fizz and chocolates in the room and access to the aqua thermal journey during your stay.
A luxurious stately home nestled amidst 400 acres of deer park and woodland bordered by the northern shore of Bassenthwaite Lake is the Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa. The hotel is offering an ‘Overnight Escape Spa Break’ throughout 2024 which includes, accommodation, complimentary prosecco, dinner, 55-minute spa treatment and a glass of fizz served in their relaxing outdoor hot tub. On the other hand, staying in an idyllic self-catered cottage hidden in the depths of the forest is the perfect base for your Lake District activities and a fairytale romance.
Michelin-starred dining
The Lake District has some of the finest Michelin-star restaurants in the UK, so indulge in premium quality produce and take your tastebuds on an explosive adventure of flavour. Booking a delicious meal by candlelight with a glass of wine is a Valentine’s Day staple so why not go the extra mile and book the absolute best.
Nestled in the idyllic village of Cartmel, L’Enclume is a 3-star Michelin-star restaurant that takes a farm-to-table approach. The chef Simon Rogan sources his produce from his 16-acre farm and is renowned for his culinary creativity. The menu changes seasonally to ensure every customer receives the freshest quality produce available and each dish tells a story of Cartmel.
Equally so, Ollie Bridgewater’s Michelin-star restaurant ‘SOURCE’ at Gilpin Hotel, is modern gastronomy at its finest. Commitment to local produce, seasonality, and sustainability, this unique restaurant is sure to impress and make your Valentine’s Day a culinary experience you will not forget.
Film Night
As simple as it may sound, sometimes there is nothing more romantic than the tried and tested cinema date. Zeferellis Cinema in Ambleside is ideal for a delicious dinner followed by a movie to enjoy together. Zeferellis is offering a Valentine’s Day menu, which has three courses and live music for £40. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options so there is something for everyone. With Fred Binley’s Valentine's Special, they are offering a free glass of prosecco or beer with every ticket to their showings of the rom-com classic ‘When Harry Met Sally.’
Or enjoy the latest blockbuster from the comfort of your Lake District cottage, cuddled close on the sofa with a glass of wine and a home-cooked meal using some of the finest quality produce in Britain.
Stargazing
For established couples looking to escape the bright city lights, stargazing is a Lake District activity that is magical and sure to impress. Sparkling against the dark, black night sky, the stars and constellations are at their most vibrant in Cumbria, listed in the top 5% of the darkest areas in Britain. According to Path to Adventure, 80% of UK residents live under light-polluted skies and can only see about 30 stars in the night sky. So, spend Valentine’s Day under an oasis of dazzling stars and use a constellation naming app to get the most out of this Lake District activity.
Ennerdale has some of the darkest skies in Cumbria making it the perfect spot for stargazing. A spot famous for proposals (Bill Clinton proposed to Hilary here!) Ennerdale is quiet and secluded with fabulous views and the perfect sky for stargazing. Equally, Wasdale, which is under the peak of Scafell Pyke has a dramatically, rugged landscape. Why not finish off your romantic Lake District walk to the peak of Scafell Pyke with some stargazing at Wasdale? As it is colder at night, especially this time of year bundle up and keep warm with our range of thermals and gloves.
Why not spend Valentine’s night out in a canoe on the peaceful Coniston Water whilst enjoying the beauty and vastness of the night sky? The guided tour begins in daylight allowing you the chance to become familiar with the canoe and paddle. Enjoy a hot brew with our Stanley and Yeti collection whilst the sun sets over the magnificent mountain tops and then head out onto the water to see the stars, constellations, and Milky Way in all their glory.
Whether it is a luxurious spa break and intimate candle-lit dinner, or an idyllic and romantic woodland walk, the Lake District offers activities for every couple this Valentine’s Day.
