There are a few places on the cards such as Croatia, Greece, and Egypt but we’ll probably wait a few months until it heats up. In the meantime, we need some mini-breaks to satisfy our itchy feet. Valentine’s day is on the horizon, and a short getaway is perfect for indulging in some romance *hint to the boyfriend that may be reading this* and treating each other to attention that all too easily escape a busy working week.

For those who aren’t keen on grand gestures or who would rather stay closer to home, like us, there are plenty of spots in the UK that are just as romantic as Italy. In fact, an alternative to cliché romantic locations can be far more appreciated. It shows consideration, creativity, and most of all, that you’re not taking tips from the movies. One place in particular that offers true romanticism and escape is the swoon-worthy Lake District.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes, dramatic falls, and gorgeous greenery, the Lake District is the perfect spot to whisk away a loved one for some TLC. If you idealize a quiet haven for just the two of you, there are secluded spots that enable you to turn off technology, enjoy each other’s company and absorb the striking views. However, for those who prefer a little more of a cosmopolitan touch, there are small towns and villages that boast shops, bars, and renowned restaurants to suit fine dining connoisseurs and bargain hunters alike.

When it comes to food, the Lake District is a particular hotspot for fine dining experiences, with numerous Michelin star restaurants to hand and Michelin recommended eateries in almost every town. For those who want to experience the true drama of the Lakes, you can venture to the Michelin recommended restaurant The Samling. Here, you can taste sophisticated, environmentally inspired dishes that are theatrically presented before a striking backdrop of Lake Windermere.

In close proximity to here, you can head to the famed Holbeck Ghyll for considered, local dishes and a divine tasting menu, or you can head to The Forest Side in Grasmere for a sophisticated interpretation of local produce.

The Lake District is fast becoming notorious for its quality restaurants, introducing head chefs from all over the country. If you ever managed to watch Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan’s “The Trip”, you’ll understand the sudden appeal for the Lake District and high-end eating. Not all food is catered to the higher end and higher budget, however, and there are plenty of characterful small restaurants in the area. 

When it comes to creating a romantic atmosphere, sometimes these can be much more effective, creating a sense of intimacy and warmth. Be sure to look out for hotels with restaurants too, as these tend to boast some of the best views in the area. The Inn On The Lake in Ullswater boasts a lake-side position and is secluded by forests and hills for a wonderfully romantic meal. With a sophisticated menu and a bar next door, you can easily spend a whole evening and top it off with a stroll around the grounds.

Spending Valentine’s Day in the Lake District can be a great way to enjoy new experiences together and make the most of the outdoors. Without having to pay a penny, you can enjoy hikes or gentle strolls, suitable for all levels of fitness. An entire day can be spent rambling the countryside, exploring the falls and forests of Borrowdale, Derwentwater or Penrith. You can even fit a hike into a day or two spent at the shopping hub of Keswick, with an adventurous hike up Castle Crag or Cat Bells.

  The best lake walks this winter in the Lake District

To really amp up the romantic atmosphere of your trip, you can also hire a boat at Ullswater or Derwentwater and enjoy a romantic row over the gorgeous lakes. Perhaps you’ll take a leaf out of famed Lake District poet William Wordsworth’s book and recite a little poetry of your own.

Landscape and dining aside, there is an abundance of romantic activities that you could do whilst stay in the Lake District. The romance of the area has seen an influx of artists and poets take root here, in turn creating a plethora of small galleries and shops. In Keswick, the stunning, traditional cinema called the Alhambra makes a delightful alternative to large commercial cinemas, or you can browse bookstores and quaint shops in every picturesque village.

Whether you want to indulge your senses or just stay cooped up inside with your loved one, a trip to the Lake District is the perfect way to enjoy each other’s company this Valentine’s Day.

The post Why You Should Visit The Lake District This Valentine’s Day appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Running my own business, managing a blog and being a university lecturer leaves little time for me to get into the Christmas spirit, so I need to make a real effort to dedicate time to enjoy one of the most beautiful times of the year. Last week I decided that I wasn’t going to let Christmas pass us by, and we headed to the airport to catch a 7-am flight to London to get Christmassy.

We’ve teamed up with glh Hotels who have recently launched London Covered – an interactive online map that features ‘trips’ to follow using pre-loaded points of interest. We jumped at the chance to give this a whirl, as it takes the stress out of planning.

