The most beautiful region in England: the Lake District
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JULY 2019
There’s 1 word you’ll hear — or say — quite often when visiting the Lake District: wow. Or, it may be ‘bello’ — if you’re with an Italian. The Lake District in the north-west of England is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in the UK. A region of untold natural beauty, it’s a place that makes you want to stop and appreciate your surroundings.
According to Cumbria Tourism, there were 19 million visitors, and 29 million tourist days, to the Lake District in 2017. It’s a number I understand well after traveling here for a long weekend break.
If you’re planning on visiting England, I’d nudge you to add it to your travel itinerary. This part of the country has inspired writers, painters and poets, and for reasons you’ll discover throughout this post.
10 reasons why you’ll want to visit the Lake District
1. There’s a lot of land to see
As its name suggests, the district consisting of lakes, mountains and valleys is huge. Unless you’ve done your research beforehand, it’s something you may not realize. To give you a better understanding of its scale, the Lake District is:
- 583,747 acres or 236,234 hectares
- 58km (36 miles) east to west, and
- 64km (40 miles) north to south.
That said, the best way of seeing as much of the area during your Lake District break is by car. We hired one for our trip from London to the Lake District, and it was a godsend. It gave us the freedom to go where we wanted, and to stay for as long as we chose.
Lake District breaks – a summer evening in the Lake District
2. The star attraction: the lakes
There are 16 lakes in total to visit in the Lake District. Windermere is the largest of them, measuring 14.8 square km. It also holds the title of England’s longest lake at 10.5 miles in length.
Windermere also happens to be the location of where we stayed during our Lake District break. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is a 4-star lakeside boutique hotel, with dreamy views overlooking Windermere.
The next 4 largest lakes in terms of size are:
- Ullswater (8.9 square km)
- Derwentwater (5.5 square km)
- Bassenthwaite Lake (5.3 square km), and
- Coniston Water (4.0 square km).
Of all the 16 lakes, only Bassenthwaite Lake is officially a lake by name. The others are ‘meres’ or ‘waters’. A ‘mere’ is a lake that’s wide in relation to its depth.
The gates at Buttermere in the Lake District
“Visiting the Lake District is like having your own Russian doll set: there’s always something else to explore beneath.”
Map: 10 reasons to visit the Lake District
3. The boat cruises – a break in the Lake District
We took a boat cruise from Ambleside to Bowness and then Lakeside, and I highly recommend it.
Windermere Lake Cruises runs boat services and it’s a wonderfully relaxing way to take in the scenery. They also have different ticket types to suit your party and needs. We took the ‘Freedom of the Lakes’ ticket. It lets you hop off and on between the other stops for 24 hours from the time of purchase.
Pack a picnic for the ride, sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
I should point out that there are only some lakes that operate boat cruises in the Lake District. Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater and Derwentwater run regular steamer, ferry or launch services. The same rule also goes for private powered boats.
Steamer and ferry services have a 10-mph restriction on all these lakes.
Take a boat cruise during your Lake District break
4. The other bodies of water in the Lake District
Alongside the bigger lakes in the national park, there are also other pieces of water called tarns. The word ‘tarn’ comes from the Old Norse word for pool. It refers to a small mountain lake or pool, although there are some tarns that are bigger than the lakes.
There are 13 named tarns in the region. Two of the largest are Overwater Tarn and Blea Tarn. The others are far smaller in size, and as a result, remain nameless.
A break in the Lake District – Red Tarn
5. Marvelous mountains – Lake District breaks
The Lake District is paradise if you like your vacation with a touch of adventure. It’s impossible to miss seeing the rugged skyline with the dramatic peaks of the park’s mountain ranges.
The highest mountain in the Lake District, and in England, is Scafell Pike at 978m (3210ft). It’s also the country’s highest war memorial, dedicated to the soldiers that died in World War 1.
Many visitors arrive at Scafell Pike each year to make the arduous climb to the top. It’s a challenging and steep terrain, and you should only attempt it if you’ve done your research beforehand. This includes:
- Checking weather conditions – wind and rain can affect visibility
- Wearing the right clothing – be prepared for all kinds of climates
- Bringing the right equipment, ie compass, food and water, and
- Wearing the right footwear.
There are rangers at Scafell Pike that work to maintain the fell paths throughout the year. The Lake District Mountain Rescue has more advice on keeping safe in the fells.
