Walks to Inspire

Places to visit and areas of the Lake District National Park

A taste of the lakes

England's largest National Park is a gem of a place to visit. There are breathtaking lakes, soaring mountains - known locally as 'fells', picturesque valleys and even sandy coastline. Each lake and valley has a distinct character of its own. We would love you to share your experiences, pictures and videos with us through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Popular regions in the Lake District

There are many attractions and places to visit in the Lake District, covering a wide area which is just waiting for you to explore! To make it easier to find the best attractions in the Lake District National Park, we have split them up into the most popular sections. This way you can easily plan out your visit and make the most of your stay.

Windermere and Ambleside

Explore Windermere and Ambleside

Enjoy the stunning mountain views around England's largest lake, Windermere and the bustling town of Ambleside. Visit things to do around Windermere. Windermere and the surrounding area is arguably the most famous and popular area in the Lake District.

Around Windermere
Coniston

Explore Coniston

Coniston water is the third longest lake in the Lake District. Get onto the water with boat tours, motor boats, rowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards to hire. Its also a great place for walking and hiking, with guided walks to help show you the way.

Around Coniston
Keswick

Explore Keswick and Derwentwater

Visit Keswick, a bustling market town at the north end of Derwent lake, correctly named Derwentwater. Or explore the quiet valley of Borrowdale at the southern end.

Around Keswick
Grasmere and Rydal

Explore Grasmere and Rydal

Grasmere and Rydal just north of Ambleside, are two of the smaller more peaceful lakes to visit. Grasmere village is full of charm, places to stay and eat and the famous Grasmere gingerbread shop! You can also visit Wordsworth's grave in the churchyard and buy the legendary Grasmere Gingerbread. With no motor boats, this quieter lake is great for swimming and rowing.

Around Grasmere and Rydal
Ullswater and Glenridding

Explore Ullswater and Glenridding

Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Ullswater is a popular starting point for walkers and climbers. This lovely lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery to its south, softening to the gentle hills of the north. The lake is the second largest in England at seven and a half miles long, but is less than a mile across.

Ullswater and Glenridding
Langdales

Explore the Langdale Valley

Home to a breathtaking valley, countless walking and camping hotspots, Langdale Valley is perfect for those that love the outdoors. The Langdale area runs west of Ambleside up to the Langdale Pikes. It splits into two valleys, Great Langdale and Little Langdale. It includes the lovely village of Elterwater and Chapel Stile.

Around the Langdales
Northern Lakes

Explore the Northern Lakes

Visit Buttermere, Crummock, Loweswater and Bassenthwaite lakes, the North Lakes is possibly the most peaceful part of the district with many features of historical interest to be explored. With no motor boats, they are great choice to go for a swim, a kayak, a canoe, a paddleboard, or just a peaceful lake shore walk.

Around the Northern Lakes
Wastwater

Explore Wastwater

Surrounded by mountains, Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, Wastwater is the deepest and perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all the lakes, - in Wasdale - to the west of the National Park. The view from the south-western end of the lake near the youth hostel was voted Britain’s favourite view in 2007.

Around Wastwater
Lake District Kind

#LakeDistrictKind

Things to know before you go, tips to plan a great trip and help us look after the landscape you love.

Be Lake District Kind


The latest on Instagram

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