Matador Network's Blog, page 983

Gatwick to board by individual seat

The process of boarding a plane is constantly undergoing new innovations to make it quicker and more efficient — and yet it always seems to drag on interminably. Whether it’s the introduction of boarding zones or Southwest’s “no assigned seats” policy, airlines are always trying out new ways of boarding faster. Now, London’s Gatwick Airport is testing out a new system where passengers would board based on individual seat numbers. According to the airport, this system would speed up boarding by 10 percent.

The two-month test will experiment with using a touch screen to call out boarding by individual seat number. It would start by boarding passengers in the back, with window seats, middle seats, and then aisle seats. Priority and special needs passengers would still be able to board first.

Abhi Chacko, Head of Enabling Technologies and Digital Innovation at Gatwick, said in a press release, “Early indications are that this new technique has the potential to reduce the overall boarding time. By communicating to passengers better and boarding passengers by seat number, we also expect to make the whole boarding experience more relaxing and, potentially, prevent large numbers of passengers rushing forward at any stage.”

You’d have to show up at the gate on time, however, because if you miss your seat number being called you’ll have to wait until the end of boarding. For now, the trial is running with EasyJet flights from a single gate and will use passenger feedback to determine whether it becomes permanent.


More like this: The real reason people crowd around the boarding gate, according to a psychologist

The post Gatwick Airport will test boarding passengers by individual seat number appeared first on Matador Network.

YouTuber MrBeast #TeamTrees campaign

YouTubers often carry a stigma of being vain and only interested in growing their subscribers, but that’s not exactly fair. This particular YouTuber is using his platform to generate awareness about environmental issues, and so far, he’s been pretty successful. To celebrate hitting 20 million subscribers, YouTuber MrBeast began a campaign called #TeamTrees to plant 20 million trees around the world by 2020.

He tweeted to his followers imploring them to help him start “the largest YouTube collaboration of all time.” MrBeast teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation, the biggest tree planting organization in the world, which aims to plant as many trees as possible all over the world. For each dollar donated by MrBeast’s followers and others, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in a forest of high need. The project’s goal is to restore forests to their natural state before deforestation, pollution, and human development devastated them.

Woody Nelson of the Arbor Day Foundation said, “The way our world is today, it’s wonderful that so many people in this YouTube community really care … If ever there’s been a time to plant trees, now is that time.”

Thus far, the campaign has been a success. Over 6.2 million new trees have been planted so far. Learn more about the initiative and how to get involved by visiting the Arbor Day Foundation and #TeamTrees websites.


More like this: The 7 coolest tree tunnels around the world

The post The viral #TeamTrees initiative aims to plant 20 million new trees by 2020 appeared first on Matador Network.

Disney’s new Star Wars ride

The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge park was long-awaited in both Disneyland and Disneyworld, and now that it’s open in both, more details are emerging about one of its most highly anticipated attractions. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is opening at Disneyworld on December 5 and Disneyland on January 17, and it will allow guests to travel underneath AT-AT walkers, be taken prisoner on a Star Destroyer, and immerse themselves in a battle with First Order troops.

The ride begins at a rebel outpost, where visitors can join the Resistance and receive instructions from Rey. You will head to General Organa’s secret base with Poe Dameron and BB-8 as your co-pilots and board a ship piloted by Nien Nunb. After taking flight, the spacecraft will be drawn inside a Star Destroyer, meaning you’ll face a horde of animatronic Stormtroopers upon disembarking. While a few pieces of the journey still remain a mystery, riders will soon board trackless vehicles and do battle with the Dark Side, ultimately facing off with Kylo Ren and General Hux. There are plenty of other twists and surprises during the ride experience, but we’ll leave those for you to find out for yourself.

Complete with special effects, blaster gunfire, projections, and other cinematic elements, the ride will be one of the longest Disney rides ever at around 15 minutes.


More like this: The best tequila bar in America is in Disney World

The post Disney releases new details about highly anticipated, 15-minute Star Wars ride appeared first on Matador Network.

Outdoor fun on Antiparos, Greece

Even if you’re a frequent visitor to the islands of Greece, you may not have heard of Antiparos. No, it’s not the little contrarian brother of Paros, but it does often get overlooked in favor of the larger nearby island. With under 2,000 permanent residents and spanning just 17 square miles, Antiparos is small in many senses of the word, but not when it comes to adventure and natural, rugged beauty. By all means, take some time to visit Paros on your vacation but also carve out some time to see its wild sister island. Indeed, the only way to reach Antiparos is via ferry from Paros, and even if you only have a day or two, it’s totally worth it. Whether it’s spelunking through the Cave of Antiparos, beachside camping, or off-roading, adventure-seekers will feel right at home in Antiparos.

