A Leisurely Approach: Quirky Attractions in the Lakes

People visit the Lake District for all sorts of different reasons, and while some like to spend their time conquering the highest peaks or tearing down forest tracks on mountain bikes there are many who prefer their leisure time to be a little more, well, leisurely.

So in this article we’re taking a look at a handful of interesting and unusual things to do which are all within easy distance of the Three Shires Inn, and which won’t leave you tired and sore at the end of the day.

Cruise The Lakes

It’s called the Lake District for good reason, and a great way to soak in the best of the scenery is from the water. Windermere Lake Cruises run all year round, with an extensive choice of routes and the opportunity to hop on and off at different locations around the lake shore. Choose from the classic ‘Steamers’, traditional and modern launches, or even a self-drive motorboat, for the perfect day out amongst the stunning beauty of England’s largest lake.

Or for the ultimate in Victorian elegance, take a trip around Coniston Water on the Steam Yacht Gondola. Built in 1859, the Gondola takes its design inspiration from the leisure barges of Venice, and still captures the spirit of a bygone age of opulence.

Poetry In Motion

If literature is your thing, then a day trip to Grasmere won’t disappoint. Visit Dove Cottage, the family home of William Wordsworth where most of his best-loved works were written. The adjacent Wordsworth Museum houses many of his original letters and manuscripts, and you can visit his grave at St. Oswald’s Church in the village.

While you’re in Grasmere, make sure you treat yourself to a slice or two of Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread. Sarah invented the famous recipe in 1854, and it’s still made on the premises today by her descendants. The shop is easy to find in the village – just follow the delicious smell!

Get In The Spirit

If a local tipple takes your fancy, then a visit to the Lakes Distillery near Keswick is a must for fascinating tours and tastings of their superlative whiskies, gins, and vodkas.

The on-site bistro helps make your visit a memorable and indulgent experience, and of course there’s also a shop so you can take home some of your favourite spirits.

Drawing Inspiration

And finally for something a little more unusual. Also in Keswick, you’ll find the brilliant Derwent Pencil Museum. Yes, you read that quite correctly, it’s a museum of pencils! Inside you’ll find a replica graphite mine, one of the world’s largest pencils, and wartime pencils containing hidden maps to name just a few of the highlights. This place really is about as quirky as you can get, and it even sells pencils too.

There are endless places to visit and things to do during your stay at the Three Shires Inn, and our team are always on hand and happy to provide ideas and inspiration.