15 of the Best Couples Days Out in the Lake District

3 August 2018

The Lake District is one of the most popular destinations in the UK for loved up couples. Whether it be for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, an anniversary, or a spontaneous weekend away.

For some, it’s an opportunity to relax and feel pampered, with some of the best views, spas and restaurants in the country. And for others, it’s a chance for adventure and exploration.

Whatever type of couple you are, there’s sure to be something for you in the Lakes, and here are 15 ideas to get you started. These are great ideas for couples days out if you own a static caravan or a holiday lodge in the lake district and want to explore the surrounding area.

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

This heritage railway is located in the quaint Levens Valley, at the southern end of Lake Windermere.

It’s great for the views alone, but it’s also an ideal way to make your way to some of the area’s best attractions, as it stops right next to the Lakes Aquarium, with combined tickets also available to board a Windermere Steamer which can take you on to either Bowness or Ambleside.

Zeffirellis

Zeffirellis is an independent cinema, but it’s also so much more! It now incorporates an award-winning pizzeria. As well as a jazz café bar and is an Ambleside institution.

Whether you’re going to see a rom-com, have a candlelit meal, or simply to relax with a glass of wine with some smooth jazz in the background, Zeffirellis is the perfect place to spend a night with your sweetheart.

Rydal Mount

Rydal Mount, near Ambleside, was the home of William Wordsworth. He one of the most well-known poets in history and an influential figure on the Romantic Age of English literature.

The house and its beautiful gardens are open to visitors throughout the year. Allowing you to see the visit where Wordsworth penned many of his works. As well as the peaceful Dora’s Field, adorned with daffodils in honour of his daughter.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Whether you’re a couple lucky enough to have a family of your own, or want to relive your own childhoods, head to the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness.

The attraction allows you to meet Peter Rabbit and all his friends. And step into the books of Potter with the beautifully recreated garden.

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Ask anyone what they associate with Grasmere and they’ll say gingerbread. The spicy/sweet cross between a biscuit and a cake created by Sarah Nelson in 1854.

Sarah’s bakery and shop is still open today. As well as being incredibly tasty, did you know ginger is considered an aphrodisiac? It was often said to be used in love potions and spells. Just saying…

Rookin House Lakeland Activities

Rookin House offer a number of activity days around the Lakes. But one of the most romantic which we’d recommend is a horse ride around Ullswater and the Matterdale Valleys.

Even if you’re not experienced riders, the staff at Rookin House are on hand to help. If you fancy something else then the centre also offers everything from quad biking to paint balling, and shooting to off-road adventures!

Go Ape!

With centres at both Grizedale and Whinlatter, Go Ape! is the perfect day out for the couple who are looking for something a little more adventurous.

Go Ape! allows you to swing through the trees and explore the great outdoors with a series of treetop rope courses.

While there are now Go Ape! centres around the country, the Lake District is truly the perfect place to embrace your inner Tarzan.

Lakeland Motor Museum

Petrol heads and retro car fans will be right at home at the Lakeland Motor Museum in Backbarrow.

With over 30,000 exhibits, the museums charts the history of road transport through the 20^th century into the modern day, although it also provides an insight into the history of the local area and benefits from a gorgeous riverside café.

Theatre by the Lake

For a romantic night at the theatre in the Lake District, there’s nowhere better than Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake.

Situated right on the shores of Derwentwater, the theatre brings top quality live performances to an area where you might not imagine you’d find it, with a 400-seat Main House and 100-seat Studio featuring upcoming plays such as William Wordsworth and Two-Way Mirror.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Another great heritage railway, the Ravenglass and Eskdale line starts off at the Lake District’s only coastal village (Ravenglass), travelling up along the estuary (sometimes at a 1:40 gradient!) until it terminates at Dalegarth station in Boot.

It’s another spectacularly scenic route through the hills and protected nature reserves with great views of the Eskdale Valley and surrounding ancient woodlands.

Muncaster Castle

If you and your partner are feeling brave, head to the historic (and haunted!) Muncaster Castle, a couple of minutes away from Ravenglass.

Set in 77 acres of woodland, the 900-year-old castle features a Himalayan garden, bluebell woods, and the Haws & Owl centre.

And who knows, it could even make the perfect wedding venue one day…

Honister Slate Mine

For something a bit different, why not visit the Honister Slate Mine, where you can tackle the UK’s original Via Ferrata (protected climbing route) or head deep underground into the mine itself.

Perfect no matter what the unpredictable Lake District weather decides to do, the mine is a great attraction. Whether you’re feeling adventurous, or just want to learn more about its centuries-old history.

Blackwell: The Arts & Crafts House

Blackwell is a beautiful house overlooking Lake Windermere which was designed in the Arts and Crafts style by architect Baillie Scott in 1898.

It’s one of the most beautiful houses in the whole of the Lake District. It has a really relaxing atmosphere, with great views of the lake and surrounding areas.

Holehird Gardens

The 12-acre gardens at Holehird make for a great relaxing stroll and are completely maintained by the voluntary members of the Lakeland Horticultural Society.

The gardens are considered to be some of the best in England, and it’s not hard to see why. Featuring a superb location overlooking Lake Windermere, and the tireless efforts of the society to keep it in tip-top shape.

Sail ‘n’ Dine

While there are a couple of companies offering cruises on the many lakes which make the area so famous, Sail ‘n’ Dine offers something much more romantic. With top class wines and food for your couples day out.

Set sail on England’s biggest lake, aboard their yacht ‘Maddie Too’, and enjoy a romantic meal like no other!

Hopefully this post has given you a whole bunch of inspiration for Couples Days Out in the Lake District soon. Why not check out our Lake District parks here at Pure Leisure? They’re perfectly located to explore all of these great attractions!