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The Lake District is home to some quintessentially British experiences.  Here is a list of the ten best of British.

Cumbria’s traditional fish and chip shops are a celebration of all that’s wonderful about British beach-side cuisine.  The Old Keswickian in Keswick has become a bit of a landmark over the years and prides itself on sourcing many of its ingredients locally and the Arnside Chip Shop, perfectly situated for a peaceful seaside stroll, boasts the title of South Lakeland Chip Shop of the Year. www.oldkeswickian.co.uk www.arnsidechipshop.co.uk

What is it about caravan holidays and comfort food that so encapsulates British-ness?  Stay in Shacklabank’s idyllically situated, Cath Kidston-clad caravans and help out on the working farm or spend your days playing out on the dramatic Howgill landscapes. Return to the warm farmhouse each night to eat gorgeous home-cooked comfort food and then retire to your cosy country caravan to dream sweetly under your patchwork quilt.  www.shacklabank.co.uk

In the spirit of Mr Toad, hop in a classic British sports car and tour the stunning Lake District. Lakes and Dales offer a delightful range of cars from the last 50 years and can even provide suggested routes and places to visit, along with delicious picnic hampers.

www.lakesanddales.co.uk

Twentymans ice cream shop in the pretty coastal village of Allonby is renowned for its gorgeous homemade ice cream.  Allonby’s lovely shingle and sand beach has been awarded for its cleanliness and safety so roll up your trousers and enjoy a paddle and one of Twentymans’ tasty treats. 01900 881247

Cumbria is the proud home of no less than three rail preservation societies, all operating traditional steam locomotives. So, all aboard the Lakeside and Haverthwaite, the Ravenglass and Eskdale or the South Tynedale railway for a romantic journey through some of England’s most picturesque parts. www.lakesiderailway.co.uk www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

www.strps.org.uk

The Swallows and Amazons Cruise aboard Coniston Launch takes in the many places around beautiful Coniston Water that inspired English author Arthur Ransome.  See Beckfoot, Holly Howe, Kanchenjunga, Wild Cat Island, the Amazons’ boathouse and a host of other spots that Ransome used to create his fascinating world. www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

A Corner of Eden in Ravenstonedale is a gorgeous farmhouse in an idyllically peaceful location, offering candlelit dinners, roaring fires and TV-free quiet, not to mention a mouth-watering Butler’s Pantry, at your disposal for the whole of your stay, full of British cheeses and homemade bread, jams, chutneys and cakes.  If you fancy a calming classical concert break in an English B&B, head to the lovely Yewfield in Hawkshead. If board games are more your thing then why not enjoy a Scrabble stay at Rothay Manor in Ambleside. www.acornerofeden.co.uk

www.yewfield.co.uk www.rothaymanor.co.uk

Relive those heady days of sherbet lemons, mint humbugs, midget gems and Sherbet Fountains at one of Cumbria’s numerous traditional sweetie shops.  The Sweet Shop in Kirkby Lonsdale (015242 71570), Morgans in Cockermouth (01900 826427) and the Green Door Sweet Shop in Sedbergh (www.thegreendoorsweetshop.co.uk) all boast jar-lined walls, paper bags and friendly shop keepers to help you on your way down your sugar coated memory lane.

Grab your bucket and spade for a traditional British beach break at the charming Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands.  This pretty coastal town boasts a traffic-free promenade, ornamental gardens, a duck pond, golf courses, brass band concerts and vantage points for bird watching, as well as traditional cafes just perfect for scrumptious sandwiches and traditional cream teas.  www.grange-over-sands.com

The newly opened Bond Museum in Keswick is home to a host of vehicles, gadgets and props used in the movies.  Visitors can see the convertible Triumph Stag driven by Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever, the Lotus Esprit Turbo from The Spy Who Love Me and the Russian T55 battle tank from GoldenEye. There’s even the original Colibri gun from The Man with the Golden Gun.  It’s a true celebration of the intrinsically British and incredibly charismatic spy that’s sure to leave visitors shaken and stirred! www.thebondmuseum.com

Balancing the finest accommodation with the independence of self catering can seem a difficult task to master but these stylish cottages offer designer interiors, luxurious concierge menus, state of the art green technologies and idyllic, peaceful locations.  So, the only difficult part is deciding which to stay in. To help you with that, Golakes have selected the top ten stylish self catering accommodations in Cumbria.

