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Lake District

VisitBritain/John Finney

Lake District

Hiker walking along a path on the mountain ridge at sunset

Why we love the Lake District

Welcome to nature’s playground – this is the Lake District. There are endless ways to get involved: wild swimming, packrafting, canyoning, spelunking, sailing… not to mention some of Britain’s premier hiking trails.

Covering 912 square miles (2,362 square km), the Lake District is England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than 200 mighty mountains and hills (known as ‘fells’). Between them lie beautiful lakes, rivers and tarns, surrounded by thriving towns and historic monuments – a landscape that has inspired great novels and fine artworks, plus countless adventures too.

To discover its geological wonders and cultural treasures for yourself, here’s how to plan an epic Lake District escape.

Lake District

The Lake District is Britain’s largest National Park at 912 square miles (2,362 square km) and is recognised by UNESCO for its beauty – its stunning lakes and mountains have inspired artists and writers for centuries.

Hike England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, for breath-taking views across the National Park, or explore the Langdale Valley, an epic hiking and cycling trail dotted with charming pubs and villages.

Take a steam boat across Lake Windermere, get active on a kayak or paddleboard, or relax aboard a heritage steam train on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Head to Honistor for adrenalin-fuelled adventure, including Europe's longest high-wire bridge, ziplines and cliff camping.

Fun fact

Shutterstock / Steve Heap

Muncaster Castle nestles in woodland on the edge of Lake District in England

Fun fact

Muncaster Castle in Cumbria is said to be one of the most haunted places in Britain, with the figure of Henry VI reportedly among its ghostly residents.

Did you know?

RavenglassEskdale_Photographer Brooke Ready (7)

Did you know?

  • In 2017, The Lake District was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of the outstanding natural beauty of its landscape.

  • Lake Windermere is England’s longest lake at 10.5 miles (16.9 km) long and Wastwater in the Wasdale Valley is the deepest at 260 ft (79.2 metres).

  • Honister is England’s last working slate mine, with underground tours to discover the passages and caverns of the 350-year-old tunnels.

  • Author Beatrix Potter, famous for children’s novels such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, lived at Hill Top cottage. Her stories are brought to life at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

  • Built between 1873 and 1875, The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was the first public narrow-gauge railway in England and covers a seven-mile (11km) route.

Things to do in the Lake District

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

For invigorating mountain hikes, you’ve come to the right place: Langdale is famous for its lofty peaks, with cosy pubs and guesthouses too.

Plan your Langdale Valley adventure

VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories, with a chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and friends.

Discover The World of Beatrix Potter

www.stevenbarber.com

Peter Rabbit 2013 credit photograper Steve Barber
The World of Beatrix Potter, Lake District

On the shores of Derwentwater, this pretty market town is a hive of activity – with festivals, hotels, watersports and more.

See what’s on at Keswick

VisitBritain/Ruby Nicholson/Alpacalyeverafter

Keswick

A bearded man wearing a wool hat holding two white alpacas
Keswick

From ziplines and via ferratas, to camping on the edge of a cliff – this outdoor activity centre is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.

Delve deeper into Honister Slate Mine

honister_slate_mine

Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine

Get your head for heights at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest, for a tree-top adventure with amazing views.

Start your adventure at Go Ape Grizedale Forest

Go Ape / Grizedale Forest

Lake District

Go Ape Grizedale Forest
Go Ape Grizedale Forest

Embrace your romantic side with a visit to Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s Lake District home.

Wander back in time at Wordsworth Grasmere

Lake District

Wordsworth Grasmere TM4_credit Tom McNally Photography
Wordsworth Grasmere

Give a round of applause for the Theatre by the Lake, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Enjoy the productions at Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by The Lake

Lake District

Theatre by The Lake
Theatre by the Lake

Marvel at the lovingly restored Bassenthwaite Lake Station and book your place on the replica Orient Express.

Enjoy tea and cake at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Lake District

Bassenthwaite Lake Station
Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Enjoy unforgettable cuisine in an unforgettable location at this Michelin-starred restaurant with boutique-style rooms.

Escape to The Cottage in the Wood

Rob Whitrow

Lake District

The Cottage In The Wood
The Cottage in the Wood

Discover The Lakes Distillery, home to the 2022 ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’ and much more.

Take a tour of The Lakes Distillery

lakesdistillery

Lake District

Bartender pouring a whisky drink at the Lakes Distillery
The Lakes Distillery

Discover a wealth of art and history at Tullie, where new and old collide.

Take in the treasures at Tullie

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Lake District

 The World of Beatrix Potte
Tullie House

Take notes at The Derwent Pencil Museum, a delightful draw for all the family and stationery fans.

Lead the way to The Derwent Pencil Museum

Derwent Pencil Museum

Lake District

The Derwent Pencil Museum
The Derwent Pencil Museum

Head to Penrith’s Wannasee Festival for family-friendly fun and live acts for all ages.

