Home to miles of rolling countryside, craggy coastlines and rural towns and villages, there’s countless wonderful things to see and do in the Lake District.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly attractions, leisurely walking trails, hidden beaches or traditional Cumbrian culture, the Lake District has it all.
Visiting our wonderous region on your next getaway? We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the Lake District…
Where is the Lake District?
The Lake District National Park sits within the county of Cumrbia in the North West of England.
The park sits between the cities of Carlisle and Lancaster, excluding some of the southern and western coast of Cumbria.
Established in 1951, the area came to be known as the Lake District due to the numerous lakes and tarns that occupy the landscape.
The largest national park in Britain, the Lake District stretches over 2,372 sq km. This is nearly 8 times the size of The Broads, the smallest national park in the UK.
Map of the Lake District
Things to do in the Lake District
There are plenty of wonderful things to do in the Lake District, from hiking through the fells to exploring the homes of literary icons Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Lake District Attractions
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
A family-friendly day out in the Lake District, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction brings the authors facinating stories to life.
An immersive experience, there’s plenty to see and do, sure to keep the little ones entertained for hours. Take a seat in the film room, stroll through Peter Rabbits Garden or meet your favourite characters within the vibrant exhibition.
Theatre By The Lake
Idylically positioned on the shores of Derwentwater, the Theatre by the Lake is a must-visit.
This contemporary theatre boasts two stages, each presenting regular musical and theatre perfomances along with touring shows and talks. With family-friendly shows, there is something for everyone.
Events in the Lake District
Music Festivals in the Lake District
Whether you’re into rock, techno or R&B, there’s plenty of music festival to enjoy in the Lake District. There’s Kendal Calling, the biggest festival in Cumbria, to the Lake District Summer Music Festival and Eskfest, the Lake District’s number 1 micro-festival.
Food Festivals in the Lake District
The Lake District is home to a number of food festivals, including the weekly farmers markets in Cockermouth, Keswick and Sedbergh. Sample the regions favourite flavours at the Taste Cumbria Food Festival, tackle the spicy challenge at the Holker Chilli Fest or indulge your sweet tooth at the Lakes Cakes Fest.
Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
Hidden from light polution, the Lake District National Park is one of the darkest places in the country. The annual Cumbria Dark Skies Festival celebrates the enchanting starry night sky that looms over the landscape.
A host of events take place throughout Cumbria, such as night-time canoeing, astronomy talks, stargazing wild swimming and guided walks through the darkness. From novices to experienced stargazers, there is something for everyone.
If you’re searching for something a little different, make sure to include this on your list of things to do in the Lake District.
Waterfalls in the Lake District
Aira Force
Aira Force holds a striking position, just off the banks of Ullswater. Set within an enchanting woodland on the Gowbarrow Trail, Aira Force is considered one of the most romantic places in the Lake District.
This famous waterfall was much-loved by William Wordsworth, who wrote about the falls in his poem Airey-Force Valley.
Lodore Falls
Lodore Falls can be found close to the glistening shores of Derwentwater in the northern part of the national park. Access can be made through a gate near the Lodore Hotel, or from Ashness Road.
Cascading 90ft from Watendlath Tarn, catch several steeped falls tumbling over boulders into the Borrowdale Valley.
Walks in the Lake District
Scafell Pike Walk
The highest point in England, the Scafell Pike walk is one of the regions most popular. Sitting at an elevation of 978m, climbing Scafell Pike is no easy task, typically taking between 5-6 hours to complete.
The Wasdale Route is the most popular path, starting at the Wasdale National Trust Car Park, whilst the Brown Tongue from Wasdale is considered the easiest.
Buttermere Circular Walk
A relatively easy walk in the Lake District, the Buttermere Circular is suited to families or those looking for a more leisurely stroll.
Following the perimeter of Lake Buttermere, the walk rewards you with views of Fleetwith Pike, Comb Beck Waterfall and the Buttermere Pines.
Cat Bells Walk
A much-loved Lakeland fell, Cat Bells towers 1,480 ft above the shores of Derwentwater. A 3.5 mile path leads to the summit, which offers sweeping views of the Newlands Valley, the peak of Skiddaw and the glistening shores of Derwentwater.
A short distance from Keswick, you’ll find all of your local amenities nearby. Post hike pint anyone?
Gardens in the Lake District
Rydal Hall Thomas Mawson Gardens
Located in the heart of the national park, Rydal Hall Thomas Mawson Gardens covers over 30 acres of formal gardens and secluded woodland.
