The Lake District offers visitor's to England's largest national park a host of things to do and places to see.
Here we’ve listed some of the most popular Lake District attractions, so you can browse and find something you fancy. From making use of the Lake Windermere boat hire options at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa to scaling the Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Boasting Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain, and Wastwater – England’s deepest lake, 'The Lakes' offers some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, inspiring artists such as Turner and Ruskin to some of the country’s best loved writers, such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Enjoying the lake is one of the best and most common ways to pass the time. Hop onto one of the Windermere Lake Cruises, or go kayaking or canoeing on Windermere for a more adventurous thrill.
With such a wealth of beauty, culture and hospitality it isn’t hard to see why the Lake District remains the perfect setting to explore and enjoy.
The Lake District National Park was formed in 1951. This important recognition sought to protect the environment from commercial or industrial exploitation, and to retain all that we have grown to love about the character and beauty of this landscape.
In 2017 the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further protecting the important legacy of nature, farming and local industry.
Rich in history and culture, Windermere is surrounded by awe inspiring scenery and offers a wealth of family friendly attractions and things to do for visitors to this beautiful part of the Lake District National Park.
Explore Lake Windermere aboard one of Windermere Lakes Cruises many vessels.
The World of Beatrix Potter brings to life the animals and settings from the books.
Windermere Jetty Museum displays a uniquely important collection of boats.
Internationally important, standing at the crossroads of Victorian design and 20th century modern architecture.
Discover the Lake District with Mountain Goat Tours. Touring the Lake District since 1972.
Windermere, the largest lake in the national park, is a popular destination for Lake District visitors.
The Lake District National Park visitor centre. A place for the whole family to experience and enjoy.
Nestled between imposing Lakeland fells on the edge of lake Windermere, Ambleside is a busy, picturesque village to explore, with 300-year-old stone built listed buildings and architecture.
Ambleside’s contemporary boutique shops, cafes and eateries blend in with its historical heritage and built environment. It’s a pleasure to simply kick back and explore what it has to offer.
The 17th century Bridge House, a tiny dwelling built over Stock Beck is worth a look just to marvel at how a family of eight once lived there. And the Armitt Museum celebrates the area’s history with a fascinating collection of Roman archaeological finds, paintings, books, manuscripts and local memorabilia.
And if you want to take a detour from the bustle of the high street, a short walk from Ambleside Tourist Information Centre is another hidden gem, the Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
Ambleside climbing wall is worth a visit as a fun activity for the family. The main climbing wall is a mock-up of a real limestone crag taken from a mould. You can tackle it independently or get a bit of help from one of the staff instructors.
A short drive northwards from Ambleside is the famous picture postcard village of Grasmere, famous for Grasmere Gingerbread, William Wordsworth’s former home Dove Cottage and scenic trails around Rydal water and caves.
A museum, library and gallery exploring the history of Ambleside and the cultural heritage of the Lake District.
The Grasmere Gingerbread shop is a must for any Lake District visit.
Dove Cottage and the nearby, Wordsworth Museum, a must for visitors to the Lakes.
The beautiful 18th century family home of William Wordsworth.
Beatrix Potter's farmhouse, inspiration for the famous Lake District children's author.
Walk-through attraction including otters, sharks, rays and diving ducks.
A collection of 30,000 exhibits from classic cars and motorcycles to bicycles.
A popular addition to any visit to the Lake District.
Stott Park Bobbin Mill is the Lake District's only remaining working bobbin mill.
Holker Hall is the home of the Cavendish family who welcome visitors of all ages to one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain.
Travel deep inside the mountain, or ‘Climb the Mine’ the original miners route.
John Ruskin’s former home, set in stunning location overlooking Coniston Water.
Wainwright’s enthusiasm for hiking in Cumbria inspired his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, laying out all his favourite maps, routes and summits across 214 peaks.
There are four Lake District mountains over 3000 feet, Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike at 3,206 feet.
If hiking and scenery is your thing, before setting out to summit one of Alfred Wainwright’s famous Lakeland fells.
You can get some of the finest views across Windermere just by walking out of the Low wood Bay Resort & Spa and straight up Jenkin Crag. It’s a hugely rewarding short hike and provides some unparalleled views of Windermere. The ever-changing light of early mornings and the long shadows cast as the sun goes down are perhaps the optimum times – and the walk will whet the appetite for a hearty breakfast or dinner.
Another easy-going hike with panoramic views of Windermere is Orrest Head, thought to have been the original fell climb that inspired the mountaineer and artist Alfred Wainwright to higher summits!
Loughrigg Fell is another local Wainwright hike which offers fantastic views. It’s another relatively easy walk with a small climb which can be tackled from Ambleside or Rydal.
For the more adventurous hiker, Coniston Old Man is one of the more well known and highly popular Wainwright Lakeland Fells. It’s fairly close to Windermere too, so very accessible if you are keen to add it to your list of summits. You will be rewarded with some fantastic views across the southern Lake District.
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