04 March 2019 13:35
Spending World Book Day (7th of March) in the Lakes? Here are some book-themed activities you can do.
The 7th of March marks World Book Day. A celebration of all authors, illustrators, books and most importantly of reading. You might think, what that's got to do with the Lake District? A lot, because every story needs inspiration and the National Park with its natural beauty has inspired many poets and writers over the last few centuries. Some of the worlds most-loved children's stories were written or set in this beautiful part of England. Famous Romantic poets have found a muse in the majestic surroundings and many authors even settled down here to find new ideas. And you never know what kind of inspiration you could find when you come and visit this impressive place.
Something you don't have to find is a place to stay, just have a look at Absolute Escapes’ last-minute availabilities and offers on Lake District holiday cottages and Eden Valley cottages.
Especially in this season the first one who "springs" to mind is Romantic poet William Wordsworth (1770-1850). His poem "Daffodils" is known by many and while writing I can hear myself reciting "I wandered lonely as a cloud." Born north of the National Park, he later lived in Grasmere and his "Guide through the District of the Lakes" is known for sparking off mass tourism in the area.
Find out more about him, his travels, radical ideas and how he changed literature forever and visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum.
Who doesn't adore the wonderfully illustrated children's books about Peter Rabbit and his friends? The Lake District had a huge impact on author Beatrix Potter (1866 - 1943). She spent many childhood holidays in the area, later lived and worked here and always had a special love for the place that you can feel in her stories. You can find Squirrel Nutkin set on Derwentwater, Mrs Tiggy Winkle in the Newlands Valley, and Jeremy Fisher on Esthwaite Water. Follow her footsteps and bring her stories to life with either one of the Beatrix Potter Lake District Tours or when you have kids by exploring the new Beatrix Potter trail at Brockhole on Windermere or by visiting The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere.
"Swallows and Amazons" is the first book of a series of twelve children's books by English author Arthur Ransome (1884 – 1967), most of them not only written but also set in the Lake District. It's a story of a wonderful summer of adventure, discovery and friendship, inspired by the author's own real-life sailing experiences on the lakes. According to Ransome, every place in his book can be found in the National Park. If you fancy your own summer adventure but rather in a cottage than a camp then check our best offers right here.
No, Zog, one of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s magical children’s picture books wasn't written here nor are there dragons in the Lake District but the loveable and slightly clumsy dragon is the hero of the newest activity trail at Grizedale and Whinlatter Forest. As well as winning gold stars along the self-led trail, there will be reveal panels which have a hidden image that children can find using a coloured lens in their activity pack.
Find Zog on the activity trail at Grizedale forest or Whinlatter.
Tale trails are engaging activities for the whole family. The local 1-2 hour walks are all based around a fun story by local author and Lake District fan Anja Phoenix. Families can explore, discover, burn some energy, get outside and use their imagination by following the colourful map and reading the story to spot things and search for clues along the trail.
Some other novels inspired by the Lake District:
And some more for the younger readers:
So, which book are you going to bring on your next stay with us?
Shirley Thomson is the owner and director of Absolute Escapes Lettings and has been for over ten years. Her passion is for the Lake District, so she established Absolute Escapes to offer a personal service to those wanting to stay in the Lakes. She deals with every part of the business herself from finding cottages and managing bookings. If you’re looking for a Lake District cottage or an Eden Valley cottage, Shirley’s the woman for you.