See your favourite tribute acts at Wannasee Festival

Neil Ferry / Wannasee Festival

Lake District

Wannasee Festival
Wannasee Festival

Experience Winter Droving, the magical masquerade which transforms Penrith every autumn.

Join the party at Penrith’s Winter Droving

Graham Wynne

Lake District

Winter Droving
Winter Droving

Classical music fans will adore Lake District Summer Music, a festival that’s been going for more than 35 years.

Tune up for Lake District Summer Music

Lake District Summer Music

Lake District

Lake District Summer Music, Elias Quartet
Lake District Summer Music

Whether you’re an intrepid climber or just admiring the view, tackle Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.

Enjoy the view from Scafell Pike

@i_am_asish

Lake District

Young man poses on the highest point in England
Scafell Pike

Set your sights on stargazing in Ennerdale, one of the Lake District’s most remote valleys, on a Dark Sky Discovery session.

Be wowed at a Dark Sky Discovery session

VisitBritain

Lake District

Silhouette of man standing with outstretched arms on shore
Dark Sky Discovery

See the wonders of Lake Windermere from the best vantage point at the Claife Viewing Station.

Enjoy some room with a view at Claife Viewing Station

Alamy Stock Photo

Lake District

Claife viewing station on the western shore of Lake Windermere.
Claife Viewing Station

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop - the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Treat yourself at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

grasmeregingerbread

Lake District

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Check in for a luxury Lakes getaway and an eco-friendly stay at Cedar Manor in Windermere.

Enjoy a green stay at Cedar Manor

Cedar Manor

Lake District

An outside view of Cedar Manor in the Lake District
Cedar Manor

Enjoy some fine-dining at The Old Stamp House Michelin-starred restaurant in Ambleside.

Dine at The Old Stamp House

Phil Rigby Photography

Lake District

Crab from the West Coast, with tomatoes from the north of the county and wild garlic - credit Phil Rigby Photography.jpg
The Old Stamp House (1 Michelin star)

Taste and buy the good life at Low Sizergh Barn, producing organic milk in the Lake District.

Shop the crop at Low Sizergh Barn

Graham Carlow Photography

Lake District

A tour group watching cows being milked at Low Sizergh Barn
Low Sizergh Barn

Get away from it all at the ultimate eco-retreat, Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage, within a 250 acre organic farm.

Escape it all at Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage

Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage

Lake District

A long distance shot of a river and a holiday cottage surrounded by trees
Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage

Gaze in awe at Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most dramatic of its kind in the UK.

Marvel at Castlerigg Stone Circle

Alamy Stock Photo

Lake District

People attending the Winter Solstice celebration at Castelrigg Stone Circle near Keswick in Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle

All aboard a grand steamer for a scenic trip around Lake Windermere.

Sail away with Windermere Lake Cruises

Visit Lake District/Paul Mitchell

A man and a woman on a boat driven by a skipper on a lake
Windermere Lake Cruises

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

For invigorating mountain hikes, you’ve come to the right place: Langdale is famous for its lofty peaks, with cosy pubs and guesthouses too.

Plan your Langdale Valley adventure

VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories, with a chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and friends.

Discover The World of Beatrix Potter

www.stevenbarber.com

Peter Rabbit 2013 credit photograper Steve Barber
The World of Beatrix Potter, Lake District

On the shores of Derwentwater, this pretty market town is a hive of activity – with festivals, hotels, watersports and more.

See what’s on at Keswick

VisitBritain/Ruby Nicholson/Alpacalyeverafter

Keswick

A bearded man wearing a wool hat holding two white alpacas
Keswick

From ziplines and via ferratas, to camping on the edge of a cliff – this outdoor activity centre is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.

Delve deeper into Honister Slate Mine

honister_slate_mine

Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine

Get your head for heights at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest, for a tree-top adventure with amazing views.

Start your adventure at Go Ape Grizedale Forest

Go Ape / Grizedale Forest

Lake District

Go Ape Grizedale Forest
Go Ape Grizedale Forest

Embrace your romantic side with a visit to Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s Lake District home.

Wander back in time at Wordsworth Grasmere

Lake District

Wordsworth Grasmere TM4_credit Tom McNally Photography
Wordsworth Grasmere

Give a round of applause for the Theatre by the Lake, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Enjoy the productions at Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by The Lake

Lake District

Theatre by The Lake
Theatre by the Lake

Marvel at the lovingly restored Bassenthwaite Lake Station and book your place on the replica Orient Express.

Enjoy tea and cake at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Lake District

Bassenthwaite Lake Station
Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Enjoy unforgettable cuisine in an unforgettable location at this Michelin-starred restaurant with boutique-style rooms.

Escape to The Cottage in the Wood

Rob Whitrow

Lake District

The Cottage In The Wood
The Cottage in the Wood

Discover The Lakes Distillery, home to the 2022 ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’ and much more.

Take a tour of The Lakes Distillery

lakesdistillery

Lake District

Bartender pouring a whisky drink at the Lakes Distillery
The Lakes Distillery

Discover a wealth of art and history at Tullie, where new and old collide.

