Beautiful Places to Visit in the Lake District

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the beautiful Lake District, here are some of the most picturesque places to visit

When it comes to stunning scenery in the UK, the Lake District in Cumbria has some of the best.

It’s the largest National Park in England and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the park, you’ll find several glacial meres, England’s highest mountain and deepest lake, and picturesque market towns.

Do you fancy rambling over fells, exploring literary landmarks or walking around peaceful villages? Whatever you choose to do, there are many beautiful landmarks that you can explore on your holiday in the Lake District.

Please note

Some of the places to visit listed below may have limited opening hours or require you to book ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions. You may also be required to wear a mask inside venues.
Please check ahead before visiting, and click here to see the current UK government advice regarding Covid-19

Windermere and Ambleside

Windermere is probably one of the best known lakes in the UK, and is also the largest natural lake in England.

The ten mile long Windermere forms the central spine of the South Lakes area of the Lake District. Strictly speaking, it’s a mere rather than a lake – mere is a word that refers to a lake that is broad in relation to its depth.

Windermere is a popular destination for boating and water sports, and there are several centres dotted around the lake. You could try your hand at sailing or windsurfing, or take a steamer from Bowness Bay or Lakeside.

Away from the water, Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and the Lakes Aquarium are popular attractions. Or if you’re travelling with children, they may enjoy a visit to the World Of Beatrix Potter at Bowness-on-Windermere.

Grasmere

A few miles north of Windermere lies the village of Grasmere, which takes its name from the nearby lake.

William Wordsworth lived in this charming village for 14 years and described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” 

If you spend the day exploring Grasmere, you’ll love the cute cottages, traditional cafes and cosy cafes that you find.

You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Grasmere Gingerbread shop. It sells traditional Gingerbread made to the original recipe invented in 1854 by Sarah Nelson, who sold it from this very location. The building itself dates back to the 1630s and is surely worth a visit!

If you want to walk off the gingerbread afterwards, you could explore the fells surrounding Grasmere. Helm Crag offers a fairly steady climb to blow away the cobwebs.

Wastwater

If you enjoy a challenge then your holiday in the Lake District should certainly take in Wastwater.

Wastwater (or Wast Water) is England’s deepest lake, and lies in the western part of the Lake District. The lake is surrounded by several peaks including Red Pike, Kirk Fell and England’s tallest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Scaling Scalfell Pike is certainly a challenge but those who manage it are rewarded at the summit with spectacular views of the surrounding area. If the weather is kind, you can see as far as Scotland and over to the Isle of Man!

Keswick and Derwentwater

Why not call into the picturesque town of Keswick while you’re visiting the Lake District?

You’ll find a great selection of places to stay in the town, together with cute cafes and restaurants, boutique shops and stores selling any outdoor equipment that you might need.

Or for a quirky way to pass some time, you could call into the Derwent Museum of Pencils!

Keswick sits on the shores of Derwentwater, in the northern Lake District. Footpaths will lead you on the eight mile walk around the lake, or alternatively you could take a cruise around the lake on Keswick Launch. Or hop on and off the boat to combine the two for your own personal way to see the lake.

Coniston Water

Tranquil and scenic, Coniston Water is the perfect place to head for a peaceful spell on the water.

Coniston Water lies around 10 miles west of Windermere in the South Lakes, and is famous as a location for waterspeed world record attempts.

But now it offers a peaceful location for rowing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Head to Coniston Boating Centre to hire your chosen craft and head out to explore the water.

Or if fell walking is your preferred pastime, then you could climb the Old Man of Coniston. It’s a very popular route with tourists, and has an easy to follow route to the peak.

Honister Pass

And our final recommendation for your visit to the Lake District takes you along one of the region’s most scenic routes.

Honister Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass near Buttermere in the North Lakes, around 10 miles from Keswick.

You can explore a circular route by car, following the Honister Pass from Keswick. This route will take you past Buttermere and Crummock Water, and you could always add on the four mile walk around Buttermere.

The Lake District has plenty of other places to explore, such as Ullswater, Ambleside and the Langdale Valley. Wherever you go, you’re sure to fall in love with this beautiful and peaceful area.

Have you visited the Lake District? Where is your favourite place or where would you love to visit next?