The autumn months transform the Lake District into a truly enchanting destination. Forests ignite in vibrant colours and lakes embody an otherworldly charm amidst the morning mists.
Scattered around this national park, quaint villages embody the spirit of autumn.
Envision leisurely walks by charming cottages, inviting pubs with fires ablaze, and charming cafes offering delightful confections.
TikTok users are besotted with the Lake District’s autumnal allure, evidenced by countless videos captioned “this is your sign to visit the Lake District in autumn”.
Ambleside, nestled at Windermere’s northern tip, frequently takes the spotlight. With its picturesque Victorian grey-slate architecture, Ambleside exudes timeless beauty. Its star attraction, the Bridge House, seems plucked from a storybook as it gracefully straddles Stock Beck.
Occupying a spot over the beck, the fairytale Bridge House dates back to the 17th century and has been the muse for renowned artists such as John Ruskin and JMW Turner; presently, it’s likely the most Insta-worthy site in the area, a frequent star on TikTok feeds, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Originally constructed by the Braithwaite family as an apple storehouse, this building has served various purposes over the centuries. It has been a tea-room, cobblers, chair maker’s and even housed a family of eight at one point.
In the 1920s, it was gifted to the National Trust and is now open on select days throughout the year.
However, Ambleside boasts another hidden treasure that truly shines in the autumn season, capturing the attention of TikTok users. The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is the ideal cosy retreat for a brisk autumn day.
TikTok user @beckielees labelled it a “must visit local bakery”. The Guardian also recognised the cafe in its roundup of the best eateries in and around the Lake District, placing it alongside Simon Rogan’s Cartmel-based Rogan and Co, and The Forest Side in Grasmere.
Established in 1975, the cafe even provides B&B rooms next door for those seeking accommodation.
The cafe boasts a wide-ranging takeaway menu featuring a variety of baked goods. Meanwhile, the cafe itself serves everything from cooked breakfasts to sandwiches and soups.
Naturally, sampling its renowned apple pie is a must when visiting – the perfect treat for the autumn season.
You have the choice of a simple apple pie or one with mixed spice and sultanas, accompanied by fresh whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or custard. There are also vegan and gluten-free alternatives.
For those who want to truly indulge, they offer an apple pie ice cream sundae layered with apple pie, whipped cream, Duffin’s ice cream, toffee sauce and sprinkled with chocolate chips – simply scrumptious.
It’s the perfect energy boost if you’re planning a nearby stroll. Loughrigg, one of the Lake’s more accessible fell walks, is not too far from Ambleside, while Stockghyll Force is just a brief walk away.