The Lake District is such a beautiful place to visit. Situated in the North West of England, the area is known for its picturesque landscape, stunning lakes, rugged mountains, quaint little villages and charming towns. As I am so lucky to live less than two hours away we have had many a lake district holiday over the years. So for my 60th birthday I decided to book a short break in one of the more quirky places I found while browsing Lake District accommodation.
I did look at a boutique hotel and one of the many shepherd’s huts available but The Tawny Owl Treehouse caught my attention. Ten miles from the town of Penrith, the treehouse has private free parking for two cars and is located on a working dairy farm. I decided this was the perfect location for my special birthday treat.
The treehouse is one of those unique places that just took my breath away when I saw it online, and it was even more magical in real life.
Featuring an open plan living space, complete with kitchen, dining area and beautiful four-poster bed, this was the perfect place for a special birthday treat. Tawny Owl Treehouse is full of quirky handcrafted furniture using reclaimed wood and local materials making it a unique place to stay. The floor to ceiling windows across the front of the treehouse let in the most glorious natural light which allows you to relax in bed gazing out at the moonlight through the trees at night or the sun in the morning. Along with the early morning birdsong, it’s a lovely way to wake up.
The treehouse also has a wood burner effect fire, 2-ring gas hob, fridge with small freezer box, kettle, toaster and coffee machine. The comfortable 2-seater settee facing the large windows makes a lovely cosy space for a romantic evening. The separate shower room completes the indoor space. On the decking surrounding the treehouse are an outside shower and bath. My husband enjoyed a warm shower outside every morning and said it was a great addition to the accommodation. I tried the outside bath and found it very relaxing to lie back with a glass of prosseco enjoying the amazing views of the trees and birds. A small table and chairs were also set up on the decking along with a swing seat (which was a fun addition). A kettle barbecue was also available on the decking to enjoy some al fresco dining.
Note: As the treehouse is on a working farm you will experience the ‘fragrance of nature’ on a regular basis, hear the cows and see them being led from one field to another.
There is a field with an overgrown lake just below the treehouse which made a lovely area for a short stroll. Watching the ducks that live on the lake and exploring the quirky sculptures that still remain from the site’s time as a sculpture park was an interesting addition to the experience and ideal for a nature lover as well as having plenty of romantic charm.
We spent four nights in the Tawny Owl Treehouse and it was perfectly placed for exploring the Lake District and makes a lovely peaceful getaway. The site also features The Wren’s Nest Cabin which has an eco-friendly private hot tub accessed via a little wooden bridge on it’s own tiny island.
During our unique stay we had some lovely trips out to Penrith, Keswick, Ullswater and Pooley Bridge.
Penrith
Just a short drive from the treehouse, our day out at one of the Lake District’s historic market towns started with a stroll around the ruins of Penrith Castle. Now an English Heritage Site, the castle was started in the 14th century and is now a fascinating feature of the public park. It’s just a short stroll into town afterwards to browse the market stalls for local produce and specialist independent shops and then stop for lunch in one of the many little cafes that populate the town. One of my favourite cafes being the Chapter 12 Coffee Rooms who served us the most delicious tasting plate of cakes, especially for those who can’t decide which one they want. They also offered a range of other deliciously good food if you want a hot or cold lunch.
Keswick
17 miles from Penrith you’ll find Keswick, an historic market town which is part of the Lake District National park. The heart of the town is the lovely little Market Square, filled with interesting shops, cafes, and art galleries. You can spend a good day just browsing the market square and having a bite to eat. You can also take a Keswick Brewery Tour, enjoy some spectacular views of Derwentwater on a boat trip or even visit the fascinating Derwent Pencil Museum.
Ullswater
This stunning area of outstanding natural beauty is a great place for a picnic. We parked up in a lay-by and discovered the most breathtaking views of Ullswater backed by the mountains. The lakeside, surrounded by trees, is a popular place for tourists to enjoy the great outdoors. I highly recommend if you’re visitng Ullswater to take a blanket or a couple of deckchairs and a picnic so you can sit and relax in truly spectacular surroundings. Ullswater is also an ideal place to go boating on the lake or if you fancy something a bit less strenuous then a trip out on the Ullswater steamer for a scenic lake cruise may be just what you’re looking for. And Ullswater is also the perfect place for great walks, William Wordsworth haing been inspired to write his famous poem after a stroll with his sister there. But make sure you take waterproofs and good walking boots as the weather can be unpredictable!
Note: If you fancy visiting Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, then it’s a 40 mile drive from Penrith but well worth the trip.
Pooley Bridge
If you’re visiting Ullswater then a trip to Pooley Bridge is a must. Situated on the northern tip of Ullswater, this little town features two main streets where you can browse touristy style shops and some lovely cafes all overlooking the lake. I can recommend Granny Dowbekin’s Tearooms for their delicious homemade cream teas.
If you’re looking at a range of quirky accommodation in the Lake District and can’t decide which one to go for, then for a unique experience I would highly recommend The Tawny Owl Treehouse in Penrith for a long weekend or as the perfect destination for a romantic break. As a 60th birthday present it was a unforgettable experience.
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