The Most Romantic Spots in Cumbria

by Beth Pipe

Love is in the air and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying a stroll through some of the most romantic spots in the county. Whatever your preference, Cumbria has something for you, so pull on your boots, grab your woolly hat (and the one you love!) and head out into the fresh air!

The Daffodils

William Wordsworth’s most famous poem was inspired by daffodils that you can still go and see today. Well, obviously not the exact same ones, but a host of daffodils growing in the same spot he visited. In April 1802, William and his sister Dorothy had been walking along Ullswater when they spotted the daffodils. As was usual, Dorothy recorded the trip in her diary, describing their joy at finding the crop of beautiful bright yellow flowers:

“I never saw daffodils so beautiful they grew among the mossy stones about and about them, some rested their heads upon these stones as on a pillow for weariness and the rest tossed and reeled and danced and seemed as if they verily laughed with the wind that blew upon them over the lake, they looked so gay ever dancing ever changing.”

These words went on to inspire the now famous poem. You can easily visit the daffodils in question: look for the car park on the OS map at Glencoyne Bridge and follow the shoreline and footpath south to the woodlands. Of course, if you’re up for a big walk, you can keep right on going and enjoy the Ullswater Way, which will take you right around the lake.

The best sunsets

What’s more romantic than watching the sun set with the one you love? Cumbria has so many places where you can enjoy a good sunset — Whitehaven and the west coast are always popular — but in a recent social media survey Morecambe Bay topped the list of favourites.

There are two particularly perfect places to head for depending on your mood. If you’re up for a bit of a hike and have your head torches at the ready, then Hampsfell, just above Grange-over-Sands, is hard to beat. The views stretch from Skiddaw in the north, all the way down to Blackpool Tower in the south. The vast expanse of Morecambe Bay reflects the changing colours in the skies above and the views have inspired poets and painters for hundreds of years.

If you have something a little less energetic in mind then Arnside Prom will be what you’re after. There are plenty of benches on the pier to snuggle up on and enjoy the show and a number of cosy pubs to retreat to once you’re done.

The best beach

Perhaps your idea of romance is strolling along a sandy beach, paddling in and out of the waves as they splash onto the shore. No problem, we have that covered too.

St Bees is best known as the start point of the Coast to Coast Walk, but it’s worth spending a little more time there to enjoy the absolutely stunning beach. At low tide there are miles of stunning sands to wander along and Hartley’s cafe is ideal for either a hot chocolate or an ice cream, depending on what time of year you’re visiting.

The best bench

If you don’t want to go tearing around and simply want a nice stroll with a lovely bench where you can sit and enjoy a picnic, then how about Scout Scar?

Generally overlooked by visitors but perennially popular with locals, Scout Scar is a very short drive out of Kendal and has two large, free, car parks. The route onto the scar is well signposted and easy to follow and there is an assortment of benches to choose from — or you could head up to the famous ‘Mushroom’ for more seating and a grand stand view of the Cumbrian Fells. Perfect!