The Lake District in north west England is one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom. Its glittering lakes and lush green valleys, surrounded by ancient forests and craggy mountains (known here as fells), have inspired artists and writers for generations, from Turner to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, and the region lays claim to being the birthplace of UK tourism. There is so much for your clients to fall in love with on a tailor-made tour. 

The Lake District in England

Within easy reach of all the big cities of northern England and southern Scotland, the Lake District – also known as The Lakes, or Lakeland – has been wowing tourists for over two hundred years. The popularity of the region with the Romantic poets in the late 18th and early 19th centuries encouraged people to visit as tourists for the first time, to enjoy the landscape and admire the views. The arrival of the railway in 1847 opened up the Lake District to many more people and, today, it is one of the most popular National Parks in Britain, with over 16 million visitors each year.

The popularity of the Lake District doesn’t detract from the beauty of the landscape, but in the height of summer the most well-known towns and tourist spots can get busy, so it makes sense to plan your visit carefully - which is where we can help!

Places to visit

The Lake District National Park, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 and covers over 900 square miles (2,360 square kilometres), boasts many attractions and delightful places to visit. There’s the classic Lakeland setting of Windermere, England’s largest lake and the primary destination for millions of tourists. On it is busy Bowness and the charming villages of Grasmere and Hawkshead.

Ullswater © Harry Johnson Photography

The north lakes – Ullswater, Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Loweswater – are quieter and wilder, in the shadow of the rugged Skiddaw range and with the handsome town of Keswick at the heart of it. The lush Borrowdale Valley leads to the dramatic Honister mountain pass and into the lakes of Buttermere and Crummock. Adventure seekers go west, to the higher ground of Great Langdale and the region’s major summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Windermere

Windermere and the surrounding area is the most famous and popular area of the Lake District. As well as being England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles (18 kilometres) long, Windermere is the name of a small town, which lies just over a mile from the lake shore. It is separate from the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, which is one of the busiest places along the shoreline and home to the main jetties for cruise boats. 

Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere

There’s no better way to enjoy Lake Windermere than by boat, and Windermere Lake Cruises offer a range of trips. Or why not hire your own boat and explore at your own pace? Fans of steam trains won’t want to miss the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, which stops at various destinations around the lake, with timetable connections with Windermere Lake Cruises. 

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Heritage Railway

Just outside of Bowness-on-Windermere is Blackwell, a perfectly preserved early 20th century home which is one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts and Crafts architecture. Pretty Ambleside is one of the most popular towns in the Lake District. Sitting at the north end of Lake Windermere, it is a great place to start some of the region’s best-known walks.

Waterhead Bay, Ambleside

Close to Ambleside is Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter. Bought with the proceeds of Peter Rabbit in 1905, Beatrix used Hill Top, its garden and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her 'little books'. As well as being a writer, Potter was a talented artist (the Beatrix Potter Gallery is just down the road from Hill Top in Hawkshead), a farmer and pioneering conservationist. The World of Beatrix Potter, in Bowness-on-Windermere, is a family attraction that brings to life Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories.

Dove Cottage, Grasmere © The Wordsworth Trust

Grasmere, just north of Ambleside, is the location of Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s home with his sister Dorothy from 1799 t0 1808. Wordsworth described the area as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, and it was here that he wrote some of his most famous poetry, including Daffodils. Step back in time to experience Wordworth’s life at Dove Cottage and explore the garden and orchard he created there with Dorothy. The village itself is full of charm and home to the famous Grasmere gingerbread shop. Wordsworth is buried in the churchyard.

Coniston Water

At about five miles long, Coniston Water is the third longest lake in the Lake District. Above its western shore, the mountain known as the Old Man of Coniston towers above the lake and the village. The lake is about half a mile down from the village, where boats and bikes can be hired.

Coniston Water

The cobbled lanes in the pretty village of Hawkshead are best explored on foot. There are many pubs, shops and cafes here and you can see Wordsworth's schoolboy signature carved in a desk at Hawkshead Grammar School.

Discover the world of 19th century writer and philosopher John Ruskin at Brantwood, a historic house and vibrant centre for the arts on the shores of Coniston Water. Explore the character of its famous resident through displays and activities in the house, gardens, and estate.

