Manchester is known as the “Gateway to Northern England” due to its location in the north of England, which makes it the perfect spot to start your adventures to places like the Lake District, York, Liverpool and even Northern Wales! I was fortunate enough to visit the Lake District and didn’t know what to expect, but it was absolutely amazing! From Manchester, fellow travel buddy Aida and I rented a car and drove two hours north to spend some time in the area. The drive was pretty exciting for starters: the British drive on the “wrong side of the road,” meaning cars in the left-hand lane, and the driver on the right side of the car. While initially it was a little nerve wracking, once we were on the road for a bit it was a breeze.
Lingholm Estates
Our first stop in the Lake District was to the beautiful Lingholm Estates where we enjoyed a picture perfect lunch at the Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden. The property is stunning, and the food fresh and tasty. They offer locally sourced foods, artisanal bread, and desserts. They believe you should know where your food comes from and source all local foods when possible as well as work with local farms who supply the meat and dairy.
Alpacaly Ever After
After lunch, we ventured a little farther into Lingholm Estates and were greeted by the most adorable alpacas ever from Alpacaly Ever After where a small herd resides on a private portion of the estate. My heart melted. This was literally a moment I’ll never forget! Meet Milky Joe (the smaller alpaca with the cute puff haircut) and Jasper!
I was grinning from ear to ear from the moment I met them to the moment we left. Jasper led us on our walk and Milky Joe followed behind us making the sweetest noises that I can’t even begin to explain — it’s just something you’ll have to experience! Terry, the owner of Alpacaly Ever After rescued and adopted these alpacas from owners who were looking to downsize their herds, or who no longer felt able to look after their them. In addition to offering guided walks, these alpacas also serve as pet therapy to the children in the region. I’d highly recommend booking a guided walk with Alpacaly Ever After whenever you visit the Lake District!
Lake District Scenic Drive
The next morning we woke up early and took a scenic drive around the Lake District. The whole drive took about two and half hours including stops for photography. The roads are narrow and there aren’t a lot of turn out points but we just slowed down and turned on our hazard lights. I created a google map to help you. We started in Keswick and worked our way down toward Lodore Falls.
Oh! Make sure to make some time to stop by the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, a tiny shop that carries world famous gingerbread. It’s not quite a cookie or biscuit, but I know it’s something you shouldn’t miss!
Keswick Cookery School
After a stunning drive we headed to the Keswick Cookery School where Chef Peter Sidwell led us in a cooking class with a menu of local flavors. Over the course of several hours we cooked, ate and cooked some more! Having the opportunity to cook alongside a local was so much fun, and I’m looking forward to taking some of the recipes and making them at home. Are you interested in any recipes? Let me know!
The Lake District was a dream, I hope to someday return and spend some time hiking and camping in this area. Have you ever visited the Lake District? Where were your favorite spots?
This post is in partnership with Visit Manchester, Cumbria Tourism, Visit Britain, Virgin Atlantic
All thoughts and opinions are always my own. Thank you for supporting partners of See & Savour!
