Things To Do
Feel free to do absolutely nothing but gaze out of the windows, but if you are feeling more energetic there’s a wealth of interesting places nearby. We are happy to help and advise whenever we can.
Excursions
THE Lakes celebrity's house to visit, but nevertheless an interesting excursion.
A significant Arts & Crafts house (visible from the Shack terrace) with an ongoing exhibition programme, good book shop and nice – if rather slow – cafe.
Home of influential Victorian polymath John Ruskin. A lovely garden and a thought-provoking man, and the house is much improved recently.
A stunning and historic topiary garden that has been unchanged for 500 years. Alice in Wonderland territory. Check opening hours as it's not National Trust.
On a nice day this is a very, very special way to experience the majesty of Coniston Water and its mountainscape.
An atmospheric historic house full of ornate folk-carvings made in situ by generations of one family.
Transport & supplies
THE place for a locally-sourced, quality stock-up and perhaps unexpectedly, one of the best places locally for a cooked breakfast or quick lunch.
Visit Bowness and Windermere on the ferry (10 mins), which lands close by the Love Shack. Cars and pedestrians. Occasionally closed inexplicably, so check before travel.
Shopping destinations
A nice town full of independent and diverse shops. Market day on Thursdays and Saturdays.
A well-kept, old fashioned seaside town of a bygone age, overlooking the picturesque but perilous sands of Morecambe Bay,
Bandstand, promenade, good teas available in large seafront hotels, and a lovely community orchard in the centre of town.
Bandstand, promenade, good teas available in large seafront hotels, and a lovely community orchard in the centre of town.
A lovely Georgian town for a day out – smart, wide streets, good antiques / vintage shops and eateries.
Eateries
A top local hotel between Ambleside and Windermere where an elegant and slightly formal lunch or dinner is a treat.
The nearest pub to drink and eat from the Shack. Simple, tasty and dog-friendly.
Excellent lunch or tea with a nice interiors / gift shop next door. Can be very busy due to wood-fired pizzas and epic cakes for hungry Langdale holidayers.
Very traditional and good fish and chips, can sit in.
Famed for its ‘high teas’ so worth booking for. Old fashioned and good quality.
Deservedly popular new-ish place for an excellent, modern brunch or cake. Great baking, newspapers provided and lingering encouraged.
Ambitious, on-trend ‘Nordic Cuisine’. Expensive, esoteric (at times) and often fascinating food. Marred slightly by its cramped site, try to avoid a busy night.
Recently rejuvenated historic community inn run by Grizedale Arts (Adam’s the director). Sort of an art centre slash pub. Wonderful locally sourced food (fresh veg grown on site), pottery classes, cafe and shop.