Other mountains in the region — in height order —are:
- Scafell: 964m / 3162ft
- Helvellyn: 950m / 3114ft
- Skiddaw: 931m / 3053 ft, and
- Great End: 910m / 2986ft.
Scafell Pike in the Lake District is the highest mountain in England
6. Breaks in the Lake District – visit 2 lakes for the price of 1
While it may be tempting to try and squeeze in all 16 lakes during your visit, I’d advise otherwise. Most of the lakes are quite a distance apart, and there’s nothing enjoyable about speeding from one to the other. Instead, take a leaf out of the slow travel handbook and choose quality over quantity.
Grasmere and Rydal Water
We visited several lakes in 3 days, some places with 2 within a short (20 minutes) walk of the other. Grasmere isn’t just home to the 13th biggest lake in the Lake District, it’s also close to Rydal Water.
Both lakes are surrounded by plenty of woodland, green hills and open spaces. I was enamored the second I laid eyes upon Rydal Water. The lake and its leafy backdrop look as if it’s been lifted straight from a painting.
From Grasmere, you can also make the (relatively easy) climb to Rydal Cave. Along with seeing the cave itself, the views from the top are spectacular, more so on a bright sunny day.
Grasmere Lake is a must-see during your break in the Lake District
Lake District break – Buttermere and Crummock Water
There aren’t enough adjectives in the English language to describe the beauty of Buttermere. It’s the 12th largest of the lakes and was my favorite from the ones we visited.
The drive to reach Buttermere can be challenging in parts, but it’s insanely beautiful. A winding road with deep green valleys on either side, you’ll need to pinch yourself to check that it’s real.
Whether you decide to walk, hike or relax around Buttermere, don’t leave it off your Lake District break itinerary.
Crummock Water is about a 15-minute trek from Buttermere, give or take the route you follow. It’s bigger than its neighboring lake at 2.5 square km, but for me, not as appealing.
However, while you’re here, it’s worth seeing. The surrounding land is an awesome sight and with hardly many people around.
Nature at its finest – Buttermere Lake in the Lake District
7. Check out a listed building in the Lake District
Though many people come to the Lake District to enjoy the outdoors, there are also other notable sights to see. Take the 1779 listed buildings and structures. These are buildings or structures that have a special architectural or historic interest. I won’t attempt to list them all, but you may be interested in visiting a few when in the area.
Grade I listed buildings in the Lake District
Borran’s Field is a Grade I listed site, which dates back to the 1st century. Grade I listed buildings are those of exceptional national interest. There are 2 Roman forts here, consisting of the ruins of the building and a defense ditch.
Another Grade I listed building in the Lake District is St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere. The church was built in the 14th century in roughcast stone. It has a slate roof, a double nave and a memorial inside to English poet William Wordsworth.
Grade I listed Roman Fort in Ambleside ©Simon Burchell
Lake District Grade II listed buildings
The Travellers Rest is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 16th century. It was once used as a coaching inn, providing a resting point for people and their horses. Like the church, it’s also built in roughcast stone and has a slate roof. Today, it’s an inn and a pub, meaning you can sleep, eat and drink in a historic building.
The bank barn in Townend was built in the 17th century and is also a Grade II listed building. It had several uses, including housing cattle, dog kennels and a small carriage.
It’s one of the few remaining bank barns in the Lake District, and is still in use today.
A break in the Lake District – Grade II listed Townend Bank Barn ©Mike Peel
8. The forests within the national park – Lake District breaks
Visiting the Lake District is like having your own Russian doll set: there’s always something else to explore beneath.
Along with boasting around 28,500 hectares of woodland, there are also some magnificent forests in the Lake District National Park.
Whinlatter Forest Park
Whinlatter Forest Park is near Keswick in the north lakes. It’s the only mountain forest in England, with views overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and the town of Keswick.
There’s a wide range of activities to do at Whinlatter, such as walking, mountain biking or wildlife spotting. The park has 9 walking trails, 3 cycling trails, play areas for the kids and a picnic and barbecue area.
One activity that caught my eye here is the Nordic Walking. It’s a suitable walk for all ages and fitness levels, and lets you enjoy the best of the outdoors.
Grizedale Forest
At the southside of the lakes, in between Windermere and Coniston is Grizedale Forest. Similar to Whinlatter, there are 10 walking trails, 9 cycling trails, Nordic Walking and a Forest Segway.