1. Go caving.

Photo: Pit Stock/Shutterstock

If you have heard of Antiparos, it’s probably because of the cave bearing its name. One of the island’s most unique features, the Cave of Antiparos on the southeastern part of Antiparos dates back to 900 BC and has been used as a refuge and place of worship. In the fourth century BC, Macedonian generals even used the cave as a hiding place following their conspiracy against Alexander the Great. The cave has some of the oldest-known stalagmites in all of Europe, some of which are estimated to be over 45 million years old. A white chapel of Agios Ioannis Spiliotis, built in the 18th century, sits at the entrance, and 411 steps lead down to the center of the cave which is about 330 feet deep.

If you’d prefer to access the cave the old fashioned way, instead of driving, you can walk 1.5 hours from the port of Molos before descending down. Otherwise, visiting the cave shouldn’t take more than an hour or two and is the perfect way to get acquainted with Antiparos before your above-ground adventures.

2. Hike or bike without crowds.

Photo: John Dunlap/Shutterstock

Many of Greece’s islands offer hikes with stunning surroundings, but on Antiparos, you won’t exactly be sharing the trail with hundreds of other tourists. One of the island’s best hikes is along the north coast, and it’s the perfect way to explore a pretty large part of Antiparos, by foot, in around two hours. From the port of Antiparos, simply turn right and follow the coast. You’ll find beaches with warm water, small churches, grand villas, and views of the Bay of Antiparos and Paros. When you cut back inland toward the port, forming a sort of loop, you will find yourself in the open countryside, with flower fields, campsites, and ancient-looking trees.

If you’d rather travel on two wheels, bikes are a popular means of transportation. You can rent a bicycle in the capital of Chora, and follow trails leading to Livadia Beach, Kambos, and other destinations. If you’re a seasoned cyclist, you can even participate in the Cycling Tour mountain bike race that takes place every September.

3. Skip the yacht and opt for water sports.

Photo: Lemonakis Antonis/Shutterstock

Many island getaways give you the opportunity to get out on the water, but high demand can make lessons difficult to book, and the volume of tourists often results in overcrowded waters. Not so in Antiparos. The small island is not only one of the best places in Greece to go windsurfing due to the summer winds, called meltemia, between Paros and Antiparos, but you also won’t have to worry about navigating waters packed with families. The eastern side of Antiparos has even emptier beaches, such as Psaralyki and Glyfa. Spot One Surf Club offers windsurfing, SUPing, and kayaking lessons and rentals, so don’t let your lack of experience hold you back from an epic afternoon on the water.

For those certified to dive, don your scuba gear and explore Antiparos’s diverse reefs. Make sure to check out Barracuda Point, Bubble Reef, the Canyons, and the cave of Panderonisi islet for some of the best underwater experiences on the island. You’ll not only see a variety of marine life, including stingrays, barracudas, and groupers but also be able to explore surreal, cavernous rock formations. Scuba centers like Blue Island Divers offer courses for all ages on both Antiparos and Paros.

4. Camp out on the beach.

Photo: Camping Antiparos/Facebook

Usually camping and beach vacations are mutually exclusive. On Antiparos, you can do both at once. Located just 1,500 feet from the town of Antiparos and under cedar trees abutting the sea, the Camping Antiparos campground is just steps from the beach. It’s up to you, however, how much you want to rough it. You can go the minimalist route and just use sleeping bags and tents or opt for one of the campground’s more luxurious bungalows or bamboo huts. The campsite also has a bar, mini market, and self-service restaurant, making it a great way to meet other travelers, as well.

Perhaps the biggest incentive to give camping a shot — or the biggest reason to avoid it — is the campground’s proximity to a nudist beach. The beach has warm water and a volleyball area, and it’s not uncommon to see people windsurfing here in the nude. Relaxing beachside with an unfiltered view of your fellow vacationers might not be what you expected, but if that doesn’t define adventure — what does?


More like this: 10 unspoiled Greek islands that won’t stay that way for long, according to search data

The post Why Antiparos is the best Greek island for outdoor adventure appeared first on Matador Network.

