A Complete Guide to the Lake District

The Lake District National Park, located in Cumbria in northwestern England, is a landscape of superlatives. It is England's largest national park, home to its highest mountain (Scafell Pike), its deepest lake (Wastwater), and some of the country's most spectacular scenery. Covering an area of approximately 2,362 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has inspired poets, artists, and travelers for centuries with its rugged fells, tranquil lakes, and picturesque valleys.

Understanding the Lake District

The distinctive landscape of the Lake District was formed by ancient volcanic activity and sculpted by glaciers during the last Ice Age. The retreating glaciers carved out deep U-shaped valleys, many of which filled with water to form the lakes that give the region its name. Although commonly referred to as having 16 lakes, technically only one body of water (Bassenthwaite Lake) is actually a lake—the others are "meres" or "waters."

The region's beauty has attracted visitors for centuries, including the Romantic poets William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who drew inspiration from its landscapes. In the 19th century, it became popular with Victorian tourists, and in 1951, it was designated as a national park to protect its natural and cultural heritage.

When to Visit the Lake District

The Lake District can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering different experiences:

• Spring (March-May): Witness the rebirth of nature with blooming wildflowers, lambs in the fields, and woodlands carpeted with bluebells. The weather starts to improve, though rain is still common.
• Summer (June-August): The most popular time to visit, with longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and the full range of activities available. However, this is also when the park is busiest, especially in July and August.
• Autumn (September-October): A magical time when the forests and fells are ablaze with gold, red, and orange hues. The crowds thin out, accommodations are more available, and the light is perfect for photography.
• Winter (November-February): A quieter, more atmospheric time to visit. The fells may be dusted with snow, creating a dramatic winter wonderland. Many attractions have reduced hours, but cozy pubs with roaring fires offer a warm welcome.

Insider Tip: May, June, and September often offer the best combination of reasonable weather, longer daylight hours, and fewer crowds.

Top Lakes to Visit

1. Windermere

England's largest natural lake, Windermere stretches for 10.5 miles from Ambleside to Newby Bridge. The bustling lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere offers numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions, including The World of Beatrix Potter.

Don't Miss: Take a lake cruise to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding fells and lakeshore mansions. For a more active experience, rent a rowing boat, kayak, or paddleboard.

Insider Tip: Visit Orrest Head, a short walk from Windermere town, for a spectacular viewpoint that inspired Alfred Wainwright's love affair with the Lake District.

2. Ullswater

Often described as the most beautiful of the English lakes, Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District. Its serpentine shape creates constantly changing views as you travel around its shores.

Don't Miss: The Ullswater 'Steamers' are a fleet of heritage vessels that have been sailing the lake since 1859. A cruise combined with a walk on part of the Ullswater Way creates a perfect day out.

Insider Tip: Visit Aira Force, a dramatic 65-foot waterfall set in beautiful woodland, especially impressive after rainfall.

3. Derwentwater

Located near the popular town of Keswick, Derwentwater is surrounded by the dramatic fells of Borrowdale and features four islands, including the largest, Derwent Isle, which houses a historic residence managed by the National Trust.

Don't Miss: The Keswick Launch operates regular cruises around the lake, with several landing stages allowing you to hop on and off to explore different areas.

Insider Tip: For a magnificent panorama, walk up to Surprise View or Ashness Bridge, both offering iconic views across Derwentwater to the western fells.

4. Buttermere

A smaller, less crowded lake surrounded by dramatic mountains, Buttermere offers a more tranquil experience. A flat, easy path circles the entire lake, making it accessible to most visitors.

Don't Miss: The complete circular walk around the lake, which takes about 2 hours and provides constantly changing vistas.

Insider Tip: Visit the Scale Force waterfall, the highest in the Lake District, by taking a detour from the lake circuit.

Exploring the Fells

The Lake District is a paradise for walkers and hikers, with hundreds of routes ranging from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents.

Wainwright's Fells

Alfred Wainwright, the renowned fell walker and guidebook author, documented 214 fells in his seven-volume "Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells." Completing all of these has become a popular challenge for serious hikers.

Some of the most iconic Wainwright fells include:

• Scafell Pike: England's highest mountain at 978 meters, offering spectacular views on clear days.
• Helvellyn: The third-highest peak, famous for the dramatic Striding Edge and Swirral Edge ridges.
• Catbells: A popular fell near Keswick, offering magnificent views over Derwentwater for relatively modest effort.
• Haystacks: Wainwright's favorite fell, where his ashes were scattered, offering diverse terrain and stunning views.

Safety Note: Even the "easier" fells can be dangerous in poor weather. Always check the forecast, carry appropriate equipment, and know your limitations. The Lake District Weatherline provides detailed mountain weather forecasts.

Family-Friendly Walks

Not all Lake District walks involve steep climbs. There are plenty of lower-level walks suitable for families and less experienced hikers:

• Tarn Hows: A picturesque man-made lake with a well-maintained circular path.
• Rydal Water and Grasmere: A lovely low-level walk connecting two lakes associated with William Wordsworth.
• Borrowdale Valley: Numerous gentle walks through beautiful woodland and along the River Derwent.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

1. Literary Connections

The Lake District has inspired numerous writers and continues to attract literary tourists:

• Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere: The home of William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808, where he wrote much of his most famous poetry.
• Hill Top, Near Sawrey: Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse, preserved exactly as she left it, complete with her furniture and china.
• The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere: A family-friendly attraction bringing Potter's beloved characters to life.
• Brantwood, Coniston: The home of Victorian art critic and social thinker John Ruskin, offering magnificent views over Coniston Water.

