Travel and lifestyle blogger, Emma Hart from Paper Planes and Caramel Waffles stayed for two days in Ullswater with her partner and created a diary of her stay. Travelling from Leeds two days was a good weekend mini break. Here are her highlights, hour by hour.
Guest blog: two days in Ullswater
Two days in Ullswater
Ullswater is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Surrounded by breathtaking countryside and imposing mountains, you could probably spend a lifetime here and still find new spectacular views of the Lake District. But, if you only have 48 hours in Ullswater, here’s the best way to make the most of your time. We found some experiences that will last a lifetime.
Day 1
Noon – Arrive at Ullswater
There’s no doubt that after a drive to the Lake District, and from admiring the scenery you’ve already driven through, you’ll be pretty hungry. Before arriving at Another Place, stop in at Pooley Bridge, about a 4 minute drive from the hotel. There are plenty of pubs and cafes here, including 1863 Bar Bistro and The Sun Inn, but Granny Dowbekins Tearooms is where you can pick up a bowl of soup and crusty bread, or a toasted sandwich and a slice of cake. It can get quite busy but it’s worth the wait to fuel up for the afternoon ahead.
1pm – Another Place
Your home for the next two nights. Another Place welcomes you with open arms and it’s the ideal place to enjoy a couple of days of active relaxation. Take a mini tour of the ground floor of the hotel, including the library, Swim Club, and The Living Space before getting the keys to your bedroom.
You’ll either be in the more traditional Georgian building, or the newer modern half. Whichever half you stay in, lake and mountain views are guaranteed.
2pm – Stand-up paddleboarding on Ullswater
You might be relaxing in your room, or enjoying a drink in The Living Space. Wherever you are, don’t miss the 2pm stand-up paddleboarding slot at Swim Club for a bit of lake adventure. Wetsuits and boots are provided and you’ll be greeted by Adrian down at The Sheep Shed, your host for the next 90 minutes. After on land briefing – where you’ll learn about the paddleboard, how to paddle, how to kneel and stand on the board, and then how to transport the board out onto the lake – you’re very quickly out on the water.
Stand-up paddleboarding on Ullswater is very relaxing. Yes, it can be tough work but being you’re so close to nature, and the middle of the lake gives the perfect view. You get a sense of just how huge Ullswater. Adrian is an excellent teacher and knowledgeable about the area, so pick his brains if you want to know more about Ullswater.
4pm – Outdoor hot tub
Once you’re back on dry land, grab your dressing gown from your room and take an hour or so to warm up in the Swim Club’s outdoor hot tub. Yes, we said outdoor hot tub. Feel those muscles relax and your mind destress as you take in the view. There’s also the sauna if you really want to heat up and the sensational pool..
Surrounding the pool, there are plenty of seats where you can chill out and read a book before your massage
5pm – Swim Club treatment
Another Place isn’t just about enjoying the outdoors. It’s about relaxing too. And that’s why the treatment room at Swim Club is such a pleasure. I opted for a full body massage which was so perfect after the paddleboarding session. A full hour with Another Place’s mix of essential oils from Watergate Bay Elements collection.
7.30pm – Dinner in Rampsbeck Restaurant
Enjoy your first dinner at Another Place in Rampsbeck Restaurant. This open and airy space serves up a three course meal with food sourced from the Cumbrian countryside. It’s an excuse to dress up for the evening and eat dishes like mussels in leek and thyme, roast gurnard with Chorizo, and a mouth-watering banana parfait. A good end to a wonderful first day, and there’s so much more left to enjoy.
Day 2
9.30am – Lazy morning breakfast
You’ll have had a good night’s sleep on the pillowy mattress. And once you can tear yourself away from the duvet, it’s breakfast time. Try out our favourite feature – the waffle station. That’s right, you can make your own waffles for breakfast. The waffle mixture is ready made and lined up next to the waffle machine; all you need to do is pour the mixture in, wait three minutes and et voila, you have your freshly made, fluffy waffle for breakfast. Pile on your toppings – you can choose from lemon curd, marmalade, Nutella and many more. The best meal of the day.
11am – Discover Aira Force
If there’s one thing you need to do while in the Lake District, it’s walking. The Lake District is made for walking with its hills and woodland paths. Aira Force is around three miles away from Another Place, so you can either walk to the start of the trail, catch the Ullswater Steamer from Pooley Bridge, or drive and park in the National Trust car park.
Driving means you’ll have extra time to explore the waterfalls so that’s the best option if you want to maximise your time exploring. Pick the path and set off through Himalayan Firs and a collection of trees from around the world. You’ll hear the sound of Aira Force before you see it and it is an astounding sight.
Walk further up the beck and you’ll eventually make it out of the woodland and onto the wild hills. The view of Ullswater and the mountains will be just about visible but make the hike up to the peak of Gowbarrow Fell to see the full view.
TOP TIP: Ask for a picnic before you set off – this is the perfect place for lunch.
4pm – Relax in Swim Club
Yes, it’s time for another dip in the pool. Take a book and have a couple of hours to rest and read.
6pm – The Living Space
It’s nearly time for dinner, but enjoy a pre-meal drink or cocktail in The Living Space or library. There are a good selection of wines and beers, but it’s the Espresso Martini steals the show. You won’t regret ordering this.
7.30pm – Dinner in The Living Space
The more casual of the two restaurants the menu in The Living Space is more relaxing than the Rampsbeck Restaurant but you can still tell that each dish is made with the same attention. The fried squid is light and try the butternut squash and sage ravioli.
9.30pm – Board games in the library
Make the most the chill out space in the library and take your drinks for a board game session. There’s a huge variety of games to play from. Card classics like Uno to the more obscure board games including Pandemic. You never know, you might find your new favourite game to play with the family at Christmas…
Day 3
8am – Full English breakfast
The best thing about breakfast at Another Place is that you can pick and mix from the huge variety of food that’s on offer. There are fresh pastries, the waffles, granola and yoghurt, and there’s a cooked breakfast buffet. Pile you plate high with Cumbrian sausages, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans and more. It’ll definitely set you up for another day in Ullswater.
9am – Ullswater Steamer
The Ullswater Steamer from Pooley Bridge will take you the full length of Ullswater, to Glenridding with stops at Howtown and Aria Force. If you have a few extra hours, it’s worth getting off at Glenridding for a walk. Alternatively, just take in the views and calm from the eight mile journey.
12 noon – Farewell
You’ll leave wanting to come back, but take some time to walk the grounds before you go – there’s a sheep’s field, a lawned garden, the walnut grove and a jetty that juts out on to the lake. 48 hours in Ullswater and at Another Place just isn’t enough, but that always give you a reason to come back for more.