Where it differs is that Grizedale Forest has several wooden sculptures around the park. They also have some fun — and educational — activities for children like the Zog Activity Trail and the Forest Classroom.
The colors of Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District ©Roger Ward
9. Its photogenic coastlines – breaks in the Lake District
You may think that it’s just a mass of green in the Lake District but you’d be wrong. The National Park includes 26 miles of coastline and estuaries, with some hauntingly beautiful places to visit.
St Bees Head is to the west of the Lake District, and quite a drive depending on your starting point. Visitors come here to make the climb to the clifftop nature reserve, which is a nesting site for seabirds. What’s more, St Bees Head has spectacular views of the Irish Sea, which will rack up the likes on Instagram.
To the south, and just outside the border of the national park, is Grange-over-Sands. It’s a small town located on the north side of Morecambe Bay with a long coastline and a sandy stretch of beach. Talk a walk along the promenade on a dusky summer’s evening and indulge in the views of the setting sun.
A trip to the Lake District – St Bees Head
10. Lake District breaks – the inspiration for English literary greats
It’s easy to see why so many English writers and poets were inspired by the landscape of the Lake District.
Beatrix Potter
The revival of Peter Rabbit and friends has brought a renewed popularity to the author behind the books. Beatrix Potter took inspiration for many of her books from her immediate home and surroundings. Her house at Hill Top is a present-day tribute, with each room containing a reference to one of her tales.
It’s possible to visit Hill Top, but there’s a timed system given its size and the number of visitors. They advise booking tickets in advance as they do sell out.
Other notable places of interest for die-hard Beatrix Potter fans include The World of Beatrix Potter and the Beatrix Potter trail. The former is in Bowness-on-Windermere and is mightily popular for all ages, with tickets going fast.
The trail at Brockhole takes you on an adventure of the lake-shore places and wildlife that inspired Beatrix Potter. In fact, she even named one of her characters, Mr Brock the badger, after the town’s name.
William Wordsworth
Born in a town north of the Lake District, William Wordsworth was a much-loved English poet. He wrote some of his best pieces inspired by his environment he knew, and loved, best. His most famous poem is Daffodils, a piece that captures the nature, beauty and solitude of the region.
He also published a ‘Guide through the District of the Lakes’ in 1820. It was the first publication of its kind, leading to the first influx of tourists to visit.
You can visit Wordsworth’s last family home at Rydal Mount. It’s where he wrote many of his famous poems and gives insight into his life and career.
Visit the family home of William Wordsworth in Rydal Mount on your break in the Lake District
The weather: what to expect in the Lake District
Often than not, it tends to be quite wet in the Lake District. In an extreme case, heavy rainfall in November 2009 resulted in Lake Windermere rising by 157cm.
Average temperatures in July range from a minimum of 11.8°C (53.24F) to a maximum of 19.9°C (67.82F). Come January, you can expect maximum temperatures of 6.8°C (44.24F) and a minimum of 1°C (33.8F). In truth, I’m not a huge fan of the cold weather, but the snowy landscape is pretty magical.
We traveled to the Lake District in June and were very lucky with the weather. It was mild and humid for the most part, and it didn’t rain once. That said, I’d recommend visiting during the same time if you prefer similar temperatures.
However, given the unpredictability of the English weather, I’d also suggest to be prepared for any weather change.
Admiring the view at Derwentwater in the Lake District
A destination to remember
The Lake District is one destination that deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list. It’s not just for nature lovers or hikers; it’s a place where everyone’s welcome, and can discover, learn and grow. And after all, this is the true beauty of why we travel.
Have you fallen in love with the Lake District after reading this post? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Till next time, happy boutique travels x
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Lisa Rivera
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Welcome to my site! I'm Lisa, founder of Following the Rivera. I write primarily for a ‘flashpacker’ audience; a demographic (late 20s onwards) that enjoys glamping over camping, staying at boutique/luxury boutique hotels, sampling the local food and wine, cultural activities, and indulging in a spot of wellness on their travels. Read more here…
You’ve made me want to visit the Lakes District! I imagine it would be so relaxing driving through all those rolling hills and seeing the beautiful lakes. I would definitely want to take a boat cruise as well. I didn’t realize the Lakes District also had such pretty coastlines. Truly, nature at its finest.
It’s so beautiful here, and I can’t stress how much I want others to see it too!