2. Historic Houses and Gardens

The Lake District is home to several impressive historic properties:

• Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass: A historic haunted castle set in 77 acres of gardens with spectacular views to the Lakeland fells.
• Levens Hall, near Kendal: Famous for its topiary gardens, which are among the oldest in the world.
• Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel: A magnificent Victorian country house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland.

3. Industrial Heritage

The Lake District's beauty belies its industrial past, which can be explored at various sites:

• Honister Slate Mine: The last working slate mine in England, offering underground tours and an exhilarating via ferrata climbing experience.
• Stott Park Bobbin Mill, near Newby Bridge: A 19th-century mill that produced millions of wooden bobbins for the Lancashire textile industry.
• Windermere Jetty Museum: A fascinating museum showcasing the boats, steam launches, and yachts that have graced the lake over centuries.

Towns and Villages Worth Visiting

1. Keswick

A bustling market town on the shores of Derwentwater, Keswick serves as an excellent base for exploring the northern Lake District. It offers numerous outdoor shops, cafes, restaurants, and the fascinating Keswick Museum and Derwent Pencil Museum.

Insider Tip: Visit on Thursdays and Saturdays for the traditional market in the town square, offering local produce, crafts, and street food.

2. Ambleside

Located at the northern end of Windermere, Ambleside is a charming town with slate-built houses, excellent restaurants, and outdoor equipment shops. Don't miss the unique Bridge House, a tiny 17th-century structure built over Stock Beck.

Insider Tip: Take a short walk to Stock Ghyll Force, a 70-foot waterfall on the edge of town that's particularly impressive after heavy rainfall.

3. Grasmere

Described by Wordsworth as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found," Grasmere is a picturesque village surrounded by mountains. It's famous for its gingerbread, sold at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop using a secret recipe from 1854.

Insider Tip: Visit the simple grave of William Wordsworth in St. Oswald's churchyard, often adorned with flowers.

4. Hawkshead

A medieval village with whitewashed houses, archways, and courtyards, Hawkshead is traffic-free, making it pleasant to explore on foot. It has connections to Wordsworth, who attended the Grammar School here, and Beatrix Potter, whose husband was the local solicitor.

Insider Tip: Visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery, housed in the former office of Potter's husband, displaying original illustrations and watercolors.

Practical Information for Visitors

Getting to and Around the Lake District

The Lake District is accessible by car, train, and bus:

• By Train: The West Coast Main Line has stations at Oxenholme (for Kendal and Windermere), Penrith (for the northern Lake District), and Carlisle. From Oxenholme, a branch line runs to Windermere.
• By Car: The M6 motorway runs along the eastern edge of the Lake District, with main access points at junctions 36 (for the southern lakes), 40 (for Keswick and the northern lakes), and 42 (for the western lakes).
• By Bus: Regular bus services connect major towns and villages, with seasonal open-top services offering scenic tours.

Getting Around: While a car offers the most flexibility, particularly for reaching remote areas, the Lake District has an extensive public transport network. The Lakes Rover ticket offers unlimited travel on buses and some boats.

Insider Tip: Parking can be difficult in popular towns and at trailheads, especially in summer. Arrive early or use the park-and-ride services available in some areas.

Accommodation Options

The Lake District offers accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences:

• Hotels: From luxury lakeside establishments to family-run guesthouses. Historic properties like The Daffodil Hotel in Grasmere or The Swan at Newby Bridge offer character and comfort.
• B&Bs and Guesthouses: Found throughout the region, offering a personal touch and local knowledge.
• Self-Catering Cottages: Ideal for families or longer stays, ranging from traditional stone cottages to modern apartments.
• Camping and Glamping: Numerous campsites offer everything from basic pitches to luxury glamping pods with stunning views.
• Youth Hostels: The YHA operates several hostels in spectacular locations, including a lakeside property at Ambleside and Black Sail, accessible only on foot.

Insider Tip: Book accommodation well in advance for summer visits, especially for stays during school holidays and weekends.

Weather and What to Pack

The Lake District is one of the wettest parts of England, receiving an average of 2000mm of rainfall per year. The weather can change rapidly, even in summer:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers (essential for all seasons)
• Layers of clothing that can be added or removed as conditions change
• Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support for fell walking
• Hat, gloves, and warm layers, even in summer for higher fells
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, it does sometimes shine!)
• A small backpack for carrying water, snacks, and extra layers
• Map and compass if venturing onto the fells (and the knowledge to use them)

Insider Tip: The mountainous terrain creates microclimates, so conditions can vary significantly between different valleys or between valleys and hilltops. Check specific forecasts for the area you plan to visit.

Sustainable Tourism in the Lake District

The Lake District faces challenges from the millions of visitors it receives each year. To help protect this precious landscape:

• Consider visiting outside peak periods if possible
• Use public transport where feasible, or park once and explore on foot
• Stick to marked paths on popular routes to prevent erosion
• Leave no trace—take all litter home
• Support local businesses and producers
• Consider donating to organizations like Fix the Fells, which maintains mountain paths