Lake District National Park — Attraction in Great Britain

The Lake District National Park is a breathtaking destination that truly embodies the best of the British countryside. With its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, it's no wonder this area is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Lake District has something to offer everyone. Here's a guide to making the most of your visit, along with some tips on what to avoid, and what to bring.

What to Do: Hiking and Walking: The Lake District is renowned for its trails, ranging from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes. Must-do hikes include Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak), Helvelly (with its thrilling Striding Edge), and the more moderate Catbells for panoramic views without too much difficulty. For something less strenuous, the Buttermere Circular and Tarn Hows walks offer spectacular scenery with relatively easy terrain.

Exploring the Lakes: Take a boat cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, or explore the quieter Derwentwater near Keswick. Renting a rowboat or a kayak is another great way to enjoy the water and see the lakes from a different perspective. Coniston Water is another gem, especially for fans of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.

Visit Historic Sites and Villages: Grasmere is a picturesque village famous for its connection to poet William Wordsworth. Visit his home, Dove Cottage, and try the legendary Grasmere gingerbread. Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top is a must for fans of her beloved stories. The house is preserved as it was during her lifetime. Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick is an ancient site with dramatic mountain views, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Adventure Activities: The Lake District is a playground for adventure lovers. Try rock climbing, gorge scrambling, or mountain biking in areas like Whinlatter Forest Park or the Langdale Valley. For a more leisurely pace, consider horseback riding or taking part in a photography tour to capture the stunning landscapes.

Recommendations: Stay Overnight: To fully appreciate the area, consider staying overnight in one of the many quaint bed and breakfasts, inns, or campsites. Popular base towns include Ambleside, Keswick, and Windermere. Plan Ahead: The Lake District can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and school holidays). Book accommodations and any guided tours or special activities in advance. Go Early or Late: To avoid the crowds at popular spots like Scafell Pike or Windermere, aim to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

What to Bring: Weather-Appropriate Clothing: The Lake District’s weather can be unpredictable. Bring waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and layers to stay warm and dry. Navigation Tools: A good map, compass, or GPS device is essential if you're planning to hike, especially on the more challenging trails where fog and mist can make navigation difficult. Snacks and Water: While there are plenty of cafes, having snacks and water on hand is essential, especially if you’re out hiking all day. Camera: The Lake District is incredibly photogenic, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery.

Final Thoughts: The Lake District National Park is a magical place that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you're here to hike the fells, sail on the lakes, or simply soak in the beauty of the landscape, you're sure to leave with unforgettable memories. Just be prepared, plan ahead, and take the time to explore some of the lesser-known gems to truly appreciate all this incredible area...

We stayed at the CAMC Borrowdale for a second time, having visited for the first time in May during glorious sunny weather. This time (September) the forecast was for heavy showers so we necessarily avoided the tops and stuck to the wonderful valley of Borrowdale, south of the lake, described by Wainwright as the finest square mile in the Lake District. Can't disagree with that. Dodging the showers we explored Grange, the various hotels on the south-east side of Derwent Water and a got in quick trip to the top of Castle Crag - a mere 999-foot sometimes steep climb minus the 180' or so above sea level at the river. The magnificent views over Borrowdale and Derwent Water repaid every slippery step. The campsite itself, which I believe to be one of the organisation's older sites, has few facilities - no loos, no showers, just lovely secluded pitches for caravans and mobile homes amidst the lanky coniferous & deciduous trees of its National Trust woodland setting, with gently undulating tracks and a path straight out to lakeside. The staff here are very friendly and helpful and there's an excellent, well-stocked information shed next to the admin building. One caveat - if you're parked under pine trees don't leave your awning out on windy nights, it'll be chocka with needles if you do, and be prepared for a roof full of pine needles - they'll mostly blow away on the drive home (and it's worth the hassle, believe me). The western side is best for walking into Keswick because the path is not close/next to the road as it is on the eastern side. An added bonus is that if you tire you can always hop on a ferry from one of the three jetties along that side of the lake. The path follows a mostly flat route in woodland, no strenuous climbs but it is just under five miles into Keswick, so be warned; it takes a while. Locally you can hail a small bus from exit to the campsite (77a – anticlockwise short route, 77c – clockwise longer route - clever eh?) depending on whether you wish to do the picturesque circular route to Keswick or the quick trip - and if you're old like me you can even use your free bus pass! The short trip into Keswick gives fabulous lake views as it winds along a single-track road with sometimes precipitous drops to the right-hand side. As I remarked to our lovely lady driver when we alighted on wobbly legs at Keswick Bus Station: "That saves another trip to the theme park." :) There's also a more frequent service which runs on the opposite side of the lake, a 25-minute boardwalk across the marshes to Borrowdale Hotel - the 78 is an open-topped double-decker and, believe me, the upstairs front seats present a hair-raising ride on a blustery, rainy day. All fares are very reasonable and with a top-class service right across Lakeland you can happily leave your wheels at the campsite for the duration of your stay. Finally, I must not forget the Lake Cruisers which, again for a very reasonable fee, bookable with discounts at the campsite office, features a clutch of lovely early 20th century wooden-built ferries – each just enough for about 30 people undercover on a bad weather day and double that in good weather. These boats circle the lake in both directions, stopping off at a number of jetties and centred in Keswick. It's possible to buy a day ticket and jump on and off to your heart's content. This area has become one of the favourites of our many trips away in Britain and if you can get yourself to the top of Cat Bells on a cloudless day you'll never forget it. But keep it to...

Visiting here was such a refreshing and enjoyable experience, and I can honestly say it’s one of the nicest parks I’ve been to. The park is beautifully maintained, with wide open green spaces, tidy walking paths, and a wonderful mix of trees, flowers, and landscaped areas. It’s the kind of place that feels inviting the moment you arrive, whether you want to go for a relaxing walk, spend time with family, or just sit and enjoy the fresh air.

One of the things I loved most is how versatile the park is. There are quiet areas where you can sit on a bench and read a book, as well as lively sections with playgrounds and activity zones that are perfect for kids. The children’s play area is well designed, safe, and full of equipment to keep little ones entertained for hours. For those who enjoy being active, the park has plenty of space for jogging, cycling, or even just a peaceful stroll.

I was also impressed with how clean everything was. The grass is well-kept, the bins are emptied regularly, and the facilities are clearly looked after. There are plenty of picnic spots too, making it ideal for spending a sunny day with family or friends. On weekends, you often see families having picnics, children playing, and people walking their dogs—it creates such a warm, community feel.

Another highlight is the natural beauty of the park. The variety of trees and seasonal flowers add so much color and life throughout the year. It’s also a great place for photography, especially around sunset when the light hits the landscape perfectly.

Overall, here is more than just a park—it’s a peaceful escape from the busyness of daily life. It’s safe, welcoming, and offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for exercise, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones, this park has it all. I highly recommend visiting and will definitely be...