A Day in the lakes

We often forget the beauty all around us living here with the Lake District on our doorstep so this weekend we took the opportunity to go out and about on a very wet and wild Saturday.  Unfortunately we were Camper-less as both were out on their holidays but that didn't stop us having a fantastic day out.


1st Stop -  Coniston

We arrived in Coniston at around midday where we decided to stop for lunch at our favourite Waterfront Cafe - The Bluebird Cafe. 

They have a small but well thought out menu and daily specials as well as a selection of lovely cakes.

(Photo by Dave Brown)

We love Coniston and its relative peace and tranquillity compared to other towns around the Lake District. It is nestled on the lake side under the shadows of Coniston "old man" and is a haven for walkers and holiday-makers alike with a good selection of b&b's, restaurants and pubs including  The Black Bull where they brew Coniston's very own beers  http://www.blackbullconiston.co.uk/. 

There are also a number a great campsites nearby including our favourite  - The Caravan Club Site -  Coniston Park Coppice  which is open to members and non-members alike all year round and is within easy walk of Coniston Village via a well-laid footpath that runs through the fields and along the lake side (and it's buggy accessible). 

Another option for those who do not require electric hook up or those with tents is Coniston Old Hall.  This site is great for younger groups as they accept single-sex parties but it really is just a field and a toilet block.  If you need your creature comforts and prefer lights (and noise) out by 10 this probably won't be the site for you.    http://conistonhallcampsite.wordpress.com/


After leaving Coniston we took the scenic route along the B5285 through Hawkshead where there are a couple more campsites and a brewery,  down the East side of Esthwaite Water and to the Car Ferry which crosses Lake Windermere.

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The Car Ferry is a cabled or "chain" ferry that runs across the mid-point of the Lake between Far Sawry and Ferry Nab,  a distance of 460m and there has been a ferry in operation there for some 500 years.   The ferry costs £4.40 for a standard car and passengers though you can cross by foot or even take the campervan/Motorhome across if you wanted (though it costs more than a car ticket!)

Stop 2 - Bowness on Windermere

Parking at Bowness is a fairly easy though costly experience.  There are many carparks in the area run by SLDC and you are able to buy a 3 or 7 day pass if you are planning to be in the area a while which can save you a bit of money.

Braithwaite Fold Caravan Site is run by The Camping & Caravanning Club and is very close (5-10 minutes walk) from the waterfront.  The site accepts members and non-members and of course if you are staying in one of our vehicles you automatically get membership of The Camping & Caravanning Club during your hire.

Bowness was just a short visit for us,  a lovely stroll along the waterfront and then into our favourite Cafe for afternoon tea,   St Martins Tea Rooms.    This is a small cafe on the side street behind St Martin's Church (no surprises there then!).    They serve light bites, daily specials and a lovely selection of cakes and drinks.   Children get juice for free and the prices are very reasonable considering the location.   We enjoyed a lovely cup of tea from a real bone china teapot and some absolutely delicious scones which were still warm and were served with a selection of fresh cream, homemade jam and some butter.    It was excellent.