Where To Go In The Lake District
If you like stunning hilly views and sparkling waterfronts, it doesn’t get any more eye-catching or peaceful than the Lake District and you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking out things to do during your stay.
Windermere is arguably the region’s most famous spot as it features the district’s largest lake, This makes it ideal for those looking to indulge in water-based sports and activities, while scenic routes around the lake are great for walkers and cyclists! Perfect for kids, it’s a must-go for Beatrix Potter fans thanks to plenty of museums dedicated to the children’s author and Brockhole adventure playground promises a fun day out for all the family.
The nearby town of Ambleside is usually a favourite stay for people looking to take advantage of the Windermere area, as it is a quaint enough place which still offers a bustling centre filled with shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you stimulated.
Coniston Water and village are another popular destination, particularly for those looking for a slower amble around a lake via a motor or rowing boat, while the nearby mountain ‘The Old Man of Coniston’ provides breath-taking views. If you’re a sailor, you’d be a fool not to check out Coniston boating centre, with a fantastic range of boats for hire!
For people after more of an adventure, Derwentwater Lake and the nearby area of Keswick feature a whole host of opportunities, with Keswick Climbing Wall, a Go Ape, Rookin House Equestrian Centre and Newlands Adventure Centre, superb for designing an active and outgoing holiday packed with sporting pleasures.
For hikers and climbers, Wastwater Lake provides some of Britain’s greatest views as it is surrounded by Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, making it the number one destination for those looking to beat England’s highest peak!
If you plan on staying nearer to Ullswater, not only will you be treated to a phenomenal lake with mountainous scenery, but also some of the most enjoyable routes for walkers, with plenty of interesting sites such as Dalemain Mansion and Lowther Castle to stop at. The area also boasts the mighty Helvellyn, England’s third-highest peak, which you may want to tick off your list once you’ve tackled Scafell Pike.
Other favourite areas of ours include Grasmere, Bowness, Troutbeck and Bassenthwaite Lake, and landmarks such as the Roman ruins of Hardknott Fort and Aira Force waterfall are not to be missed!
However, choosing which area or lake is more beautiful, more awe-inspiring or more desirable is really an impossible task, and wherever you decide to go, it’s unlikely you’re going to be disappointed.
How To Get To The Lake District
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow.
There is also a direct train which runs from Manchester to Windermere.
More local trains call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere and there is a secondary route following the Cumbrian coastline.
National Express also runs various buses and coaches to Lake District towns from all over the UK.
BY CAR
The M6 motorway runs just to the east of the Lake District.
Take Junction 36 and then A590 for the southern end of the Lake District, or take Junction 40 and the A66 or A592 for the northern end of the Lake District.
Turn off at either Kendal (Junction 37) or Penrith (Junction 40) for the quickest access to the national park.
FLYING
Carlisle Lake District Airport offers flights from Dublin, Belfast and London Southend, otherwise, the closest airports are Manchester from the south or Glasgow from the north.
You’ll obviously then have to make further travel arrangements from those airports though, with Manchester providing train station services that run to Oxenholme next to Kendal, Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.