Southwaite Green eco-cottages offer visitors luxurious accommodation, set amongst the splendour of the western fells of the Lake District. The 5 star cottages are designed to the highest level of ecological sustainability and combine the traditional character of Cumbrian farm buildings with eco design, energy efficient technology and thoughtful extra comforts like handmade local soaps, organic bedding and Fairtrade tea and coffee.

www.southwaitegreen.co.uk

The Lazy Fish in Embleton is a converted barn which offers spacious and stylish self-catering accommodation, complete with outdoor spa pool, wood burning stove and an oval island ‘Castello’ bath. There’s a complimentary champagne hamper and delicious 3 course meals can be freshly prepared by a local chef and delivered right to your door.

www.thelazyfish.co.uk

The Keswick Boathouse, on the edge of Derwentwater, is a unique 18th century boat-house with exposed stone walls, low beams and vaulted ceiling. There is a balcony which extends over the water, magnificent views across the lake and your very own rowing boat.

www.keswickboathouse.co.uk

Ann’s Hill, in Bridekirk, is a 5 star self catering cottage complete with log fire, super king sized bed and a truly sensuous bathroom; ruby-red with a slipper bath for two, LCD TV built into the wall and an enormous rain-drop shower.  A generous hamper of luxury items is included and champagne is there ready chilled for your arrival. Restaurant prepared meals may be pre-ordered and delivered to you and in the morning, a light breakfast will be provided to enjoy in your sumptuous bedroom, overlooking the Lakeland countryside.

www.annshill.co.uk

No1 Silverbank is a 5 star self catering cottage near the Lakeland village of Coniston. Features include charming oak beams, log fire, Egyptian cotton bedding and a decadent roll top bath.   The ‘Concierge’ menu takes indulgence to another level; a visiting beautician, a personal chef, waitress service, private yacht trips, hot air balloon flights and flower delivery.  This is perfect pampering in private, peaceful surroundings.

http://www.no1silverbank.com/

Hall Hills rural holiday homes are a cluster of 17th century barns, each lovingly restored and converted into 4- and 5-star self catering holiday accommodation, each with its own unique style and character. Situated in delightfully rolling countryside in Cumbria, they are in an ideal location for either a relaxing break in tranquil surroundings.

www.hallhills.co.uk

The Folly, also at Hall Hills, is an airy, open-plan suite, flooded with light during the day and skylights allowing you to stargaze at night. The massive exposed beams of the roof, vast solid oak floors, views over the River Roe, private balcony and a luxury hamper of local produce to welcome you make The Folly an ideal place for romance.

http://www.hallhills.co.uk/folly.html

The Lodge in Brampton is an award-winning, recently converted self catering cottage which was once the outbuildings and food store to Hayton House Mansion. The Lodge sits in serene, open parkland and offers family-friendly accommodation, with big bedrooms and a sociable kitchen space that’s perfect place for a family celebration break.

www.the-lodge-holiday-cottages-cumbria.co.uk/

Paradigm, near Loweswater, is a renovated farm house and hay barn that was originally built in the 1720′s. It’s positioned in the tranquil northern Lake District national park, in 6 acres of private land. Lawns, orchards, woodland and a natural 60ft waterfall ensure that there’s plenty to see and space to roam.  This stylish accommodation also comes with a hot tub and a luxury hamper.

www.luxuryselfcateringcottage.com/index.php

Stone Trail Holidays in Kirkby Stephen offer stylish barn conversion apartments in an idyllic and peaceful location. Visitors can also enjoy horse riding, mountain biking and walking breaks with maps of routes that pass their farm, so you can stop in for complimentary tea and chocolate cake.  The service is thoughtful and personal; taking care of your plans so you can relax.

www.stonetrailholidays.com

The Lakeland Stone Cottage in Patterdale is an award-winning, boutique-style, 5 star self catering Lakeland cottage, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. A painstaking refurbishment programme has breathed life into many original features and created a chic cottage that still feels at home in its glorious Lakeland setting.  Farrow and Ball paints and fabrics from Liberty and Osborne & Little, complement the finest local materials and artist’s works.

www.lakelandstonecottage.co.uk

The Lake District is a treasure trove of hidden gems, unique boutiques and great regional gifts.  If you’re looking for inspiration, let us tempt you with the finest that Cumbria has to offer; luxurious bath oils, exquisite hand-made ceramics, bespoke jewellery, delicious delicacies to name but a few. Here are a few suggestions of Lakeland emporiums, courtesy of Go Lakes.

