The perfect three-day winter weekend at the Three Shires Inn

Summer may be the busiest time of year in the Lake District but that doesn’t mean it is always the most beautiful.

At the Three Shires Inn we love the long days and warm evenings of summer just as much as anyone. But, for us, there is something special about the winter: The mountains rarely look more imperious than when they are covered in snow and is there any better feeling than sitting with a freshly poured pint by a roaring fire?

In fact, the relative quiet of winter in the Lake District gives it a special atmosphere of seclusion and peace, making it the perfect getaway for a long weekend.

Although tackling snow and ice to climb the highest fells may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are still plenty of lower level walks and activities in the valleys and villages which will keep you entertained and away from the worst of the elements.

Here are a selection of activities to enjoy during your three-day winter break at the Three Shires Inn.

Friday

Get things off to an energetic and exhilarating start by tackling high adventure amidst the treetop canopy at Go Ape Grizedale, just down the road from Hawkshead. There’s something for people of all ages in the forest’s network of zip wires, cargo nets and other obstacles, while you can also try your hand at axe throwing, driving a mini Land Rover or exploring the forest on a segway.

After working up an appetite, why not head into the village, where younger members of your group will love touring, tasting and trying their hand at chocolate making in Hawkshead’s very own chocolate factory.

Saturday

Head over the beautiful Vale of Grasmere (you can even walk there from the Three Shires via Loughrigg) and visit Wordsworth Grasmere, which incorporates Dorothy and William Wordsworth’s home at Dove Cottage alongside a museum revealing more about their lives and work.

The site, which recently underwent a £6.5m revamp, includes woodland trails, a cafe, gardens and a viewing platform to get your poetic juices flowing. Wordsworth Grasmere has events including poetry readings and family activities planned through the winter.

From Grasmere you can also enjoy the low level walk to the spectacular Rydal Cave, which is a two-mile round trip from the village and forever popular with all the family. If you fancy a slightly higher altitude excursion, the 405m high Helm Crag offers spectacular views in return for not too much effort and is the perfect platform for eyeing the fells in all their winter glory.

Back in the village, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink. We recommend Baldry’s Grasmere, for a really traditional tea room experience

Sunday

Why not finish off your weekend with a bit of culture at Blackwell, The Arts and Crafts House, overlooking Windermere? An architectural masterpiece in its own right, Blackwell’s very walls and windows are adorned with an array of gorgeous crafts, and it hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

In the rooms you’ll see beautiful furniture and objects from leading designers and makers including Ruskin Pottery, BH Baillie Scott and Morris & Co. alongside contemporary artists. You can learn about the Arts & Crafts Movement, enjoy lake views, browse the contemporary craft shop and relax in the lovely tea room.

North of Bowness, you can enjoy a museum of a different kind at the Windermere Jetty Museum. With views across Windermere to the Langdale Pikes, the museum reflects the history and engineering involved in generations of boats produced in the area and the personal stories of the people associated with them. Motorboats, steam launches, sailing yachts and record-breaking speed boats are on display in interactive galleries built over the water and visitors can also watch expert boatbuilders at work in its conservation workshop. The museum has been put together with families in mind and there is plenty to entertain people of all ages.

There’s also a lakeshore café offering panoramic views and a seasonal menu, daily heritage boat trips and a model boating pond. Dogs on leads are welcome in the café and outdoor spaces.

If you’re looking for a slightly more active day out by the lake, then the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole could be for you. Enjoy a visit to its house and gardens, or get up high among an array of nets, rope bridges and zip wires in its Tree Top Trek attraction. There are also a host of other activities on offer, from mini golf, to boat hire and archery.