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Group of adult walkers on the Coast to Coast path. Wide stone path inside dry stone walls, surrounded by farm and vegetation. Walkers behind wooden gate with sign reading please close the gate behind you

Plan your visit and be Lake District Kind

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Know before you go
Lake District Kind
Where to visit
Plan ahead
Home Explore Plan your visit

Plan ahead and explore the Lake District with ease and care

Welcome to the Lake District National Park. Make the most of your time in this breathtaking landscape while helping to protect it for future generations.

Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a seasoned visitor, our guides below will help you have a smooth, enjoyable and responsible experience. 

Car Park Car Park
Coniston Boating Centre Coniston Boating Centre
Information Centre Information Centre
Toilets Toilets

Know before you go

Teel walking boot stepping on orange stone Know what to pack
white adult female walking next to white adult male wheelchair user. On wide gravel path, surrounded by grey and green woodland and fells Discover accessible routes
Front of a white paddleboard on a lake at sunset. Stay safe on the water
Green double decker bus in Grasmere on road in front of stone country building. Sunny day Plan your sustainable travel

First time visitors – be Lake District Kind

By caring for our National Park, we can continue to make it a special place for all to visit. Follow our tips, tools and frequently asked questions which have everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

  • Plan sustainable travel options from shuttle buses, to boats, bikes and trains
  • Campervans and motorhomes should stay in designated sites overnight
  • If you need to travel by car, plan ahead and use car parks
  • Leave no trace, please take your litter and dog poo home
  • Do not block gates or road access
  • Dogs must be on leads anywhere there may be livestock
  • Fly camping by the side of lakes and in laybys is not allowed
  • Wild camping is only allowed with the permission of the landowner
  • Fires and barbecues are not permitted in our Park, unless on private land.

Where to visit by areas of the Lake District

From towering mountains to tranquil lakes, each area of the Lake District offers something unique. Wander through woodland-fringed Coniston Water, take in the beauty of Derwentwater near Keswick, or explore the charming villages of Grasmere and Rydal. Adventure awaits in the Langdale Valley, remote Northern Lakes, and stunning landscapes of Ullswater, Glenridding, and Helvellyn. Discover Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, or soak up the beauty of Windermere, Bowness, and Ambleside, home to England’s largest lake.

Explore by area
Explore by area

Find out more
wooden path signpost next to a stone path winding through green lake district fields, woodland and hills

Explore by map

Plan your Lake District visit using our explore map of the Park. See accessible Miles without Stiles, walking, cycling and multi-user route start locations, as well as nearby facilities to make your trip easier.

Start exploring
adult female and two young children sat on open top bus looking out to lake and moored boats

Travel and transport

The best way to see the Lake District is by train, boat, bus, bike or boot! Help reduce traffic on narrow roads and enjoy the views by leaving the car behind on your day out.  

Travel options
three muslim hikers standing on wansfell pike summit with view of lake and lowland woodland behind

Walks in the Lake District

From things to pack whatever the weather or terrain, to toilet tips, inspiring routes and trails:

Find walking routes and tips
View of Coniston Boating Centre. Sunny day. On the blue water is two older children in red buoyancy aids kayaking, a moored white motorised boat and a wooden jetty. On the lake shore is are canoe and kayak transportation trolleys, two shelter huts and many people. Behind are green trees and green fells.

Get on the water

The Lake District has more than 16 lakes and numerous tarns, plus a stretch of coastline. Discover how to access and explore our lakes and waters safely.

Adult and two children playing at the Lakes Alive event. The children are balancing on wooden structures, in a green field, in front of a stone arch and gate

Things to do

From family-friendly adventures to historic sites, scenic cycling routes, and rainy-day activities, there’s something for everyone.

See all things to do
Green field surrounded by brown fells and leafless trees. Small green tent in centre of field next to two wooden camping pods, divided by grey gravel path

Where to stay

From campsites to hostels, there is a wealth of accommodation options for all to enjoy.

More about where to stay
Customer Adviser staff member holding leaflets and speaking with a person wearing a backpack inside a Lake District National Park information centre.

Visiting Information Centres

Our friendly teams in Bowness, Ullswater, Hawkshead and Coniston are here to help you enjoy the Lake District with expert advice on attractions, routes, and transport. Enjoy free WiFi, browse maps and guides, or pick up a souvenir.

More Information Centre detail
family cycling on a concrete path through green grasses and woodland

Visitor frequently asked questions

Use our FAQ information to view common questions on visitor information and facilities across the Lake District National Park.

Visitor FAQs
Arial view of Ullswater, large light blue lake body surrounded by green woodland, fields and brown fells

Become a Lake District expert

Are you a lover of the Lake District? Become an expert by being the first to hear about news and updates, learn about nature, wildlife and places to visit.

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