Places to visit in the Lake District

Whether you’re a wildlife lover or a history buff, Muncaster Castle is one of the best places to visit in the Lake District. Its woodlands and gardens are criss-crossed with squirrel-filled nature trails, while its grand mansion features priceless artwork, lavish decor and spine-tingling ghost stories. Meet its resident birds of prey at the Hawk & Owl Centre, or try your hand at axe throwing and jousting in the Weapons Hall.

Before you head inland, revel in Ravenglass – the only coastal village in the national park, where the rivers Mite, Irt and Esk converge before flowing into the Irish Sea. Its quaint fishermen’s cottages and sandy beach are expected, but perhaps not its Roman ruins: the remains of the 1,900-year-old Ravenglass Roman Bath House are a few minutes’ stroll away, once used by soldiers serving in Hadrian’s fleet.

Now, you have two options: the first of which is a steam-powered jaunt on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. The train is known locally as “La’al Ratty”, and travels across the estuary and through the hills to Dalegarth, a 40-minute ride away. It has a handful of stops, each with glorious and easy hikes in the Lake District – including one to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. Buy lunch at Fellbites Café in Dalegarth, before catching the train back to Ravenglass.

Your second option is a train ride through the southern Lake District, on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Like its Ravenglass cousin, it is steam-powered and spectacular, but reveals a different side of the national park. Hop on at Haverthwaite to venture up into the Leven Valley on a 1950s carriage – to Lakeside Station, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises. Don’t miss the scones at Haverthwaite Station Tea Room.     

Near Windermere, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is in one of the prettiest places in England – but it doesn’t rest on its laurels. Its estate includes the Michelin-starred restaurant SOURCE, a glorious spa, and a wealth of award-winning accommodation. Make this your base for the next two nights, whether you’re booked into the six-bedroom Gilpin Lake House or the Gilpin Hotel, whose six garden suites feature a private hot tub.

Ease into the fresh air, panoramic views and abundant natural beauty of Windermere with a waterside session at Lakes Yoga this morning. With a choice of drop-in group classes and private one-to-one tuition, the studio caters for budding beginners and experienced yogis alike – and incorporates all yoga styles, as well as meditation and breathwork. Aaaand relax.

Lake Windermere is one of the most iconic places to visit in Cumbria – England’s largest lake, surrounded by mighty mountains and pretty villages. The best way to explore is by boat, and Windermere Lake Cruises offers a huge choice of sailings: you’ll be going north tomorrow, so today head south on the yellow itinerary from Bowness to Lakeside, or the blue itinerary to your next stop-off – the Windermere Jetty Museum.

Windermere isn’t just for admiring: it has a rich history of boat building, maritime technology and sporting achievements – yours to discover at the Windermere Jetty Museum. One of the most fascinating places to visit in the Lake District, it’s packed with heritage boats and maritime curiosities that bring Windermere’s 200 years of sailing history to life – including a chance to see the steam-powered Osprey – an elegant Edwardian launch – in action.

When it comes to afternoon tea locations, Storrs Hall is one of the prettiest places in England: it’s right on the shore of Lake Windermere, just a few steps from the water. Those three-tier cake stands are laden with dainty sandwiches (no crusts!), pretty patisseries and gigantic scones – best enjoyed with a cup of tea or glass of champagne in-hand.

Though it’s more than 100 years old, there’s something so timeless about Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts House. Glittering tiled fireplaces, quirky wooden furniture, hand-painted ceramics: it’s a wishlist of original early 1900s features, all restored to their former glory – with stunning mountain views from its window seats. As well as tours, look out for hands-on creative workshops and design exhibitions too. Afterwards, head back to the Gilpin for your second night, via dinner and local beers at The Crafty Baa.

Wondering where to go in the Lake District for the ultimate Beatrix Potter experience? The great writer was endlessly inspired by Hill Top, her farmhouse retreat in the beautiful Lakeland village of Near Sawrey. The house is still full of her belongings, while the garden is a glorious mix of flowers, herbs and vegetables. Take a self-guided tour and maybe spot Peter Rabbit for yourself. 

Welcome to one of the prettiest places in England. Grizedale Forest’s woodland walking trails are yours to explore on foot, by bike or on horseback – or head into the treetops on its Go Ape high ropes courses. It also has an all-terrain mobility scooter for hire, and a 5-mile (8km) accessible trail through some of the quieter areas of the western side of the forest.

Next up, Coniston Water – another beautiful lake, with a 15.5-mile (25km) walking trail around it. But you’re leaving dry land behind, with a choice of two activities: either a leisurely cruise on The National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola, or a kayaking adventure from Coniston Boating Centre. The former is a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht, complete with lavish salons and a gleaming engine.

Grab lunch at Force Cafe in Ambleside, which overlooks Lake Windermere (and serves a great smashed avocado on toast), before a short ramble to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. The water tumbles through the forest, its most spectacular section visible from a railed platform. In spring, the woodland is carpeted with daffodils and bluebells – a great spot for easy hikes in the Lake District.

For panoramic mountain views and hiking trails right from your doorstep, Langdale Hotel & Spa is one of the best places to visit in the Lake District. Grab a table in its Stove Restaurant & Bar for a feast of local lamb, seafood and farm-fresh veg – before retreating to one of its sumptuous bedrooms. Got sore legs from all that walking? A massage at Brimstone Spa is just the tonic.

This morning, you’re driving north – but not before a slap-up breakfast at The Yan, located on a beautiful 17th-century sheep farm in the Central Fells. This family-run restaurant serves eggs from its very own hens, freshly baked bread and sausages from locally reared Cumbrian pigs. Dig in, then enjoy the mountain scenery as you continue your journey.

For pure tranquillity in the wildest surroundings, Whinlatter Forest is one of the best places to visit in the Lake District. With its ancient woodland and chorus of birdsong, it’s the kind of place that lifts the soul naturally – and the perfect setting for a forest bathing experience with Lakeland Wellbeing. During a two-hour guided experience, discover how this traditional Japanese practice can soothe your mind, reduce blood pressure and boost your mood.

This afternoon, you have another choice of activities – the first of which is a hike up Catbells. This is a moderately challenging trail, which entails a little scrambling and a steep ascent, but the views over Derwentwater, Skiddaw and the mountains beyond are worth it. Park at Hawes End and take your time: this is one of the prettiest places to visit in the Lake District.

Prefer easy hikes in the Lake District? Alpacaly Ever After will pair you up with its furry, friendly alpaca herd – for a gentle stroll beside a picturesque lake. It also runs wheelchair-accessible experiences. Better yet, all its profits go towards re-homing and rescuing alpacas and llamas, so your walk leaves a great legacy too.

After today’s action-packed itinerary, a delicious dinner and warm welcome awaits at The Ullswater Inn. It’s located right beside its namesake lake, meaning you won’t have to travel far tomorrow – so settle into your comfortable bedroom, tuck into the menu, and treat yourself to a locally brewed ale or G&T from The Lakes Distillery.

You’ll need to set your alarm clock early this morning, but it’s worth it for a hot-air balloon flight over Ullswater. With Lake District Balloon Rides, you’ll help to inflate the balloon and set up the basket, before hopping in to soar over the lakes and mountains just as the sun rises. It departs from Dalemain Mansion at dawn; afterwards, head back to the Ullswater Inn for breakfast.

Every hour, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ boats depart from Glenridding Pier, heading north up the lake to Howtown and Pooley Bridge – where you’ll stop for lunch today (see below). It’s a peaceful journey in one of the prettiest places in England, and the cruise line has operated here for more than 160 years. Sit back and enjoy the view, or explore each pier’s beautiful waterside walks.

Pull up a chair on the lakeside terrace of Granny Dowbekin's, a cafe and restaurant on the banks of Ullswater. For a leisurely lunch, this is one of the most scenic places to visit in Cumbria. The menu is full of hearty favourites: think ploughman’s with thick-cut ham and local cheeses, beer-battered fish and chips, and house-made quiches. Afterwards, catch the boat back down to Glenridding Pier.

Don’t fancy driving? You can also take the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ boat shuttle to Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park, where your next adventure begins. Follow the 1.3-mile (2.1km) circular trail to Aira Force waterfall, an easy walk beside towering trees and rock pools – and lots of red squirrels, too. It’s particularly spectacular after heavy rainfall, a silver lining if it rains on your holiday!

A spa retreat for wild souls, Swim Club – at Another Place – features a glass-walled swimming pool, sauna and outdoor hot tub, all with views of Ullswater lake and Arthur’s Pike. Unwind even further with a deep-tissue massage or relaxing facial in its spa suites, or work up an appetite in the cardio room – before feasting on seared scallops and Lakeland lamb at the hotel’s waterside Rampsbeck Restaurant.