How to transition into a remote job

So much for earning six-figure salaries, buying big houses, and starting families: What millennials really want is to ditch the traditional nine-to-five culture and work from home, or, rather, from the road. This adventurous cohort has an insatiable thirst for travel, which has given rise to the concept of location-independent jobs. Being a digital nomad is the new version of the American Dream, and while working from beachside coffee shops and faraway Airbnbs seems like the stuff of Instagram fantasy, it doesn’t have to be. There are countless opportunities for location-independent work out there — some for which you could be qualified already — if you know where to look for it. Here’s a guide to getting a remote job and tips for transitioning out of office life.

1. Know where to look.

First step: Scour remote job boards such as Flexjobs, Upwork, Working Nomads, Jobspresso, and Remote.co. Even if you don’t have an adequate portfolio built up yet, you’ll get a feel for what kind of jobs employers are looking to hire remote workers for. According to FlexJobs, positions in accounting, engineering, teaching, IT, and sales are among the most abundant. Freelance marketing, writing, and photography may better satisfy your creative side, alternatively. Then again, you may already love your job — just not the part of it that keeps you chained to a desk all day. In that case, consider pursuing a location-independent position within the company. Major corporations such as Amazon, Apple, American Express, Humana, and Dell allow their employees to work from home.

2. Enhance your digital presence.

Hiring processes differ from company to company, but many don’t hold in-person or even video interviews for remote positions, so employers rely on the internet to show them who you are. You must not only have a professional online presence but a robust one, too. The more, the better — and, yes, social media counts. Follow Twitter accounts that are relevant to the career path you’re interested in pursuing and engage in the conversation constantly — a modern-day form of networking, one might say. If you’re a graphic designer, showcase your art on a professional Instagram account. A writer? Start a niche blog.

3. Build up an emergency fund.

Although some work-from-home positions can pay oodles — among them iOS developers, user experience researchers, and digital marketers — don’t expect to earn much in the beginning. Freelancers may even be limited to part-time work while building up a clientele, so prepare for an initial pay cut and put some extra cash in the savings account.

4. Be willing to take calculated risks.

Pursuing remote work means rejecting what no longer suits you, whether it be long days at the office, a permanent address, or a boss, even. In other words, you’re going to need to let go of some things, and that’s risky — but also rewarding. There could be weeks when you won’t know where your next check will come from, and it will be invigorating when you finally do get paid.

5. Learn a new trade.

There are countless vocations that offer location-independent positions, but not everyone has the proper skills or experience to pursue a remote job. In that case, you may have to pay a little to make a profit in the long run. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a common online job, and there are dozens of training programs that offer the necessary certification for it. Enroll in a digital marketing course, shadow a local photographer, take a design class, or try something else you’re passionate about. You don’t always need a college degree, either.

6. Do a trial run.

Discovering that you actually prefer teamwork, breakroom banter, and going on coffee breaks with coworkers is not the kind of realization you want to have after you’ve signed your resignation papers and prepared your home office for full-time work. Try out the lifestyle before committing to it. Working from home can be cripplingly lonely and lead some people to depression. Take the remainder of your vacation time to trial the lifestyle before you put in that two weeks notice.

7. Tips for transitioning:

Get the proper equipment: Not many people have a full work setup at home. Make sure your computer and any software you need are up to date. Invest in top-of-the-line WiFi to ensure that you’re working efficiently. These purchases can be written off as business expenses on your taxes if you’re self-employed.

Stay social: Working from home is inherently isolating, so nip loneliness in the bud before it gets to you. If you’re working in a team, converse with your colleagues daily (hourly, if necessary). Otherwise, join groups and arrange meetings with people in your line of work. Take your laptop to a coworking space a couple of times a week, at the very least.

Treat workdays like workdays: Work-from-homers have said it time and again: Dressing for a day of work is a key factor in professional performance. Your clothing (and comfort level) can contribute to your mindset, so don’t spend the whole day in your pajamas. Turn off the TV and keep other distractions at bay. Don’t work from bed all day either.

Switch up the scenery now and again: Take advantage of your location-independent status by changing workspaces regularly — a change in scenery can boost creativity and productivity.


More like this: The best careers that set you up for traveling the world

The post How to get a location-independent job and tips for transitioning appeared first on Matador Network.

Cheap November Thanksgiving flights

Sometimes the universe is trying to tell you something. And in November, it’s telling you that you need to get the heck out of the United States.