Watch the Muppets at Snow Kingdom 

Backyard Cinema is a hidden ice kingdom buried deep within the heart of London (more specifically, South London – just a 5-minute walk from either Borough or Elephant & Castle station.).

The cinema is based in Mercato Metropolitano, a 45,000 square foot market space offering a mixture of Italian and London based artisan producers. Before curling up to watch a movie, we decided to fill our bellies with tasty food, because we just couldn’t resist!

Equipped with a lantern, we travelled through a secret cave of ice and walked across a frozen lake on a suspended bridge before opening the door to the Snow Kingdom cinema *the video below perfectly captures the experience*

We were greeted by staff who directed us to blankets, a bar full of sparkling cocktails and warm drinks, before showing us to bean bags at the front of the room.

When we first read about the cinema, for some reason, we thought it was outside – I guess the word *yard* threw us! The weather was miserable that morning and we were worried about sitting in the cold. Little did we know, that we were super warm and comfortable in the shelter, we had absolutely nothing to worry about!

It was such a lovely and novel way to watch a Christmas movie. We even looked at the upcoming showings and there are some of my favourites coming up, including Elf, Mean Girls and Titanic!   I’ll definitely be coming back…

Treat yourself to a tasty lunch at the Coppa Club

Once we finished watching the Muppets, we headed over to the Coppa Club at Tower Bridge to have some lunch (you’ll notice throughout this article that food is regularly featured; I blame the cold weather!). Next to the Tower of London on the banks of the River Thames, Coppa Club is a lovely restaurant that has been tastefully decorated.

There are currently igloos out the front of the restaurant that you can dine in, decorated with sheepskin rugs and elegant candles, they looked incredibly cosy! I say ‘currently’ because I assume they aren’t erected all year around but I have no idea why they wouldn’t be. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a table booked in an igloo but the view of the Thames from our window seat wasn’t too shabby.

We ordered a couple of mocktails (cucumber and mint cooler, yum!) and took in the view.

  The Best London Travel Tips for First Timers!

Go ice skating at the Tower of London

If you’ve never been to the Tower of London at Christmas, you’re really missing out. As soon as we stepped out of the tube station, we felt super festive. The Tower was lit up with dancing snowflakes, and Michael Bublé tracks echoed through down the streets. I would definitely recommend heading to the Tower of London ice rink in the evening for this experience alone, but it was also really quiet when we joined our session at 5-pm.

I’ve only been ice skating a handful of times in the last 10 years, so I was a little bit apprehensive when putting on my skates, but the staff were super friendly and helpful when we arrived. After being put at ease that I probably wouldn’t break my hip or slice off a finger, we took to the ice! The first 15 minute was a little wobbly but before I knew it, I was back to my 8-year-old former self, feeling confident and free.

We spent 45 minutes on the ice, which was the perfect amount of time. I honestly thought I’d duck out sooner than that because I was feeling so anxious about it, but I ended up having so much fun.

Sip hot chocolate at Southbank Winter Festival

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit but avoid the chaos of Winter Wonderland, then head over to Southbank. The stalls ranged from tasty chocolate waffles to beautifully handcrafted leather handbags, which as you can imagine, was hard to tear me away from. It’s busy enough that there is a great atmosphere but equally, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and you don’t spend ages queuing to get to stalls or bars.

My brother (a now Londoner) came and met us straight from his work near Liberty House, Oxford Street. I didn’t give him much notice but luckily he was able to come and see us briefly. I don’t get to see him much anymore, as he’s always so busy with work and going on adventures with his girlfriend, so it was nice to catch up. We sat by a fire, drank hot chocolate and chatted about our recent trips to Asia the week prior.

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We stocked up on brownies and other chocolate delights before heading back to our hotel.

Check-in to a suite at the Thistle Trafalgar Square

Whenever I go to London, it’s always about luxury and indulgence, for me. We had also just come back from spending 10 days away on our recent trip to Tokyo and Kamakura in Japan, we needed a little TLC. We checked-in to the suite at the Thistle hotel, just stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square.

The room was fitted with a state-of-the-art flat screen LCD TV, rain shower, bathrobe and slippers. Upon arrival, there was also a bottle of wine and chocolates waiting for us in the living area, which is a lovely touch, even if we don’t drink alcohol. The bed was enormous, S and I could starfish on the super king-size bed and still not be touching.

I ran myself a steaming hot bath and took advantage of all the complimentary toiletries (who doesn’t?!). I had the BEST nights sleep before leisurely waking up at 9-am. We filled our bellies before jumping on our afternoon flight back to the Motherland of pasties, Cornwall.

