Staying on the shore of Lake Windermere, at the YHA Ambleside, we spent three nights, and a few wonderful days, soaking up the beautiful scenery.
Alice and Mummy approaching Ambleside and the YHA
We enjoyed hiking the countryside, taking a boat across the lake and visiting Beatrix Potter‘s 17th-century farmhouse ‘Hill Top.
Stunning scenery on our walk up to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top home from Wray Castle.
Our hike took us about 6 miles, from Wray Castle to Hill Top, with beautiful tarns reflecting the surrounding countryside and colours of the sky.
Captivating reflections
We caught a short boat ride to the start of our walk, crossing from Ambleside to the Wray Castle Jetty, as part of a ‘Walkers Ticket with Windermere Lake Cruises‘. We were by the Captain of our fine vessel to watch carefully for otters, by looking for trails of bubbles, but we weren’t in luck – never mind, we had fun looking!
The traditional wooden launch, ‘Princess of the Lake’, which we took to Wray Castle Jetty
Arriving at Wray Castle Jetty
We started our walk alongside Lake Windermere, spending about half an hour following the pathway, before turning away from the lake and climbing up, through forest and farmland.
Starting our walk from Wray Castle Jetty.
Alice enjoyed placing a ‘lucky stone’ on the top of a cairn, after quite a long climb.
Alice placing a lucky stone on top of the cairn.
On our walk up we were very fortunate to stumble across a small family of deer! A rustle in the bushes alerted us to the presence of something – and we knew by the sound that it was something larger than a bird or rodent… after a moment of silence we spotted a deer, and a second, and…. a third! We didn’t have a super zoom lensed camera to capture what our eyes could see, so just stopped and enjoyed the moment, feeling very grateful.
After our climb we ambled down toward Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s farm-house, crossing beautiful landscapes and tarns.
Family xxxx
Beatrix Potter’s home was such a treasure to visit – like a time-capsule of her life and work.
Within Beatrix Potter’s home were quotes from her books, letters and journals.
Her garden was so similar to that which is drawn and described in ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’.
In the village that she had lived we enjoyed a pub lunch, whilst reading one of her books, and being entertained by a very friendly robin!
Alice and the robin
We were also in admiration of the vegetables on display outside – it seemed a local ‘Harvest Festival’ tradition to display vegetables in a creative display!
Hello Robin Red Breast!
On another day we played mini-golf, went on a ‘Swallows and Amazons’ themed trail and jumping around in ‘Treetop Nets‘ at Brockhole.
On the trail with Grandma and Grandad at Brockhole!
Playing mini-golf at Brockhole
Alice enjoyed the tree top nets immensely (as did I – so much so that I completely forgot to take a photograph!). We also loved the visitor centre at Brockhole, with so much information and activities (including an indoor climbing wall and soft play space for younger children!).
I only wish we had longer to linger in the Lake District as I think Alice would have been very much at home.
Alice watching a dog taking a leap into a tarn after a stick.
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These are gorgeous!! I’ve always wanted to go to the Lake District. How lucky are you to have seen a family a deer? That must have been incredible,. Happy birthday! Looks like a lovely place to spend a few hours, and some beautiful colours in those photos. #countrykids
It looks like you explored so much during your time in the Lakes District, it’s fab to see Alice so at home exploring! I bet it was fascinating to explore Beatrix Potters house sounds like an amazing experience, I bet it was fab to see the inspiration for her stories. That friendly robin looks lovely, we have a very friendly one here on the farm that will come to say hello in the mornings.
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
Wow! You fitted a lot in. I think you must have ticked off all the “must-sees” in the Lake District and more. We love visiting the Lake District. Not surprised Alice felt at home. #CountryKids
This looks like you had so much fun. What amazing scenery and I’ve heard lots of good reports about YHA accommodation recently. Mich x #CountryKids
I love the Lake District! I stayed in YHA Ambleside last December but you definitely had the better weather (everything was flooded). I’ve never visited Beatrix Potter’s house though, maybe next time. #countrykids
Beautiful photos… I love going to the Lake District.
Coming along from #CountryKids…
What a beautiful looking place. I need to visit the Lake District
Glad you enjoyed visiting my adopted home!
Beautiful photos, I especially like the reflected clouds. #CountryKids
Its so nice in there no wonder Beatrix was able to do so many beautiful stories! #countrykids
Stunning photos. I have always wanted to visit the Lake District but have been put off by the long journey with the children but now they’re older we will have to go one day!
#countrykids
The Lake District is such a beautiful place to visit and I love all your photos. Beatrix Potter’s house is on my list of places that I’d like to visit someday – sounds like you had a lovely time there! 🙂 #countrykids
I love everything about this post. We love the Lake District and hiking, in fact I was talking to a friend about potential backpacking and wild camping routes for the spring the other day. Love the photo of the lucky stone on the cairn too.
David – Potty Adventures
#countrykids