Steve’s Great North Swim & The Quiet Site, Ullswater
We booked a pitch at the bottom of the campsite near the field and kids play area. When we arrived the kids ran straight down and we could set up camp with a bottle of wine.
We ordered pizzas from the Quiet Bite and enjoyed the sunshine. It was an early start the next day. Steve was signed up for the Great North Swim and we planned a quick trip into Bowness on Windermere to The World of Beatrix Potter before getting the steamer to Brockhole.
We have an annual pass to Beatrix Potter World and the kids spent a good hour walking through the 23 stories and completing the activity trail. Scenes from the stories are beautifully displayed, and there are surprise peep holes and light boxes on every corner. As you journey through the stories the path is hidden amongst trees and winds through burrows. It really is magical for the kids. I like to spend a good while walking around the small garden designed by Chelsea RHS Gold medal winner Richard Lucas. At the end of the exhibition is a gift shop and cafe. We ordered a light lunch and the kids had an afternoon tea. The menu also offers afternoon tea for adults but this was a bit heavy before Steve’s swim. He did manage some of Peter's carrot cake, though.
We took the steamer boat over to Brockhole to avoid parking carnage. We wandered around the stalls and found somewhere near a screen to sit and enjoy the sunshine whilst Steve did the swim. Unfortunately spectators could not go the lakeside. Steve swam a mile in 40 minutes, just above average. Not a bad time for swimming after eating carrot cake.
The steamer back to Bowness was hilarious. We were seated near the front of an open top boat and had occasional sprays of water. Everyone onboard was in high spirits and Sam was in fits of giggles. Esme didn’t find the water funny at all. The kids slept well that night, as did Steve!