Romantic Places in the Lake District
If you’re looking for the most romantic places in the Lake District on Valentines Day, the Cedar Manor is a good place to start.
We’re in the heart of the most romantic corner of England. And the spirits of the Romantic Poets are all around us.
The Cedar Manor has many guests celebrating anniversaries, and we’ve seen many proposals here. In fact, in the hotel Best for Romance awards, we are in the top ten, and the only hotel listed in the South Lakes.
So where are the most romantic places in the Lake District, beyond our garden gate?
A Magic Circle: Castlerigg Stone Circle
A magic circle
Castlerigg stone circle is a place of mystery and magic. So how could you fail to be moved by the romance of this location? Full of legend and history, it’s the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all the British stone circles, with panoramic views, and the mountains of the Helvellyn range as a backdrop.
The exact function of these early circles is not known, but sites such as Castlerigg were undoubtedly important meeting places for the scattered Neolithic communities, whether as trading places or as religious centres, or even both. But we think they are circles of love. Don’t believe it? Why not go along and see if the magic casts a spell on you.
The stone circle is signposted to the right off the A591 just before Keswick.
A Bridge You'll Love: High Sweden Bridge
A bridge you'll love
Nearer to “home” is the beautiful and romantic hollow in the hills where you’ll find those three little words: High Sweden Bridge. This is an ancient packhorse bridge crossing Scandale Beck near some spectacular waterfalls. It’s quiet and peaceful, but you can walk up there in half an hour from Ambleside. Go up the woods from Sweden Lane, and do the round trip by coming back down the far side of the beck towards Nook End. It's a route with really magnificent views of Windermere.
But if you are inspired to carry onwards and upwards, this is the start of the terrific climb to the route known as the Fairfield Horseshoe, which will take you most of the day.
Otherwise, stop for a while, maybe enjoy a picnic, have a paddle or even a swim in the pools above the bridge. A delightful place for lovers.
The name “Sweden” bridge, by the way, probably comes from the Norse word Svithinn, meaning “land cleared by burning”.
More Romantic Places: Faeryland, Catbells, and Rydal Mount
Away with the fairies
If you and your love don’t want anything too energetic, head to Grasmere and the romantically-named Faeryland. This is an idyllic spot with a tea-garden, serving a range of exotic teas served in real china cups. And there are the prettiest rowing boats for hire. Grasmere is a safe lake even for inexperienced rowers. But it’s also one of the most beautiful so if you had something romantic to propose, this would be an ideal venue.
A hill for a lovely maiden
It is possible, of course, to combine strenuous exercise with romance, and we mean out on the fells. Just west of Keswick, overlooking the lake of Derwentwater, is the small but perfectly formed mountain with the loveliest of names: Catbells. It’s a tough little climb, but you reach the heights quickly. And then you can walk a little further to the hill named for the girl who’s yet to fall in love, Maiden Moor. It’s one of the loveliest ridge routes in the whole of the Lake District, and certainly one of the most romantic places on the Lakeland fells.
Marry in the most Romantic garden
If your true love has said “yes” it’s now possible to have your wedding at the home of the most famous of the Romantic poets, William Wordsworth. You can get married inside the house at Rydal Mount where Wordsworth wrote some of his most famous poetry, or in the garden with its acres of lawns, shrubs, and woodland walks. Stylish gazebos or marquees can be made available for you and your guests at this most exclusive of venues. Go and have a look round. Rydal Mount is just off the A591 a mile north of Ambleside, and there’s a bus stop at the end of the lane.