10 Best Things to Do for Couples in the Lake District

The Aira Force Waterfall offers a variety of spectacular woodland walks for hikers of every skill level, which end at a stunning cascading waterfall tumbling across a natural cliff. It’s a chance to experience nature's romance, power and beauty and a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can explore the region on a hearty hike, take a casual stroll or by boat from the water.

While the waterfall is the primary attraction, you can also enjoy splashing through natural streams, spotting wildlife like red squirrels and even going swimming in local lakes and tarns. Choose from multiple trails, and you can spend days just exploring the wilderness here.

Grasmere Lake is a scenic lake that is 1½ kilometres long, 23 metres at its deepest point and once described by Wordsworth as, ‘The most loveliest spot that man hath found’. The lake has a small island at its centre which the National Trust owns and though scenic, is off-limits to land on. You can go canoeing and boating or just take a romantic hike around the lakeshore to enjoy the serene, scenic beauty of the area.

If you get hungry, a refreshment kiosk on the southwest shoreline offers the opportunity to purchase light fare and snacks. If you wish to hire a boat to explore the lake, this is also the place to go.

Lowther Castle & Gardens are an impressive historic site along the Lake District offering a chance to see elegant formal gardens and explore a reconstructed medieval castle. The original was built in the early 19th century on the site of 2 previous houses, then demolished in the 1950s, but it has been renovated and completely restored, becoming a popular visitor attraction where you can get lost in the romance of days gone by. While here, you can grab a bite at their delicious restaurant and cafe.

At this castle, you can explore dramatic ruins and walk through colourful formal gardens. Regular exhibitions are held, the most popular of which is the Story of Lowther, which tells the castle’s story.

Windermere Lake hot-air balloon rides offer a unique opportunity to explore England's longest and largest body of water differently: from the air. You will launch in a great balloon and capture stunning photo opportunities of this World Heritage Site for miles in every direction, including its hills, lakes and valleys stretching out in all directions. This journey gives new meaning to the term “going where the wind takes you,” and each trip will be unique.

In addition to the Windermere itself, keep an eye open to see the many rivers winding through the landscape as part of the Whitbarrow Nature Reserve. The journey will get your pulse pounding and your passion racing.

Windermere couple spas offer the chance to rest, relax, recharge and get pampered like true royalty in the lap of luxury at state-of-the-art relaxation facilities. Many hotels and resorts in the Lake District offer spa and health treatments where you can enjoy everything from a jacuzzi-style hot tub to mani-pedi treatments or couples massages by trained, professional masseuses. Some spas provide full health and workout facilities. Others offer fine dining establishments where you can grab a healthy meal before or after your treatment.

Many of these spa facilities don’t require you to be a member or have lodgings to use the spa. All you have to do is choose the one which offers the right services and book a time.

Surprise View is one of the Cumbria region's most stunning and iconic gems, with stunning wilderness vistas from the top of a sheer cliff. From the viewpoint, you’ll see the whole of Keswick, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake, one of the only officially named lakes in England. Take care as you explore, as the cliff has no barriers. As you look down, you’ll see famed historical spots like Beatrix Potter’s childhood home and the tarn and hamlet of Watendlath.

In addition to photo opportunities that will make your social media the talk of the town, you can also take short walks to see waterfalls and lush woodlands. It’s a heart-pounding, romantic journey that will create lifetime memories.

The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is a popular bakery and shop that is entirely dedicated to gingerbread, the food for which Grasmere is famed, and a historic site unto itself. The shop was opened in 1854 and was, in fact, the place where the spicy cross between cake and biscuit was first invented. Even better, this isn’t just a museum or historic landmark. It’s a still functioning bakery where you can enjoy gingerbread just as Sarah Nelson invented it.

If you’re wondering what gingerbread has to do with romance, its primary ingredient is considered an aphrodisiac. For centuries ginger was said to be a key ingredient in love spells. Besides that, it’s just a wondrous, fairy-tale place to visit.

The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is a renowned local theatre showcasing the best performing arts talents from across Cumbria and the Lake District with stunning live performances. It’s also renowned as being located in a truly romantic setting, so this is a spot that allows you and your partner to get dressed to the nines and take in a live show in a beautiful setting.

The sheer variety of shows here covers every genre, from stand-up comedies to cultural plays, live music and beyond. The theatre operates all year long and offers a continuously changing roster of performances, so you’re sure to be able to find a show that thrills you.

The Lake View Restaurant at Lodere Falls Hotel & Spa is a 2-time Rosette Award-winning fine dining establishment featuring imaginative cuisine and sustainable dining. The ingredients here focus on locally-sourced sustainable produce, and it’s all served up with heart-stopping views of the lake outside. If you’ve brought a furry family friend with you, this restaurant is also dog friendly, offering a side lounge where pets are allowed.

This is very much a fine dining establishment, and the restaurant requires ‘smart attire’, which can be defined as business casual. The restaurant offers afternoon tea daily with luxurious surroundings and lakeside views if you'd like to enjoy an afternoon meal.

L’Enclume in Cumbria is a Michelin-starred restaurant from Simon Rogan, offering white-tablecloth dining in upscale settings, all housed in a former wheel-maker and smithy building. It offers two rooms to dine in; one is a bistro-style called Rogan & Co, and a more formal dining room focused on locally sourced produce, much of it coming from the restaurant's own 12-acre onsite garden. Many of the plates are small but gourmet style presented without fanfare in rustic, down-home style settings.

At the bistro, you’ll get a more standard menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The spot also features several nearby buildings with overnight accommodation if you wish to extend your romantic stay.