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THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
Where the season begins
Few places capture the spirit of an English autumn quite like the Lake District.
With its quiet lakes, rolling fells, stone-built villages and ever-changing light, this UNESCO World Heritage landscape has long inspired artists, writers and travellers. It is also where Scabal’s Autumn/Winter 26 campaign comes to life — a setting where timeless tailoring feels entirely at home.
If you are planning your own journey through the Lakes, here are a few places worth discovering.
WINDERMERE
Start by the water
At the heart of the Lake District lies Windermere, England’s longest body of water. Surrounded by mountains, woodland and open countryside, it is best experienced at a slower pace.
Take to the water aboard a Windermere Lake Cruise, explore the shoreline, or simply pause to take in the changing landscape.
For a more active day, kayaking and canoeing offer another way to experience the lake. Beyond the classic Windermere Lake Cruises, private charters are also available for those who prefer to set their own pace on the water.
RYDAL
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE POET
A short drive from Windermere, Rydal Mount was once home to William Wordsworth, and remains one of the most rewarding easy walks in the Lakes.
The grounds are free to enter, and at their heart sits The Grot — built in 1668, and thought to be the oldest viewing house in the country — looking directly onto Rydal Falls.
From here, an easy path continues around Rydal Water, passing the man-made caverns known as Rydal Caves before returning along the shoreline. Little elevation, much to see — and, fittingly, the same landscape that shaped some of Wordsworth's most quoted lines.
AMBLESIDE & GRASMERE
Villages with a sense of place
A short journey from Windermere, Ambleside combines historic stone buildings with independent shops, cafés and the natural beauty of the surrounding fells.
Further north, Grasmere feels like a quintessential Lake District village. Visit Dove Cottage, once home to William Wordsworth, explore the surrounding trails or make time for the famous Grasmere Gingerbread.
A RECIPE UNCHANGED SINCE 1854
Tucked beside St Oswald's churchyard, the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop has sold the same secret recipe since Victorian cook Sarah Nelson first created it in 1854 — a spiced, dense little square that sits somewhere between a biscuit and a cake.
The building itself has its own literary footnote: it once served as the village school, where Wordsworth is said to have taught local children before the shop moved in.
PAGES WORTH THE DETOUR
Ambleside's Fred's Bookshop has been trading since 1956, its shelves given over to maps, guides and Lakeland writing old and new.
In Grasmere, Sam Read Bookseller has occupied the same corner since 1887 — one of the oldest independent bookshops in the north of England, and a shop with its own long list of literary regulars, from Wordsworth to Beatrix Potter.
Between the two, a good starting point for anyone planning their own route through the fells: a well-thumbed walking guide, and time to get pleasantly lost.
HILL TOP
Follow in Beatrix Potter’s footsteps
For a glimpse into the Lake District’s literary heritage, visit Hill Top, the former farmhouse of Beatrix Potter.
Purchased with the proceeds from The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the house and its garden offer an intimate connection to the landscape that inspired many of her stories.
AN EVENING AT LOW WOOD BAY
A DRINK TO END THE DAY
As evening settles over the Lake District, the Langdale Lounge & Bar offers an elegant place to pause. With views across the Langdale Pikes and a considered selection of cocktails mixed to order, it is a fitting setting for an aperitif as the last light fades across the water.
Beyond the resort, the villages of Windermere and Ambleside are home to characterful pubs and historic inns, where local ales, classic spirits and well-made drinks can be enjoyed at an unhurried pace. The perfect end to a day in the Lakes.
YOUR JOURNEY COULD BE NEXT
WIN A LAKE DISTRICT ESCAPE WITH SCABAL
Inspired by the landscapes of our Autumn/Winter 26 campaign, we are inviting you to experience the Lake District for yourself.
Enter our exclusive competition for the chance to win a two-night stay at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, together with a Scabal jacket.
A chance to discover the Lakes, experience the season at its most atmospheric, and take a piece of Scabal’s new collection with you.
About Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
At Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, you are invited to experience a perfect blend of comfort, adventure and tranquillity. This luxury spa hotel in the Lake District offers a variety of contemporary rooms to suit every guest's needs.
For those seeking something extra special, the Winander Club provides an exclusive experience, complete with upgraded room features and personalised service.
Discover more at www.englishlakes.co.uk/hotels/low-wood-bay
