Recuperating in the Lake District
Recuperating in the Lake District
a change of scene to help me get back to myself
Returning to work after my grandad's death was short-lived. With work stresses, anxiety and grief, I didn’t last the first full day back. I have been seeking support to help me get back to myself.
Not long into this time, I had a pre-booked getaway to the Lake District planned with my parents. When my energy allowed, I prepped for the long weekend away. Knowing there was still a part of me that did not want to succumb to the depression I felt. I was hoping that a change of scene would kick-start the drive to take steps to better my mental health.
The getaway was the day after my grandad’s funeral. I stayed with my parents during this time to give support where possible. With my tiredness and low mood, I was thankful that I did not have to do any driving. Once packed up, I sat in the back seat, earbuds in, listening to podcasts with my eyes closed.
Accommodation
The journey took under four hours, with a stop-off at services. We had timed it right to arrive shortly after the earliest arrival start time of 1 pm. Only a few others were on site when we arrived; the Thursday before half term was still quiet. With a choice of which pitch to choose, we were able to select one with a view of the lake in the distance.
I’m glad I took these photos when I did; by Friday afternoon, the campsite had filled up. The pitches were decent sizes and spaced out enough that you didn’t feel on top of one another. This site had 113 pitches but still felt cosy in size. There was one shower block from the entire site, with many cubicles. The water pressure for the showers was about average, but it worked well, with plenty of space to put items and dry off.
There was a pizza cabin that took orders on Friday and Saturday evenings. We didn’t have any on this stay, but the sign did mention gluten-free and vegan options. Overall, this campsite was well managed and would be somewhere to return to. The only downfall was that there weren’t many options for where to walk from the site itself. Using mostly roadsides, it is possible to walk into Grange-over-Sands, but there are no walking trails within walking distance.
I can’t speak for the overal cost. I paid for my guest fees for the three nights, which was £28. I thought this was a great price and would have paid more to stay at this site.
Food
Having our cooking facilities, we took what we wanted, knowing we would have at least one meal while out. We had one main meal and two lunch/snack meals while out and about.
This was my first time at this pub. My parents rate it highly not only for its food but also for its accommodation. After my experience here, I would return for food and to use their accommodation. They also allow dogs to stay, and their biggest food area is where dogs are allowed. They do have a smaller seating area where dogs aren’t allowed for people to sit and eat.
We sat down near a window, which allowed us to see into the brewing area. I could only see a big fermentation tank, but I liked that they had this chance to see it. At first, when I looked at the menu, I thought some options were a little higher in price than other pubs. However, I forgot about that and thought it was worth every penny when I saw the portion size. The gammon I had nearly filled the whole plate.
They had a good selection of gluten-free mains options. I only had three dessert options, and seeing as I don’t like ice cream, it was easy to pick. My main meal, dessert, and drink cost approximately £28.
Overall, I enjoyed this experience. This would be my first choice if I needed a hotel in this area.
This Cafe Amibo is at the Lakeland Motor Museum. I have visited this cafe before at a busier time of year. At that point, I had a meal which I remember I enjoyed very much.
On this occasion, we had a drink and a cake. I had a hot chocolate, which they could make with oat milk, and there were a couple of gluten-free options for the cakes. Both were delicious. I think it cost approximately £8 for the two items.
They allow dogs into this cafe. Unfortunately, another dog went for Alfie, causing him to pull his back leg muscle to escape. The staff were lovely. They came over to check on him several times. By the time we left, he was walking normally again.
Despite the unfriendly dog. It’s a lovely place to go for some food. If I were passing the area in the future, I would come to the cafe without visiting the museum.
During our visit to Sizergh, we had lunch at their contemporary cafe. One of the things I love about the National Trust cafes is that they use seasonal produce as much as possible from their gardens for their food. This cafe was no different. Dogs are welcome in the cafe. It was a nice day; we sat in the porch seating area.
Here, I had a drink, loaded potato skins and a cake. The gluten-free cakes at the National Trust cafes tend to be pre-packaged items. This one was no different, though they had a different option from others I’ve been to. I usually only have one or two options for gluten-free food, so it was nice to see something different in the loaded potato skins. All was lovely, and I think it cost approximately £12 for my lunch on this day.
Things To Do
This is my second time visiting this museum, the first being last summer. It is dog-friendly and all inside, which works out perfectly for the cold and wet days. I could only see one obvious difference in the display compared to the last visit. This could be because of the short time between visits.
It costs £11 for entry with standard opening hours. It has free parking, a kid’s quiz, a gift shop and the Cafe Ambio. The visit was mostly because it is an interest of my step-dads. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. This trip for me was okay, motorised vehicles aren’t my thing. From this trip, I would safely say I’m happy not to return anytime soon.
Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore
After visiting the museum and cafe, there was still some time in the afternoon to visit another location. We went to Claife Viewing Station, which is a location open from dawn to dusk but not manned.
There is a small car park called Ash Landing, which has steps leading up to the viewing station. Further round from Ash Landing, there was a small disabled parking area near the courtyard entrance. This has a pebbled slope leading up from the courtyard to the viewing station. In the courtyard was a Joey’s Cafe; this isn’t National Trust.
Due to the cold and wet day, we didn’t stay long. However, despite the misted views, it was still a beautiful location. On two sides of the platform, there was coloured glass framing the viewing area. Even though there is not much to do at this location, it would be somewhere I’d like to visit again when the weather is better to experience the views again.
I'd also like to visit the Windermere West Shore again to experience the gentle walks. I saw the main sign from the National Trust for this area, but with the time and the weather as they were, this was best for another visit. I’d happily park at Ash Landing, see the viewing station, and walk from there.
We did detour our way back to the campsite by going on the Windermere Ferry. This isn’t something I’d done before. You pay per vehicle, depending on size. It was £6 for ours. These prices differ if you walk, cycle, or ride on a horse. I couldn’t see much from the car; the weather had worsened at this point in the day, and the railing was to the car's height. It would be something I’d go on again for a short ride across the lake.
This was a lovely place to visit. It was the time of year when the house wasn’t open, and with dogs, we couldn’t go into the gardens. We did do one of the walks on offer. There are four different walks; we did the Church Fell walk, which is approximately two and a quarter miles.
It is a pay-and-display car park, and admission prices apply to the gardens and house. There is a price for admission to the gardens only when the house is closed and open. There is gate access to the walks without going through the visitor centre. I would take it for those who know the walks; as long as you’ve paid and displayed, you wouldn’t have to pay for admission to the house and gardens. Please don’t quote me on that; I could be wrong.
The Church Fell walk took us approximately two hours. There is an optional route that makes it shorter for those who need accessible pathways. We did the entire walk, and some ground pathways were cobbles, muddy or steps. It had some beautiful views, especially near the church. This is a place I would visit again to experience it all.
Down Time
This trip aimed to escape into a different setting that wasn’t my sofa in front of the telly. I hoped it would get me out of my head and feel something different from the numbness I was feeling. I still felt numb, but I had the odd moment where my mind wasn’t as foggy.
I read Laura Vaughan's book Hazard Night and listened to several podcast episodes—too many to name them all. We watched four films: 2012: The Mummy, Alex Cross, and I am Legend. We had late mornings and bacon sandwiches for breakfast.
I may not have felt different at the end, but I feel that it was still a benefit compared to what I would have done if I hadn’t gone. The three nights away were a mini shock to my system.
Stay safe
Love
Tami
The Lake District is so beautiful. I hope your time in nature was restorative for you and your parents.