The number of couples and families choosing to spend Christmas away is increasing each year. When children start to grow up they can be quite bored by the Christmas experience at home. Also, for parents it can be a stressful time with large Christmas lunches to cater for. The cost of which will be felt quite heavily this year with the current economic situation and the price of food rising day by day.

An excellent destination for Christmas escapism is the English Lake District. It is a Christmas destination for all ages with endless activities to keep even the most demanding teenager amused. There is a fantastic choice of Lake District hotels to stay at with most offering special Christmas packages to take away all the stress and hassle. A particularly good location is Windermere and the hotels in the Lake District really go to town during the festive period. Windermere is such a good location. Near to the lake and the surrounding fells, but also to Ambleside, Grasmere and Coniston. Windermere lake cruises can be taken and even private charters can be booked for an extra special Christmas treat. Lake Windermere is the longest lake in England at 17 kilometres from Newby Bridge in the south to Waterhead in the North.

The difference in scenery is evident whilst cruising the lake from the pretty countryside of Newby Bridge to the rugged fells when approaching Waterhead. Walking off a Christmas dinner couldn’t be done in a better setting. A short stroll down to the lake or for those serious walkers, a hike up Fairfield to blow the cobwebs away. Some hotels offer guided walks by qualified guides with organised cruises and events at the hotel all part of the Christmas package.

Windermere and nearby Bowness are used to the onset of tourists during Christmas. Excellent displays of Christmas lights are put up with beautiful trees. Carol concerts are held in both locations and if a spot of last minute shopping is required, Windermere and Bowness have a plethora of gift shops. Our Lady of Windermere and St Herbert Roman Catholic church welcome visitors wanting to attend midnight mass also.