Cumbrian company The Bath House is based in Sedbergh and creates decadent bath and body care products, as well as home fragrance ranges. All their formulations and fragrances are unique made using the best natural ingredients and materials, sourced as locally as possible. Their beautiful shops stock lifestyle ranges like Nigella Lawson cookware, Melt candles and Sophie Conran ceramics.

www.thebathhouseshop.co.uk

Rheged’s shops are synonymous with quirky and unusual gift ideas, reflecting the very best of the region, its activities, craftspeople, artists and local food producers.  Under the one glass roof, you’ll find everything from beautiful hats and children’s clothes to wrought iron work, pottery and jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, and silverwork, to handcrafted chocolates, artisan cheese and local beer.

www.rheged.com

The Necessary Angel in Keswick is an independent, boutique style gallery offering unique, contemporary jewellery from the UK.  In addition to their stunning collection, you can also order personal bespoke commissions and work with a designer to be throughout all stages of the production process, from choosing the stones to sketching designs over coffee or a glass of wine.  The walls are also adorned with some of the best fine art in Cumbria, including a rolling exhibition of Venus Griffiths’ work.

www.artangel.co.uk

Yew Tree Farm has it all; a spectacular setting, luxurious accommodation and a gorgeous tearoom where everything is made from scratch.  This historic farmhouse was once owned by Beatrix Potter and offers a range of locally made products, from local jams and relishes to Herdwick wool products, local slate and of course, a range of Beatrix Potter books. A working 600 acre farm, Yew Tree also specialises in Herdwick Sheep and Belted Galloway cattle and so you can now buy their delicious lamb or beef direct from the farm.

www.yewtree-farm.com / www.heritagemeats.co.uk

Houghton Hall is a huge garden centre Carlisle, spread over three floors and offering an extensive selection of core garden ranges and furniture, as well as fabulous gifts, clothing and a very impressive food hall. Laird’s Larder provides the finest quality local and regional foods, which can be tasted within the Topiary Coffee Shop. Their renowned fresh cream cakes come highly recommended.

www.klondyke.co.uk/houghton-hall-garden-centre-carlisle

Churchmouse Cheeses in Kirkby Lonsdale is a quaint little gem, brimming over with fine cheeses, hand patted butter, hand made cakes, chutneys, pickles, deli meats, antipasto, olives and a huge selection of delicious Cumbrian farmhouse produce, showcasing many of Rick Stein’s food heroes.  On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the pretty shop is host to a piano player who tinkles the ivories as you tickle your tastebuds.

www.churchmousecheeses.com

Kennedys Fine Chocolates are situated in The Old School in Orton, Penrith. The tiny chocolate factory lovingly produces delicious hand-made and you can watch through the viewing windows as the small team of skilled chocolate makers set about their craft. Their Conservatory Coffee Shop serves their home baking and home-made ice creams. We insist you try the divine chocolate cake, served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream and Kennedys Hot Chocolate.

www.kennedys-chocolates.co.uk

The Gallery at Yew Tree Barn showcases contemporary art and design-led crafts, including jewellery, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and gifts. They host regular exhibitions and demonstrations, many of which are by ‘Made in Cumbria’ artists and their Hat Trick Café offers mouth-watering, freshly prepared food as well as handmade preserves and speciality teas to buy and take home with you.

www.yewtreebarn.co.uk
Low Sizergh Barn, near Kendal, celebrates the earthy tones of local Cumbrian pottery and sculpture, easy to wear linen and knitwear, herbal bodycare and hand-made paper. Once home to the cows during winter, the gallery now houses the works of local artists and craftspeople. The farm shop which is full of mouth-watering local and speciality food, including the farm’s own Kendal Cheese, organic eggs and ice cream made from their own milk.  The tearoom offers homemade cakes, scones, quiches and pies, not to mention the slightly unusual view of the cows being milked every afternoon.

www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk