The Lake District in northwest England is a mountainous range of peaks, tarns, lakes and rolling countryside intersected by charming towns and villages. The whole area is a designated national park and since 2017, its hill-farming culture has been recognised by UNESCO. This is a place for outdoor life whatever the season, but it also abounds with literary connections. Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth, Arthur Ransome and Samuel Taylor Coleridge were all inspired by its wild beauty. With so many Lake District visiting places to enjoy, deciding where to go can be tricky. But our visitor’s guide and suggestions for the best places to visit in the Lake District are sure to help you decide.
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The best time to visit the Lake District
The Lake District in spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit the Lakes. Spring flowers are absolutely glorious, especially in woodlands such as Rannerdale Fell. This bursts with bluebells, wild garlic, daffodils and wood sorrel. Lambs start to appear on the lowlands while attractions start to open their doors. In spring, our favourite Lake District visiting places are Tarn Hows, Lake Buttermere and Wray Castle, while at Holker Hall, the gardens come alive with both local and exotic blooms.
Daytime temperatures from March to May range from 6°C to 13°C while the chance of rain decreases as spring progresses.
The Lake District in summer
Summer is the best time for appreciating some of the most beautiful places in the Lake District, as the summer sun never gets too hot for a hillside ramble. Visit a gourmet food market at lunchtime or dip into summer events that include beer festivals, music gigs and agricultural shows. While the mountain scenery is stunning in August, don’t overlook the Lake District beaches. Kids always have fun in the rock pools at Saint Bees while at Ravenglass, the River Irt tumbles all the way from Scafell Pike to the sea.
Daytime temperatures from June to August range from 17.9°C to 19°C or higher. While there is always a chance of rain in the Lake District, you’re less likely to need your umbrella in summer.
The Lake District in autumn
Autumn in the Lakes puts on its own colourful display as the leaves take on their autumn colours of red, yellow and gold. This is the season for wrapping up warm and looking forward to a hot chocolate or hearty pub lunch after your morning activities. Borrowdale is a definite Lake District must see in autumn. The vivid colours of the wooded valley create photogenic reflections in the still waters of Borrowdale Lake.
The average daytime temperature in September is a comfortable 16.7°C, but by the end of November it is down to a cool 9.7°C. As autumn goes by, the hours of daily sunshine decrease and the likelihood of a daily rain shower increases.
The Lake District in winter
The thought of returning to a shot of Cumbrian whisky or a hot chocolate by a roaring log fire makes it easier to head outside for bracing winter walks. Get an early start to admire frost shimmering on the grass and lakes hidden in swirling mists, or seek out a snowy slope for kid-friendly fun on sledges.
Bowness is one of the best places to go in the Lake District in winter. Its cobbled lanes are lined with trendy eateries and craft shops and with fewer crowds than in the summer, you can browse in peace. Seasonal events in the Lakes include Windermere Christmas Celebration or Father Christmas Tea Parties at the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness.
With the average temperature rarely exceeding 7.0°C while rain and wind are almost guaranteed, you’ll need to wrap up warm for Lake District holidays in winter. Snow is virtually guaranteed in higher areas while towns and villages often enjoy a White Christmas.
The best places to visit in the Lake District
With mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, postcard-pretty villages and a wealth of attractions, there is no shortage of Lake District visiting places, whatever your age and interests. To help you narrow it down, here are eight of our favourites.
Tarn Hows
This man-made lake was created in the 19th century. Today it is well bedded into its surroundings of wooded hills, creating a typical Lake District landscape.
Aira Force
Aira Force is one of the prettiest and most powerful waterfalls in the national park. The water drops in several stages before finishing in a rocky ravine over 60 feet below. The walk from Aira Force to Glencoyne Bay inspired Wordsworth’s words, “I wandered lonely as a cloud”.
Hill top Farm
Beatrix Potter bought Hilltop Farm, a 17th-century working farm, in 1905 with the proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Today, this time capsule of her life is a National Trust property and definitely one of the best places to go in the Lake District.
Grasmere
Grasmere is a charming village of typical Lake District cottages and cosy pubs set among the fells of Helm Crag and Dunmail Raise.
Dove Cottage
The wood-panelled walls and stone floors of Dove Cottage are typical of the Lake District. Today, the interior has been recreated to show how it looked when it was the family home of William Wordsworth.
Ullswater
Ullswater is one of the most magical lakes in the region and high on our list of the best places to go in the Lake District. Its waters magnify the mountain scenery that looms over it. For the energetic, there’s a 20-mile walking route around the lake.
Hardknott Fort
The remains of Hardknott Roman Fort lie in a remote corner of the Lakes and are best visited in late spring or the summer. Get a real sense of the past while viewing the remains of the commandant’s house and the bathhouse.
Coniston Water
Lying next to Coniston Village and below the towering Old Man of Coniston, Coniston Water is an ideal playground for watersports. For more leisurely tours of the lake, board Gondola, a steam yacht dating from 1859, or the solar-powered Coniston Launch.
The best places to eat in the Lake District
With so much farmland and nearby fishing, it’s no surprise that Lake District food is so delicious. These are among the best places to eat in the Lake District.
L’Enclume
The two-Michelin starred L’Enclume is all about experimental gastronomy that works. It was Simon Rogan that put this Cartmel restaurant on the map using his own farm produce. Now it’s definitely among the best places to eat in the Lake District.
Drunken Duck
After a long hike, there’s nothing better than discovering a pub with good food. The Drunken Duck in Barngates near Ambleside is a historic pub containing a fine-dining restaurant.
Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush in Kendal is all about unassuming food. It is not fine dining but offers more of a family atmosphere, perfect for relaxed dining during Lake District holidays. Its menu is a balanced blend of vegetarian dishes and slow-roasted local meat.
The Hazelmere
Every town in the Lake District has its quaint cafe but The Hazelmere in Grange-over-Sands combines retro afternoon teas with a contemporary twist. It has won numerous awards for its loose-leaf teas.
The best places to camp in the Lake District
Camping is one of the best ways of getting to the heart of outdoor life in the Lakes. Campsites give you quick access to lakes, mountains and beaches, and with over 100 to choose from in the region, you’re certainly spoilt for choice. To help you choose, we’ve selected three.
Waterside House Campsite, Ullswater
With its working farm and lakeside location, the Waterside House Campsite is perfect for family holidays. Facilities are good and include a shop, modern shower and toilet blocks and WiFi.
Great Langdale National Trust Campsite
This relaxed site lies at the foot of Langdale Pikes, perfect for serious hillwalkers and birdwatchers. The well-maintained facilities at Great Langdale Campsite include a children’s play area, orienteering route and bouldering wall as well as a shop and shower block.
Kestrel Lodge, Bassenthwaite, Keswick
This ‘quiet night’ campsite (no noise allowed between 10 pm and 8 am) is perfect for romantic breaks. Facilities at Kestrel Lodge are fairly basic but the views of Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake make up for this.
Packing and travel tips for a Lake District break
Whatever season you visit the Lake District, be sure to pack layers of clothing and comfortable shoes. In summer, the evenings turn cool while if you plan on climbing the peaks, remember that the temperature drops a degree for every 500 feet you ascend. Plenty of layers are essential in winter. Strip them off as you warm up during hiking or cycling expeditions. A lightweight waterproof jacket that folds into your daypack is useful through most of the year, while down-filled wind and waterproof coats are essential in late autumn and winter. A torch comes in handy, especially if you’re camping or taking late-night walks back from the pub!
