Lake District for Couples: A PERFECT Romantic Break (2022)

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Looking for the best things to do in the Lake District for couples? You’ve come to the right place. In this post, I help you to plan the most perfect weekend break to the Lake District, one of the most romantic places in the UK!

The Lake District National Park is one of the best places in the UK for a romantic getaway.

From scenery that looks like it’s straight from a postcard, idyllic English country pubs, lake-side picnics and live music to keep you entertained until you retreat to your hotel, it’s a perfect location for a proposal, a special occasion or a romantic break.

In the following post, I’ll outline just why this area of England is so romantic and perfect for couples. From the best things to do, eat, stay, plus I’ll even throw in tips for making it just that extra bit *perfect*.

So, let’s get started!

**Check out my travel resources for EVERY type of trip, big or small! (It might even save you some ££!)**

Visiting the Lake District? I’ve got a whole ton of epic Lake District content on my blog! Check it out:

• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
• Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
• Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

Lake District for Couples

Best things to do in the Lake District as a couple

Below I’ve listed the best things to do in the Lake District for couples.

If I’m honest, just being in the Lake District is romantic in itself, so even if you choose to walk, eat, drink and sleep in the Lake District, you’ll still have a magical time!

Ooh and if you’re travelling the lakes by car, be sure to check out my Lake District road trip itinerary!

Backpacking or travelling for the first time? Or want to know where to find the best travel deals? Check out my travel resources for the inside scoop!

1. Watch the sunset at one of the Lake District’s best viewpoints

The Lake District is known for its epic viewpoints, which means catching a sunset is just that little bit better.

Head up to a sunset point early, take a bottle of wine or a few beers and enjoy a date night for practically free.

Some of the best sunset points in the Lake District are:

• Orsett Head
• Latrigg (although this ones better at sunrise)
• Warnscale Bothy
• Keswick waterfront
• Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Pooley Bridge
• Wastwater
• Kirkstone Pass
• Loughrigg

If you catch a sunset in the Lake District, I’d love to see it! Let me know over on Instagram!

2. Dance the night away to live music in a traditional English pub

One thing I love about the Lake District is how lively and fun the small local villages are.

Whilst some are bigger than others (like Ambleside and Keswick), they all have their own great atmosphere – whether you want to get up and dance or just soak in the English culture.

Most pubs and restaurants will put on live music in the evenings, especially at the weekend. You can always pre-check by looking on their website when you know the name of the one you want to visit.

If you’re heading out to Ambleside, I’ve listed all the live music events and special evenings here.

There’s just something so romantic about a traditional English pub and live music, right? (I think I’m thinking all the ‘PS I Love You’ vibes…)

🗺️ My Lake District must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

3. Dress up and head to a local restaurant

If live music isn’t your thing, you can still have a romantic evening just the two of you in a restaurant or pub.

The Lake District has amazing lakeside restaurants that overlook the lakes and mountains, and with the food and drink, you’ll forget about the world around you and be wrapped up in your romantic bubble.

For restaurants with the best views, check out:

• The Boardwalk Bar and Grill (Lake Windemere)
• The Drunken Duck (Ambleside)
• The Bluebird Cafe (Coniston)
• The Netherwood Hotel (Grange-Over-Sands)
• Hillthwaite House Hotel (Windemere)
• Damson Dene Hotel – The Heron View restaurant (Lyth Valley)
• Armathwaite Hall

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4. Stay in a rustic, remote cottage

Staying in unique accommodation is something that can make your trip just that bit more romantic.

Whether you book a remote shepherd’s hut or a rustic cottage, it can make all the difference to your romantic getaway.

Plus, most of the accommodation like this in the Lake District has incredible views.

It’s definitely one of the best things to do in the Lake District for couples.

Don’t forget your world travel adapter or an extension lead so you’re not using more than one plug!

5. Hire a boat or paddleboard

Adding a bit of adventure to your trip is an easy way to make things more romantic!

The Lake District is full of opportunities to try something new and head out onto the water with your loved one.

If you’re a bit nervous to paddle board or don’t fancy wild swimming in ice-cold water, you can even hire your own small boat to sail around the lakes at your own pace (and stay totally dry too!)

