The stunning surroundings of the Lake District are famous for their beautiful expanses of water, open moorland and mountain fells. Associations with the early 19th century poetry of William Wordsworth and Lake Poets such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey, still bring both nature and literary lovers to the area in huge numbers each year.
Located in the north west of England, at its centre the Lake District includes the largest of the thirteen National Parks in England and Wales. The Lake District National Park includes all of the land in England higher than three thousand feet above sea level; in addition to containing the deepest and longest lakes in the UK, the National Park is also home to the highest English mountain, Scafell Pike.
Things to do in the Lake District The geography of the Lake District encourages some of the most committed of walkers, rock-climbers and nature-lovers. Much of the local wildlife is unique to the area, including at one point, England’s only nesting pair of Golden Eagles.
During the 18th century many travellers descended on the Lake District as an alternative to the war-ravaged destinations of the European Grand Tour. With tourism further encouraged, first by the coming of the railway and then by the popularity of the motor car, the Lake District is now one of the major holiday destinations in the UK. Numerous hostels, pubs, B&Bs and hotels cater for the hordes of keen and committed walkers, but there are many alternative leisure opportunities, including cycling, fishing and sailing, as well as more modest options for exploration on foot - with countryside routes for visitors with limited mobility, in addition to ornate open gardens and quiet riverside strolls.
Pony-trekking, windsurfing and rock climbing also make the Lake District a popular destination for activity holidays for all skill levels.
Top Destinations Grange-over-Sands – This pretty town was transformed from a small fishing village into a fashionable Victorian resort by the advent of the Furness Railway, and the rail line still runs along the coast with Morecambe Bay.
Penrith – A regional centre for the eastern Lake District, Penrith was once the capital of Cumbria. With its strategic position on the route to Scotland, the town has been a military centre since Roman times. Penrith Museum is housed in an Elizabethan building and covers much of the local history and archaeology of the area, whilst high above the town, Penrith Beacon offers walkers spectacular views across Lakeland.
Keswick – A pretty market town, with a charter dating back to 1276, the rural economy of Keswick was transformed by the discovery of various minerals – most notably first copper, and then black lead. Pencil-making is still a major industry in the area, and is further commemorated in Keswick by the presence of the fascinating Cumberland Pencil Museum.
Coniston – Behind the village, the Old Man of Coniston rises dramatically; the town is a focus for local walkers and climbers, and its position on the edge of the five-mile long Coniston Water also makes it a popular destination for visitors, many of them taking trips across the water on a restored Victorian steam launch.
Ullswater– In addition to exceptionally fine local routes for experienced walkers, Ullswater offers less strenuous paths around the lake and valley. The lake itself is a typical Lake District ‘ribbon lake’ and is regarded by many as the most beautiful of the English lakes.
Cockermouth – Just outside the boundary of the National Park, at the confluence of the River Cocker and River Derwent, Cockermouth was the birthplace of Dorothy and William Wordsworth. The site of a Roman fort and a 13th century castle, the town now offers visitors a more gentle introduction to Lakeland life.
Ambleside – Promoting itself as the centre for English rock-climbing, Ambleside also offers a unique combination of galleries, museums and specialist shops, making it a popular centre for both outdoor activities and more cerebral pursuits.
Gosforth – Close to the Wasdale and Eskdale valleys, as well as to the coastal regions of Cumbria, the village of Gosforth is the site of the tallest and oldest Viking Cross in England.
With soaring vaulted ceilings, beams and feature fireplace this wonderful period holiday property of great character is idyllically situated in the picturesque Cartmel Valley, from where it enjoys lovely views across ...
The Gallery, Broughton-in-Furness, Broughton-in-furness, Cumbria
A vaulted roof, oak beams, feature gallery bedroom and tasteful continental style characterise this delightful holiday cottage. Set in lovely countryside, one mile from the small market town of Broughton-in-Furness, it is ...
This single-storey property commands superb views over Lake Windermere and is ideal for couples and families alike. Set in the grounds of Priory Grange, relax on the large open lawns or take a stroll down the footpath that ...
Corner Cottage, Lowick Green, nr. Coniston Water, Lowick, Cumbria
This charming, elegantly refurbished holiday cottage has all modern conveniences, and is ideal for exploring the lakes. Situated in Crake Valley, it enjoys glorious views around the small village and is 3 miles from the ...