Don’t sound the alarms, we’re not predicting any kind of great catastrophe or anything. Football will go on as scheduled, and Thanksgiving will be just as delicious/terrible/dramatic as it always is. It’s just that if you’re looking to travel, you’re not finding many great deals stateside.

In fact, while we’ve been crunching numbers at Skyscanner for a few months now, this November marks the first month where fewer than 10 US cities will see any kind of airfare drop. And two of those are by a paltry one percent. Our data heroes at Skyscanner explained the phenomenon to us, pointing out that, historically, people buy a lot of last-minute Thanksgiving flights in November — and look ahead to Christmas and New Year’s — so nobody’s cutting anybody any deals.

That, however, opens the door for some insane price drops overseas, so you may be best served to start thinking about places that require a passport. Nearly everywhere in Europe will have flights significantly cheaper, led by Copenhagen down 22 percent to $514. Spain will also be within reach with both Barcelona and Madrid seeing flights drop by a fifth to $524 and $562, respectively.

If you want to stretch your savings both literally and figuratively, China’s largest cities will also have far cheaper flights, with Beijing topping the list down 30 percent to $616 and Shanghai right behind it down 28 percent to $654. Here are the top 15 international deals:

1. Beijing, China — $616 (30%)

2. Shanghai, China — $654 (28%)

3. Copenhagen, Denmark — $514 (22%)

4. Barcelona, Spain — $524 (21%)

5. Madrid, Spain — $562 (20%)

6. Rome, Italy — $602 (20%)

7. Athens, Greece — $774 (19%)

8. Istanbul, Turkey — $830 (19%)

9. Milan, Italy — $623 (19%)

10. Amsterdam, Netherlands — $577 (18%)

11. Berlin, Germany — $653 (18%)

12. Paris, France — $536 (17%)

13. Seoul, South Korea — $908 (17%)

14. Lisbon, Portugal — $666 (17%)

15. Bali, Indonesia — $692 (17%)

The best domestic deals won’t be short flights either as Hawaiian destinations top the list, led by Honolulu down seven percent to $601 and Kahului down five percent to $427. Past that, it’s slim pickings with Salt Lake and Nashville rounding out the list. If you’re keen to save the price of a Coke at the airport, Pittsburgh and Ft. Myers will also have flights down a few bucks to $296 and $277 respectively. Here’s that info again in easily digestible list form:

1. Honolulu, Hawaii — $601 (7%)

2. Kahului, Hawaii — $427 (5%)

3. Salt Lake City, Utah — $304 (5%)

4. Nashville, Tennessee — $314 (4%)

5T. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — $296 (1%)

5T. Ft. Myers, Florida — $277 (1%)

Maybe the dearth of domestic deals is a sign from the universe that you should broaden your travel horizons. Perhaps it’s the airfare gods saying, “Hey, enough trips to Miami, maybe you should go check out Milan.” Or maybe it’s just a glut of holiday travelers driving prices up like they always do. Whatever the reason, look at it as an opportunity to at least consider going somewhere different this Thanksgiving — because no matter what, it will be more exciting than grandma’s house.


More like this: The best places to travel this December

The post Flights to these 21 cities are about to drop hard in November appeared first on Matador Network.

St. Regis Aspen hiring a Fur Butler

You don’t have to be a dog-walker to get paid to take care of dogs for a living. At the , the resident dog mascot needs a caretaker, and it might just be your dream job. The ironically named “Kitty” is a Bernese Mountain Dog that serves as the resort’s official hotel dog. As you can imagine, Kitty is one of the hotel’s most important staff, and so requires a handler to attend to his every need.

The “Fur Butler” will be responsible for managing Kitty’s day-to-day duties and overseeing the resort’s Pet Program. This includes handling any Kitty-related guest requests, from daily walks to amenity deliveries, as well as coordinating the monthly Bark ‘n’ Brew events. More than just Kitty, however, the Fur Butler will also be tasked with tending the needs of other pets staying at the hotel.

According to the Facebook job posting, “The Fur Butler’s success is rooted in a deep passion for animals, service, uncompromising standards, the ability to anticipate needs, and impeccable interpersonal skills. A keen interest in photography and social media is encouraged.”

The job is full-time with hourly pay, and to apply, all you need to do is upload a video to Facebook or Instagram with the #kittysfurbutler hashtag. The video should show Kitty what makes you the perfect candidate to work with him. In addition to the video, email your resume to kitty@stregis.com, and cross your fingers.


