10 Best Things to Do in the Lake District
What is the Lake District Famous For?
The Lake District is one of England’s most mountainous regions, and home to the nation’s tallest peak and largest lake. In addition to its 16 lakes, the region is covered in stunning greenery over summer, but it’s also beautiful throughout the year.
Visit in autumn to see dazzling colors of red and yellow, or plan a vacation for the winter months, when the mountains of Lake District are blanketed with snow. There are also plenty of historical tours, stunning vista views, museums, unique shopping experiences, and stargazing opportunities, making the Lake District a prominent tourist hotspot in England.
What are the best things to do in the Lake District?
1. Ravenglass
The district’s only coastal town
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Ravenglass is a pretty village that lies on the Lake District coast, home to maritime museums, a natural harbor, and a Roman bathhouse. The nearby 13th-century Muncaster Castle is an excellent attraction to explore thanks to its stunning gardens and rich history. One of Ravenglass’s most popular tourist attractions is its railway tours, which run 7 miles from Ravenglass to Eskdale. During your trip on a miniature heritage steam train, you’ll see scenic hills, an estuary, and the spectacular Scafell range, England’s highest mountains.
Ravenglass
2. Lake Windermere
England’s largest natural lake
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Lake Windermere covers an area of nearly 6 square miles, making it the largest natural body of water in the nation. You can view the lake from dozens of hilltop and waterfront bars, cafés, and restaurants, or you can traverse its many trails by foot, bicycle and even Segway. The best sights are from the lake itself, which you can enjoy by renting a row or self-drive boat. Boat rentals are available in Waterhead, Low Wood, Brockhole, and Bowness. If you enjoy fishing, there are tours offering the chance to catch native fish, like salmon, perch, and arctic charr. You can take the entire family on a 1-hour sailing trip and first-time sailors will receive adequate safety training.
Lake Windermere
3. Castlerigg Stone Circle
This ancient stone circle predates Stonehenge
Good for: History, Photo, Budget, Unusual
The Castlerigg Stone Circle is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Neolithic period. This unique landmark is about 1.6 miles east of Keswick, a historic market town between the Skiddaw Mountain and Derwentwater Lake. Archaeologists believe the circle was built as part of a megalithic tradition around 3,200 BC, making it one of the oldest stone circles in Britain and possibly Europe.
From this ancient monument, you can relish sights of some of the Lake District’s highest peaks. It’s about a 35-minute walk to the site from the town of Keswick. Because the Castlerigg Stone Circle has a solar alignment, the best time to visit is during the summer solstice.
Location: Castle Ln, Underskiddaw, Keswick CA12 4RN, UK
Castlerigg Stone Circle
4. Beatrix Potter’s home
The farmhouse that inspired many a novel
Good for: Families, History
The Lake District has provided a home to many famous poets, authors and novelists and one of the most notable was Beatrix Potter, the world-renowned author of children’s classics including The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Potter once lived in the village of Near Sawrey in a 17th-century farmhouse, which is open for public tours thanks to the late author’s own will. Most of the interior remains unchanged since the author’s residency.You can get to the Hill Top farmhouse by car, but the most fun way to get there is to take a ferry across Windermere and then traverse the scenic 2-mile trail that leads to this iconic landmark.
Location: Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1539 436 269
Beatrix Potter’s home
5. Scafell Pike
The highest point in England
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Scafell Pike stands at 978 meters, making it the highest peak in England. There’s no denying that climbing the mountain is physically enduring, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Lake District when you reach the summit. Trails to the top of the mountain start from Langdale, Borrowdale and Eskdale, but the easiest way to ascend the Pike is to begin at Wasdale.
Expect to hike for up to 4 hours to reach the top of Scafell Pike from Wasdale, during which you’ll cover over 5.5 miles of spectacular scenery. Remember to check the weather forecast and wear appropriate gear (especially footwear) before embarking on this daring but gratifying journey.
Location: Scafell Pike, Lake District National Park, UK
Scafell Pike
6. Exhilarating hiking trails
Stunning scenery to take in
Good for: Budget, Adventure
The Lake District’s breathtaking landscape is what first made the area famous and there’s an abundance of national parks with well-marked hiking trails, so lace up your boots and get out into the fresh air. Families love the beginner-friendly Catbells with its panoramic vistas of Derwentwater while the Rydal Water hike is slightly more challenging but no less beautiful. For a true test of stamina, embark on the strenuous yet picturesque Fairfield Horseshoe. Wherever you go, remember to take a map, plenty of water, and a camera to capture those amazing views. Read more
7. Low Gillerthwaite Field Center
The area’s best place for stargazing
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Low Gillerthwaite field offers spectacular views of the Milky Way on a clear night thanks to having a very low level of light pollution. Said to be the least inhabited valley in England, it’s one of the country’s few places that has been officially named a Dark Sky Discovery Site, and the local tourist center offers telescope tours and stargazing events. We recommend checking the evening weather forecast before booking a trip to the Low Gillerthwaite Field Center as overcast skies will spoil your view of the stars. All profits generated by the Low Gillerthwaite Field Center are donated to charity. Opening times can vary depending on the weather and season, so call in advance before visiting the center.
Location: Ennerdale, Cleator, CA23 3AX, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1946 861229
Low Gillerthwaite Field Center
8. Farmers’ markets
A treasure trove of local produce and souvenirs
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
Keswick Market is one of the best places to soak up the local culture and stock up on arts and crafts, tasty bites, and local produce. This award-winning outdoor market is open twice a week and has been running since 1276. In almost every village in the Lake District, you’ll find one of these traditional markets, making them the ideal place to purchase picnic ingredients or find a quirky souvenir. Other notable weekly markets include Kendal’s monthly Farmers’ Market, Egremont’s Farmers’, Crafts and Fairtrade Market, and Brampton Market outside Moot Hall.
9. The Lakes Distillery
Home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt 2022’
Good for: Couples, Food
The Lake District is draped in history, but it also boasts a wealth of new and trendy hotspots that are well worth a visit, one of them being the Lakes Distillery. Here, you can learn how spirits including gin, vodka, and whiskey are made from local produce before sampling a few shots for yourself. Tours run daily, and you can meet their in-house alpacas on weekends.
Following the tour, you might want to stock up on a few bottles of these authentic, local treats to take home. You can also sample the alcohol from the tour by dining at its on-site restaurant, which serves traditional British pub grub.
Location: Cockermouth CA13 9SJ, UK
Open: Shop: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm, Bistro: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Phone: +44 (0)1768 788 850
The Lakes Distillery
10. Traditional pubs in the Lake District
Local ales surrounded by gorgeous scenery
Good for: Food, Nightlife
There’s no shortage of traditional pubs surrounding the lakes of the Lake District National Park. You’ll find some of the oldest pubs in the towns surrounding Lake Windermere, which serve local craft ales and lagers, as well as a range of traditional pub fare like steak and ale pie, fish and chips, and a hearty lasagna.
The charming Hole in t’Wall in Bowness-on-Windermere, which dates back to 1612, is a stand-out option. Alternatively, the Drunken Duck Inn in Barngates boasts an on-site brewery and comfortable guest rooms.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.