What an incredible place. Your pictures look like paintings. I would love to visit here one day. You’ve captured the best of nature. Thank you for sharing. On my bucket list
Great to read Kristina! Hope you get to visit one day.
I can understand why the painters, writers and poet love Lake District. The place looks like a picture postcard, the ones which we look at and keep on admiring. Lakes, mountains, forests and historic buildings, Lake district seem to have all. You have captured the beauty of the place so well in your pictures. Another reason to make a trip to England!
Thank you so much! It’s really an incredible area and one I hope others will visit one day.
I sure have fallen in love with Lake District. More so for its variety of water bodies. Never heard of Tarns till now. Was quite fascinated with your descriptions of the same. The pristine mirror like surface of these lakes is just stunning. Reminds me of the lakes I saw in Ladakh.
I love these reflections too, the lakes are somewhere I could easily spend a good few hours…
The Lake district is so far from us and so hard to get to when we only get a couple of days away from our own holiday bisiness, but one day I would love to spend some time there. The scenery looks so stunning.
It’s spectacular Fiona! I hope you get to visit with the family one day soon x
I live in the U.K. but have never visited the Lake District. It has such beautiful scenery and I liked the fact that you were able to enjoy from a lake on a boat too. Your post has made me seriously consider planning a trip to the Lake District.
Then you really must visit! It’s such a beautiful part of the country 🙂
I absolutely love that you included a map. It just makes navigation around the area so much easier! And indeed, it looks like a super beautiful lake (and area) to visit. Would love to come here one day and explore all these cool things to do!
You really must Sarah, the Lake District is totally stunning!
Wow! Indeed its a gorgeous creation of Mother Nature! Unfortunately I missed Lake District when I was in England. I concentrated much of Southern England and saw very few places in the north. Too bad. Hope I’ll get some more time again in future in England or Scotland, so I see these places too.
Boat cruise and the ‘Freedom of the lake’ concept is interesting. Good to know its managed by National Trust. The history buff in me is loving the Roman Fort ruins!
You’d really love the Roman ruins then! The area in general is just beautiful and really worth seeing once in your lifetime!
There are some beautiful views in Lake District. I was just telling a friend how much I’d love to visit someday.
It’s an incredible region to explore!
You are so right, the Lake District is absolutely stunning and it seems you were in luck with the weather also. I can see why this gorgeous region was an inspiration for Beatrix Potter. I’m not acquainted with William Wordsworth’s poem “The Daffodils,” but you made me curious about it.
It’s such a wonderful poem that captures the essence of nature and solitude of the Lake District, look it up!
wow- this is such a stunning destination. I have to add this to my bucket list. There are so many gorgeous spots to venture and discover.
It really is! I loved every second of our time here
Looks like a beautiful place. I need to visit one day.
You must, it’s truly a remarkable place!
We were just in the Lake District and have an Instagram Guide up! It’s one of our favorite places and the first place we traveled together. Great post!
Thank you! It’s such a special place in England; I’d love others to visit too
This is a nice place for the weekend escape. I believe there are not so many tourists yet. The cruise is something for my kid as well.
There are plenty of tourists that visit, they’re just not crowded in one place 😉
Lakes and boats! I don’t really need more. Even only boats are enough to me. the scenery is so idyllic, so peaceful I am absolutely in love!
It’s such a beautiful place, I urge you to visit one day 😀
Wow! Lake District is such a beautiful place. It looks so serene and a great place to relax and think. I’m adding this to my bucket list of places to visit.
Perfect! That makes me happy to read 🙂
If there are 16 lakes then there surely must be something to do at any given time. I think the lake district sounds amazing. we love to be outdoors.
Then you’ll adore visiting here!
I have been to LD once and remember it was beautiful. Hope to visit again with my husband
That’s great to read, you must take him next time!
I’ve fallen in love with it through pictures! Looks like a wonderful place to visit.
The Lake District is that kind of place!
Some fabulous reasons here on why we should go visit Lake District, but The Travellers Rest sounds like a fabulous reason as I love old buildings and this is Grade II listed
It’s a wonderful place to visit, with tons of historic places too!
I have never been to this place but it looks so beautiful, just perfect to relax and refresh. Thanks for showing me another great place to add to my bucket list.
You’re welcome, I hope you visit one day soon.
