A visit to the Lake District in England will reward you with sights of grand mountains, charming villages, and scenic lakes. The region became an official national park in 1951, but it was a popular destination for adventure and relaxation long before then.
One of Nordic Visitor’s team members, Chris, visits this idyllic region regularly. Originally from Germany, now based in Edinburgh, he considers the Lake District his favourite part of England. We sat down with him to hear his insider tips for visiting this enchanting area.
Read on to learn all about the top things to see and do in the Lake District. You’ll discover some of the picturesque towns, gentle waterways and historic sites that make this park so beloved. Plus, Chris has some expert local advice for your visit.
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What is the Lake District?
The Lake District is England’s largest national park, and arguably its most famous. You’ll find it in the country’s northwest, close to the Scottish border. Its breathtaking nature and artistic history make it a must-visit destination on your tour around the UK.
As you approach the park, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more dramatic. The towering mountains, rolling hills, and deep lakes were formed over millennia by glaciers and geological events. In 2017, UNESCO gave the park World Heritage status, recognising its immense natural beauty.
In fact, the region’s scenery has been inspiring travellers, photographers, artists and writers for hundreds of years. In the 18th century, railway lines were built throughout the park, and visitors from all across the UK started to visit regularly.
Although known for its many twisting, winding little roads, the Lake District is still a fairly compact area. You can easily explore it from 1 or 2 base towns.
Visit today, and explore the same charming towns and villages people from the 18th and 19th centuries would have stayed in. Picturesque settlements like Ambleside, Keswick and Grasmere have stood unchanged for centuries, giving them a delightful old-world atmosphere.
Many of these villages were built on the shores of lakes, and often share their names with their local waterway. For example, England’s largest lake, Windermere, gives its name to the nearby villages of Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere.
While you’re here, you’ll see ancient castles, historic railways, and picturesque little towns. Spend time in the quirky shops and cafés, and enjoy a tipple at the Lakes Distillery or a local brewery. Steamboats still operate here, cruising visitors across beautiful lake waters.
Surrounding the sparkling lakes and cobblestone villages of the Lake District are some of England’s highest mountains. The tallest peak in the country is here – Scafell Pike, which stands above Wastwater, England’s deepest lake.
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What time of year should you visit the Lake District?
When you’re planning your trip to the English Lake District, what you see and do might change depending on the time of year you visit.
Summer
English summers can be unpredictable, but there’s usually plenty of sunshine. Visit in June, July or August and you’ll be rewarded with green leaves, lush hillsides and blooming flowers. Sparkling lakes will tempt you to take a dip – but don’t expect the water to be warm!
The Lake District has plenty to tempt travellers all year round! The summer is when the weather tends to be driest and sunniest. In this season, the trees and fields turn shades of beautiful fresh greens and you can find endless purple carpets of bluebells in the woods.
The mild weather and long days at this time of year make summer perfect for exploring at your leisure. You can indulge in afternoon tea or classic pub lunch, sitting al fresco by a lakeside. Grab an ice cream by the water, or stroll along one of the winding trails in the hills.
- Enjoy an idyllic English summer on a guided small group tour of the UK
Spring and autumn
Spring and autumn are “shoulder seasons” in the Lake District. Travel at this time of year and you can enjoy the region’s charms with fewer visitors around. In spring, wildflower meadows bloom with vibrant colours, and you can see cute lambs and calves in the fields.
The poet William Wordsworth once lived in the Lake District, and his poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud was inspired by the region’s vivid springtime scenery. If you visit in April or May, you too can witness golden daffodils growing beside gentle lakes.
Autumn is such a beautiful time of year. The trees burst into stunning shades of red, orange, and gold, making everything look so vibrant. And there's this feeling in the air that makes you want to sip hot chocolate in a cosy local café.
Top things to do in the Lake District
Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, historical sites or endearing villages, you’ll find plenty of options to tempt you. And, if you’re travelling with kids, you’ll be happy to hear that most of the activities in the Lake District are family-friendly.
1. Go hiking
The majestic scenery makes the region a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. So why not set off on a hike to take it all in? Some routes are gentle, like the walk to Friars Crag above Derwentwater, while some are more challenging, like summiting Scafell Pike.
A good place to start would be the town of Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater. From here, you can enjoy a walk to Friars Crag, with beautiful views across the lake to the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, you can hop on a cruise across the lake, or even hire your own boat.
