What to Do in the Lake District, England: The Ultimate Guide
England is known for its natural beauty. Between the rolling hills of the Pennines to the stunning Avon River of Bath, it is not hard to find dazzling places to escape the urban jungle of London.
However, the English agree that the best place for scenic views, hiking, and decompression is the Lake District. But this destination is no longer only for the English, adventurers from all over the world are beginning to understand why the Lake District should be next on their bucket list.
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What is the Lake District and Why Should You Go There on Your Next Trip?
The Lake District is a national park in the northwest of England’s Cumbria County that is about 885 square miles. It offers travelers lakes (of course!), as well as mountains, valleys, and more stunning natural sites.
Indeed, while many think of England as pretty flat, the nation’s highest peak is located in the Lake District. Called Scafell Pike, it sits pretty at around 3,209 feet, and is a doable climb for the more adventurous.
The Lake District’s natural beauty has inspired many artists. Most prominently, William Wordsworth lived in Grasmere in the Lake District, and wrote many poems in its honor. Famously, he said of the District, “Let then the beauty be undisfigured and the retirement unviolated”.
While the Lake District may have changed some since Wordsworth’s day, we can confirm that its beauty is the same. Its spectacular panoramic views, incredible hiking, and quaint charm, make it the perfect place to explore next time you hop over the pond.
Getting To and From the Lake District
The Lake District can be easily be accessed from London. Hop on a train to Oxenholme, and then take one of the district’s many buses to the particular town you are going to (the train station will have bus timetables, making it an easy switch!). Trains from London to the Lake District can run you anywhere between $30 and $160, depending on how far in advance you plan and whether you go at peak times, so we recommend planning ahead. The train is about two and a half to three hours long. Check out Trainline for more info.
However, because many of the sights in the district are far apart from one another, while it is possible to see much of the District using only its buses, it might be advantageous to rent a car in London and drive up to the Lake District, which is about a five to six hour journey from London.
Where to Stay in the Lake District
Because the Lake District is about the size of Rhode Island, there are many different charming villages dotting the countryside. But which one should you stay in?
While Windermere and Ambleside are definitely the easiest to get to and the most popular, we recommend skipping them — they are pretty overrun with tourists, at least during the high season in the summer.
Rather, here are three places in the Lake District we wholeheartedly recommended.
Grasmere
While Grasmere is still very close to the two most popular towns (it is just slightly north of Ambleside), most tourists prefer to visit there during the day, making the nights quiet and calm.
Grasmere is where Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s home, is located and it is still every bit as charming as it was during his time. It is definitely one of the most idyllic villages of the Lake District, which is saying something because each one is more idyllic than the next.
There are excellent restaurants and food items to sample (please try the famous gingerbread, which you can get at the shop of the same name), and many cute B&B’s.
Keswick
Keswick is a beautiful market town based in the North of the Lake District. An outdoorsy town, you have access to wonderful nature hikes around the lakes and walking in the fells, as well as more adventurous activities like mountain biking and indoor bouldering.
There is also a popular theater and art gallery, if you are looking for some more cultural activities.
Coniston
Coniston, in the Southern Part of the Lake District, is famous for its hiking. If you want pure outdoor adventure, then this is the village for you, as you can hike around Furness Fells and Dow Craig.
There are also public boat companies that will take you on the lake for an afternoon of leisure!
Accommodations in the Lake District
We really recommend staying in a Bed and Breakfast (not an AirBNB!) in order to experience the charming and home-like atmosphere that the Lake District is famous for. There are many good B&Bs in all three of the above cities.
However, B&B’s can run you different prices per night (about $80 per two person room to about $200). We’ve included some of our favorites for a range of budgets below.
Where to stay in Grasmere
For cheaper accommodations, check out the Raise Cottage. With a wood-burning stove in your double room for only about $80/night split between two people, you can have access to some of the Lake District’s most idyllic scenes.
A little more expensive at about $130/night is Heidi’s Grasmere Lodge. With its 19th century accoutrements and beautiful views, you really can’t go wrong here.
Where to stay in Keswick
Looking for something a little cheaper? For just $35 a night, you can stay in a bunk bed at the YHA Keswick. While not a pure B&B, it is very conveniently located and still boasts beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
Another great option in Keswick that is more expensive is Thorngreen, which will run you about $110 per night. It is walkable to the main drag of Keswick and the lake from here, and is located close to the town’s theatre.
Where to Stay in Coniston
In Coniston, we recommend the Yewdale Inn, which offers beautiful views and a central location at about $85/night, or the Wateredge Inn for (you guessed it) views of the water for about $150/night.
Best Things to Do in the Lake District
Hike
Whether you stay in Grasmere, Coniston, or Keswick, there are amazing hikes to do around the area. In Grasmere, we recommend Helm Crag, a fell with amazing views. The hike is about 3.5 miles long, and the easiest route is the Blue Route, which is well-signposted and maintained.
In Coniston, we recommend the Old Man of Coniston Loop, which will take around 4 hours and is fine for anyone of an intermediate fitness level. It offers great views and good exercise, but definitely try to leave early in the morning to avoid the ever-present rain!
Looking for something a little easier? Check out this short walk in the hill of Castlehead, which is particularly beautiful during the fall time. This hike is appropriate for people of all skill levels, and gives you a gift of a stunning view at the end.
Go shopping
There are incredibly quaint shops and boutiques in all three of the towns (though particularly in Keswick and Grasmere).
While there are some famous shops not to be missed (again, please sample Grasmere’s famous gingerbread at its eponymous shop!), we recommend just exploring and poking into all the little hole-in-the-walls, and we promise you you’ll find some treasures that are not to be missed!
Visit the literary sites
As we mentioned, Grasmere is famous for its connection to Wordsworth. The tour at Dove Cottage, his former home, is a great historical tour for all ages and is not to be missed. A tour will cost you about six pounds for adults (though children are free), and is a great insight into both Wordsworth and the Lake District of the past.
If you have children with you, we also recommend checking out Beatrix Potter’s house in Hawkshead, and then heading to Windermere for the full Beatrix Potter World experience. Your kids will love imagining the exact places in which Peter Rabbit lived!
Eat!
From your full English breakfasts that your B&B will provide, to delicious afternoon tea, there is no shortage of good food around the Lake District.
For some great afternoon tea, we recommend checking out the Bluebird Cafe in Coniston, which is located right on the edge of the water and has glass walls on one side so you can see those stunning views!
Great restaurants in the Lake District include the Restaurant at the Cottage in the Wood ($$$) in Keswick, which boasts delicious tasting menus, and the Forest Side in Grasmere for some amazing fine dining.
Want something cheaper? Many mid-range places in the Lake District (particularly in Windermere) offer early bird set menus if you come before seven or seven thirty (depending on the place), giving you an appetizer and entree for under 10 pounds. We recommend scoping out the scene your first night by walking down the main drag of where you are staying, and you will see signs advertising these set menus.
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So whether you came to the Lake District for nature, culture, or just plain old good food, this national park has it all for you! It is truly one of the best places to visit in England, and definitely will be worth your while!
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