The Stunning Lakes
World-renowned for its picturesque landscapes, glacial lakes and Kendal Mint Cake, the Lake District is one of Britain's most beautiful national parks. Located in Cumbria, North West England, there is plenty of space and lots of unique attractions to explore, making it an ideal choice for a weekend away, short break or day trip away from city life (just remember to pack your walking boots).
Beautiful at all times of year, the summer is a particularly busy time in the Lakes with families, couples and individuals from across the UK and abroad arriving to see the national park’s beauty for themselves. Covering more than 2,000km2, there are three train stations in the Lakes, Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle, so you can get to the exact area you want to discover or explore.
Best of The Lakes
Packed full of both natural and historical areas of interest, the Lake District’s attractions have inspired some of the UK’s famous artists, including William Wordsworth, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter. Get inspired yourself by taking a trip to the majestic Lake Windermere, visiting the idyllic Derwent Water or hiking towards the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike.
To learn more about the Lakes’ history, head to children’s author Beatrix Potter’s cottage Hill Top or William Wordsworth’s family home Dove Cottage. Alternatively, be transported back to the Bronze Age with a visit to the Castlerigg Stone Circle and admire ancient views from Catbells High Ridge. For a more relaxed outing, a boat trip on Coniston Water, a wander round Levens Hall Gardens or seeking out the natural beauty of the Aira Force waterfall is recommended.
Things to do in the Lake District
Although the Lake District is Britain's largest national park, it’s not only natural attractions that are on offer here. However, the true beauty of this area can only be experienced by exploring it.
Even when it's pouring down with rain, paddle boarding on Lake Windermere, tucking yourself away in a local pub or taking on one of the popular peaks, such as Helvellyn or Striding Edge, will bring the Lakes’ romantic and ancient views to life. If you’re a keen walker or hiker, then the extensive trails will take you into some of the UK’s most remote wilderness, so make sure you’re prepared for anything.
With hundreds of routes across the Lakes, including 50 that are designed for those with limited mobility, pushchairs and the visually impaired, there are views to be enjoyed by everyone. From climbing Scafell Pike to taking the two-kilometre stroll from Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay, visitors can take in riverside views and rolling landscapes at any time of year. To learn as you move, guided walks and audio trails are also available.
Plus, for those who love travelling on two wheels, there are hundreds of miles of cycleways and bridleways to explore, whether you want to challenge yourself or just enjoy a day of sunshine. Take on the 140-mile cross-country coast-to-coast route or discover new corners on the Lakes and Dales Loop.
As the name of this park would suggest, if you love watersports or want to try your hand at them, then you’ll have plenty of opportunities here. Lake Windermere, Coniston Water and Ullswater are all open to sailers, kayakers, canoers and even some wild swimmers, and have plenty of tearooms, cafes and pubs on their banks for you to get warm and refuel afterwards.
There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the area’s history too. The homes of some of the region's most famous writers and artists are open to tour and visit, including the cottages and family homes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, where you can see very personal artefacts and learn more about the inspiration they took from the Lakes’ beautiful surroundings.
Plus, if you enjoy a pint or a cup of tea and cake, there is no shortage of cafes and pubs to visit in this area. From historical public houses with great ales and beautiful views like The Mortal Man in Troutbeck Valley to contemporary gastro pubs like the Temperance Inn on Ambleside, there’s something to suit all tastes. Delicious cakes, breakfasts and lunches are also easy to come by, with The Old School Tea Shop at Rydal Hall and The Tearoom at Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway being just two that come highly recommended.
FAQs
➤ Why choose a day out in the Lake District?
If you love the outdoors, the Lake District is a must-visit day trip destination. Hikers, watersports enthusiasts and cyclists will all find hours of enjoyment on the national parks trails, roads and lakes. Those who love a wander and a cup of tea can see some of the most beautiful views too on a day out to the Lakes.
➤ What are the best day trips from the Lake District?
Explore every corner of the Lake District with a day trip from Carlisle to Penrith (North Lakes). With direct trains departing regularly from Carlisle, you could spend the morning exploring the historic town before heading for a hike around one of the famous Lakes in the afternoon.
➤ What to do in the Lake District with children?
With more than 2,000km2 to explore and plenty of lakes offering a variety of watersports, there’s plenty to keep your active little ones occupied. Indeed, if you want to make the most of your trip to the Lakes, head out on a tour of all ten of them starting from the most famous, Lake Windermere.
