The Lake District National Park is one of the most stunning places to visit in England and is famous for its lakes, forests and mountains. How can you visit the Lake District for less?
Lets have a look at why you should visit the Lake District.
Stunning views, hiking, cycling, paddle boarding, swimming, market towns, great eateries, traditional inns, and of course the lakes. You can hire a boat, take part in watersports, pony trekking, take a cruise, wild swimming or play a round of golf. Or you can climb up Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.
Spreading well over 2000 sq.km there’s plenty to see and do. The Lake District truly is full of breath taking views of natural beauty with abundant wildlife and cool clear lakes and rivers.
There really is something to do for everyone. It’s an ideal place for an active family holiday, or relaxing break.
Where is The Lake District?
- The Lake District National Park is a region in Cumbria in the north west of England
- It’s 67 miles from Manchester Airport. Flight from London Heathrow is around an hour with British Airways. Then take train from Manchester to Oxenholme (90 mins). Or by coach in just over 3 hours.
- Nearly 3 and a half hours by train from London Euston Station to Oxenholme.
- Around 9 hours by coach from London Euston Station to Windemere.
- Just under 300 miles from London along the M6. Takes 5/6 hours.
5 things you must do in The Lake District
There are more things to do in the Lake District than anywhere else in England so where do you start?
- Windermere. At over 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. From boating activities to steamers, water sports to aquariums, take a ride on a steam train, go sailing or windsurfing, you will be spoilt for choice. Arrive at the Lakeside Pier or the Railway. Or try one of the many adventure activities on offer to suit all ages. Drive around and stop off at some stunning villages like Ambleside to the north or Newby bridge to the south.
- Ullswater. England’s 2nd largest lake at 7.5 miles long and nearly a mile wide. Take the Ullswater Way route, a 20 mile walking, boating, bus ride or car journey around Ullswater and gasp at the spectacular views and picturesque villages along the way.
- Keswick is a year round destination with a wide variety of attractions on offer including, lake cruises on Derwentwater, climbing and hikes up the Skiddaw Mountain. Live performances at the Theatre by the Lake, fine fell walking, lively street markets and an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. In May there is the annual Climbers festival
- Honister Slate Mine The last working slate mine in England, Honister Slate Mine offers a range of activities to suit all ages from mine tours, climb the mine and the frightening infinity bridge.
5 free things to do in The Lake District
Get your camera (or phone) out and take the most amazing photos. The scenery is jaw-dropping. Here’s a fab guide to the Best Lake District Photograpy locations. Need some photography ideas and inspiration? Check out Photographyish.com
- Go on a guided walk. Take a walk with the wonderful knowledgeable volunteers. There are so many guided walks to choose from. Do you fancy an easy leisurely walk or an all-day summit hike. You decide. There are more than 3200 km of Public Rights of Way used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and vehicles.
- Hardknott Roman Fort. Open during any reasonable time during daylight hours, getting to Hardknott Roman Fort is a thrilling and challenging drive by car up the steep, winding, narrow road and is not for those of a nervous disposition. The setting of the fort is spectacular with fabulous scenery.
- Beaches in Cumbria. There are numerous beaches to take in along the Cumbrian coast. Each one has it’s own uniqueness offering stunning views and scenery.
- Waterfalls. These are the Lake District Waterfalls you should visit. The jewel in the Aira Force trail is a breath taking man made waterfall. You only pay for parking (around £7 for 4 hours) and is well worth the visit.
- Walking trails. Whinlatter Forest Park has an abundance of walking trails for all ages and abilkities.
5 places to stay in The Lake District
- Bowness – on -Windemere The MacDonald Old English Hotel and Spa Great hotel for families as it has family rooms, a swimming pool and it is in a brilliant location, only 20 minutes walk into Windemere Town. Choose B&B or half board. Recommended
- Keswick Greta Mill A 4 bedroom family friendly, pet friendly cottage with parking, WiFi and a hot tub.
- Families Stonegarth Cottage in Penrith A 4 bedroom cottage with a garden, plenty of space for a family. There’s lots of cottage and self catering options throughout the Lake District for all budgets. Just pick your location.
- Grasmere Luxury hotel is The Daffodil hotel and Spa. Rated #1 in tripadvisor. Located in the heart of The Lake District and just a short walk into Grasmere village. A full English breakfast is served each morning there’s free WiFi. Romes are modern luxury with Molten Brown toileties. And the spa has a 10 yard thermal pool. Wonderful.
- Budget Beckside Lodge is a modern, pet friendly log cabin from £13 a night! From Log cabins and cozy cottages to B&Bs and Hotels, look at the reviews on Tripadvisor and you’ll find exactly what you want
Where to eat in The Lake District
You’ll be spoilt for choices for places to eat in the Lake District from cafes to restaurants that have made the Michelin guide.
Treat yourself to a Grasmere Gingerbread. Is Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread the best in the world? Go try this for yourself and you’ll see. It’s origins date back to 1854 and it’s now enjoyed by food lovers all over the world.
