Summer Tranquility

Summer shows us how to slow down and pause for a moment. Like the bees drunk on summer meadow nectar, the warmer weather makes us woozy too and we are ready for it!

In the spring we may have headed out for long hikes to keep warm. In the gloriously warm summer months we want to amble a bit, maybe park our bikes up in the beer garden of a country pub and watch the world go by, surrounded by lush green countryside and a babbling stream. The stillness of the Lake District landscape offers many people the perfect place for reflection.

Left image: Ullswater | Middle image: Buttermere | Right image: Bowfell

Perhaps we’ll doze with a book, basking in the warm sun, amongst some summer wildflowers or enjoy the shade of a tree. Summer in the Lakes is all about enjoying the Lake District’s natural ‘pause spaces’ – Friar’s Crag looking out over the wonder that is the vista of Derwentwater or the Victorian Viewing Station over Lake Windermere. The breathtaking Lake District landscape offers so many natural places to pause. We seek the corners of the Lake District where there are hidden gems, like the rare wild orchid that flowers in summer, tucked away for those lucky enough to discover them. From secluded pebbly lakeshore bays to wildlife walks and cycle rides through remote sweeping valleys, these are places you can’t help but stop, hit pause and stay in that moment for some time.

The lakes are the best places to cool off this summer; dip your toe in England’s largest lake, enjoy a leisurely picnic by Rydal Water and let the spectacular views wash over you. For the adventurous, there are superb wild swimming spots here in the UK’s best natural water park! Though for many of us, unlacing walking boots and cooling our feet off in the clear water of a stream or fairy pool with the sun on our shoulders is bliss enough. Add a cold bottle of cucumber water to the mix and we’re in summer heaven.

Gin is the spirit of the summer season – garnished with sprigs from the garden like fresh mint, lavender, frozen rhubarb shavings for the ultimate summer feeling. Summer in the Lake District is all about sunny afternoons and the garden party is the summer soiree. We are ready to spend quality time with our loved ones, with nothing in particular to see or do. Just laid-back fun.

Out and about, the itinerary over summer remains laidback. We’re looking for activities that we can dip our toes in and out of. Days spent on the sweeping white sands of Haverigg Beach – the Lake District’s best-kept secret! Or, seeking shade under the dappled light of a woodland or forest.