A culinary guide to the Lake District
If you're looking for a luxurious cottage break in the UK, the Lake District is one destination that you certainly ought to visit. Here you'll be able to enjoy amazing activities and see beautiful scenery, but what draws many people is the fantastic food.
Booking holiday cottages in the Lake District means you will have the opportunity to sample the region's fabulous culinary scene. No matter what your tastes are, you'll have the chance to tuck into award-winning food and drink at the various pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Head to the Watermill Inn in Kendal and you will be able to have amazing meals throughout the day that have been prepared using local produce, as well as try a range of real ales brewed on-site.
You can be certain of the freshness of the food here, particularly as the pub's beef comes from its own cattle, which are reared on the fells overlooking Lake Windermere.
Visit Zeffirellis in Ambleside and you'll be able to tuck into home-baked cakes and pastries and freshly ground coffee in the cafe, while in the evenings the restaurant serves tasty Mediterranean-influenced fare.
Alternatively, why not visit the George and Dragon in Penrith? This country pub focuses on making the most of fresh seasonal produce - much of its fish comes from the River Lowther and cheese and smoked meats are sourced from local suppliers - so this is a great place to get a true taste of the Lakes.
These are just a few of the great eateries in the area that use local produce, and if you want to learn more about some of the fantastic food that is made here, make sure you visit one of the many farmers' markets.
Head to Orton Farmers' Market and you'll be able to buy everything from organic seasonal vegetables and home-brewed cider to fell-reared lamb and locally-farmed venison. You will find that markets such as these often put on cooking demonstrations, which can give you an insight into how the region's top restaurants and chefs prepare their meals.
Of course, the fact you are staying in luxury self-catering cottages means you are free to create fabulous dishes at your own accommodation.
Whether you've been inspired by one of the amazing meals you've had in one of the Lake District's restaurants or have picked up some ingredients from a farmers' market, you should find that your cottage has all the facilities required in order to whip up your own culinary masterpieces.
When it comes to fantastic breaks for foodies, there really is nowhere quite like the Lake District.
