The Lake District

Our travels around the UK continued with an excursion to Cumbria - the Lake District.

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

As we headed down to Ullswater we encountered a snowstorm that was to continue until we reached Bowness-On-Windermere. Stopping at a group of standing stones - do you see a trend here - called 'Red Meg and her daughters' gave us a taste of how cold it was. Luckily Denise had packed a bag of ski gear so we were well kitted out. Snow showers continued for the rest of the day which was very exciting for us all.

In Bowness we visited the Beatrix Potter Experience which was terrific. Lots of animatronic scenes and history of the author - together with lots of info on the region. Maya got to paint a Peter Rabbit plastercast and Will got to...well...run around!

The B & B we stayed in was right in town - and booked through the local Information Centre (a top tip for future excursions). Dinner was at the local across the road and the breakfast the next morning was a feast.

The following day was clear and sunny - and very cold - with terrific views of the mountains around Windermere - lots of video taken.

To pacify the children we ventured to the Lakeside Aquarium - which turned out to be exceptionally well done. Species on display included pike, eels and diving ducks!

The Beatrix Potter museum gave us a taste of the literary so we headed to her home, 'Hill Top' and to her farm just out of Coniston. This gave us the chance to tour around the Western Lakes.

Being in 'the Lakes' we had to get on the water so we took the car ferry across Lake Windermere just as the dark clouds began to form.

We had considered staying another night but with John heading to London the next afternoon we decided to go home. Via a few more villages - Kendall and Kirby Lonsdale (a picturesque spot with a great cheese shop!)