Going head first into the water in the Lake District? Don’t forget to take:

• A dry bag to keep your belongings dry and safe
• A waterproof phone case
• A Dry Robe to stay warm (and change easily and privately when entering/leaving the water)
• A GoPro to take epic photos and videos

🗺️ My wild swimming must-have: If you’re wild swimming, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every lake trip!

6. Have a lake-side picnic with food from a local Lake District market

One of my favourite things to do in the Lake District as a couple is to have a picnic by the lake. It just gives me total Virgin River vibes (if you know, you know).

Plus, this activity is almost entirely free.

Take your blanket and basket from home, crack open a bottle of wine from a local shop and buy produce from nearby markets. Even if you get a loaf of fresh bread and some cheese, you’ll have a perfect Lake District date!

Need picnic equipment for your Lake District getaway?

> You can buy my favourite picnic blanket here, which I’ve used all over the UK for the past few years!

> Need a picnic basket? This is the one we use as it has holders for everything, from plates to glasses, food and drink!

7. Watch the stars

As a lot of the Lake District has little light pollution, it’s a great place in the UK to stargaze. And there’s nothing as romantic as laying on the grass watching the stars, is there?!

Whether you can see the stars from your accommodation, or you need a spot to visit, it’s a great way to spend your time in the Lake District in a couple.

Some of the best stargazing spots in the Lake District are:

1. Ennerdale Water
2. Friar’s Crag
3. Grizedale Forest
4. Blea Tarn
5. Wasdale
6. Allan Bank, Grasmere
7. Dockray, Ullswater
8. Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre

On some nights, it’s even been said that you can see the Milky Way. I’m yet to see this though, but I’m sure it’s true!

🗺️ My Lake District must-have: Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

8. Delve into the Lake District’s history

The Lake District is known for being an inspiration to writers and poets, so why not delve into some of the local history and culture to amp up the romance?

Visit William Wordsworth’s family home, Dove Cottage, in Grasmere, and read about some of his famous literature.

Or sit on the scenic viewpoints where John Ruskin was inspired to write.

A bit of an over-packer? I have the answer! I use these handy packing cubes for every trip, meaning I can pack nearly 2 times as much as I could without! They are so worth investing in!

9. Drink coffee in the countryside

If you’re a big coffee fan like me, you’re in luck. There are a ton of amazing coffee shops in the national park, so hopefully, you won’t have to go far when you wake up in the morning to grab a freshly ground cup.

Take your coffee into the countryside, the mountains or by the side of the lake to make it even more romantic.

Ooh, and be sure to try some local pastries too!

Keep your coffee warm and save a few pennies by taking your own insulated cup! This one is my favourite (and not just because it’s cute) but it keeps your coffee warm for hours!

10. Get up early to see the sunrise

Sunrises in the Lake District can be just as stunning as sunsets, so if you’re an early riser, I’d recommend planning one in.

Some of the best sunrise spots in the Lake District include:

• Castlerigg
• Loweswater
• Wasdale Head Valley
• Coniston Water
• Buttermere Lake
• Ullswater Lake

Combine this with your favourite cup of coffee, and wow, what a morning!

🗺️ My hiking must-have: If you’re out on a long hike and run out of water, you can use a filter water bottle to drink any water you may find along the way. From puddle to lake water, it purifies in seconds so you can safely drink and stay hydrated! It’s a must-have for visiting the Lake District.

11. Take a long walk along the lakes or through the mountains

Walking and hiking together is one of the most romantic things you can do in the Lake District. Switching off from technology, having little signal and just being together makes lifelong memories.

There are so many beautiful walks and hikes in the Lake District, and they’re all time to become closer as a couple.

Check out my 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views) if you want an easy walk with epic views (and not be too out of breath to talk to your partner).

Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!

12. Have a bike ride

Why not hire a bike and cycle around the lakes?

Bike hire in the Lake District is easy, and you can rent one for a few hours or the entire day.

Combine it with a local pub lunch or a picnic, and you’ve got an entire date day planned!

Best places to hire a bike in the Lake District:

• Coniston Boating Centre
• Hawkshead
• Waterhead
• Windemere

These are just a few, and you can rent electronic, mountain and regular bikes all over the Lake District.

Want to take photos or videos in the water or whilst you’re cycling? You need a GoPro! I use mine every time I wild swim in lakes or the ocean. It’s an incredible way to keep your memories forever!

