The Lake District is a hot spot for British autumnal beauty and one town with a ‘must visit’ bakery is the perfect place to enjoy the season – and it’s all over TikTok
The Lake District truly comes alive during the autumn months, transforming into a magical realm. The forests burst into a riot of colours and the lakes take on an ethereal beauty shrouded in morning mists.
Dotting the national park are picturesque villages that capture the essence of the season. Imagine strolling past quaint cottages, popping into cosy pubs with roaring fires, and discovering delightful cafes serving up sweet treats.
TikTok is abuzz with love for the Lake District’s autumnal charm, with countless videos urging viewers with captions like “this is your sign to visit the Lake District in autumn”. Ambleside, perched at the northern end of Windermere, often steals the show. Its classic Victorian grey-slate buildings give it an air of enduring elegance.
The Bridge House, Ambleside’s gem, arches over Stock Beck as if lifted from the pages of a fairytale, reports the Express.
Perched above the beck, the enchanting Bridge House has been standing since the 17th century and has inspired famous artists such as John Ruskin and JMW Turner; today, it’s arguably the most Instagrammable spot around, frequently gracing TikTok feeds, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Originally built by the Braithwaite family to store apples, this historic structure has had many lives as a tea-room, a cobbler’s shop, a chair maker’s workshop, and even a home to a family of eight. In the 1920s, it was handed over to the National Trust and now opens its doors on selected days throughout the year.
Yet, Ambleside harbours another gem that comes alive in the autumn, captivating TikTok enthusiasts. The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery emerges as the quintessential snug haven on a crisp fall day.
TikTok aficionado @beckielees dubbed it a “must visit local bakery”. Even The Guardian gave it a nod in its selection of top-notch Lake District dining spots, ranking it with the likes of Simon Rogan’s Cartmel-based Rogan and Co, and The Forest Side in Grasmere. Since its inception in 1975, the cafe has expanded to offer B&B rooms for those looking for a place to stay.
The establishment tempts with an extensive takeaway menu brimming with baked delights. Inside, the cafe dishes up everything from hearty breakfasts to sandwiches and warming soups. Of course, no visit is complete without trying their famous apple pie, an iconic choice for the autumnal months.
Patrons can opt for a classic apple pie or one jazzed up with mixed spice and sultanas, served with either fresh whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or custard. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available. For the ultimate treat, they concoct an apple pie ice cream sundae – a decadent stack of apple pie, whipped cream, Duffin’s ice cream, toffee sauce, all topped off with chocolate chips – utterly divine.
It’s an ideal pick-me-up if you’re embarking on a nearby ramble. Loughrigg, one of the more accessible fell walks around the Lakes, is within easy reach of Ambleside, while Stockghyll Force is merely a short jaunt away.