Culture Trip's Guide to the Lake District

If you’re staying at the Wayfarers, on the edge of the Lake District, the likelihood is you won’t be spending much time here. Catering to scores of adventurers each week, the hostel is a no-frills go-to for hikers and cyclists. An ideal post-activity crash pad, this family-run residence is kitted with lockers, a drying room and bike hire and storage – expect to see acres of Lycra thanks to the Coast-to-Coast route, which runs through the Lake District.

It’s hard to hear the word fresher and not think of those early days of uni, and in many ways, this low-key cafe is a lot like a students’ stomping ground. Specialising in feel-good favourites like jacket spuds slathered in butter and deep-filled quiches (the speciality), Fresher’s is exactly where you should head the morning after one too many rums – the unofficial and unexpected drink of Cumbria – but it will also be just as satisfactory after several laps around the lakes.

Whenever the word “pig” appears in the name of an eatery, you can bet your bottom dollar the menu will read like a medieval feast, and the Pig in Windermere is no exception. Black pudding scotch eggs in pork crackling, smoked pig and potato hash, maple bacon chops – even the pizza comes covered with everyone’s favourite Christmas side. There are an alarming number of smiling hogs on display, which some might find off-putting – at least, until the slow roasted suckling pig comes out. There are also decent veggie options, but this place is unapologetically made for meat lovers.

The family-friendly Boaters Bar has already proved popular with locals who flock to watch the water and sink a beer or two – they have their own on-site microbrewery here, after all. This spacious waterside space makes a huge effort to appeal to the whole family. The menu is kid-friendly, the chairs are large and comfortable – and you won’t find a better view of Lake Windermere.