13. Go on a spa day

If you want to really treat yourselves and have had enough of walking and being outside, book onto a spa day.

Treat yourselves to a massage, facial or jacuzzi dip at one of the best spas in the country.

Some of the best spas include:

• Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa 
• Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
• Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
• Langdale Hotel & Spa
• Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere

But from a quick Google search, you will find that there are plenty of spas to choose from!

If you’ve got the money, it’s one of the best things to do in the Lake District for couples.

🗺️ My Lake District must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

14. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new

The Lake District is all about adventure, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is something that can really solidify your relationship.

Do something that scares you.

Try something new.

Be daring and surprise your partner!

Whatever it is (even if hiking to a small viewpoint is something new for you), try it. It’s one of the best things to do in the Lake District for couples!

Some ideas for trying something new in the Lake District:

• Hiking to a high (or low!) viewpoint
• Mountain biking
• Paddleboarding
• Forest walking
• Kayaking or sailing
• Wild swimming
• High rope walking
• Off road driving
• Adventure/outdoor survival training
• Treetop trekking
• Segway adventures

And so many more!

Wild swimming and have valuable tech on you? Don’t forget to buy a waterproof phone case (so you can still take photos!) and a dry bag. You’ll never have to worry about damaging expensive tech again!

15. Take a cooking class

It may sound a bit random, but learning a new skill in the Lake District makes for a great date day.

One example is to take a cooking class together. Tom and I have taken cooking classes together all over the world, and they’re some of my favourite memories (even if we do end up covering each other in food!)

The Lake District has some great cooking classes, where you can learn about the local history of the food and the people behind the cooking.

Try it!

16. Hike a hidden or remote waterfall

There are some amazing romantic hikes that lead to hidden and remote waterfalls. And if the weather is warm enough (and it is safe to do so) you can even jump right in and enjoy a wild swim together.

Some of the best-hidden waterfalls in the Lake District include:

• Ritson’s Force, Wasdale Head
• Scale Force, Buttermere
• Dob Gill Waterfall, Thirlmere
• Tom Gill Waterfalls, Tarn Hows

But there are so many others! Including ones that aren’t so hidden but are just as beautiful, like Stock Ghyll Force in Ambleside.

Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!

17. Have a cosy night in

You might have travelled far to reach the Lake District, but why not put your feet up after a long day and have a cosy night?

There’s nothing quite as romantic in my eyes!

Watch the sunset, light the fire, boil the kettle or open a bottle of wine, and enjoy a romantic evening together in your unique accommodation.

It’s a perfect idea for couples wanting to relax, reset and just enjoy each other’s company!

Don’t forget your laptop to watch Netflix on!

18. Climb a mountain

If you can climb a 900m mountain together, you can do anything.

The Lake District has some mammoth climbs, such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, so you can plan one of these climbs into your trip.

Whilst it may not sound romantic for some, to others, it’s a dream date day.

Don’t want to embarrass yourself on the highest peak in England with the wrong gear, knowledge or snacks?! You can check out my Scafell Pike guide first! (I’ll save you the embarrassment, I promise).

Where to stay in the Lake District as a couple

When planning a romantic trip to the lakes, it depends on what kind of traveller you are when it comes to accommodation. There are plenty of sites online explaining the best and fanciest hotels, but as I’m not that kind of traveller, I have very little experience in it.

My blog is all about travelling on a budget but still having the most epic experiences, so I scoped out the most romantic unique stays on Airbnb. There are plenty!

My advice for finding unique stays in the Lake District on Airbnb:

• Type in ‘Lake District’ to the search bar
• Add ‘flexible’ on dates so you can see the accommodation at all times of year (even if you go back to change the dates after)
• Scroll to see all different types of accommodation
• OR, filter to see ‘entire place’, and amenities like ‘hot tub’, ‘fireplace’, ‘BBQ’ etc. This means you can really get the type of accommodation you are looking for.

You can check out the best unique, romantic accommodation on Airbnb here. It has plenty of cool accommodation in the Lake District for couples!

Bonus tips for making the Lake District romantic for couples

Want a few bonus tips for making the Lake District even more romantic for your getaway?

I’ve got some ideas that might help!

