Discover the Lake District

Some places become part of your story long before you realise it.

For me, the Lake District has been one of those places for as long as I can remember.

Some of my happiest childhood memories were spent sailing on Derwentwater with my dad. We both loved sailing with a bit of excitement, so calm days were never quite as much fun! Those weekends on the water sparked a lifelong love of the Lakes that has stayed with me ever since.

As I grew older, life continued to revolve around boats. After I married, my then husband and I bought our first little yacht. She certainly wasn't luxurious—there wasn't even a toilet, just what sailors affectionately call a "bucket and chuck it!" But she gave us freedom, unforgettable weekends and friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Eventually we moved up to a larger yacht on Windermere, where some of my most treasured family memories were made.

After our first Golden Retriever was tragically killed in a road accident, we welcomed Hollie, a beautiful Golden Retriever puppy, into our lives. Not long afterwards, Josh came along too.

Many Friday evenings followed exactly the same routine. We'd load baby Josh, Hollie, our bags for the weekend and ourselves into our little dinghy before heading out across Windermere to our yacht.

Once we'd cast off from the shore, the car was forgotten until Sunday evening.

For the whole weekend our world became the lake.

If we wanted to visit another village, we'd sail there. If we fancied lunch, we'd tie up, step ashore and explore. Every journey began on the water, and those weekends brought a wonderful sense of freedom that's difficult to describe.

Some of my favourite memories are of Josh growing up around boats, Hollie happily exploring every corner of the yacht, and waking each morning to the gentle sound of the water lapping against the hull. Looking back now, those simple weekends were some of the happiest days of my life.

Over the years I've explored so much more of the Lake District, from the bustling market town of Keswick to the shores of Windermere and the peaceful beauty of Ullswater. I've climbed some of its best-loved fells, including Catbells and Skiddaw, wandered countless woodland trails and lakeside paths, and stayed in everything from campsites to caravan parks along the way.

The Lake District has a way of offering something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for spectacular mountain walks, peaceful lakeside strolls, sailing, kayaking, cosy country pubs, beautiful villages or simply somewhere to sit with a coffee and admire the view, it's a place that draws me back time and time again.

Through Wendy Wanders I'll be sharing the places that have meant the most to me over the years, along with practical guides, favourite walks, places to stay and hidden corners that have made me fall in love with the Lakes all over again.

Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, I hope these guides inspire you to slow down, breathe deeply and discover why the Lake District has remained one of my favourite places for a lifetime.

For me, the Lake District isn't somewhere I visit... it's somewhere I always return to. ❤️