I have many stories about the gorgeous place by my UK friends . I shall definitely make it a point to visit this place once I am in Uk . Of many stories i heard about Lake district, your post does makes every story come true that it is indeed quite a serene place i’d love to visit during my UK visit . I love the pictures that you posted too. Well read post.
Thanks so much for your comments, they’re much appreciated!
This truly is beautiful and doesn’t look like the England I have visited at all. As coming from dry California, I love the green, since our hills are all yellow and dried. Also the home of William Wordsworth seems like an interesting place to visit. Very country-like.
Thanks Paula, the landscape is really pretty and so green too. I hope you visit the next time you’re back!
I keep saying that I want to visit the Lake District but so far I failed to booking anything up there. The entire area looks so beautiful and serene. I enjoy hiking a lot so walking on those trails would be so fantastic for me.
You really must visit! If you’re in the country, it’d be a shame not to visit 🙂
Everything that you have mentioned would make this a destination for me. The lakes, the mountains, boat trips and forests – I love this! Thanks for convincing me that I will have to make a trip here one day.
You’re welcome Nicole! It’s truly a wonderful area and I urge you to see it one day 🙂
I can probably think of a few more reasons to visit but all these make a great argument too. I also visited the Lake District recently and I was awed by it. The English countryside is simply mesmerizing!
I agree with you 100% Daniel, it’s a spectacular place!
Next time I visit the UK, I’m going to make sure I visit the Lake District! Taking a boat cruise sounds like a really fun way to take in the beauty.
It’s really wonderful, I hope you visit one day!
Wow, what a beautiful area! The lakes look so pristine and relaxing. This seems like a great spot to reflect a bit and soak it all in.
The Lake District is magical!
Lake district is such a stunning destination. I totally agree with the quote you shared that “Visiting the Lake District is like having your own Russian doll set: there’s always something else to explore beneath.” I wish I too had visited it during summers like you did. I visited it in winters when it was covered in a thick layer of snow.
I’m sure it was so pretty under all that snow too! Glad you liked my phrase lol!
Wow, that’s a pretty comprehensive post on Lake District. I would like to visit Bassenthwaite Lake. That said, the other unnamed lakes must also be worth a visit, I am sure! It’s good that you alerted about lakes being far apart from each other. Covering 16 lakes in a short time is surely a bad idea. I would love to climb to Rydal Cave. It is my kind of thing!
It’s so doable even for someone as amateur as me! But the views from the top are totally worth it!
I have a new fascination for lakes and have heard about the Lake District. Its amazing to learn there are 16 lakes here! Good tip to explore it with the car. I can completely believe that a lot of the great writers get inspiration here. My next visit will include this district especially when I am in need of a break in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Thanks for the lovely photos!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you’re tempted to visit now! We loved it so much, and I know others will too!
I was wondering where I have read about the Lake District and now I realise, probably because William Wordsworth was born there. I am a literature student and read Wordsworth ‘s poetry quite a bit in my younger years. The place looks gorgeous, what can get better than 16 lakes (and yeah, I love your advice about not attempting to cover all 16, to choose quality over quantity), forests and mountains, all in one place? Taking a road trip here would be a dream!
It really is Medha!! And as a literature student, you must come and see the place that inspired Wordsworth!
I have been to England so many times yet I have never heard of this place! I mostly stay at cities and metropoles whenever I’m in the UK but would love to explore more of their countryside and natural wonders. Bassenthwaite Lake looks so serene and I think I really need to consider my future itineraries when coming to England, maybe reserve a few days for some hiking and join a boat cruise 😉
That sounds like a perfect itinerary! I’m glad I introduced you to the Lake District!
The boat cruise sounds like fun. I love England but have only been to the main cities so far. Lakes District sounds like a place for me to visit next time!
You must! It’s truly a beautiful part of England
When we were in England for a month we just ran out of time and thus never made it over to the Lakes District. But there is so much to see and do there, we definitely would love to return and explore. Obviously, we would love cruising on a steamer or hiking to one of the Tarns but Darcee would absolutely love exploring the literary history found there too. As for me, I probably would love to just go backpacking for a week or so across the mountains and other lakes during a warm month!
Both sound like excellent ideas Eric! It’s truly a part of England you must see, the magic’s right there!
I’ve always appreciated how thorough your posts are. This really gives me what I need to tackle this region if I get the chance to go there. Thanks!
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback!