Nestled on the edge of the Lake District and the Furness Peninsula, Abbey House Hotel & Gardens is the perfect base for your summer escape. Whether you’re looking to relax in luxury, explore the great outdoors or enjoy quality time with loved ones, here’s your ultimate itinerary to make the most of your Cumbrian staycation.

Day 1: Arrive, Unwind & Indulge

Morning:
Check in to Abbey House Hotel and feel the stress melt away as you drive through our beautiful grounds. Settle into your spacious room, then take a stroll around our award-winning gardens. The perfect place to start soaking up the summer vibes.

Afternoon:
Treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon tea in the Garden Room or enjoy a light bite on the terrace. The hotel’s grounds provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation, reading or a peaceful walk.

Evening:
Toast the start of your staycation with a delicious dinner at Oscar’s Restaurant. Expect seasonal dishes packed with locally sourced produce — Cumbrian lamb, fresh fish and indulgent desserts. After dinner, sip a cocktail or a glass of wine in the bar before heading up to your room for a restful night’s sleep.

Day 2: Explore the Lake District’s Beauty

Morning:
After a hearty Cumbrian breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to explore. Head to Coniston Water (around 30 minutes’ drive) for a relaxing cruise or hire a boat to take in the spectacular scenery.

Afternoon:
Stop off at the charming market town of Ulverston, just 15 minutes from the hotel. Known for its colourful streets, quirky independent shops and home of Laurel & Hardy, it’s a fantastic place to browse and grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés or pubs.

Evening:
Return to Abbey House Hotel and freshen up. If the weather’s warm, enjoy a pre-dinner drink on the terrace, followed by another memorable meal at Oscar’s.

Day 3: Adventure & Local Attractions

Morning:
Get outdoors and explore the beautiful Furness Peninsula, right on your doorstep. You could head to Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve (about 10 minutes’ drive) — a stunning coastal nature reserve perfect for walking, wildlife spotting and photography. Alternatively, take a gentle walk along Walney Island, known for its sandy beaches and two nature reserves teeming with birds.

Afternoon:
Head to Furness Abbey, just a short walk from the hotel. These magnificent ruins tell a fascinating story of medieval Cumbria — a must-see during your stay.

Evening:
After a busy day, enjoy a relaxing evening back at Abbey House Hotel. If you fancy a nightcap, the bar serves a range of wines, beers and spirits — the perfect way to round off your day.

Day 4: Coastal Charms & Departure

Morning:
Before you check out, take a short drive to Roanhead Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand and dunes with views across the Irish Sea. It’s an ideal spot for a morning walk or even a refreshing paddle!

Afternoon:
Return to Abbey House Hotel for one final lunch at Oscar’s, or simply relax in the gardens before heading home. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, recharged and already planning your next Cumbrian escape.

Why Choose Abbey House Hotel for Your Summer Staycation?

• Award-winning gardens and grounds
• Luxury rooms with modern comforts
• Delicious seasonal dining at Oscar’s
• Ideal location near the Lake District and Furness Peninsula
• Warm, friendly service and a relaxing atmosphere

Ready to plan your summer staycation in Cumbria?
Visit Abbey House Hotel & Gardens to browse our rooms, explore our offers and start building your ultimate summer itinerary today.

The post Your Ultimate Summer Staycation Itinerary in Cumbria appeared first on Abbey House.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy gathering or a full, exclusive-use affair, Abbey House caters to your needs with care, expert coordination, and an idyllic backdrop.

1. Choose the Right Package

Abbey House offers a variety of tailored wedding packages—from small “Evening Only” and “You & I” options, to full exclusive‑use experiences

• Smaller elopement-style formats start from around £1200, perfect for a minimal guest list.
• For a complete wedding experience with exclusive use of grounds and accommodation, packages range up to £37,500

2. Pick Your Ceremony Setting

The venue offers several enchanting options:

• Wedding Garden – recently unveiled for Summer 2025, designed for secluded outdoor ceremonies with scenic views
• Furness Abbey ruins – exchange vows in the romantic shadows of historic stonework
• Elegant indoor suites, such as the Cavendish Suite or Great Hall, offering classic charm for smaller gatherings

3. Keep It Intimate

Ideal for small weddings, Abbey House delivers:

• Professional wedding coordinators to ensure every detail is meticulously handled
• In-house catering with versatile menus, wine selection, and optional corkage means you can curate an elegant, personalised dining experience for your closest loved ones.

4. Add Personal & Romantic Touches

• Utilise expert coordination support to introduce personal flourishes wildflower blooms, fairy lights in the woodland, or a champagne ride in the iconic Herbie buggy around the grounds.
• Enhance photos surrounding Furness Abbey, in the gardens, and within the hotel’s beautifully decorated rooms, including honeymoon suites.

5. Consider Your Guest List

Abbey House’s exclusive-use policy ensures privacy, even for intimate elopements or small wedding parties. Evening-only packages work beautifully for receptions ranging from 20–40 guests, while full-day options accommodate up to 180–250 in larger suites

6. Book in Advance & Stay Relaxed

Couples emphasised how relaxed and well-organised the process felt, thanks to Abbey House’s seasoned wedding team:

“Nothing was ever too much they really looked after us flawlessly from start to finish”

With open days you can visit, explore options, and connect with the team before committing.

7. Enjoy Your Intimate Celebration

From the curated menus to guiding guests from ceremony to reception Abbey House transforms your elopement wedding into an elegantly intimate, stress‑free celebration.

Planning Checklist for Abbey House Elopements

1. Inquire Early

Request brochure and view packages fitting small wedding or intimate elopement formats

2. Choose Ceremony Spot

Garden, Abbey ruins, or Grand Hall – all are magical for intimate ceremonies

3. Customise Décor

Work with coordinators on mood and personal elements

4. Finalise Catering

Select menu and drinks

5. Book Extras

Consider Herbie buggy ride, photography sessions, or fun fairground flair

6. Attend Open Day

Meet the team, walk the grounds, and visualise your day

7. Relax & Enjoy

Let the expert team handle logistics so you can focus on each other

Abbey House’s blend of historical ambience, elite service, and flexible offerings makes it a perfect choice for your elopement wedding in Cumbria. With attention to detail, support from experienced planners, and dreamlike settings, your small wedding will feel effortlessly romantic and truly unforgettable.

The post How to Plan Your Elopement & Intimate Wedding at Abbey House appeared first on Abbey House.