Romantic ideas for couples in the Lake District
10 Activities for the perfect 'Mini-Moon'
What to do in the Lakes for a romantic get away
Here are a few ideas for romantic things to do in the Lake District to help couples plan the perfect post-wedding trip!
You look forward to your wedding for months – or even years. When the big day finally comes, you want to make that ‘just married’ high last forever! If only we could bottle that ‘wedding bubble’ feeling.
The Lake District is an incredible location for a post-ceremony ‘mini-moon.’ If you don’t have to rush back to ‘real life,’ why not stay a few more days and enjoy your ‘wedding bubble’ as long as possible? Or return to the place that you love and got married to reminisce and re-live those special moments.
sail off into the sunset - a Romantic Lake Windermere cruise
What could be a more romantic idea for couples than a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere? With magnificent views of the mountains and options to hop on and off at various attractions, it’s a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours or the whole day. Join a group cruise, hire a self-drive boat, or charter an exclusive cruiser for your guests if they plan to stay on after your wedding day.
At home with the great romantics - visit Rydal mount
No visit to Rydal would be complete without a trip to the home of the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Wander through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the picturesque surroundings that inspired much of his work. One of our beautiful ceremony rooms is named Wordsworth, as we are just across the road from his best-loved family home. He lived in Rydal and every spring, daffodils bloom in the garden at Cote How, reminiscent of his famous poem. Other romantic ideas locally include a visit his resting place in the Church at Grasmere to stroll round the lake, and sample some famous Grasmere Gingerbread as your reward.
romance by candlelight at A VARIETY OF MICHELIN MENTIONED RESTAURANTS
For food lovers, why not stay with the romance of Wordsworth and dine at The Old Stamp House in Ambleside? Housed in Wordsworth’s former offices. The award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant in Ambleside showcases local food culture. ‘Inspired by the Cumbrian landscape, heritage and people’, they have a reputation for innovative cuisine – perfect for a post-ceremony lunch or indulgent dinner ‘a deux’. Or maybe try the Lake Road Kitchen, who married here at Cote How too!
fall in love with fabulous fell views
If you are still on a post-wedding high and feel like you can conquer the world, hike to Stock Ghyll Force, a 70-foot waterfall near Ambleside. The beautiful falls will leave you exhilarated, and there are fabulous selfie opportunities. Or hike to the viewpoint at Orrest Head, for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Windermere. Arrive at sunset for a truly magical experience. If you fancy venturing further out of town, pack a picnic and visit Tarn Hows, a peaceful haven for wildlife. Walk amongst the wildflowers, then spread a blanket on the ground and pop a bottle of fizz to toast your new chapter!
Post-ceremony pampering for lovebirds
If the excitement of your wedding day has worn you out, a relaxing spa could be just the tonic. A range of local hotels offer different packages and therapies. Spend a relaxing afternoon or the whole day being pampered to recharge your batteries and then retire to the hotel lounge for cocktails. Try The Salutation in Ambleside, The Daffodil in Grasmere, or the Low Wood Bay in Windermere, to name a few.
Get your heart racing
Seize the day and start married life with a new challenge! Rent a kayak or paddleboard (with instructions for beginners) or hire bikes and explore the forest trails in Grizedale Forest. Enjoy the forest trails and art installations scattered through the woodlands. If you are a thrill-seeker, why not try the tree-top trek and zip-wire at Brockhole? Expect to feel weak at the knees… and not just from gazing at your new spouse!
for star-crossed lovers
The Lake District has some of the darkest skies in the UK and it’s the perfect spot for stargazing. Take a flask of hot chocolate and a pair of binoculars to see your love story written in the stars! The Langdale Valley, sheltered by steep mountains, is a good choice, or Grizedale Forest holds star-gazing events with talks, videos, and telescopes for the ultimate romantic night out.
meet the hilltop herdies
As you’ve married at Cote How, you will already have fallen in love with the Lakes. Beatrix Potter was one of our most famous residents. Visit Hill Top, her former home, to explore the charming cottage and gardens that inspired her stories and meet some of the Hill Top Herdwick flock, a breed she was passionate about. Then head back to your cosy room, snuggle up, and enjoy a movie night watching ‘Miss Potter’ – a beautiful film about her life.
find the perfect recipe for a happy marriage
“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” (Giada de Laurentiis). If you are a foodie couple, why not book a cookery class with Lucy Cooks Cookery School in Stavely? Have fun learning how to recreate mouthwatering dishes you can then cook at home. No more arguments about whose turn it is to make dinner as you start married life! As Virginia Woolf claimed, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
The sky's the limit
A hot air balloon ride over Lake Windermere could be the perfect celebration when you’re still on cloud nine. Take to the sky and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the mountain scenery and lake below. You will come down to earth eventually (hopefully not with a bump!) but the memories of your lake district wedding and mini-moon will last a lifetime.
Thank you
If you are a regular wedding supplier here at Cote How and would like to contribute to our wonderful wedding blog, please get in touch. If you would like to know more about getting married in the Lakes, contact the Registrar team.
Thank you to our wonderful recommended photographers for their amazing photos including: Jo Bradbury, Jenna Carpenter, Jo Greenfield and Rachel Joyce. Find more about our recommended photographers here.
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