Plan your stay
We are so lucky at 8 The Lake, surrounded by the most picturesque scenery and a plethora of great places to eat, drink, be active and cultural.
We have lived in the Lakes for over 30 years, and we wanted to share just some of our favourite places to enjoy. If you need more information or tips just ask us a question.
Nearby
Walk at High Dam
From the front door at 8 The Lake you can head up for a 2.5 mile fairly easy circular walk around a classic Lake District Tarn. From front gate only a few metres walk along the road leads to the footpath to Finsthwaite and High Dam. English Heritage have a useful guide HERE
Eat at The Swan
Less than two miles away by road (around 2.5 by Paddleboard or Canoe) is the Swan at Newby Bridge, stunning in summer and cosy in winter it is the perfect country pub with great food and ale plus a brand new Spa and a gym!
Bonus; You can also hire paddle boards!
History at Bobbin Mill
A key part of the industrial revolution, Stott Park Bobbin Mill is only 500 metres from 8 The Lake and is a really interesting place to visit being the only remaining working Bobbin Mill in the Lake District. You can find out more HERE.
Adventure at Graythwaite
Fancy some off roading? Want to try your hand at axe throwing? How about clay pigeon shooting or channelling your inner Bear Grylls? Just along the shore from 8 The Lake is the Graythwaite Estate and they have a whole host of experiences for everyone. find out more HERE.
Eat
Hare & Hounds
Style in abundance, yet you are as welcome in your walking boots as you are in your glad rags! New on the scene in late 2021 this is a great pub, beer garden and eatery. Take our word for it and go for the Sunday roast!
Punchbowl, Crosthwaite
Probably the most consistent south lakes gastro pub for the last ten years! Great for special occasions and cosy lunches. If you go, don't leave without having the famous cheese soufflé!
Gilpin Spice
Asian inspired tapas with a Cumbrian twist in the most beautiful setting; its really hard to find fault with anything at this special dinner place. They also do a a great Vegetarian tasting menu.
Homeground Cafe
Breakfast, brunch or lunch...just trust us and go! Take your big appetite with you!
Our fave is the Eggs Benny but they always have really creative menu changes. Be prepared to queue!
More Bakery
Okay so it isn't the closest bakery to 8 The Lake (Bakehouse Born & Bread is a bit closer and also really good) but if you are heading toward Staveley then this is a MUST (and don't forget to take some award winning sourdough home with you!)
Henrock
Afternoon tea, overlooking the Lake and fells - yes please! We are somewhat experienced in afternoon tea (hehe) and can confirm this is the best one in the Lakes! Of course if it has Simon Rogan's name near it - it won't be the cheapest but it is worth every penny!
Base Pizza
Uncomplicated, really very tasty sourdough pizza to eat in or takeaway! There isnt much more to it than that, but if you want to chill by the lake with a pizza (it would have to be at Bowness) or eat in after a busy day - it's a cracking spot.
Heft
Foraged food at it's finest. Renowned local chef Kevin Tickle and his awesome wife Nicola opened this special place in 2021. Tasting menu is truly something to behold, but they also do the best ale and bar snacks ever! the alco free G&T is fab too!
Drunken Duck
Views for days! We have been going to the duck for about 30 years! It has been in the same ownership the whole time but has never stopped evolving. Great food, stunning interiors and just all round good vibes. Only about 5 miles up the lake!
Chesters by The River
Owned by the same team at the Duck - just brilliant for breakfast lunch and cakes. Perfect pitstop if walking in the Langdales. Try not to spend all your holiday money in the incredible gift shop!
Harrys @ Yew Tree
We could spend a whole day at Yew Tree Barn, its only around ten minutes from 8 The Lake and has the most fabulous local antiques and crafts but is also home to the award winning Harrys Cafe! Recently expanded due to popularity... don't miss it.
Old Stamp House
There are quite a few Michelin star restaurants in Cumbria but this one stole our hearts. Ryan Blackburn cooks in the former office of Wordsworth, it is quiet, intimate and worth the three month wait list!
Walk
Gummers Howe
Generally considered an easier walk, yet with cracking views. You an actually see the summit from the front door of the mansion at 8 The Lake.
There is a good guide HERE
Loughrigg
Moderately challenging but so worth it. Spectacular views over Grasmere. As good in winter as in summer.
There is a good guide HERE.
Coniston Old Man
Would a visit to the south Lakes be complete without a challenging walk up the Old Man? With obstacles and changing weather - this is not a walk for the faint hearted but the views make it well worth it.
There is a good guide HERE.
Tarn Hows
If you fancy a mooch that is not too strenuous but still very picturesque then this is ideal. It can be extended and shortened as you so wish.
The website HERE shows lots of the variants to choose from
Play
Mountain Biking
We don't have bike storage at 8 The Lake unfortunately, but the best and closest place for hire is at Grizedale.
Check it out here
Tree Swinging
After a bit of exhilarating fun in the trees then Go Ape or Tree Top Treks are the places for you.
The closest is Grizedale GoApe or Windermere Tree Top Trek
On the Rocks
A little further from 8 The Lake but well worth the trip is Honister; from mining, to climbing to via ferrata. A great place to visit come rain or shine!
Here.
We do not have any affiliation with any of the above mentioned businesses or have any referral arrangements in place, it is purely personal experiences. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any of the above businesses or experiences and all booking is directly with the businesses themselves.