Standing proud on the lakeshore of Ullswater within the charming village of Glenridding, the Inn on the Lake hotel is a Lake District gem in its own right. Over the years, our lakefront hotel has developed a stellar reputation among guests, but it’s not just our friendly hospitality that people return year on year for.
Although we are located within a charming Lake District village, the number of activities available to guests from our doorstep is remarkable. From thrill-seeking activities that people deliberately travel to the Lake District for, to the more relaxing opportunities that allow you to unwind amongst nature. Whether you’re ticking off the Wainwrights, seeking solace in the wide-open countryside or fancy trying your hand at a new hobby; your stay at the Inn on the Lake can be whatever you make it. One thing is for certain – you will never be bored!
1. Ullswater Steamers
The Lake District got its name for a reason… and what better way to explore the beauty of the area not by foot, not by car, but atop of the relaxing ripples of the lakes themselves!
The Ullswater Steamers are an award-winning local attraction, taking guests on a water cruise around one of the area’s most beautiful lakes. What’s more, they are open 363 days a year!
Be blown away by the panoramic scenery that surrounds you and get your bearings with all the various villages that Ullswater has to offer. There’s a pier located within Glenridding itself which is approximately a 5 – 10-minute walk from the hotel.
2. Hike or Bike
The Lake District is a haven for keen walkers, cyclists or those who simply wish to enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. Luckily, the Glenridding area has a vast selection of outdoor walks and cycle routes for people of varying abilities.
Glenridding and Patterdale (a couple of miles down the road) are the perfect base for a number of popular walks or cycle trails. Take advantage of Lake District Hotels’ Hike & Bike book available to purchase from the hotel itself. The book details a number of comprehensive walks and cycle routes that you can embark on as soon as you step foot outside the hotel.
Hike & Bike books are charged at a discounted price to hotel residents at £3.50 (RRP – £5.50). Please ask the reception if you wish to purchase one.
3. Aira Force
A trip to Ullswater is not complete without visiting one of the Lake District’s most breath-taking waterfalls. Not only does a trip to Aira Force reward you with incredible views of the grand waterfall, but the numerous trails leading to it around the woodland area makes for a fun day out for all the family.
Visit Aira Force itself, or you can combine the visit with a brief walk up Gowbarrow Fell which offers fabulous views across the lake to the hotel itself.
There are a few different National Trust car parks you can park at to access the waterfall, or if you’re feeling active, you can walk straight to it from the hotel entrance via the Ullswater Way. The walk is 3 miles long and takes you along a flat, well-surfaced path.
4. Tackle Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Few people visit the Lake District that haven’t already heard of the legendary Wainwright fell that is Helvellyn – and if you haven’t heard of it before you visit, you certainly will have by the time you leave!
Despite not being the tallest fell in the Lake District, it is certainly one of the most popular, with many people opting to climb this mountain rather than the likes of Scafell Pike as the views from the top are far nicer.
Although there are a selection of routes up Helvellyn, one of the most famous (and most popular) is the route via Striding Edge. This walk arguably offers the most spectacular views of all, plus it gives walkers an adrenaline boost as they scramble over the exposed ridges, with valleys unfolding each side of you.
The walk starts from Glenridding itself and the minimum time it will take you to conquer this walk is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. Afterwards, you can return to the comfort of the Inn on the Lake where you can reward yourself with a delicious meal in the Orangery or Rambler’s Bar and a proper pint of Cumbrian ale to boot!
5. Enjoy the views from the hotel lounge and gardens
The Inn on the Lake lounges are a hotspot for those looking for an unwinding time in the Lake District. As the weather can be somewhat unpredictable and occasionally on the cooler side, the large lounge windows provide guests with steady views across the lake and over the surrounding fells without the threat of getting wet.
If it is a dry day however, we strongly recommend enjoying the scenery from the 15 acres of hotel grounds at your disposal. The landscaped grounds are meticulously maintained and extend down onto a private jetty that oversees Ullswater lake.
One thing is guaranteed, whatever the weather and whichever the season, you’ll still be rewarded with spectacular views of the area whether you admire it from inside the hotel or out.
6. Try cold water therapy in Ullswater
Cold water swimming is the new trend in the Lake District, wet suits are flying off the shelves left, right and centre. With 7 miles of fresh water and a selection of beaches dotted around its shores, Ullswater is a great place to go wild swimming.
If you fancy trying your hand at cold water therapy in the Lake District, why not book a swim session with an experienced guide? They will show you the best hotspots for open water swimming and give you some top tips should you wish to dabble with the activity again in future.
There are many benefits to be felt from cold water therapy such as higher toleration to stress, improved circulation, reduced muscle soreness, boosted brain power and many more…read our below article to find out full details.
7. Walk the Ullswater Way
Mentioned previously as a route that will take you straight to Aira Force from the hotel, the Ullswater Way is a 20-mile walking route around the outskirts of Ullswater lake. By walking the Ullswater Way, you’re experiencing the area that inspired William Wordsworth’s iconic ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ poem.
Although mainly flat, the route is a long one, so if you do wish to walk it, we recommend wearing an appropriate pair of walking shoes and making sure you’ve got plenty of snacks to give you an energy boost when you need it most!
Don’t forget, you can break the walk up into different sections, or catch an Ullswater Steamer back to Glenridding from Pooley Bridge or Aira Force.
8. Water Sports
Just a 6 minute walk from Inn on the Lake, you will find St Patrick’s Boat Landing. They have a variety of water-based activities you and the whole family can enjoy, you can hire: rowing boats, motor boats, Canadian canoes and fishing boats. Whether you are adventure-driven or just looking to drift peacefully around the Lake, they have options tailored to cater for everyone. Sailing is a perfectly enjoyable way to enjoy Ullswater.
Unlike sailing, you don’t have to be lionhearted to have a go on a stand-up paddle-board! If you fancy taking to the water in a more leisurely manner, then this may just be the Lake District activity for you. The sport involves standing up on a surfboard style device and using your arms and a paddle to gently propel yourself through the water without falling in.
Ullswater Paddle-boarding can provide you with services such as paddle-boarding lessons, board hire and lake tours.
The activity is ideal for families, couples or even individuals wishing to take in the exquisiteness of the area.
Please note: These activities can be seasonal, please ring ahead to check availability.
Book your next trip to the Inn on the Lake
Now you’ve been enlightened to the array of amazing activities that are available to you from the grounds of the Inn on the Lake hotel, why not book your next getaway?
