We were extremely fortunate to live by one of the most popular holiday getaways for Brits. The Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a perfect blend of cute market villages, water sports, long scenic hikes, and Michelin star restaurants. Our time living in northern England flew by, so we didn’t spend nearly as much time as we would have liked here. However, our few occasions were quite memorable.
Winter is a great time for a hike because the crowds are smaller, the lakes are still sparkling, and snow is scattered about the green, rolling countryside.
The Castlerigg Stone Circle was selected by people around 3000 BC as a special, sacred place, and the panoramic views here did not disappoint.
This stone circle is thought to be one of the earliest in England and possibly even Europe. Unlike stone circles built between 2000-800 BC, which were burial monuments, the exact purpose of the earlier stone circles is unknown – likely religious or ceremonial but could have served as a trading center.
Not far from Castlerigg, we went on a hike to see one of the most famous waterfalls in the area named Aira Force, which means “the waterfall on gravel-bank river” in Old Norse. The route started out nice and easy along the creek and meandered through a landscaped Victorian park, which inspired some of William Wordworth’s poems in the early 1800s.
The trail gradually climbed upwards, and then things got a little precarious. We didn’t think we would need our crampons to make it to the falls.
After some slipping and sliding along icy patches of trail, we walked across an old stone bridge and were greeted by the stunning falls.
We brought some picnic items and found a pleasant spot for a snack just above the falls to enjoy the rare UK sunshine on an (also rare) snowy day.
After our hike, we visited one of the local towns named Keswick to check out their shops and farmers market.
We stocked up on some great cheeses, olive oils, and balsamic vinegars as well as some local liquors. Spirit of Keswick’s Toffee Vodka mixed with cloudy apple juice tasted like a caramel apple in a glass.
We ate dinner at a pub for some traditional British fare. Jimmy enjoyed the pheasant breast stuffed with sausage meat, thyme, and chestnut and wrapped in bacon served with black pudding mash and a red wine sauce. I was in heaven with the lamb and mint pie with mashed potatoes.
Who says British food isn’t any good?!!? You can’t get this level of home-cooked goodness at a bar in the United States.
On our next visit to the Lake District, we completely switched gears. We got all dressed up for our anniversary and splurged on a multi-course tasting at one of the Michelin star restaurants in the region, The Gilpin’s Hrishi. They reinvented traditional British cuisine and designed The Great British tasting menu to thrill the senses.
Our pre-dinner canapés…pickled halibut with beets and a cone of smoked aubergine with goat cheese.
The amuse-bouche…asparagus panna cotta with pickled mushrooms.
First course…Scottish scallop ceviche with orange and sherry vinegar dressing and caviar
Second course…duck liver and English rhubarb parfait with warm brioche
Third course…slow poached Loch Duart salmon with baby aubergine masala, puffed rice salad, yoghurt and cardamom, tomato rasam
Fourth course…Cartmel Valley venison loin and venison kofta, British root vegetables, truffle cream potatoes, Cumbrian sloe gin, and blackberry sauce
Dessert….dark chocolate delice, peanut butter semifreddo, banana bread, milk sorbet
This was by far the most beautiful presentation of British food we have ever seen. They truly showcased the local produce with unbelievable textures and flavors and demonstrated that modern British cuisine has lots of character and elegance.
What a beautiful place! The British cuisine has my mouth watering. Did you actually get full? Lol
Spirit of Keswick’s Toffee Vodka mixed with cloudy apple juice is on my list officially! It sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing! Love you both. David & Wendi