More like this: Everything you need to know about taking your dog into the great outdoors

The post This Aspen hotel is hiring a ‘Fur Butler’ for its resident dog, Kitty appeared first on Matador Network.

Do you tip in Japan?

Different countries have different rules when it comes to tipping. Tipping can be customary, appreciated but not necessary, or lightly suggested. When it comes to tipping in Japan, however, there’s really just major one rule to remember: don’t.

“Tipping is generally not necessary in Japan,” says Hiroshi Kawaguchi, general manager at the travel company Oku Japan. “Unlike North America, restaurant staff do not rely on tips to get by. While service in Japan is typically exemplary, tipping can actually cause confusion and will likely be refused.”

Trying to tip can lead to an awkward situation all around — for you, for the staff, for the management, and for everyone else nearby. Even worse, tipping can be seen as an insult to the restaurant. Instead, Kawaguchi says, be patient and respectful with the staff and say arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) or gochisousama deshita (thank you for the meal) when you’re done. While it might feel strange to many Westerners, service industry workers are paid better than in countries with tipping cultures, and there’s no need for an incentive to be attentive.

“Good service is a given,” says Alex Bradshaw, an expert on Japanese business etiquette and traditional culture at the Kagoshima travel company Shimadzu Ltd. “The Japanese spirit of hospitality, omotenashi (hospitality), anticipates the needs of the customer in advance of making requests.”

When tipping is acceptable in Japan

If you’ve taken a guided tour, tipping around 10 percent is accepted. Rather than simply handing over cash, it’s placed in a shugi bukuro (money envelope). High-end European restaurants and hotels also may add a 10 to 15 percent service-ryo (gratuity) that’s clearly labeled on the bill, explains Tomoko Imade Dyen, culinary curator at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.

Though not technically a tip that you choose to give, some izakaya will charge for a small plate called an otoshi that’s brought to your table when you sit down, whether you order one or not.

“It’s sort of like a ‘pane e coperto’ charge you might see in Italy,” explains Nick Leighton of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves. “This is basically a service charge. In western Kansai, this is usually called tsukidashi, but it’s the same thing.”

Other restaurant etiquette rules you should know before dining in Japan

“While most faux pas will be forgiven based on the understanding that tourists are from another culture and will likely not know the ins and outs of Japanese etiquette,” Kawaguchi says, “there are a few things to keep in mind that can be offensive.”

Canceling a reservation or not showing up is considered extremely rude. Kawaguchi also says to avoid dumping soy sauce on sushi and rice, as it hides the natural flavor. Also, be sure to properly use the oshibori (moist towel) — it’s to clean your hands before the meal and nothing else. Lastly, when it comes to payment, make sure you put your money in the right place.

“Big tourist mistake: In Japan, you don’t hand money or credit cards to people directly,” Leighton says. Place your payment on the tray instead.

More like this: 35 countries where you should always tip on food and drinks, and how much to leave

The post Why you should never tip in Japan appeared first on Matador Network.

Nonstop US flights to New Zealand

Beautiful as New Zealand is, with all its fjords, wineries, and Middle Earth-y mountain scapes, is also, to put it bluntly, a pain to get to. At best you’d have to fly 11-14 hours across the Pacific Ocean to get to Auckland, and that’s after somehow finding your way to LA, Houston, or San Francisco. Live in a small city on the east coast, and you’re looking at two connections before you even get to the long haul.

And let’s not even talk about getting to the South Island — aka where all that cool Lord of the Rings stuff is.

But that’s all about the change next year when American Airlines will start nonstop service from Dallas-Ft. Worth to Auckland, expanding one-stop service to most of the eastern United States.

More importantly, American also announced it will begin nonstop service from Los Angeles to Christchurch — aka the gateway city to most of the South Island. Now, instead of having to connect in Auckland to visit the Southern Alps or Milford Sound, you can step right off the plane and get to adventuring.

“The South Island sums up everything that our customers are looking for in New Zealand — adventure, culture, and wildlife found nowhere else,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy, via press release. “We want to make their lifelong dreams a reality.”

The seasonal service will begin in October of 2020 and run through March 2021. American will offer three flights a week for the first month, then ramp up to daily service starting in December. Remember, that’s summer in New Zealand.

The flights — aboard Boeing 787-8s and 9s — will leave later at night (10:30 PM from Dallas and 11:30 PM from LA) and get you into New Zealand mid-morning two days later. Coming back, you’ll leave around lunchtime and get in early in the morning the same day.

