You’ve heard of it and you’ve seen it painted across the big and small screens countless times, but there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the spectacular scenery – and maybe quite literally immersing yourself in one of the sixteen lakes whilst on holiday in the Lake District.
Famed for its glacial ribbon lakes and fells, Cumbria’s great National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site that is the home and inspiration for centuries of some of our greatest poets, writers and painters. Take in just one view of these breathtaking vistas on your UK holiday and you’ll understand why. Whether you’re a sailor, hiker or cyclist, trekking alone, with a partner or taking the whole family away, the Lake District has what you’re looking for.
Where to stay
Setmabanning Caravan Park, Threlkeld
This beautiful, family-run caravan and camping park is nestled in the very heart of the Lake District. With a stay here, you’ll enjoy the bustle of a working farm all around you, with the quite frankly stunning views of Blencathra and its surrounding fells beyond.
Church Stile, Wasdale Valley
A wildlife lovers’ delight, this campsite is thoughtfully situated beside a traditional oak woodland, allowing you incredible opportunity to observe and enjoy the abundance of wildlife. Sited in perhaps Cumbria’s most majestic valley, it’s a mere twenty-minutes’ drive from Scafell Pike, allowing the intrepid hiker to savour the Wasdale Valley from above as well as at sea level.
Lake District Days out
Best for families: Lake Windermere
If there’s one lake you know about from your Lake District guide, it’s Windermere. Stretching out a whopping 10.5 miles, it’s England’s longest body of water and home to some fourteen islands. If you took the time to sail, kayak or swim around the circumference, your backdrop would variously be fertile forest, wow-factor woodland, perfect parkland and magnificent mountains.
If you’re looking for things to do with your family (beyond admiring the exquisite scenery, that is), you’ll find oodles of opportunities to water-ski, paddle board and cruise the lake – including hiring your own boat! And when you’ve had enough of being in and on the water, you could do worse than visiting Wray Castle on the western shore ( a great spot for a picnic) or the Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, which recently hosted BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. And if shopping is your thing, the town of Windermere is well worth a stroll to work up an appetite for a meal in one of its many cafes, restaurants or bars.
Best for adventure: Honister Slate Mine
There are many hidden depths to the Lake District, not least of which are the vast caverns of Fleetwith Pike, where you can explore Honister Mine, home of the Westmorland Green Slate. The organised tour is the easy part; for the fearless members of your family there’s the added thrill of climbing around the mine, following the mining tracks attached to a steel rope, canyoning and evening braving the infinity bridge.
Best for topiary: Levens Hall
Not all the beauty of the Lake District is entirely natural. At Levens Hall you’ll find over ten acres of exquisitely manicured gardens, including the weird and amazing foliage sculptures of the world’s oldest topiary garden. And when you’ve admired every shrub and tree, there’s still the Elizabethan house to explore.
Lake District Beaches
Best for families: Haverigg Beach
A long, sandy beach that’s just fab for families – even those with dogs, as it’s also dog-friendly. The beach is at the mouth of an estuary and boasts beautiful views of the Lake District. When the tide is out, the dogs will relish the space to run and the kids won’t find a better place to fly their kites.
Best for dogs: St Bees
This is a loooooong beach that boasts both sand and pebbles, along with its promenade. It’s dog-friendly all year round and there’s even an RSPB nature reserve on Saint Bees Head.
Best for sunsets: Arnside Beach
Savour the lovely views over Morecambe and into the mountains peacefully at Arnside. The village is best described as ‘sleepy’ and boasts a promenade filled with shops, including a popular fish ‘n’ chips establishment. Just make sure you order them to go and then pick your spot on the beach to admire a spectacular sunset that Arnside Beach is renowned for.
See this
The View from Helvellyn
It’s the third highest mountain in England and offers spectacular views across the Lake District, though it’s perhaps not ideal for the fainthearted. Based on experience, we recommend parking at the car park in Glenridding and then hiking clockwise via Striding Edge to the summit and then back via Swirral Edge.
The World of Beatrix Potter and Hill Top House
You’ve read the books, you’ve seen the films, now visit the home of Beatrix Potter to find out about her life and see for yourself Mr McGregor’s garden, where Peter Rabbit wreaked havoc.
Do this
Visit Dove Cottage and Orchard
After treating the kids to Beatrix Potter, why not enjoy your own literary visit with Dove Cottage & Orchard, home of William Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy. Wordsworth was besotted with Grasmere, and this is where he penned most of his beloved poems.
Wild Swimming
After walking around and sailing/kayaking/rowing on the sixteen pools, tarns and lakes (not to mention the rivers) of the Lake District, there is only one way to truly experience them: swim in them! If you’ve never braved wild swimming before, this is the place to start.
Eat this
Kendal Mint Cake
Produced in Kendal for over 100 years, it’s a must-have item for any serious hill walker and mountain climber, and in 1953 Sir Edmund Hilary packed it for his ascent of Everest. Trust us, it’s pretty much against the law to visit Kendal and not try some!
Grasmere Gingerbread
Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread is a delicious mix of biscuit and cake that she first produced way back in 1854. While you’re sitting by a lake munching on her creation, why not take the opportunity to read about her tragic story? Be warned: you might need a tissue.
Drink this
The Lakes Distillery
Who needs Scotland when Cumbria has this distillery offering tours and tastings of its whisky, gin and vodka? And if you’re an animal lover then you can even meet the resident alpacas – yes, you read that right. The Alpacaly Ever After herd graze on site at the distillery and you can reserve your place to meet them every weekend.
Bluebird Cafe
When the kids are with you and alcohol is off the menu, this is a fab, family-friendly café on the shores of Lake Coniston.
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