Like many, our holiday plans this year were cancelled, but we still had the itch to escape for the night and explore somewhere new so we booked a last minute trip to The Lake District! With the weather being a little unpredictable this time of year we decided to leave the tents at home this time and stay in a wooden hut instead, why not eh! So we loaded the car with food, warm clothes and a few bottles of wine and hit the road! It took us just over 2 hours from our little home in Knypersley to get to Orchard Hideaways in Penrith.
The campsite is nice and small, with shower, toilet and cleaning facilities on site along with bbq areas and picnic benches. The owners have thought of everything and the little wooden pods contained a microwave, kettle, cooking accessories, heater and a bed! We only stayed one night but would happily have spent more time in the pod, it was very cute and cosy! Oh and the best bit, it's Dog friendly!
By the time we arrived in Penrith it was about 3pm so we decided to take the recommended Dog walk from the campsite. It took us through countryside, woodland, along rivers and past a pub. The perfect walk! Once we had a tired, muddy dog we headed back to camp, sat on a bench and watched as nightfall came in. A few glasses of wine later we rolled into a very snug pod. The campsite surrounded by countryside was so quiet and we all got a good nights kip!
The next morning my Dog woke me up, what a surprise. A morning sniff couldn't wait any longer so I opened the pod door to a misty morning on the Lakes. I toddled down to the kitchen area to fill my kettle, poured a lovely coffee and sat enjoying the views before it was time to pack up the car and start our next adventure!
So, I'm a bit of a Beatrix Potter fan, my house is full of figures I collected as a kid and I'm failling at creating a cottage garden like hers but, am having a good go! So it was only right that while we were up in the Lakes we should visit Miss Potters Garden! Unfortunatley due to covid19 her lovely cottage is closed to the public however you can still explore her Garden and take the Dog with you!
We rocked up to Ambleside an hour early for our slot so we asked a lovely man in the village if he could recommend a walk to kill the time. He pointed us in the direction of a gravel path and told us we would come across a beautiful lake with beautiful views and he wasn't wrong! It was well worth going. If you are in front of hill top cottage, take a right, right again and follow the gravel path, keep going and you will find the lake! it's about an hours walk and not to be missed if you are in the area.
After our spontanious walk it was time to head into Miss Potters Garden and it did not disappoint! After a very enjoyable mooch we grabbed a seat in front of the cottage and enjoyed a pack lunch and a tasty coffee before heading back to the car for our final stop of the trip.
I did make Charlie wear a Peter Rabbit Bow tie.
Next up Tarn Hows, Beatrix Potter purchased this spot to protect it and keep it open to the public so I had to see it for myself, we didn't have much time left so it was a short and sweet visit but it was a perfect spot to end a great adventure. I will leave a picture below, words just won't do its beauty justice!
Just like that our little trip to The Lakes was over and we headed back to the car with a very tired pooch. I don't know about you guys but we've never got lucky with the weather in the lakes but this time round we didn't see a drop of rain until we got back to the car!
We often go away with our Dogs, here's my essential packing list for them:
Lead, collar and harness - If the harness gets too wet or muddy you can use the collar as a back up.
Jumper/coat - I use the Equafleece jumpers, they fit our dogs well, keep them warm and keep them nice and dry.
Dog food and a bit extra - with the extra walking you might find your Dog is even more hungry than normal, you might end up staying an extra day or your Dog might find his way into your bag and scoff it all...
Dog treats - Pocket sized treats for walks and a natural chew for the evenings. the chew is especially good if you stop by a pub.
Dog towel - Use to dry your dog after a muddy walk, can be used as a blanket if it gets cold or to keep your car seats clean on the way home!
Dog bed or blanket
Dog toy
Poo bags
Dog bowl
Pet first aid kit
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