After spending two nights in Oxford it was time to move onto our next destination, Stavely, in the Lake District. We were treated to lovely weather again so enjoyed a walk along the Thames to collect our car - a Vauxhall Corsa - described by the Hertz staff member upon drop off in Edinburgh as ‘not being able to pull the skin off a custard’.
We stopped along the way for a bite to eat and a coffee in Sandbach. Coffee is really hit and miss over here. There have been several occasions where we’ve asked for a latte and received a soup bowl sized mug - asking for a small latte has not resulted in the desired outcome either… we shall persist.
We drove along the M6 to Staveley, which is in Kendal, just on the edge of the Lake District National Park. We had a gorgeous little cottage with lots of room and a washing machine, which was much appreciated! After a quick pit stop and a short wander through the tiny main street to pick up some washing powder and a bottle of champagne (because why not), we jumped back in the car to explore some of the neighbouring towns.
Our first stop was in Windermere where we meandered our way along the lake, admiring the old boats and the swans. We then walked through the small streets to the holiday park which had gorgeous views back across the river to the town center. From here we jumped back in the car and drove the narrow, blind cornered, winding roads (with Dave clutching the door at every turn) through Ambleside and some of the smaller towns. We encountered a couple of sheep along the way and the most spectacular English country-side views.
Once deciding we’d had enough winding roads for one day, we drove back to our cottage and had dinner at the local pub, Eagle and Child. As with most english pubs, it was humming with locals. The walls were laden with photos, old signage and small town paraphernalia and there was a dog or two beneath every table - bliss.