The food at the Thistle Trafalgar Square is worth a mention too… I’m a self-confessed snob when it comes to buffet breakfasts in hotels. Don’t let my petite frame and my size 6 waist fool you, I’m always hungry and usually eat more than my 6ft boyfriend. Thank the Lord, the Thistle didn’t disappoint – they had everything, from high-quality pork sausages to a selection of cured meats, and plenty of cereals and yoghurts. Kudos!

Needless to say, our mini-break in London was perfect to get into the Christmas spirit and to feel a little pampered. Want to do the same route as us? You can find London’s riverside festivities route online.

Goodbye London, until next time!

The post How We Spent The Perfect Festive Weekend In London (and You Can Too!) 🎄 appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

With winter on its way, some of the more challenging walks become difficult, or even treacherous to the novice, so we’ve decided to give you some of the safer routes around the region. We’re sneaking off for another trip soon, but we want to spend more time relaxing, so these walks are going to be perfect for us. Each of them navigable during the winter months, and all promising fresh air, good exercise, and the majestic scenery that this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for. 

A circuit of Latrigg

This is probably the easiest walk in the whole of the Lake District, one that the whole family can get involved in, whether little kids, elderly people, those using a wheelchair or those with a buggy for infants. The National Park Authority (NPA) has created a path for low-mobility visitors that leads to the summit of Latrigg, allowing the less mobile of your party to enjoy the magnificent view over Derwentwater and Keswick.

The rest of your group would need to start at the car park on the Skiddaw access road. From there, you can see the path, clearly marked and laid out, requiring you only to navigate a few stile gates between it and the car park. The path takes a circular route around Latrigg, ending up at the same viewpoint that the low-mobility path reaches.

All told, this walk is about a mile and a half, and it is pretty easy. It commands wonderful views of the hills and lakes of the area, including the impressive Skiddaw mountain range, which is a walk in itself, though perhaps recommended for more experienced walkers. 

Great Wood and Derwentwater

If Derwentwater impressed from the top of Latrigg, why not try a slightly longer walk that takes you from the Market Square in Keswick to right alongside the lakeshore of Derwentwater itself? This walk is about 4.3 miles and should take no longer than three hours to complete.

From Market Square, you walk past St John’s Church to the right and onto Springs Road, which leads you to a public footpath. This takes you past the lovely Springs Farm and up to Springs Wood, where you’ll find a T-junction, where you should turn right. As you climb, you’ll get your first views of the beautiful Derwentwater, nestled among the fens.

Following the path round, using the signs to Great Wood, you get more views of Derwentwater, as well as Keswick itself. Entering the woods, you need to keep to the higher path, which will eventually lead to a tarmac track, finally becoming the lakeshore path as you enter the woods along the lake. The path will pass through a gate, leading you back to the lakeshore. The path continues to the boat landings and the Theatre by the Lake, finally reaching an underpass, leading back to Keswick and your starting point.

Keswick Landings to Ashness Gate

Another easy stroll for the whole family, taking maybe an hour or two, this is a great way to walk off a hearty lunch or work up an appetite for supper. From the Keswick landings you should follow the water’s edge, keeping the lake to your right. Following the woodland trail as far as Friars Crag, you should then bear left, through the gate into Strandshag Bay.

Continuing along the path, after passing the grassland, you will find another gate, also leading to a woodland trail. Cross the footbridge, then walk to the end of the path, which eventually heads onto a rough road, which you should follow. It takes you past the National Trust Centenary Stone at Calfclose Bay and continues along the edge of the lake until you hit Ashness Gate.

From there you can walk back by the same easy route, or catch the launch back to the Keswick landings.

Keswick is a great place to stay in you fancy a hotel break in the lake district; these three walks, along with many others, are easily accessible from the town. Keswick itself is also a beautiful place to explore, especially in the winter months!

The post The Best Lake Walks This Winter In The Lake District appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

If you are planning a trip to London too, you might well be wondering how you can fit it all into your schedule. The capital city of the UK is one of the most regularly visited tourist destinations, and there is a good reason for that: there is plenty to do there. However, many visitors do start to feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer amount there is to do, not to mention just the general hustle and bustle of the place. In this post, we are going to discover three essential secrets which will help you to make the most of your visit to this historic city.

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  The Best London Travel Tips for First Timers!