Puddings For award winning hand made sticky toffee puddings, Cartmel Village Shop is the place to go. The kids will love it but bring some wipes!
Vegetarian. For fab vegetarian food with a Mediterranean twist you must try vegetaranean restaurant Fellini’s. Great reviews and not expensive.
Traditional British Food. For traditional British fare call in at The Mortal Man A bit more upmarket food at decent prices and set in sublime scenery.
Cheap and awesome Pop in to the Angel Lane Chippie for award winning fish ‘n’ chips from £6.30. The tray bake pies are fab.
Michelin star restaurant’s There are seven Michelin star restaurants in the Lake District including the 2 star L’Enclume which was voted the UK’s number one restaurant 2020 by The Good Food Guide. Three of these restaurants have been added recently. Or try The Old Stamp House, one of the old established places in the Lake District.
More things to do in The Lake District
Scaffel Pike. At 978 mtrs Scaffel Pike is the highest point in England. Not to be underestimated, this is a tough steep climb over hard terrain and preparation is key. Use a map and compass, check the weather forecast, and wear suitable clothing and hiking boots. Takes around 7 hours to the top and back down again. The views from the top are spectacular so make sure you got your camera handy.
Electric Bike Hire. Try something different. Explore the Lake District on an electric bike. Lots of fun but less walking with plenty of places to recharge the bike (and yourselves).
Go stargazing. So head on over to the Lower Gillerthwaite Field Centre and on a clear night you can see the milky way with the naked eye. This activity centre is officially a Dark Sky Discovery Site and you can listen to talks and look at the stars through telescopes.
Adventure playground. Take the kids to Go Ape adventure playground in Whinlatter Forest. Or maybe you’d like to ride around on a Segway! Great fun for everyone.
Beatrix Potter. There are plenty of Beatrix Potter museums, exhibitions and attractions to visit. If you’ve read any of her books, see if you can recognise some of the places illustrated in her books.
Derwent Pencil museum. Home of the world’s first pencil, Derwent Pencil museum is a must see quirky attraction. Housed in one room but steeped with the history of the pencil, with workshops, demo’s and colouring in for kids. You can have your picture taken next to the world’s largest pencil at just under 8 metres long.
How to enjoy The Lake District for less
Call in at any of the three Lake District Tourist Information Centre’s where you will find plenty of information to help you enjoy your stay. The friendly staff are only too happy to help you.
- Do your planning, ask your accommodation host or hotel for any recommendations, deals and offers for attractions
- Pack well, our self catering packing guide has great tips
- Wear the right clothes so you can make the most of walking – there’s so much to see and enjoy, and it’s free. Trainers aren’t going to cut it, and the weather can change really quickly so a lightweight cagoule is a must. Get a decent one, you’ll be surprised how useful it is at home too, once you have it.
- Read our tips for saving money on holidays in England and ad your own to the comments
- A holiday in The Lake District is all about the countryside. You could have the best time without actually spending any more than you would at home.
Need more information about The Lake District
Here are some links to useful Lake District websites
- Brockhole on Windermere visitor centre When you visit the Lake District make a beeline for the Tourist Information Centre’s which are dotted around.
- The Lake District National Park website has loads of information for you and gives you plenty of ideas in and around the Lake District.
- Trip Advisor Lake District has lots of information and honest reviews.
- Weatherline. For up to date weather in the Lake District
Frequently asked questions about The Lake District
- When’s the best time to visit the Lake District? April to October is the best time, weather wise. It can get busy at weekends but plan it right and you’ll get to see everything you wanted to see. We still go out of season, Bath is stunning any time of the year and there’s still plenty to do and see.
- How many lakes are there in the Lake District? There are 16 lakes in the Lake District although only Bassenthwaite Lake is officially a lake by name. The others are meres or tarns.
- Where can I park in the Lake district? With well over 15 million visitors a year there are plenty of places to park.
- Is the Lake District dog friendly? It’s a great place for a dog to run around but make sure they’re well behaved!
- Where are the public toilets? There are several public toilets in and around the Lake District. When you are out in the middle of nowhere though, with no toilet for miles, you are supposed find an out of the way place, dig a little hole, poop in there and cover it up. So take some biodegradable tissues I guess.
- How much time will I need in the Lake District? With so much to see and do you’ll need a few days. Once you’ve booked your stay, figure out what you want to do each day. Plan plan plan so you can see as much as you can.
- Do you need a car when you visit the Lake District? You can get around by bus but having a car is a lot easier and you can load everything you need in the boot.
- What time does the Lake District open? With so much going on and plenty of places to visit, you’ll need to check the opening/closing times before you go.
Our favourite memories made in The Lake District
The ‘beginners’ exposed walking route to get to Jakes Rake. Let me put you straight – I am a beginner. This is not for beginners. It was physically really tough. There were tears, Taz pushing me and hauling me up in some places, then more tears. It took hours. When we made it – the view was like nothing we have seen before. It’s a lake, on top of the mountains. Breathtaking. Worth it? Absolutely but be prepared. Tracy
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