This charming semi-detached 17th century cottage has lovely views of Lake Windermere from its top floor and makes for a cosy retreat all year round, ideally located 400 yards from the lake and town centre. Surrounded by ...
Hazel End View is a spacious, first floor annex on the outskirts of Windermere, it enjoys far reaching views of mountains and has a peephole view of Lake Windermere. It benefits from large, sweeping, landscaped grounds on ...
Beck Cottage, Croasdale, nr. Ennerdale Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria
Detached riverside holiday cottage in the Lake District National Park, 1 mile from the lake in the uncommercialised Ennerdale Valley. The tiny hamlet is surrounded by spectacular countryside, perfect for red squirrel and ...
Formerly an outbuilding to the local pub, this semi-detached, family holiday home is in the centre of the village. Situated within the Lake District National Park, this property has been converted to a modern standard with ...
Corn Cottage, Water Yeat, nr. Coniston Water, Lowick, Cumbria
This charming holiday cottage, once part of Water Yeat Mill and adjoining the owners’ cottage, has a wonderful vaulted ceiling and feature fireplace with woodburner in the living room. Stylishly converted and furnished ...
An ideal rural retreat, this cosy, comfortable, slate-built mid-terrace holiday cottage is surrounded by woodland and fell. Walks direct from the door, leading to nearby Tilberthwaite, Langdale Valley and The Old Man of ...
...since his capture in 1174. www.alnwickcastle.com Looking for holiday homes Northumberland. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria Touted as one of the most haunted castles in Britain, Muncaster Castle is, to all intents and purposes, a lavish family home merely designed...
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These detached (Spout Crag, ref 27784) ) and semi-detached (Lakeshore, ref 27785)) boathouses are in a superb, secluded position over the water on the shore of Lake Windermere. The boathouses are not only an ideal romantic ...
3 Quarry Brow, Bowness, nr. Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria
Superbly located this delightful semi-detached house is in a quiet area close to Lake Windermere and the bustling village centre of Bowness with a large choice of stylish boutiques, restaurants, cafes and art galleries, ...
Addylea, Cartmel-Fell, nr. Windermere, Satterthwaite, Cumbria
The views from these cottages have to be seen to be believed. Set in the Lake District National Park in an elevated position with stunning views over the Lyth Valley and open countryside to the hills beyond. Addyfield ...
Armboth, Lake Thirlmere, Keswick, Glenridding, Cumbria
Nestled amidst beautifully landscaped grounds, this attractive single storey holiday property stands within the grounds of Dale Head Hall Country House Hotel, which occupies a peaceful setting on the shores of Lake ...
Balcony Flat 3, Meathop, nr. Grange-over-Sands, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
Just 20 minutes from Windermere, these holiday properties are set in lovely countryside and ten acres of landscaped grounds, facing south, with wonderful long distance views to the sea, and to the hills beyond. This large ...
Bannisdale, Garnett Bridge, nr. Kendal, Kendal, Cumbria
These three detached, Scandinavian-design holiday chalets (refs 14969, 28527 and 28528) lie just 5 miles from the thriving market town of Kendal, which is steeped in history and offers shops, restaurants, indoor leisure ...
Barn Cottage, Wellington, Gosforth, Holmrook, Cumbria
This mid-terraced barn conversion, comfortably furnished and well equipped, is situated close to the pleasant village of Gosforth on the roadside to Wasdale, with the Gosforth Hall Inn less than ½ mile away. England’s ...
Barn Owl Cottage, Lindale, nr. Windermere, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
This terraced barn conversion is situated on an award winning development just 5 miles from Lake Windermere. The holiday property has an upstairs lounge with exposed beams and feature gallery. The bedrooms and bathroom ...
Beck Cottage, Croasdale, nr. Ennerdale Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria
Detached riverside holiday cottage in the Lake District National Park, 1 mile from the lake in the uncommercialised Ennerdale Valley. The tiny hamlet is surrounded by spectacular countryside, perfect for red squirrel and ...
Beck Cottage, Croasdale, nr. Ennerdale Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria
Detached riverside holiday cottage in the Lake District National Park, 1 mile from the lake in the uncommercialised Ennerdale Valley. The tiny hamlet is surrounded by spectacular countryside, perfect for red squirrel and ...
Beckside, Thornthwaite, nr. Keswick, Keswick, Cumbria
A traditional Lakeland cottage adjoining the main property, approached through private grounds - a haven for red squirrels, it enjoys panoramic views of Helvellyn and the Causey Pike range. Situated on the edge of Coombe ...
