The Lake District is one of the most breathtaking regions in the UK, famous for its dramatic fells, peaceful lakes, charming villages and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you're visiting for a weekend escape or planning an extended stay, the area offers something for every traveller — from scenic walks and heritage attractions to fine dining, lake cruises, family days out and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
This comprehensive guide highlights the very best things to do in the Lake District, helping you plan an unforgettable visit to England's most beloved National Park.
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1. Explore the Lakes
The Lake District's iconic waters are at the heart of the National Park. With 16 major lakes (and countless tarns), each has its own character, scenery and activities. Here are the highlights:
Windermere
The largest lake in England is a perfect starting point. Enjoy boat trips, lakeside walks, paddleboarding, kayaking and views across rolling hills.
Bowness-on-Windermere is the main hub, with cafés, restaurants and attractions.
Derwentwater
Known as the "Queen of the Lakes", Derwentwater sits beside Keswick and is surrounded by dramatic mountains such as Catbells and Skiddaw.
Ideal for scenic cruises, rowing boats and peaceful lakeshore strolls.
Ullswater
One of the most beautiful and serene lakes, perfect for wild swimming, sailing and exploring the lakeside villages of Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.
Don't miss the Aira Force waterfall nearby.
Coniston Water
Steeped in history, this lake is famous for Donald Campbell's water-speed records. Take a trip on the Steam Yacht Gondola or walk the Old Man of Coniston.
The western shores offer quiet, peaceful spots away from the crowds.
More Lakes to Explore
Buttermere, Crummock Water & Loweswater — A trio of tranquil lakes in the north-west, known for gentle, picturesque walks and quiet landscapes. Perfect for escaping the busier tourist areas.
2. Walk Some of the UK's Most Beautiful Trails
The Lake District offers walking routes for all ages and abilities, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents. Here's our guide to the best walks:
Easy Family-Friendly Walks
Tarn Hows
A circular, relatively flat walk with postcard-perfect views. Ideal for families and wheelchair users on the main path.
Friars Crag (Keswick)
A short, accessible stroll overlooking Derwentwater with one of the most photographed views in the Lakes.
Rydal Water & Caves
A magical family walk with a dramatic cave to explore — children love the adventure.
Moderate Half-Day Fell Walks
Catbells
The perfect half-day fell walk with panoramic views of Derwentwater and Borrowdale. A Lake District classic.
Helm Crag
A classic ridge walk above Grasmere, known as "The Lion and the Lamb" for its distinctive summit rocks.
Wansfell Pike
A rewarding climb from Ambleside with impressive Windermere views — perfect for an afternoon adventure.
Challenging Bucket-List Fell Walks
Scafell Pike
The highest mountain in England (978m) and a true bucket-list challenge. Allow 6-8 hours for the round trip.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge
One of the most famous and exhilarating ridge walks in the UK. Requires a head for heights.
Great Gable
A rugged and iconic mountain with unforgettable summit views — the spiritual heart of the Lake District.
Walking tip: Always check the weather forecast before setting out, wear appropriate footwear, and carry an OS map. The Lake District weather can change rapidly, even in summer.
3. Enjoy Lake Cruises & Boating
Boat trips are one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the Lake District. Whether you prefer a heritage steamer or a kayak, there's something for everyone:
Windermere Lake Cruises
Round trips, hop-on hop-off services and evening cruises on England's largest lake. Connects Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside.
Derwentwater Launch
Traditional launches stopping at picturesque jetties around the lake — perfect for combining with fell walks.
Ullswater Steamers
Historic boats linking Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. One of the most scenic journeys in the Lakes.
Coniston Gondola
A Victorian steam yacht offering elegant cruises on Coniston Water — a truly unique experience.
Many lakes also offer kayak hire, paddleboards, canoes and small motorboats — perfect for a more active day on the water.
4. Visit Charming Lake District Villages
The Lake District's villages are as much a part of the experience as the fells and lakes. Each has its own character and charm:
Ambleside
A lively town filled with outdoor shops, cafés and access to great walks, including Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. The perfect base for exploring.
Keswick
A vibrant market town on the edge of Derwentwater, home to independent shops, pubs, a lively market and easy access to fells.
Grasmere
Known for its literary heritage, stunning scenery and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. Wordsworth's favourite village.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Perfect for families and first-time visitors, with boat trips, attractions and lakeside dining. The busiest hub in the Lakes.
Hawkshead & Near Sawrey
Beatrix Potter country — peaceful villages ideal for a slower pace. Car-free streets and whitewashed cottages.
Kendal
A gateway town with castle ruins, museums, and the famous Kendal Mint Cake. Great for rainy-day activities.
5. Discover the Region's Waterfalls
Some of the Lake District's most spectacular natural sights are hidden among the woodlands and valleys. These waterfalls are at their best after rainfall:
Aira Force
A dramatic 70-foot waterfall near Ullswater, set in a beautiful National Trust woodland. Stone bridges offer perfect viewpoints.
Stock Ghyll Force
A stunning multi-tiered fall near Ambleside, just a short walk from the town centre through ancient woodland.
Lodore Falls
A beautiful waterfall near Derwentwater, immortalised in Robert Southey's poem. Access via the Lodore Falls Hotel.
Skelwith Force & Colwith Force
Twin waterfalls on a popular riverside walk between Ambleside and Elterwater — combine both for a lovely half-day walk.
Ritson's Force
In Wasdale — quiet and wild, perfect for escaping the crowds. A hidden gem in one of the Lake District's most remote valleys.
6. Explore Literary & Cultural Heritage
The Lake District has inspired some of Britain's greatest writers, artists and thinkers. Walk in their footsteps at these cultural attractions:
Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum
In Grasmere — the former home of William Wordsworth where he wrote some of his greatest poetry.