It Can Be Cheap

London is often known for being a relatively expensive place to visit and see, and for many visitors this might well be the case. But the truth is that with a little forward thinking, you can often make your way around the grand city without too much financial trouble. There are a few key things to bear in mind if you want to see London on the cheap. First of all, book far ahead for any hotel London City has to offer, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive it is. Secondly, if you are going to be making your way around London, you will definitely benefit from having an Oyster card. This will provide you with discounted public transport fares – and it will make it easier to catch buses and trains too.

You Can Find Free Entertainment

While we are on the subject of money, you will also be surprised at just how many completely free options you can find for entertainment in the City of London. If you feel like going to see a concert, then you’ll want to head over to St. Martin-In-The-Fields, which hosts free afternoon music many weekends and some weekdays. Similarly, Hyde Park often has free music events throughout the summer. Another popular form of entertainment which you can find for absolutely nothing is a walk or tour – many hot spots around the capital are home to free walking tours, so it’s worth keeping your eyes open.

Sometimes It’s Quicker To Walk

The Tube service is often in itself a common reason for people to feel attracted to visiting London. By all means, you should experience travelling the Tube at least a little while you’re there. But it is worth remembering that in many instances it is actually much quicker to walk than to get the Underground. A famous example is Covent Garden to Leicester Square, which you can easily walk in under five minutes – yet with the hassle of going through barriers and queuing, might take longer by train. Get out and explore a little more by foot to see even more of this great city!

By taking advantage of the above, you will find yourself in a good position to really make the most of your visit to London. Then it’s just a matter of deciding when you will be returning.

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The post 3 Secrets To Help You Make The Most Of London appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

You head to the South West of course! With so many gorgeous picturesque areas and charming places to visit, it’s one of the best corners of England to travel to for a break from the rat race. Here’s where to head in the 3 of the main counties to make the most of your trip:

Cornwall

Beautiful Cornwall is one of the most visited parts of the UK and with good reason. From golden sandy beaches to fun filled rock pools, quaint St Ives and stunning harbours, it’s one of the most picturesque sea side towns in England.

With tons to do from visiting the world-famous Eden Project to the National Maritime Museum and even hosting the yearly Board Masters music festival, it’s well worth visiting Cornwall this summer. For accommodation options, take a look at Great Little Breaks and be sure to enjoy a delicious authentic Cornish pasty whilst you’re down there too.

Devon

A surfer’s paradise, Devon is where to head to spend your days on sun kissed beaches, leaning to ride the waves. Head to Croyde or Saunton for endless golden sands where you’ll be able to book in for one on one surf tuition and give it a go. For the less adventurous there’s plenty of opportunity to don your wetsuit and try bodyboarding and for those who want to stay firmly dry, plenty of beachside cafes to enjoy an English breakfast in as you watch the tide come in.

Somerset

Go back in time in the stunning Somerset countryside by taking a ride on the wonderful West Somerset Railway. The 22 miles of heritage track takes you way back in time to the age of steam and you’ll be able to admire all the breath-taking views as you hurtle through the countryside. The tracks are only open on weekends however so bear that in mind when planning your trip. Somerset is also home to Wells, the smallest city in England and has a must visit farmers market every Wednesday afternoon selling delicious fresh produce.

With so much to offer, the South West is easily one of the best corners of England to visit for a relaxing getaway this summer.

The post Why You Should Consider a Trip To The South West This Summer appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

I’ve spent all morning on the Into The Blue website (getting back into a working routine after a bank holiday weekend if difficult, isn’t it!?), and I’m adding so many items to my cart. We already have a house full of lovely things, and we dress pretty well if I do say so myself! We don’t need any more ‘stuff’, but we are always looking to do something that involves a little bit of adventure! Life is for living, so here’s what we’re thinking:

1. Tandem bungee jump – Can I convince my husband-to-be to launch ourselves off a 160ft platform?
2. Make your own wedding rings – My other half is a jewelry maker, so this is 100% happening
3. Scuba diving – We’ve always wanted to do this, but we’ll be holding out until our honeymoon in Thailand.
4. Pampering in a spa – There’s nothing new here *add all of these to the basket*
5. Fencing course in London – Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to try my hand at fencing.

We’re planning something special next week to celebrate the date we’re getting married because why not celebrate a pre-wedding anniversary with some afternoon tea at a spa day, or make our wedding rings? Perhaps we’ll save the tandem bungee jump for another time.

Where will your next adventure take you?

The post Celebrating #NationalExperienceWeek With An ITB Bucket List appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.