Belle View, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria
This two storey town house comprises two separate apartments, conveniently located just a two minute walk from the heart of the bustling Lakeland town of Bowness and a short stroll from the lakeshore. The holiday ...
In the heart of the Lake District, Bellman Cottage is lies within 150 yards of Lake Windermere in the exclusive tree-lined Storrs Park area. Modern, spacious and comfortably equipped, it adjoins another property and has a ...
This 400 year old character holiday cottage has tiny windows, low and impressive beams, several antiques, a stone staircase and sloping floors for a holiday with a difference. Cosily furnished and equipped, there are ...
In a lovely elevated position above Eskdale on Birker Moor, this traditional farmhouse lies in a spectacular location overlooking Scafell and the surrounding Lakeland fells. Reached by a ¾ mile farm track, this farmhouse ...
This attractive holiday home, well maintained to a good standard, is the perfect holiday retreat within a few minutes walk of the centre of the lovely village of Bowness-on-Windermere. An excellent base for visiting the ...
Whitecraggs is a truly magnificent setting amidst 3.5 acres of landscaped grounds designed by the famous Kew Plant Hunter, William Purdon, with mature specimens of rare trees and alpine plants, these three holiday ...
Blencathra Cottage, St John’s in the Vale, Keswick, Keswick, Cumbria
This terraced cottage skilfully converted from former farm buildings has views of Blencathra. Warm and cosy, peaceful and quiet boasting an oak fronted kitchen, it is a good base for the surrounding northern Lake District ...
Bramble Cottage, Whicham Valley, nr. Millom, Millom, Cumbria
Set within a Cumbrian hill farm with cattle and sheep this holiday cottage is part of a row of three typical farm cottages and has its own private patio and enclosed shared lawned garden. Accessed via a farm track which ...
This lovely holiday apartment is situated on the ground floor of a large house and is set in a quiet part of Bowness-on-Windermere with the hustle and bustle of the village only a 5 minutes’ stroll, where you can browse ...
Briar Rigg, Yanwath, nr. Penrith, Penrith, Cumbria
This comfortable, privately owned detached holiday lodge occupies an elevated position on this small, attractive development and has pleasant views over farmland as far as the Pennine Hills. Situated on a site of similar ...
This stylishly furnished and decorated first floor holiday apartment is 400 metres from the shores of Wastwater (voted Britain’s best view 2007). Surrounded by fells such as Scafell Pike and Great Gable the location is ...
An ideal town centre location for all the superb amenities of this historic market town near the Lake District National Park. This semi-detached holiday cottage on the road to Sedbergh is 300m from the entrance to the ...
A pretty little cottage situated in a shared courtyard, this delightful holiday home is just 5 minutes’ walk from the Lakeland town of Kendal, home to many attractions including The Brewery Arts Centre, two museums and ...
This spacious light and airy detached holiday bungalow has been totally refurbished to provide a cottage furnished and equipped to a very good standard, with gas coal-effect stove in the lounge and two bathrooms it is ...
Corn Cottage, Water Yeat, nr. Coniston Water, Lowick, Cumbria
This charming holiday cottage, once part of Water Yeat Mill and adjoining the owners’ cottage, has a wonderful vaulted ceiling and feature fireplace with woodburner in the living room. Stylishly converted and furnished ...
Corner Cottage, Lowick Green, nr. Coniston Water, Lowick, Cumbria
This charming, elegantly refurbished holiday cottage has all modern conveniences, and is ideal for exploring the lakes. Situated in Crake Valley, it enjoys glorious views around the small village and is 3 miles from the ...
Cornerways, Field Broughton, nr. Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
This charming holiday bungalow is surrounded by an enclosed garden with pretty views across farmland, only 2½ miles from the delightful village of Cartmel with cobbled streets, pubs, restaurants, quaint shops and the ...
Coronation Cottage, Lindale in Cartmel, nr. Grange-over-Sands, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
A delightful ’olde worlde’ 18th century cottage adjoining the owner’s home in this pretty village within the Lake District National Park just 2 miles from Grange-over-Sands with a golf course and railway station. ...
Crabtree, Graythwaite, nr Lake Windermere, Satterthwaite, Cumbria
Refurbished 2008. This charming single-storey ground floor cottage forms part of a barn conversion and has its entrance into a bright, airy kitchen with dining area. Spacious living room with wood-burning stove. Double ...
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