Lake it or Leave It: The Lakes District

When you hear the Lakes District 

what do you think of?

Most people say Jane Austen.

If that's what you think, you're in good company...

because I would, too!

Even though Jane & me aren't as close as I would like,

seeing how she is kinda, well, dead and all,

I can only assume that we would be kindred spirits 

in our shared appreciation of this amazing area.

While I will never know {for sure} that Jane & me 

would see eye-to-eye on the beauty of the Lakes District...

I can ask you, my friend,

Is this place not gorgeous?

If you want to travel to the Lakes District,

here is what I would recommend.

I love staying in the town of Ambleside

at the Ambleside Central Hotel. 

Great location in the Lakes District

with cozy {& affordable} rooms...

Eat breakfast at Ambleside's Apple Pie Bakery...

and don't feel guilty about having it's namesake {with ice cream} for breakfast.

Visit Wordsworth's house in Grasmere, Dove Cottage...

find yourself inspired like one of the Lakes Poets by the stunning views.

and while you're in Grasmere, 

 try a bite of gingerbread from 

it's birthplace-

Sarah Nelson's.

It is an afternoon (teatime) delight!

Spend half a day exploring the waterside town of Windemere...

I love the small bakeries, tea rooms... 

and it's endless supply of charity shops!

Renting a boat on the Lake will fulfill all your stereotypes 

of a visit to the Lakes.

While you are in the Lakes District,

make a stop by Beatrix Potter's preserved home, Hilltop Farm...

and make it a priority to have lunch at the wonderfully delicious pub next door, 

The Tower Bank Arms.

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy