Located in the northwest of England, the Lake District National Park is one of the most beautiful and striking areas of the British Isles. It can be found in the English county of Cumbria and is a popular outdoor pursuits destination. The Lake District is known for its beautiful villages with traditional thatched English cottages, picturesque scenery, homely bed and breakfasts and challenging mountains and valleys perfect for hikers. The Lake District itself comprises of 16 lakes and many smaller patches of water and each is different and framed by the typical dramatic scenery of the region. For everything you need to know about the lake including the best way to plan your visit check out the official Lake District Park.
Where to stay
Nearly 16 million people visited the Lake District in 2010 and it is becoming an ever increasingly popular tourist destination for not only British people but many continental Europeans and Asians too. As a result there are many, many accommodation options in the Lake District including beautiful guest rooms, locally run bed and breakfasts, self-catering apartments and traditional log cabins scattered throughout the Lakes. If you’d like to experience what it’s like to live in a typical cottage or log cabin in the Lake District, or would prefer something a short term rental that’s a bit more personal then check out Wimdu’s list of Lake District accommodation – we know you’ll find something you like!
Fun Facts
- Wastwater Lake at the heart of the Lake District is the deepest lake in England at 243 feet deep.
- Famous poet and author William Wordsworth lived and wrote in the Lake District for much of his life.
- Despite it being called the ‘Lake District’, there is only one ‘official’ lake – the lake of Bassenthwaite.
- Nearly £1bn is spent by tourists in the Lake District each year!
The amazing landscape of the Lake District
The main attraction of the Lake District is stunning scenery, wide range of epic walking trails and quaint villages framed by magnificent backdrops. One of the most beautiful lakes to visit in the Lake District is Derwentwater near Keswick. It’s framed by the iconic mountains of Blencathra and Friar’s Crag and if you’re lucky enough to nab one of the sweet self-catering apartments available in this area, you’ll have easy access to some of the most popular walks around the lakes. At one end of the lake you’ll find Ashness Bridge, a familiar bridge often used in postcards of the area. Another great lakeside walk is the Catbells Lakeland Walk, it’s not a difficult walk and is accessible for those who don’t consider themselves walkers. The views on this walk are stunning and you’ll soon realise what all the fuss is about the Lake District when you step out of your little log cabin into the great outdoors!
Climbing is popular in this area and much of the accommodation you will find is often owned and frequented by climbers. If you’re staying in a guest room or bed and breakfast, your host should will often be able to provide walking aids and equipment if you require it, and if you’re planning on heading out for the day make don’t forget to take some Kendal Mint Cake with you! It’s a locally made traditional sweet delicacy which gives you lots of energy – perfect for when you’re halfway up a mountain, or for a sweet treat when you return.
Huge Mountains
Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain and climbing it is considered a challenge that many take up. From the summit there are amazing views over the national park and amazingly you can also see Wales too! The mountains in the Lake District, known as the Cumbrian Mountains, are very rocky mountains with distinct craggy peaks. Moorland and damp wetland characterise the lower parts of the peaks. Make sure your cottage has a nice comfy sofa because you will definitely want to put your feet up after a long day’s hiking.
Amazing Nature
You only need to step out of the door of your guest room and you will be face to face with luscious greenery, vibrant flowers and beautiful bird song. There’s plenty of amazing nature in the Lake District including a small population of red squirrel and a large variety of species of bird including the only nesting pair of golden eagles There are also rare species of fish living in the lakes of the national park including rare fish exclusive to particular lakes.
Pubs in the Lake District
The Lake District is home to some of England’s finest pubs serving the best of traditional pub food. The pubs are great places to catch up with fellow walkers after a long day in the hills and the perfect place to enjoy some local dishes and beer, before heading back to cosy up by the fire cottage. Traditional ale is particularly popular in the area and is widely available. Head to one of the local towns such as Keswick,Penrith or Kendal for a bustling country nightlife scene, with song and dance and a truly merry atmosphere, the perfect compliment to log cabin living.
Getting around
The nearest airport to the Lake District is at Blackpool and you can reach the airport from London Stansted Airport. Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Liverpool airports are all located just two hours away from the Lake District. You can also reach the Lakes by train – the train station at Windermere Station is the closest station to the southern Lakes. A train from Leeds bound for Carlisle stops in the Lakes at Settle – another useful station for exploring the lakes from. Getting to the Lakes by car is also possible and the M6 motorway leads you very close to the park. Getting around the Lake District is best done with a car. Although public transport exists you’ll find a car is the best way to explore is with the help of a car. Be careful on some of the more windy rounds though – it can get quite hairy and let’s face it you want to make sure you make it to your rental in one piece!