Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
Written by Jon Orr
The campus lake has a totemic pull over us social creatures. Student life, eh? That naked boy isn’t supposed to be swimming in the lake, is he? Those Foster’s cans aren’t afloat for aesthetic purposes, surely? And no, I don’t think discarded pizza boxes were Mother Nature’s first-choice nest building material for Fit Duck… Cover Gran’s eyes!
Now, take a minute. Compose yourself.
It's time for the bombshell, kids: for a real lake you’re going to have to forget our beloved campus one and head West – about 100 miles West to be precise – to lake country: the Lake District. Perfect for a weekend getaway.
The Lake District shouldn’t immediately call to mind OAP coach trips and hardcore walkers.
Now don’t let the mere mention of a national park put you off. Keep reading. These are national treasures after all. The Lake District shouldn’t immediately call to mind OAP coach trips and hardcore walkers. Preconceived ideas have to be left behind for the purposes of this article I’m afraid. I’m here to dispel the myth behind the bus pass and walking stick as the only beneficiaries of the Lake District’s licence to thrill.
Getting there
Getting to the Lake District couldn’t be easier – the world of transport is your oyster. From rail, coach, even air and everyone’s favourite, the road trip.
Simplicity is the key to this getaway: pack your weekend bags, throw them in the car and away you go.
Quick word of warning for the road, however: be vigilant. This isn’t a straight motorway run. You’ll be spending a lot of time on snaking back roads. Be on your guard against the Speed Demon in all its motoring forms (the impatient Land Rover driver being my personal favourite).
When to go
Deciding when to go to the Lake District isn’t a problem: its seasonal palette will amaze all year round. The problem with the Lake District is the game of Rain Roulette that you’re inevitably going to have to play. Ultimately, it’s a risk worth taking and if the weather’s in your favour the rewards are bountiful. The stunning vistas and your camera will get on like a house on fire. There's no escape from the besieging Kodak moments.
Where to stay
Take advantage and invest in the abundance of B&Bs in the area. You can get some excellent rates that go hand-in-hand with a student budget. From my personal experience I found this the perfect way to get a local’s perspective on the area: offering great advice and best of all, traditional English breakfast.
If you’re heading to the Lake District then Bowness-on-Windermere is the ideal, idyllic springboard to base your weekend away. Home to the Lake District tourist’s favourite: Windermere. From here you can easily access the local attractions and it’s also a good spot for exploration of the surrounding area.
What to do
Outdoor highlights in Bowness-on-Windermere are numerous. From a lazy daytime stroll around the pier with an ice cream or chips (beware of the chip-loving swans – they take no prisoners!) to a cruise around the lake in a steamboat. Also, make sure you take the time to soak in the natural beauty with a picnic. And afterwards, why not try conquering Windermere yourself and hire a rowing boat (or its petrol aided alter-ego for the less strenuous outing)?
After a day’s activities head out for an evening to get a bite to eat and then it’s back to the lake for a twilight stroll. The magnetic pull of the lake will be too much to resist; day or night Windermere is magical, a real treat for the senses.
If it’s not raining sunshine and the picnic has to stay indoors then there are plenty of activities to suit. For museums there’s the Wordsworth Museum and The World of Beatrix Potter to name but a couple.
However, if you feel like you’ve exhausted the local attractions then the surrounding villages make for a great day out and are easily accessible on the local bus service. Make sure you’re specific in your choice of bus: it has to be open-top. Nothing else will do. The bus ride feels more like a rollercoaster, touring the picturesque countryside and sums the Lake District up perfectly: a trip that winds through the postcards themselves – not to be missed!
Further Information: golakes.co.uk – an indispensable source for planning your trip to the Lake District.
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