2. Have fun on the water
From Brockhole Visitor Centre, which is run by the Lake District National Park Authority, you can rent sailboats, kayaks or paddleboards. Picture yourself gliding across Windermere surrounded by towering peaks. You’ll soon see how this valley inspired Taylor Swift to write her song The Lakes.
One of my favourite spots is Wasdale Head, a tiny hamlet beneath Scafell Pike. The road ends here, and there are many great walks to enjoy. But even just driving along the shores of Wastwater lake is worth the journey.
As well as Derwentwater, Windermere, and Wastwater, there are other beautiful lakes you won’t want to miss, like Bassenthwaite and Buttermere. And close to Ullswater, England’s second-largest lake, you’ll find the thundering Aira Force waterfall in a scenic gorge.
3. Uncover literary heritage
If you’re interested in literature and culture, you’ll find plenty of things to do in the Lake District. Many famous authors, poets and musicians have drawn inspiration from this area, and you can visit their old homes and favourite haunts.
I would recommend visiting the tiny village of Hawkshead to see its cobbled streets, inviting archways and whitewashed houses. You can also visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery, to see original prints of her famous character Peter Rabbit, as well as Hill Top, her 17th-century farmhouse.
Beatrix Potter’s family spent time in the Lake District when she was young, often staying in Wray Castle. This is where she discovered her love for nature. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter Gallery and Wray Castle are all maintained by the National Trust.
Poetry lovers will enjoy seeing Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth wrote his most enduring works. Later, the Wordsworth family moved to Rydal Mount, which you can also visit. And don’t miss Brantwood, an 18th-century house above Coniston Water that is now a museum dedicated to the writer John Ruskin.
4. Delve into local history
Close to Keswick, at the head of Derwentwater, don’t miss a visit to the Neolithic Castlerigg stone circle. Though not as famous as Stonehenge, Castlerigg might be even more atmospheric.
And if you’d like to see some classic English theatre, book tickets to a show at the Theatre by the Lake. You’ll find the venue on the shores of the Derwentwater. They showcase new plays as well as old ones, so you’re sure to find an event to your liking.
5. Soak up old-world charm in towns and villages
The Lake District is dotted with picture-perfect settlements. Whichever towns or villages you decide to visit, you’re sure to find something special to see or do in each one. That said, we asked Chris for his top recommendation to help narrow down your list.
Buttermere is my favourite village. It is tiny – really just a handful of pretty houses and a church. It feels quieter than the rest of the Lake District and is like stepping back in time.
You’ll find the charming settlement of Buttermere close to Keswick. With little more than 100 permanent residents, it’s a quiet haven on the shores of Buttermere lake. The nearby dairy pastures are what gave the village and lake their name.
To get there, drive over the scenic Honister Pass, which descends towards Buttermere lake. There are great views all along this route. Don’t forget to check out the little farm shop and café in the village selling homemade cakes and delicious local ice cream.
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Tips for discovering the Lake District
The Lake District offers remote and unspoilt landscapes while also having great infrastructure, meaning you can explore the top sights with ease. That being said, we asked Chris if he had any advice to help make your trip as smooth as possible.
There are many narrow, winding roads throughout the Lake District, which sometimes climb steep hills. They are extremely scenic, but be mindful of oncoming traffic. It’s best to drive slowly and keep an eye out for passing places. You’ll need to pull into these if you meet another car on a narrow stretch.
- Get more advice about driving in the UK
Although most shops and attractions in the UK accept card payments, Chris recommends bringing some cash just in case. Some car parks in the Lake District don’t accept cards, and some small, local shops prefer cash.
Another top tip for visiting the Lake District is to pack for all kinds of weather.
As in other parts of the UK, the weather can change quickly. The Lake District does get beautiful sunny days, but showers are never far away, so it’s always best to have a raincoat handy.
But on the plus side, the locals say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.”
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Explore the Lake District with Nordic Visitor
With these top tips and recommendations from Chris, it’s time to whisk yourself away on a journey through England’s most famous national park. You could spend spring, summer or autumn discovering the region’s beauty, history and culture for yourself.
Choose a Nordic Visitor UK tour and a local expert like Chris will plan your itinerary and set you up with travel guides full of insider knowledge. Your package will include accommodation, daily breakfast, local transport and more. Plus, if you need support during your trip, just call our 24/7 helpline.
You could explore the spellbinding scenery of the Lake District on a self-drive tour. Or, let a knowledgeable guide lead the way on a small group trip. Browse our England tour packages to find your dream itinerary.
However you choose to see the sights, we’ve got the perfect trip for you. Contact us today and our local travel experts will start planning your UK getaway.