Take in the treasures at Tullie

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

Lake District

 The World of Beatrix Potte
Tullie House

Take notes at The Derwent Pencil Museum, a delightful draw for all the family and stationery fans.

Lead the way to The Derwent Pencil Museum

Derwent Pencil Museum

Lake District

The Derwent Pencil Museum
The Derwent Pencil Museum

Head to Penrith’s Wannasee Festival for family-friendly fun and live acts for all ages.

See your favourite tribute acts at Wannasee Festival

Neil Ferry / Wannasee Festival

Lake District

Wannasee Festival
Wannasee Festival

Experience Winter Droving, the magical masquerade which transforms Penrith every autumn.

Join the party at Penrith’s Winter Droving

Graham Wynne

Lake District

Winter Droving
Winter Droving

Classical music fans will adore Lake District Summer Music, a festival that’s been going for more than 35 years.

Tune up for Lake District Summer Music

Lake District Summer Music

Lake District

Lake District Summer Music, Elias Quartet
Lake District Summer Music

Whether you’re an intrepid climber or just admiring the view, tackle Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.

Enjoy the view from Scafell Pike

@i_am_asish

Lake District

Young man poses on the highest point in England
Scafell Pike

Set your sights on stargazing in Ennerdale, one of the Lake District’s most remote valleys, on a Dark Sky Discovery session.

Be wowed at a Dark Sky Discovery session

VisitBritain

Lake District

Silhouette of man standing with outstretched arms on shore
Dark Sky Discovery

See the wonders of Lake Windermere from the best vantage point at the Claife Viewing Station.

Enjoy some room with a view at Claife Viewing Station

Alamy Stock Photo

Lake District

Claife viewing station on the western shore of Lake Windermere.
Claife Viewing Station

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop - the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Treat yourself at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

grasmeregingerbread

Lake District

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Check in for a luxury Lakes getaway and an eco-friendly stay at Cedar Manor in Windermere.

Enjoy a green stay at Cedar Manor

Cedar Manor

Lake District

An outside view of Cedar Manor in the Lake District
Cedar Manor

Enjoy some fine-dining at The Old Stamp House Michelin-starred restaurant in Ambleside.

Dine at The Old Stamp House

Phil Rigby Photography

Lake District

Crab from the West Coast, with tomatoes from the north of the county and wild garlic - credit Phil Rigby Photography.jpg
The Old Stamp House (1 Michelin star)

Taste and buy the good life at Low Sizergh Barn, producing organic milk in the Lake District.

Shop the crop at Low Sizergh Barn

Graham Carlow Photography

Lake District

A tour group watching cows being milked at Low Sizergh Barn
Low Sizergh Barn

Get away from it all at the ultimate eco-retreat, Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage, within a 250 acre organic farm.

Escape it all at Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage

Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage

Lake District

A long distance shot of a river and a holiday cottage surrounded by trees
Roeburnscar Holiday Cottage

Gaze in awe at Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most dramatic of its kind in the UK.

Marvel at Castlerigg Stone Circle

Alamy Stock Photo

Lake District

People attending the Winter Solstice celebration at Castelrigg Stone Circle near Keswick in Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle

All aboard a grand steamer for a scenic trip around Lake Windermere.

Sail away with Windermere Lake Cruises

Visit Lake District/Paul Mitchell

A man and a woman on a boat driven by a skipper on a lake
Windermere Lake Cruises

Places to stay in the Lake District

On the move

With a caravan or motorhome, you can explore even further – and enjoy the Lake District’s many beautiful campsites.

Boutique hotels

Take your pick from charming bed and breakfasts and grand country houses alike. Some also have spas, swimming pools and direct lake access.

Gourmet stays

Many of the park’s best-loved restaurants and pubs offer accommodation too, so you can dine and stay in style.

Explore nearby

From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a castle on a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

DJ playing to groups of people at Manchester Craft Beer Festival, in Depot Mayfield, Manchester

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

Getting to the Lake District

The Lake District is located in Cumbria, in the north-west of England. Manchester Airport is 80 miles (128km) to the south (75 minutes by car), and offers routes to around 200 global destinations. Newcastle International Airport is 75 miles (120km) to the north-east (90 minutes by car), and serves more than 80 destinations. The train from London to Oxenholme takes from two hours 35 minutes, with trains to Cumbria and the Lakes available from various other destinations in England too. 

Getting around

Many of the Lake District’s key locations are served by train, as the West Coast Main Line connects London and Glasgow with Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle, and there are local services to Kendal, Staveley and Windermere. The bus network is also extensive, calling at all major towns and villages.

By boat

Kayak? Electric cruiser? Sailing boat? You’ll find rental vessels of all descriptions at Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston and Derwentwater.

By bike

From gentle lakeside loops to challenging mountain trails, there are routes for every ability – and a local luggage transfer can carry your bags.

By electric car

With EV charging points at the car parks of Coniston, Glenridding, Brockhole, Ambleside, Hawkshead, Ravenglass and Grasmere, driving sustainably is easy to do.

Want to know more?

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