A beginner's guide to England's Lake District

The 885-square-mile Lake District is a mesmerizing region in northwest England, renowned as the most popular national park and the country's beloved destination. This area captivated Wordsworth and other literary figures, and it continues to draw visitors, walkers, and adventurers seeking its rich heritage and numerous outdoor pursuits.

Prior to the mid-19th century, the region saw little outside attention – Daniel Defoe called it 'barren and frightful' in 1724 – but the Romantic poets' vision of 'sublime nature' fostered a newfound appreciation for wild landscapes, and the railway's arrival in Windermere in 1847 paved the way for mass tourism.

From Windermere to Scafell Pike, this beginner's guide covers all you need to know for a memorable family visit to the Lake District.

What makes the Lake District worth a visit?

The scenery in this area is breathtaking: shadowy ridges bathed in golden light, meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers, and glistening blue lakes that mirror the stunning landscape.

The lakes are abundant: to the west of Windermere lies Coniston Water, and further west are the Wasdale Valley and Wastwater, England's deepest lake. North of Wastwater is the picturesque Lake Buttermere, while eastward you’ll find Derwentwater, famous for its charming wooded islands. Further east, Ullswater is arguably the most magnificent of all, home to the daffodils that inspired Wordsworth.

What destinations in the Lake District should I explore?

Here are some of the must-visit spots in the region and activities you can enjoy there.

Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere remains the main entry point for most visitors. Its namesake lake stretches for 11 beautiful miles through the gently rolling southern part of the park. Enjoying a cruise here is a quintessential Lakeland experience, though you’ll be joined by many fellow travelers.

Hawkshead

Located on the western shore of Windermere, Hawkshead is a charming and picturesque village perfect for a stay. It also holds significant ties to Beatrix Potter, with her former home, a 17th-century cottage known as Hill Top, which inspired much of her literary work.

Grasmere

Wordsworth was educated in Hawkshead and spent some time in Grasmere, located north of Windermere. You can visit his former residence, Dove Cottage, where he crafted some of the finest poetry ever composed, much of it inspired by the natural beauty surrounding him. His grave can be found in St Oswald’s Churchyard.

Further north, as you venture deeper into the heart of the park, the landscape transforms into a wilder, more dramatic scene. Lush, bottle-green valleys sprinkled with sheep and bordered by rugged ridges create striking fissures in the terrain. Mountain passes weave like bootlaces across the challenging landscape, connecting remote hamlets and villages.

Keswick

As the northernmost of the Lake District's major towns, Keswick boasts the most stunning setting: surrounded by cloud-capped fells and located next to the charming, island-dotted lake of Derwentwater, which is gracefully traversed by leisurely cruise boats. Its excellent location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring the nearby valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere, as well as an ideal base for walking adventures.

What are the top activities to enjoy in the Lake District?

Explore one of England's premier hiking trails

The Lake District is home to some of the most exceptional walking paths in the world. Walk Lakes is a helpful tool that enables you to select trails based on difficulty and location. Some popular routes include:

• The 5-mile (8km) loop around Buttermere is encircled by mountains and offers breathtaking views throughout.

• The well-loved 3-mile (5km) scramble up the 1476ft (450m) Catbells, near Derwentwater, is a bit more challenging and rewards climbers with some of the best panoramic vistas in the Lake District.

• For the achievement of climbing the highest peak in the country, Scafell Pike calls to you. This hike is accessible for those with reasonable fitness but should be tackled with common sense and waterproof gear, rather than flip-flops and a vest. If the weather cooperates, you might see Wastwater from the summit, which stands at 3208ft (978m) and appears as a mere puddle below.

• The national park also features numerous accessible walks for those with limited mobility. There are 50 routes throughout the park designed for various abilities, including many for wheelchair users. Full details are available on the park website.

Get active in the water, on a bike, or while climbing

Unsurprisingly, Lakeland offers a wealth of outdoor activities, from water pursuits like fishing and kayaking to mountain biking, climbing, and gorge walking (locally known as 'ghyll scrambling'). One of the most thrilling adventures awaits at the Honister Slate Mine, featuring its daring via ferratas – think cables, cliffs, and gripping onto the edge for dear life.

What can we do with children?

The Lakes offer numerous fantastic family outings, many of which don't depend on good weather. For indoor fun, check out the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness, which is divided into themed areas based on Potter's beloved stories and is ideal for younger kids.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway, affectionately called La'al Ratty by locals, offers a delightful 40-minute journey, covering 7 miles (11km) from the coast through the picturesque Eskdale valley to the base of the Scafell range. Nearby, Muncaster Castle boasts impressive grounds and features a Hawk and Owl Center with daily bird of prey flying displays.

Is it easy to navigate the Lake District?

Most of the Lake District can be accessed and explored via public transport, with railway stations at Windermere, Oxenholme (Kendal), and Penrith. There’s also an excellent local bus network, including the famous 555, which traverses the entire length of the national park and makes for a great day out.

For those seeking convenience and flexibility, many opt to travel by car. The M6 runs along the entire eastern border of the park, while the A591 and A66 cross through it. Most roads in the Lake District are rural, and mountain passes may close during severe weather.

The national park also provides options for electric car rentals and has a network of charging points.

What is the best area to stay?

Most lodging options are found in the four main towns – Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, and Keswick – but nearly every village features at least one B&B. There are also numerous campsites and youth hostels available.

What can I expect from the food?

The region is brimming with enthusiastic food artisans and local specialties. Taste Cumbria features a schedule of local food markets. You’ll also find a variety of excellent pubs, ranging from hearty meals for hikers to the fine dining experience at the three-Michelin Starred L’Enclume in Cartmel.

What should I bring?

Be well-prepared for adventures on Helvellyn and Scafell Pike, particularly during the colder months. At the very least, you’ll need sturdy boots and waterproof gear. There are numerous outdoor shops in the area where you can purchase additional equipment or layers.