Take a stroll through the grotto, built in 1668 to frame unrivalled views of Rydal Falls, or meander through the woodland paths leading to Rydal Beck.
Brockhole Gardens
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, Brockhole Gardens was meticulously designed by Thomas Mawson, a renowned landscape gardener.
Brockhole Gardens is a 19th-century estate featuring an orangery, summer house, and game’s lawn. Visitors can enjoy the wild and wonderful colours of the 30-acre garden alongside a gallery, café, exhibition and gift shop.
Lowther Castle and Gardens
Situated amongst the sprawling grounds of Lowther Castle, Lowther Gardens cover 130 acres of Cumbrian countryside. Features from the garden include a wildflower meadow, meandering woodland, a Roman Bath, and a rose garden.
The Western Terrace is a popular sight-seeing point, rewarding visitors with far-reaching views of the Lowther Valley and surrounding mountains.
National Trust Properties in the Lake District
Wray Castle
Sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere, Wray Castle is one of the most well-known National Trust property in the Lake District.
The spires and turrets of this impressive castle dominate the skyline, whilst the historical relics within tell the tale of the families that once called it home.
There’s lakeside trails winding through the extensive grounds, along with an on-site cafe serving refreshments. If you love historic buildings, make a day of it at Wray Castle!
Hill Top House
A 17th century farmhouse, Hill Top House was the former home of world-renowned author, Beatrix Potter. The home was left to the National Trust in 1943 where it has remained in its original condition since.
Here you can discover where some of Beatrix Potter’s best-selling books were written or take a tour of Beatrix Potters Garden, restored to its former glory by Head Gardener, Pete Tasker.
Places to Eat in the Lake District
Restaurants in the Lake District
L’Enclume, Cartmel
Awarded three Michelin Stars, L’Enclume is the flagship restaurant of British chef, Simon Rogan. One of the most luxurious things to do in the Lake District, the 16-course tasting menu is inspired by the change of seasons, prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Located in Ambleside, Zeffirellis is an Italian restaurant serving an exclusively vegetarian menu. An award-winning pizzeria, you can dine on home-made pizza and pasta, served alongside an indulgent wine menu.
If that’s not to your taste, there’s a second restaurant, Fellinis, offering a modern, mediterranean menu. After dinner you can head upstairs to enjoy a drink with a spot of live music or a film at the venues jazz bar and cinema.
Pubs in the Lake District
The Crafty Baa, Windermere
Winner of the AA Best Pub of the Year, The Crafty Baa is a favourite with the locals. Situated in the heart of Windermere, The Crafty Baa comprises of three themed rooms, including the smallest pub in the Lake District, The Pint and Pint.
There’s regular live music, a mouth-watering menu and a selection of craft beers, including the world’s strongest beers. Are you brave enough to sample the flavours for yourself?
The Mortal Man, Troutbeck
Sitting on the outskirts of Troutbeck, The Mortal Man is a traditional Lakeland pub with rustic, quintissetially English charm.
Pop in for a drink by the fire or refuel with a bite to eat following a walk through the Troutbeck Valley. Whatever you choose, your four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun. Find out more about The Mortal Man in our blog here.
Places to Stay in the Lake District
One of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the UK, there’s a plethora of wonderful places to stay in the Lake District.
Bowness
Idyllically positioned on the shores of Lake Windermere, the bustling town of Bowness is a must if you’re looking for exciting things to do in the Lake District.
Why not board a passenger ferry and visit Ambleside, Brockhole or Lakeside or hire a motor boat and set sail on Lake Windermere. Visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction or enjoy a pint at The Hole in the Wall, the towns oldest pub.
Cartmel
Sitting on the outskirts of the national park, the village of Cartmel is the perfect destination for a day at the races. Why not take advantage of your close proximity to the coast and visit Grange-over-Sands whilst you’re here?
Windermere
A traditional Cumbrian town, Windermere is decorated in Lakeland limestone buildings, offering a charming array of local amenities.
Here you’ll find White Cross Bay Holiday Park, a must for the little ones with it’s on-site entertainment complex, swimming pool and restaurant.
Fancy experiencing some of these things for yourself? Secure the perfect spot to base your adventures with a break in one of these wonderful lodges in Cumbria.
And for more wonderful ways to spend your time, read our guides on things to do in the Lake District and 11 of the best Lake District walks.
Images courtesy of: Riversdale Estate – (CC BY 2.0 DEED); ForestWander – (CC BY-SA 3.0 US DEED); Gareth James – (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED);