Brantwood and Coniston Water © John Hodgson

The Ruskin Museum in in the centre of Coniston village, tells the story of Coniston from the first Stone Age fell-walkers, who made and traded stone axes, to the Jet Era when the 1950s speed ace Donald Campbell used Coniston Water as Bluebird K7’s race-track.

Derwentwater, Keswick and Borrowdale

Keswick, a bustling market town at the north end of Derwentwater, is well worth a visit, or why not explore the quiet valley of Borrowdale at the southern end of the lake? Castlerigg Stone Circle, just outside the town is thought to be a thousand years older than Stonehenge.

Castlerigg at sunset

Located on an iconic mountain pass is Honister, England’s last working slate mine and now also home to a number adrenaline fuelled activities, with rock and mine climbing experiences, cliff camping, canyoning and more.

Ullswater

Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Ullswater is a popular starting point for walkers and climbers. This wonderful lake – the second largest in England – is edged with spectacular mountains to the south and gentler hills to the north. Sit back and enjoy a cruise on a famous Ullswater ‘Steamer’, from which you can see views of Wordsworth's famous daffodils on the west shore in spring.

Ullswater © Andrew Locking

Lowther Castle and gardens near Ullswater is one of the Lake District’s most intriguing attractions, with dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens and the UK’s largest adventure playground for kids of all ages.

The North Lakes

Possibly the most peaceful part of the Lake District, the North Lakes is perfect for exploring. The lake of Buttermere lies at the foot of some spectacular fells, including walker and guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright's favourite, Haystacks. At only four miles in circumference, it is also one of the few lakes visitors can walk all the way round.

Buttermere from Hindscarth Edge © Andrew Locking

Nearby Crummock Water is fed by numerous streams including one which runs from Scale Force, the tallest waterfall in the Lake District with a drop of 170 feet. Loweswater is in the Vale of Lorton, a lovely, wooded valley which is home to the rare British red squirrel.

Wastwater

Surrounded by several mountains, including England’s highest, Scafell Pike, Located in the west of the Lake District, Wastwater is the deepest and perhaps most awe-inspiring of all the lakes. The view from the south-western end has been voted one of Britain’s finest. 

Wastwater © John Hodgson

Land of adventure!

The Lake District is an outdoor-lover’s paradise - perfect for an adventure tour! In addition to the fell walking which draws millions to the region each year, many visit to enjoy sailing or kayaking on the lakes, cycling, climbing, horse-riding, fell running, gorge walking, golfing, wild swimming and much more. More leisurely pursuits include yoga, meditation, painting, photography, bird watching or wildlife spotting – and it’s hard to resist a luxury spa experience after a day in the great outdoors!

When to visit

Inevitably the Lake District is busy with tourists in summer, especially during the school holidays, so the nicest time to visit can be spring or autumn.

Early spring is the time to see daffodils – the flower most closely associated with The Lakes that so inspired Wordsworth – with blankets of them to be seen at the right time, bright yellow as far as the eye can see. Later in spring, a carpet of bluebells fills the woods, and sheep abound, as they come down from the fells to lamb and graze in the warmer low-lying pastures.

Grasmere at sunset © Harry Johnson Photography

Autumn in the Lake District sees the countryside transformed as the sweeping valleys turn to orange, yellow and gold, making for some truly spectacular views. Winter is different again, as the striking landscapes are coated in frost, with the chance of snow on higher ground. Winter walks followed by a warming drink or meal in a pub or café can be memorable!

Staying in and eating out

There is a vast selection of superb places to stay in the Lake District - perfect for relaxing after a busy day exploring. From cosy cottages offering self-catering accommodation, to superb B&Bs and first-class hotels, often with breathtaking views, there is somewhere for all tastes and budgets.

The Lake District, and the wider county of Cumbria in which it is situated, boast a huge range of eating options. With a reputation as a food and drink destination, the region has 11 Michelin starred restaurants – the most in England outside of London. Cumbrian ‘pub grub’ is sure to satisfy, especially on a cold winter’s day beside a roaring log fire after a bracing walk on the fells! Afternoon tea overlooking one of the lakes should not be missed, and don’t forget to try some of the delicious local produce, including the well-known Cumberland sausage and delicious Grasmere gingerbread!

Windermere at dusk © Harry Johnson Photography

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of the magical Lake District, perhaps as part of a tour of England and nearby Scotland, please do contact our friendly team today.