For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed that satisfying feeling of spending time in nature hiking and exploring on the sort of day where it’s necessary to bundle yourself up in multiple layers of clothing. Where the weather leaves your cheeks and nose flushed with pink, to then return indoors to enjoy the warmth of a fire, a hot meal and a cosy evening. I was kindly invited by Another Place , The Lake, a hotel set on the picturesque banks of Ullswater in the Lake District, to come and experience just that.
Unlike other hotels, Another Place actively encourages guests to throw themselves into outdoor activities, be it hiking, cycling or running through the incredible local landscapes, or to have a go at kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or wild swimming in the lake - even in the colder months. They want their guests to make the most of the location and to go outside of their comfort zones. As the sort of person who struggles with staying indoors, this sounded right up my street.
We struggled not to stop at every lay-by we came across as the views were simply breathtaking. The mountains were stained with rust from the bracken dying back and the leaves on many of the trees were a bright and fiery orange. Much to my joy some of the taller mountains had a dusting of snow and looked incredible set against the warm tones of autumn.
I loved Aira Force, which thundered after the recent heavy rain, creating clouds of mist from the sheer force of the water.
After getting suitably soaked by the waterfall spray and rain, we headed back to the hotel to explore the grounds and to make the very most of the quickly fading November light, before shedding our hiking gear in favour of swimsuits.
One of my absolute life goals is now to have my own wooden hot tub like the one at Another Place. There was something so wonderful about being able to soak under the stars before heading to dinner after a chilly day spent hiking.
I woke at 6am the following day. I wrapped myself in my dressing gown, made a cup of tea and sat with the glass doors open to watch the sunrise over the lake and listen to the dawn chorus. I honestly dream of being able to start every morning like this - to enjoy a moment of calm, disconnected from technology, surrounded by nature. I then went down to the pool to meet the others for a pre breakfast swim.
We made our plans for the day over perhaps too many vegan sausages from the breakfast buffet and then set out in search of deer at Martindale. After driving up a narrow, winding road up and into the valley, we were greeted by yet more incredible scenery. We had hoped to catch the last of the stag rut, but I had a feeling we were perhaps a little too late. I decided to use my telephoto lens to scan the landscape to see if I could spot any. Just when I had almost lost hope, I saw a stag stood majestically on the very top of the ridge that surrounded the valley.
Our return drive to the hotel for lunch was somewhat of a slow one because yet again we were unable to resist stopping every five minutes to soak up the views.
Upon finishing our meal we set out to catch the last of the light. A short drive along the edge of the lake from the hotel we came across a section of woodland that was so intense in colour, it was practically begging to be photographed. The views out across the lake towards the snowy mountains in the distance were so perfectly framed by the golden leaves.
That evening we went for yet another soak in the hot tub and a swim, before taking some time to relax in our rooms. I took this opportunity to indulge in a bubble bath before getting ready for dinner. Over food and wine we chatted about our day and a plans for the following morning, before retiring to the library to play board games in front of the log fire.
The next morning as I sat in the window with my cup of tea, I realised that perhaps an early morning swim could wait as the sky looked like it was about to burst into colour. I quickly got dressed and ran down to the hotel’s jetty, tried not to slip on the frost and waited. Not before long, the sky erupted into one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. This was such a special moment that I’ll treasure forever.
After yet another stint at the swim club and a tasty breakfast in the restaurant, I went for a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage which was perfect for me as I spend so much time with a heavy camera slung around my neck. It was a lovely way to end to our little trip to the Lakes, although I certainly was not ready to leave. I’d definitely got used to my new routine of outdoor exploring and hot tubs and wasn’t quite ready to give it up! I loved the combination of outdoor activities during the day, with that little bit of added indulgence and cosiness in the evenings. I especially appreciated that there was never any pressure to get dressed up as the atmosphere was always so relaxed.
If you’re anything like me, I think you’d love Another Place.
My stay was gifted, but all words and photos are my own.