American is launching these new routes in response to the spiked interest in New Zealand, which saw an 8.6% jump in tourism last year. In 2020, the country will also welcome the brand new NZD Maori Cultural Centre in Christchurch, as well as a massive new wellness facility called The Welder.

“The South Island is a must-see for any international visitor to New Zealand,” said Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive. “Thanks to the new non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Christchurch and Dallas to Auckland, it’s is now easier than ever before to experience all that unique and welcoming New Zealand has to offer.”

So while it’ll still be a journey almost worthy of a hobbit, getting to New Zealand will get slightly easier next year. And maybe 2020 will finally be your chance to see Middle Earth, up close and personal.

More like this: Where to find New Zealand’s most heavenly, and often empty, beaches

The post American Airlines to start first nonstop flights to New Zealand’s South Island appeared first on Matador Network.

The best towns in England’s Lake

There’s good reason why this rugged, beautiful landscape in the far northwest of England is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and why it’s inspired poets and artists for hundreds of years. In fact, there are many reasons to visit this place, which can appear starkly dramatic one second and pastorally idyllic the next.

For a start, there are 16 stately lakes, along with countless other placid meres, rushing rivers, and glacial tarns. There are more than 200 hills and mountains, which draw 19 million visitors a year. There are 26 miles of unspoiled coast. And then there are the many pretty towns and villages which dot the valleys. The towns are lovely, and here are five of the best ones in which to base yourself when you visit the Lakes District.

1. Cartmel

Photo: Peter Moulton/Shutterstock

Just outside the Lake District National Park, Cartmel is a medieval village 15 minutes’ drive south of Windermere. It’s on the southern end of the area, just over three hours by train from Manchester. As with many places in the Lakes, Cartmel is filled with traditional lime-washed stone buildings that give the town a relaxed, timeless atmosphere.

That said, the reputation that Cartmel has built as a center for high-end gastronomy, however, is singular. Many people who visit Cartmel do so expressly to visit the iconic, double-Michelin starred restaurant, L’Enclume. If you can’t afford the steep prices, though, there’s still plenty to draw you to this charming place, including a wealth of inns and pubs such as The Cavendish Arms and The Pig & Whistle. You can also stock up on Cartmel’s best-known invention, sticky toffee pudding, at the Cartmel Village Shop.

There are lots of other attractions nearby, including Cartmel Priory, a popular 12th century church unparalleled in the region for its grand, imposing architecture. A short drive to Newby Bridge takes you to the departure point for boat cruises on Windermere, England’s largest lake. If you’d rather see the landscape on foot, then the walk up Hampsfell is a local favorite. It’s only a small hill, but its location makes for sweeping views of Morecambe Bay to the south and the mountains further north.

2. Grasmere

Photo: brm/Shutterstock

Perhaps you’ve already met the Lake District without even realizing it. If you’ve ever read William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” then you already know about the twinkling flowers that light up these parts. What you might not have heard from the poet, however, is his proclamation that the village of Grasmere is “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”

Wordsworth lived at Dove Cottage in Grasmere for 14 years, and for around $8 you can also enjoy the house, gardens, and Wordsworth museum. Elsewhere in this pretty village are numerous historic buildings such as St Oswald’s Church, where Wordsworth is buried, and the Scandi-styled Heaton Cooper Studio, a gallery space for local art. Foodwise, there’s Sarah Nelson’s famous gingerbread shop, a specialist bakery that’s been offering chewy Grasmere gingerbread since the 19th century.

Just a short walk from the town is Faeryland café, where you can rent a boat and take off across the waters for a leisurely row. If you’re keen to start exploring the nearby hikes then there are two particularly good ones of varying difficulty. On the shorter end there’s Helm Crag, which is also known locally as the Lion and the Lamb. This is a four-mile, round-trip hike from Grasmere, and boasts spectacular views and a set of craggy rock outcroppings that are fun for children to explore too.

For more experienced hikers, Helvellyn is one of the best walks in the area. At over 3100 feet, it’s the third highest peak in England, and certainly one of the most popular. There are routes up from Grasmere, but if you really want a special experience then drive 40 minutes to the village of Glenridding. From there, you can ascend the summit via the daunting route along Striding Edge, one of the most loved routes in the UK — although it can be treacherous and should be treated with caution. Assuming you’ve got the fitness and fine weather, this scramble along the razor-sharp ridge overlooking the scenery is exhilarating.