Here are my best Lake District for couples ideas:

• Take a picnic blanket and a picnic basket to surprise your partner with a romantic lakeside lunchtime date. Small surprises like this make all the difference!
• Buy flowers from a local market and surprise your partner at breakfast.
• Pick up freshly roasted coffee for brunch in one of the Lake District’s famous villages.
• Take a disposable camera, and take photos of your trip to print and put into a scrapbook.
• Bring your laptop and some popcorn for a cosy night in front of the fire watching your favourite movie.
• Have breakfast in bed overlooking the lakes.
• Make a homemade meal together in your rustic cottage kitchen.
• Drink wine by the lake until sundown.
• Turn your phones OFF and have a no technology ban.
• Have a games night.
• Bake a cake with ingredients from a local market.
• Dance around your cottage to your favourite music.
• Dress up (or dress down) and head out to a restaurant or local pub.

🗺️ My Lake District must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

Is the Lake District romantic?

Absolutely. With the dramatic scenery of the lakes and mountains, combined with its inspiration for countless authors and poets, it’s hard not to feel romantic in the Lake District!

Of course, romance is subjective. But if you ask me, it’s one of the most romantic places in the UK.

Depending on your type of romance, the Lake District is remote enough to feel like you’re wrapped up in your own bubble, away from the rest of the world.

You can stay in some of the most romantic hotels and Airbnbs in the country, cosy up in front of a log fire and have long walks along the lakes.

You can’t get much more romantic than that!

When is the best time to visit the Lake District for couples?

You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year. It truly is an ‘any kind of weather‘ place to visit in the UK.

However, if you want the cheapest prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). This is when the Airbnbs and hotels are at their cheapest, and you still get some dry and sunny days!

In fact, I think September is such a good month to visit the lakes, that I’ve written an entire blog post on it here: Lake District in September: Why It’s the BEST Time to Visit (2022)

During the winter months (November – February), the Lake District is known to get quite a bit of snow. If you’re visiting during the colder months, make sure you pack the necessary warm clothes (especially if you want to hike).

The summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive, and the busiest. I’ve visited the Lake District during this time, and although the weather has been amazing, you can expect to share your trip with a lot of other tourists!

Personally, I think autumn is the best time to visit the Lake District for couples.

How many days do you need in the Lake District?

This really is down to personal preference, and what kind of trip you want to have.

For example, if you’re a big hiker and want to scale peaks like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Helm Crag, you’re going to need at least 5 days.

This gives you enough time to hike and have some rest breaks in between.

If you also want to do some water activities (like wild swimming) explore the villages and discover some of the English countryside, I’d recommend staying for at least 5-6 days. This gives you enough time to hike, swim, eat and explore.

However, even a day trip to the Lake District is worth it (hence why I wrote Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!)

It’s such a special location that I would recommend visiting the Lake District even if you’re short on time.

Have a bit longer in the lakes? Check out my 3 Days in the Lake District itinerary!

What to pack for the Lake District

As well as packing your regular items for a romantic trip, these are some of my essential items for the Lake District:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An umbrella
• A waterproof day bag
• A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
• A portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
• A waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug spray, we have midge repellent wristbands.

The Lake District is known for its rain, so make sure you arrive prepared!

Backpacking or travelling for the first time? Or want to know where to find the best travel deals? Check out my travel resources for the inside scoop!

How to get around the Lake District

The Lake District does have some public transport, but I wouldn’t rely on it.

I’ve seen other bloggers rave about how good it is, but from personal experience (and from being from London), I don’t think the public transport in the Lake District is that great.

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. It’s easy to drive around (as long as you don’t mind narrow roads!) and it’s definitely the quickest.

Driving is definitely your best option for a Lake District getaway.

If you’re new to driving in the Lake District, check out some handy tips in my Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip! post!

Lake District for Couples: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it!

An epic post explaining just why the Lake District is so romantic for couples, and why you should make it the next place to visit in the UK with your partner.

If you’re planning on having a romantic Lake District getaway, or have used this post to plan your trip, I’d LOVE to hear about it! Let me know over on Instagram, or leave a comment below!

As always, if you have a question about the Lake District for couples (or anything else travel or blogging-related) you can contact me over on Instagram or on my contact me page.

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Now you’ve finished this post, check these out!

• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
• Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
• Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

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