Active Breaks in the Lake District: Wild Swim, Yoga & Cycling Retreats at Ullswater

Another Place, The Lake sits on the shore of Ullswater in the Lake District National Park, spread across 18 acres of meadow that runs down to a private jetty. There are 40 bedrooms inside the hotel, two restaurants, a library, and the Swim Club — a spa with treatment rooms and a 20-metre pool facing the lake. Around the grounds are six shepherd huts and an architect-designed treehouse, and an architect-designed Glasshouse that's used for the active break classes. A wetsuit shed known as the sheep shed holds gear you can borrow for the water.

The wild swim breaks run with Colin Hill, an open water swim coach. Across three days you work on cold-water technique, then put it into practice exploring the bays and islands of the Ullswater Valley. Swim spots include the lake itself, local rivers and tarns. The summer break (7-9 September 2026) is about taking the plunge and building confidence in open water. The winter versions (2-4 November and 7-9 December 2026) push further: there's a stargazing night swim and a coached session in the on-site endless pool, alongside the lake, river and tarn swims.

The yoga break is 12-14 October 2026 and led by Julia Poole. Days start with a sensory morning practice, there's breathwork and mindful movement through the middle of the day, and gentle evening sessions to close things out. It's held in the hotel's Glasshouse and grounds rather than a dedicated studio.

The cycling break is two nights, three days of riding with local guide Jon Redding from Ultimate Cycling Adventures. Rides are tailored to the group and cover rolling terrain and iconic climbs in the Northern Lake District, framed by fells, lakes and big skies. It works whether you're training for something specific or just want to see the best of the Lakes on two wheels.

All of these breaks are self-contained packages at the hotel, which means you sleep, eat and do your activities in the same place. The two restaurants cover meals, and facilities include the spa, pool, library and the lakefront grounds. You can also book cold water swimming sessions with Colin Hill outside the scheduled breaks, and borrow kayaks or paddleboards from the shore.

What's included

- Accommodation at Another Place, The Lake (hotel room, shepherd hut or treehouse) - Meals at the hotel's restaurants - Coached sessions with the relevant expert (Colin Hill, Julia Poole or Jon Redding) - Use of the Swim Club spa and 20m lake-view pool - Use of the Glasshouse for classes - Access to the private jetty and lakefront - Wetsuit loan from the sheep shed - Kayak and paddleboard loan - Endless pool session (winter swim breaks) - Stargazing night swim (winter swim breaks)

What's not included

- Travel to and from the Lake District - Alcohol and drinks outside meal times - Spa treatments - Personal expenses - Travel insurance - Bike hire (if you need one for the cycling break)