3. Hawkshead

Photo: David Roy Carson/Shutterstock

Halfway between Windermere and Coniston, Hawkshead village is a good place from which to explore both lakes and a host of other activities. In contrast to many of the towns and villages in the Lakes, which have become incredibly — overly, some say — popular with day-trippers, Hawkshead retains much of the village charm it’s had since the 16th century.

The center is closed to cars, which makes for a lovely stroll around the quaint pubs and shops. The Sun Inn and the Queens Head are village pubs that offer hearty food in classic English pub settings. Hawkshead is also home to the legacy of another British cultural icon, Beatrix Potter. The wildly popular author and illustrator made her home in the region and a great deal of her original artwork is now displayed at the Beatrix Potter Gallery; admission is $10.

The circular walk around the pine-scented paths of Tarn Hows is one of the most peaceful short walks in the southern end of the Lakes. It’s 10 minutes from Hawkshead by car, or around an hour on foot. For the more active, the Old Man of Coniston is the highest fell in the area and makes for an excellent two-hour walk. Start from Coniston village near Hawkshead and make the ascent up the Old Man through a blasted landscape of slate quarries before reaching the impressive panorama at the 803-meter summit.

Also popular for visitors to Hawkshead is Grizedale Forest, which is around 10 minutes by car. Within this large woodland, the range of activities includes mountain biking courses and the outdoor adventure park Go Ape, where you can clamber about in the high trees and fly around on zip lines like an aerial daredevil.

4. Keswick

Photo: Iordanis/Shutterstock

At the northern end of the Lakes is the bustling market town of Keswick. It’s the major center in this part of the world, with plenty of amenities for everyone. The outdoor market on Thursdays and Saturdays is at the heart of town life, while the surrounding streets are also filled with small galleries and independent shops. For sweet treats there’s Ye Olde Friars, which has been offering luxury chocolates and local goods since 1927. A place with real local character is Thornthwaite Galleries, a 200-year-old Cumbrian barn converted into an exhibition space, handicrafts store, and tea room.

The dining options in Keswick are numerous, but tables can be scarce so booking ahead of time is wise during busy periods. Fellpack serves up coffee and hearty, healthy food for walkers during the day, and then turns into a cozy restaurant in the evening. Also popular with walkers in need of sustenance, the traditional Wainwright pub offers good beer and locally-sourced food in convivial surroundings.

Nearby Derwentwater is the lake worth seeing, especially for water sports enthusiasts. At the Derwentwater Marina you can try sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. One popular and fun activity that can also be arranged at the Marina is ghyll scrambling, which involves suiting up in safety gear and waterproof attire and then scrambling through the slides and jumps of nearby mountain streams.

Hikers can tackle the sixth-highest mountain in England, Skiddaw. Although Skiddaw’s relatively straightforward topography means that it’s not the most difficult ascent in the Lakes, what it lacks in scrambles it makes up for in views. As it’s the highest peak in the area, once you do reach the summit the stunning view of the patchwork greens and blues below are clearer than from many of the other fells in the region.

5. Nether Wasdale and Wasdale Head

Photo: Patrick Wang/Shutterstock

There’s probably only one reason most people come to the Wasdale area, but it’s a good one: Scafell Pike. The tiny hamlets of Nether Wasdale and Wasdale Head sit at the foot of England’s highest mountain and both offer access to the mountain as well as to England’s deepest lake, Wastwater. Amenities are thin up here, and you’ll certainly need a car, but the sense of remoteness that fills the beautiful landscape of the Borrowdale Valley is worth disconnecting with the outside world for a while.

The Strands Inn & Brewery in Nether Wasdale offers well-priced rooms and food in a cozy, homely setting. Even nearer to Scafell Pike is the Wasdale Head Inn, which is a simple but comfortable place where you’ll find a warm welcome and good companionship among people also making the area’s vaunted climbs. If you’re a camper, then the Wasdale Campsite also has campsites, a shop, and other facilities.

The mountain, Scafell Pike can be a strenuous climb, but on a clear day the views of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland that can be glimpsed are ample reward. Scafell Pike is one of the UK’s famous “Three Peaks” — along with Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland — so it’s popular with walkers. Get there early in the day, though, and there’s a good chance you won’t have to share the scenery with too many others.

More like this: 7 epic long walks in the UK you can plan yourself

The post The most stunning towns in England’s Lake District appeared first on Matador Network.