Hill Top
Beatrix Potter's farmhouse home in Near Sawrey — the setting for many of her famous tales.
Rydal Mount
Home of William Wordsworth in his later years, with beautiful gardens overlooking Rydal Water.
Brantwood
The lakeside home of John Ruskin overlooking Coniston Water — stunning views and fascinating exhibits.
The Armitt Museum
In Ambleside — discover the natural and social history of the Lake District.
Kendal Museum & Abbot Hall Art Gallery
Explore Lakeland history, art and culture in Kendal's excellent museums.
7. Visit Historic Houses & Gardens
The Lake District is home to beautiful historic properties, many with stunning gardens and fascinating stories:
Muncaster Castle
A historic castle with beautiful gardens and a renowned hawk & owl centre. Ghost tours available — reputedly one of Britain's most haunted castles.
Holker Hall
Grand Victorian architecture with extensive award-winning grounds, food hall and seasonal events throughout the year.
Wordsworth House & Garden
The poet's childhood home in Cockermouth — a National Trust property with costumed guides and a beautiful walled garden.
Sizergh Castle
A National Trust gem with a rich 800-year history and beautifully landscaped gardens including a famous rock garden.
8. Family Days Out
The Lake District is full of fun attractions for families with children. Rain or shine, there's always something to do:
World of Beatrix Potter
In Bowness — bring the beloved tales to life with interactive exhibits and a Peter Rabbit garden.
Lakes Aquarium
At Newby Bridge — discover freshwater and marine life with interactive displays and feeding times.
Brockhole on Windermere
Adventure playground, treetop nets, boat hire, mini-golf and stunning lakeside grounds.
South Lakes Safari Zoo
Home to over 1,000 animals from around the world — giraffes, tigers, lemurs and more.
Derwent Pencil Museum
In Keswick — the surprising story of the humble pencil, with hands-on activities for all ages.
Grizedale Forest
Go Ape high ropes, forest trails, mountain biking and sculpture walks through ancient woodland.
9. Explore Forests, Trails & Outdoor Adventures
The Lake District is an outdoor playground for adventure lovers. Beyond walking, there's a world of activities waiting:
Mountain Biking
Whinlatter and Grizedale forests
Rock Climbing
Classic routes in Langdale & Borrowdale
Ghyll Scrambling
Climb waterfalls and mountain streams
Wild Swimming
Rydal Water, Ullswater & Buttermere
Horse Riding
Ullswater and Coniston areas
Stargazing
Wasdale & Ennerdale dark skies
Dark Sky Discovery
Wasdale and Ennerdale have some of the darkest skies in England — perfect for stargazing and astrophotography. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
10. Sample Local Food & Drink
The Lake District is home to award-winning restaurants, gastropubs, bakeries and local producers. From Michelin stars to hearty pub grub, there's something for every palate:
Fine Dining
Michelin-starred dining in Cartmel (home of L'Enclume) and Windermere. The Lake District has become a foodie destination.
Traditional Pubs
Cosy Cumbrian pubs with open fires, local ales and hearty meals. The perfect end to a day on the fells.
Local Produce
Lakes-made cheeses, chutneys, baked goods and artisan chocolates. Visit farm shops selling local meats and seasonal produce.
Famous Treats
Don't miss Grasmere Gingerbread (baked to a secret recipe since 1854) and Kendal Mint Cake — the explorer's favourite.
Foodie tip: Cartmel has become one of the UK's top foodie destinations, home to L'Enclume (multiple Michelin stars) and the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.
11. Enjoy Scenic Drives
Some of the UK's most memorable drives are in the Lake District. These routes offer stunning views — but some require confidence on narrow mountain roads:
Kirkstone Pass
A steep, dramatic road between Ullswater and Windermere — stop at the Kirkstone Pass Inn, one of England's highest pubs.
Honister Pass
Linking Borrowdale and Buttermere with rugged scenery. Visit the slate mine at the summit for Via Ferrata adventures.
Hardknott & Wrynose Passes
The most challenging road in the Lakes, with incredible views and hairpin bends. Not for nervous drivers, but unforgettable.
Driving tip: Hardknott Pass has gradients of 1:3 in places — low gear is essential. These routes are not suitable for caravans or large vehicles.
12. Experience Lake District Wildlife
The National Park is rich in wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot:
Red Squirrels
Quieter woodlands
Herdwick Sheep
Hillsides everywhere
Ospreys
Bassenthwaite Lake
Red Deer
Woodland & fells
Rare Birdlife
Remote valleys
Nature lovers will find endless opportunities for photography and peaceful exploring. Early morning and dusk are the best times for wildlife spotting.
14. Take Part in Seasonal Events
The Lake District has a full annual calendar of events, from traditional Cumbrian gatherings to modern festivals:
Fell-Running Races
Agricultural Shows
Food Festivals
Christmas Markets
Outdoor Theatre
Regattas & Lake Events
Major events include the Keswick Mountain Festival, Kendal Mountain Festival, Grasmere Sports, and various agricultural shows throughout summer.
15. Relax & Unwind
Sometimes the best thing to do in the Lake District is to slow down. The peaceful atmosphere is a large part of what makes the Lakes so special:
"The Lake District has a way of making you slow down and breathe — let it."
🗓️ Plan Your Visit to the Lake District
The Lake District is easy to reach by car, rail or coach, with popular bases including Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick and Grasmere. The area offers everything from luxury hotels and boutique B&Bs to self-catering cottages, lakeside lodges and campsites.
Where to Stay
Hotels, B&Bs, cottages & camping
Getting Here
Car, train, bus & coach options
Best Time to Visit
Beautiful year-round
Whether you're here for adventure, culture, food, relaxation or family fun, the Lake District offers endless possibilities — and every visit feels unique.