Sometimes just a quick night away makes a world of difference - two nights all the better, particularly if there's not far to travel, with delicious food and lush bedrooms…
Britain's largest National Park the Lakes are stunning. Wastwater is Wasdale Valley, Honister Pass, Windernere - names ubiquitous with dramas and poems and folk-lore are waiting to be expored.
Views are stunning at what feels like every turn - amble around the various Lakes - Brockhole visitor centre has loads of info regarding distance and difficulty of Lakeland walka - Tarn Hows is in the central Lakes and at just 1.5 miles is perfect for a family stroll. For those with older kids Buttermere is a five mile round trip and stunning once the waterfalls spring.
For something different Ullswater Steamers and the Eskdale Railway both offer fabulous diversions - the Steamer is a two hour round trip from lenridding to Pooley Bridge and there's plenty of things for the children to look out for on the Lake. The railway is a must for any Thomas the Tank fans - and for those who aren't particualrly it's charming.
For bord lovers young and old Whinlatter Visitor Centre puts on an osprey exhibition from Spring through to summer - transport is available to a viewing point.
Lots of pubs and Inns welcome families and many have won varius accolades and awards - The Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite (just outside of Windermere) and The George & Dragon being two. For something of a treat L'Enclume and The Drunken Duck are excellent options if you decide to have a grown up dinner and get a baby-sitter in.
The G & D might not be a typical family break suggestion but with the gorgeous Lowther estate on your door-step, a kitchen that creates perfectly crafted and award-winning meals (in part perhaps due to the admirable pedigree of the organically reared livestock on the estate) and luxury, understated accommodation, a trip here to get some space and fresh Cumbrian air is a fine option before heading back to work.
The bedrooms are both cosy and decadent with fine linens, custom made beds, good robes, fluffy towels, proper power-showers, flatscreens TVs and DVD players - the family room can fit a cot and z-bed in, as required.
Situated on the eastern side of the Lake District the north-eastern fells and Ullswater are just a few miles away. The Lowther Estate and Castle is walkable, or a short drive from the Inn. Check our site for more Lake District accommodation, including luxury family hotels, family-friendly hotels, family camping & much more.