Short on ideas for dates this Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re looking for some quality time á deux with someone new, an excuse to spend time with your partner, a way to tell someone in your family that you love them or an activity that all ages can enjoy, we’ve got some ideas. Here’s our list of Valentine’s Day things to do in the Lakes….
Let’s get physical…
Getting that pulse racing might already be on the cards, but have you considered doing it in the great outdoors? With waterproofs and perhaps a helmet?!
Not that! We mean getting your pulse racing with some outdoor pursuits, from paddleboarding and rock climbing to more sedate wanders. Getting outside has amazing health benefits, is a great tool for de-stressing, and can be an amazing bonding exercise, too! Three ‘musts’ on ou Valentine’s list! (Enjoying being outside in the Lakes in February also makes coming in and getting warm and dry seem like a luxurious spa occasion…)
Ideas for outdoor dates in the Lakes:
Ghyll scrambling
A ghyll is a narrow mountain stream – and there are plenty of them in the Lakes. Ghyll scrambling – also known as Canyoning, or Gorge Walking – is an exhilarating activity, where you’ll be guided along a rocky mountain river, scrambling up rocks, jumping into clear pools, swimming in bubbling pools, and walking through rapids!
https://www.facebook.com/MountainEscape.WalkScrambleClimb/
Rock climbing
Take on the challenge of scaling some wild and craggy cliffs with only your own hands and feet (plus some safety ropes and coaching!) The exhilaration is unmatched, and your sense of pride when you get to the top will make every hand hold worthwhile! (If outdoor climbing doesn’t appeal, head indoors to one of the Lakes’ indoor climbing centres, such as Kendal Wall, to get all of the thrill with none of the damp.
https://www.lakedistrictactivities.co.uk/
Walks
Whether a short wander on the flat or a mammoth hike to ‘bag a Wainwright’, a good walk is the perfect opportunity for uninterrupted time together.
Short: For a short and easy walk from Windermere, head up to Orrest Head. This 3.5km round walk summits the small fell Orrest Head, providing you with a steep winding path up through Ellaray Wood to a 238m peak with 360 views over Windermere.
https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/walking/mileswithoutstiles/mws50
Medium: If you’re keen to ‘bag a Wainwright’ but not up for hours of hiking, Cat Bells is a brilliant first choice. Over 6km you’ll scale a short, sharp ascent out of Keswick which rewards you with stunning views, and a real feeling on mountaineering accomplishment! A few sections near the top encourage minor scrambling – a little pulse raising, but nothing scary.
https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_26.html
Long: Tackle the iconic Coniston Old Man from one of several different approaches and routes. Enjoy stunning scenery and clouds scutter by across the sky, and get truly blown and blustered. Choose whether to head for the summit or take the lesser-known, and often more rewarding, routes around the edge.
https://www.coppermines.co.uk/coniston-old-man-5-ways-to-walk/
Foraging Course
Getting your hands dirty in nature can be truly rewarding – and teach you a little something, too. A great activity to undertake together, you can decide whether to learn more about the Lake’s coastline, woodland regions, or lakeside and choose whether to undertake a short course or a full day of foraging.
Lakes Cruise
Fancy getting outdoors but minus the physical activity? Why not take in the beauty of Lake Windermere from the surface of the lake itself, with a spectacular cruise? You can get out almost every day bar Christmas Day on England’s largest Lake, with routes lasting anything from 45 to 90 minutes.
https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/cruises-fares
Spas
If you enjoy a little relaxation and pampering, a spa date is a truly indulgent and thoughtful gift. Choose a package (often including a treatment, use of facilities, and lunch or afternoon tea) or simply opt for spending a few hours in a relaxing atmosphere. Some stunners include Lodore Falls, where the outdoor pool and glass-fronted sauna overlook the lake, Low Wood Bay – offering 5 thermal experiences and views of Windermere, and Another Place, where a series of secluded spaces plus pool and treatments make for some restorative moments.
Special Occasion Dining
Cumbria is filled with amazing places to eat – too many to mention here. For the cream of the crop, check out our article on Michelin-starred Cumbrian restaurants, or keep it simple and opt for a fab coffee and brunch (check out our faves here).
Drinks
Cumbria is no hedonistic urban hub, but there are plenty of options if you fancy an evening of great cocktails or glasses of wine. The bars in Windermere will take some beating – try The Crafty Baa for craft beers, Lago for a glass of wine, and Fizzy Tarté, Windermere Speakeasy, or Baha’s Top floor Tiki Bar if cocktails are more your thing.
