If you’re looking for a foodie break in England, the Lake District’s restaurant scene will definitely win you over!
As we packed up, caught the train to Carlisle and hopped into our Hertz hire car, my heart was pounding. This was a trip I’d been desperate to do for a long time… and here we were, about to enter the Lake District!
When people asked why I’d never been, I went blank. I had no real explanation! Yet, somehow it’d taken me 31 years to head up north and see the region for myself. Oh, I knew it was a breathtakingly beautiful part of England, with rolling hills, magical mirror-like lakes and of course some big old mountains too. Making it more appealing for me was the fact it was a big foodie destination too. So over the course of four days, we spent the daytimes adventuring, hiking, kayaking and road trippin’ around the most incredible scenery we’d seen in a long time. Then in the evenings we dined at some of the area’s top restaurants. I can’t decide which element made me happier, but the combination was definitely a winner!
View from Honister Pass, Lake District
Beautiful scenery near Cat Bells in the Lake District
Amazing views on our Hertz road trip through the Lake District
Rain. Yes, in the Lake District it rains A LOT! But being one of the wettest parts of the country has its plus points – it means there’s potential to grow a lot. Many restaurants have their own gardens where they grow fruit and veg, herbs and more for their dishes. One thing that’s undeniable – the chefs are SO passionate about utilising the larder on their doorstep. It shines through on every menu and in every dish!
While there are plenty of great restaurants, coming up is my pick of the ones we squeezed in on our Hertz road trip through the Lake District! But first, check out the video of our travels (and don’t worry – plenty for foodies in this one too!)
The Cottage in the Wood
As we arrived at The Cottage in the Wood, our host explained that first and foremost it was a restaurant, but also had rooms. We were fortunate enough to be staying, and while our room was lovely (up in the eves), we knew dinner would be the main event! Holding 3 AA Rosettes, this is a restaurant taking the food experience very seriously.
Our room at The Cottage in the Wood