The Lake District National Park is a very popular UK holiday destination, and with the tranquil lake views, mountainous landscapes and charming villages to explore, it's not difficult to understand why. The Cumbrian region, which is England's largest national park, is full of literary history and endless green, natural beauty that any hiker would dream of witnessing. Although there are only four main towns in the area, there are plenty of valleys and villages to wander around during your visit.
If you're planning on paying a visit to the stunning area of northwest England, then you might be overwhelmed about where to venture first. Click through the gallery to see some parts of the Lake District that you should add to your list.
The four main towns in the Lake District National Park are Keswick, Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. Starting with Keswick, the most northerly town in the region, is a market town, so it offers a wonderful and accessible array of shops, traditional pubs and bars, all the while directly adjacent to Derwentwater lake, which is just a short walk away.
Grasmere, a small village just north of Grasmere Lake, is inherently romantic. William Wordsworth famously lived there towards the end of the 18th century. What could be more perfect than exploring the town that one of the leaders of the English Romantic era once called home? The lake itself is one of the smaller lakes in the region, but this means that it can be less crowded as it doesn't allow boats. There are also lovely little tearooms to visit nearby to enjoy a sweet treat after a hike or some wild swimming.
Windermere, where the longest natural lake is situated, is perhaps the most well-known part of the Lake District. It's also where the region's main train station is, so if you're travelling to the area by rail, you'll likely find yourself alighting there before venturing on to your accommodation. Windermere towns have lovely independent shops and cafés to explore, plus Fell Foot Park, where you can take part in water sports.
Just across the lake is the town of Bowness-on-Windermere. With equally fun things to do, the area is perfect for individual travellers or families. If you're visiting with kids in particular – or just a big fan of Peter Rabbit – a trip to the World of Beatrix Potter is a must.
The fourth main town in the District is Ambleside, which is located at the northern end of Lake Windermere. Described by Visit Lake District as a 'walker's paradise', there are endless routes and paths to take if a stroll outdoors is on your agenda, and many start from Waterhead Pier, which is less than a mile from the town centre. Meanwhile, the town centre itself has plenty of eateries to indulge in a hearty roast, and there's even a famous independent cinema.
Away from the towns and focusing on the lakes themselves, Wastwater, the deepest lake in England, looks jaw-droppingly beautiful. Nestled to the west of the national park, the lakes' backdrop boasts views of Yewbarrow Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike.
Another area adored for its history, farming and epic walking routes, Langdale Valley is perfect for embracing natural beauty. Some of the hikes can be challenging, so do research into different routes before you venture out. Neighbouring villages like Chapel Stile and Elterwater offer traditional pubs full of local charm, the ideal spot for a celebratory pint after tackling a hike.
Buttermere village, apart from having a very fairytale-esque name, is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful landscape. According to the National Trust, the lakeshore walk is one of the best in the whole region. "With its lonely pines and cloud-capped pikes, Buttermere is a place for reflection. Buttermere offers one of the best round-the-lake walks in the Lake District. The lakeshore path circles the lake for 4.5 miles (7km) with one very short stretch on the road and one 'rock step' (short scramble) where you may have to use your hands. We recommend that you allow 3 hours to stop and drink in the views along the way. The walk is relatively easy and level with a great 'reward for effort' ratio."
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