Things for Couples to Do in the Lake District

There's plenty for couples to do in the Lake District. And now that the Christmas holidays are over, and children are back at school, couples who want some grown-up time together will find this is an ideal season to come here. We have romantic ideas, and challenging ideas, and things to do when you want to take it easy.<\/p>

Romantic Walk at Buttermere

If you’re looking for romance in the Lake District, then head to Buttermere. It’s one of the most beautiful of all the lakes, with a stunning mountain backdrop, and an easy, level, five mile walk around its shores. There’s a car park in the village behind the Bridge Hotel, and there are spectacular mountain passes to cross on your journey there. Choose Honister on the way out and Newlands on the way back. There’s a famous novel set here, by Melvyn Bragg. But The Maid of Buttermere is hardly romantic fiction; it’s the story of a scandal when a local lass was deceived into a bigamous marriage!<\/p>

A Night at the Movies

Take your seats on the back row at the movies. We have two local cinemas near to the Cedar Manor, with eight cinema screens in all. The Royalty on the main road heading into Bowness is a modernised three-screen cinema in an Art Deco-era building with period auditorium and Wurlitzer organ. Not far away in Ambleside there are five screens, two in Zeffirellis main building, two in an annex in the same street, and a big one above Fellinis restaurant. You’ll be really spoiled for choice.<\/p>

Just for Two - Wheels

Just the two of you? Two wheels, that is. Head north to the spectacular Whinlatter Forest and hire a couple of mountain bikes. Whinlatter, just west of Keswick, has stunning views, fantastic walks, rare wildlife and the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. You can be as hardcore as you want to be, with hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes available, but why not try an electric bike, to take some of the pain out of the steep climbs? You can hire for three hours or a full day, and there are routes for everyone, whatever your level of ability or experience. And a great café to sit and wind down afterwards, and watch the birds on the feeders outside.<\/p>

Lord and Lady of the Manor

Pretend to be lord and lady of the manor at Sizergh Castle. The medieval house, home to the Strickland family for more than 800 years, won’t be open till later in the spring, but you can still wander all around the gardens and the extensive 1600 acre estate. You’ll see all kinds of wildlife, deer, and rare birds, and in the gardens and orchard, and the rock garden, there’s always something of interest to discover. Excellent café with indoor and outdoor seating.<\/p>

Love in Icy Waters

Declare your love in the icy waters. Lots of people are swimming in the lakes and tarns, even at this time of the year. But few went as far as photographer James Kirby who, on Valentine’s Day, cut a heart-shaped hole in an icy tarn for his girlfriend Winnie. They say – everyone who tries it says – that this is the most exhilarating experience. But you need to get used to cold water gradually. For the best advice, turn to the Girl about the Lakes blogger, environmentalist and all-round water enthusiast Ali Phillips.<\/p>

Stay Warm ON the Water

If you enjoy being ON the water rather than IN the water, take a cruise on Windermere, England's largest lake. From here at the Cedar Manor it's a pleasant stroll down through Windermere town to Bowness where steamers head off on cruises north and south up and down the lake. Soon the self-drive boats will be operating again, as well.<\/p>