A Perfect Spring Weekend in the Lake District for Couples: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
As the Lake District awakens once more from its winter slumber, spring is the perfect time to escape to Ullswater for fresh air, great food, gentle adventure, and a cosy place to unwind together. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a thoughtful birthday treat, or a beautifully relaxed Valentine’s Day gift, a spring weekend around Ullswater offers the ideal blend of comfort, scenery, and civilised adventure.
The fells begin to glow with new colour, the valleys feel alive again, and the longer days make it easy to fit in everything you love—glamping, hot tubs, wine, scenic walks, and memorable meals.
For couples planning a weekend away, here’s your complete guide to where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do around Ullswater this spring.
Where to Stay: Glamping, Hot Tubs & Cosy Comfort
Ullswater Heights
If you want a stylish base with a touch of luxury, Ullswater Heights is a brilliant choice. Their modern lodges and glamping pods offer comfort, privacy, and the option of your own hot tub—perfect for sharing a glass of wine under the spring sky. The landscaped setting feels peaceful, and it’s ideally placed for exploring the Ullswater area.
The Quiet Site
Eco‑friendly, award‑winning, and full of character, The Quiet Site is perfect for couples who love glamping with personality. From Hobbit Holes to timber camping cabins, it’s cosy, sustainable, and wonderfully peaceful. Bring a bottle of wine, settle into your space, and enjoy the views across the fells. The site also has a superb bar on site, ‘ The Quiet Bar ‘ has live music most weekends throughout the spring. The beer’s not bad either.
Sykeside Camping & Accommodation
For couples who enjoy a more rustic feel, Sykeside offers camping, bunkhouses, and rooms at the Brotherswater Inn. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, it’s a great base for spring walks and scenic adventures. It’s simple, scenic, and perfect if you want to wake up to birdsong and mountain air.
The Inn on the Lake, Glenridding
If you’re looking for something more refined, The Inn on the Lake in Glenridding offers lakeside luxury with beautifully designed rooms and landscaped gardens. It’s a romantic choice for couples who want comfort, elegance, and a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine before dinner.
Where to Eat: Memorable Meals, Local Flavours & Relaxed Evenings
1863 Restaurant, Pooley Bridge
For a standout dining experience, book a table at 1863. This intimate, award‑winning restaurant is known for its creative seasonal menus and exceptional service. In spring, you might find beautifully crafted dishes such as:
- Wild garlic and pea risotto with parmesan crisp and herb oil
- Pan‑roasted hake with asparagus and lemon beurre blanc
- Goat’s cheese mousse with pickled beetroot and hazelnut crumb
- Rhubarb and custard tart with ginger crumble
It’s the perfect place for a slow, civilised meal paired with a good bottle of wine—ideal after a day exploring the fells or the lakeshore.
Brackenrigg Inn
Overlooking Ullswater, the Brackenrigg Inn is a brilliant choice for a relaxed pub meal with a view. Expect hearty classics, local ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot for lunch after a walk or a casual evening meal with wine or a pint.
The Travellers Rest, Glenridding
A traditional Lakeland pub with character, The Travellers Rest offers comforting dishes, generous portions, and a friendly feel. It’s perfect for couples who want a relaxed, unfussy meal after a day outdoors—think pies, stews, and good beer by the fire.
The Inn on the Lake
Even if you’re not staying here, the dining options are excellent. From relaxed lunches to elegant evening meals, it’s a lovely place to enjoy good food with views across Ullswater. The Orangery is especially beautiful in spring, with soft light and a peaceful atmosphere that makes lingering over wine feel effortless.
Things to Do: Adventures, Views & Relaxed Moments
Spring is one of the best times to explore Ullswater. The weather is mild, the trails are inviting, and the landscape feels energising. Here are some of the best experiences for couples.
Enjoy a Civilised Half‑Day on Ullswater with Tall Bloke Adventures
If you want to experience Ullswater in a way that feels calm, unhurried, and quietly memorable, a half‑day with Tall Bloke Adventures is the perfect choice. These trips aren’t about pushing hard or racing the clock — they’re about settling into the rhythm of the lake, enjoying its quieter corners, and feeling completely at ease on the water.
Whether you join in the morning or afternoon, you’ll spend relaxed, unpressured time on stunning Ullswater, taking in the views, the stillness, and the sense of space that makes this valley so special. It’s a beautifully balanced way to enjoy the lake: enough time outdoors to feel refreshed and connected to the landscape, without using up the whole day or leaving you tired.
And because it’s a half‑day, the rest of your day is entirely your own — ideal for a gentle walk, a lazy couple of hours back at your accommodation, or a long soak in the hot tub with a glass of Prosecco before heading out for dinner. A truly civilised adventure, designed to complement your weekend rather than dominate it.
Hire Ullswater E‑Bikes
E‑bikes are a brilliant way to explore the valleys and lakeshore without feeling worn out by the hills. Ullswater E‑Bikes offers high‑quality electric bikes that make longer routes feel effortless. Ride from Pooley Bridge to Howtown, explore quiet lanes, or loop around to Glenridding for coffee and views. It’s fun, scenic, and ideal for sharing the day together.
Visit Aira Force
Aira Force is one of the Lake District’s most iconic waterfalls, and spring is the perfect time to visit. The woodland paths are full of colour, the falls are lively with seasonal water flow, and the circular routes offer a gentle but rewarding walk. It’s a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon together.
Walk Helvellyn (via a steady, scenic route)
Helvellyn is one of the most iconic mountains in the Lake District, and spring is a great time for couples to enjoy its views—especially if you choose one of the steadier, well‑trodden routes from Thirlmere or Glenridding. The ascent is rewarding, the panoramas are spectacular, and many visitors like exploring it independently at their own pace.
If you’re thinking about heading up, it’s worth being certain of the weather conditions for the day. Spring can be glorious, but it can also change quickly, and a clear forecast makes the whole experience far more enjoyable. And it’s always worth remembering that enjoying the day and getting back to the pub is far more important than summitting. A relaxed, safe day out beats a rushed push to the top every time.
Setting off around 9 or 9.30ish is a very good idea — it gives you plenty of time to walk at a comfortable pace, enjoy the views, and still finish the day feeling fresh rather than hurried.
Enjoy a Lakeside Wander
The Ullswater Way offers plenty of short sections perfect for couples who want a gentle walk with beautiful views. You can dip in and out of the route, stop for photos, or simply enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
A Perfect Spring Weekend Itinerary for Couples
Friday Evening Arrive at Ullswater Heights or The Quiet Site. Settle into your lodge or glamping pod, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the hot tub or the views.
Saturday Morning: A civilised half‑day adventure on Ullswater with Tall Bloke Adventures Afternoon: Time for a walk, or a long soak in the hot tub with a glass of Prosecco Evening: Dinner and wine at 1863 in Pooley Bridge
Sunday Morning: Hire e‑bikes and cycle to Aira Force Lunch: Pub stop at Brackenrigg Inn or The Travellers Rest Afternoon: A gentle lakeside walk before heading home
Make This Spring One to Remember
The Lake District is made for couples who love being outdoors together—fresh air, shared experiences, good food, and quiet moments in beautiful places. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a birthday treat, or a Valentine’s Day gift that feels genuinely special, a spring weekend around Ullswater offers the perfect balance of comfort, adventure, and time together.
And if you want a day that feels truly memorable, Tall Bloke Adventures is ready to help you enjoy Ullswater in a way that feels personal, comfortable, and unforgettable.