Text over a fell in the Lake District: We all have a mountain to climb, come prepared to climb our. Lake District Kind.

Plan your visit and be Lake District Kind

Seamless journeys, unforgettable moments, 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, planning ahead ensures a smooth, enjoyable, and responsible experience. Embrace the adventure, explore responsibly, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake District. See guides to areas, travel and transport, where to stay, walking, on the water and other things to do information below, plus tips for first time visitors and weather information.

Be Lake District Kind, from choosing sustainable travel options to respecting nature, small actions make a big difference. Find everything you need to prepare for your adventure. Travel smart, stay safe and respect nature.  See also tips on caring for the countryside, with our Countryside Code in the Lake District.
  • Treat our home like its your home. Please bin your litter or take it home.

    Treat our home like its your home. Please bin your litter or take it home.

  • It's a National Park. Not a car park. Please park your vehicle sensibly. Think about farmers and emergency vehicles.

    It's a National Park. Not a car park. Please park your vehicle sensibly. Think about farmers and emergency vehicles.

  • Set your heart on fire, not our countryside. Wild fires and barbecues can destroy our landscapes, kill our animals and ruin habitats.

    Set your heart on fire, not our countryside. Wild fires and barbecues can destroy our landscapes, kill our animals and ruin habitats.

  • We all have a mountain to climb. Come prepared to climb ours. Please know your limits on the mountains and in our lakes. Be prepared and stay safe.

    We all have a mountain to climb. Come prepared to climb ours. Please know your limits on the mountains and in our lakes. Be prepared and stay safe.

  • Don't get out of your depth. While our lakes look inviting, open water can be dangerous, please be careful and know your limits.

    Don't get out of your depth. While our lakes look inviting, open water can be dangerous, please be careful and know your limits.

  • Enjoy the sites. Keep the Lake District looking beautiful, use one of our many local campsites.

    Enjoy the sites. Keep the Lake District looking beautiful, use one of our many local campsites.

  • Livestock is livelihood. Please keep your dogs on leads. Sheep worrying is a crime.

    Livestock is livelihood. Please keep your dogs on leads. Sheep worrying is a crime.

  • Wander lonely as a cloud. This year, broaden your horizons and explore further afield. You'll be surprised with what you'll find.

    Wander lonely as a cloud. This year, broaden your horizons and explore further afield. You'll be surprised with what you'll find.

  • Our farmers don't know the meaning of 9 to 5. Please park sensibly. Respect access for farmers and locals.

    Our farmers don't know the meaning of 9 to 5. Please park sensibly. Respect access for farmers and locals.

Plan where to visit

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’ largest lake.

map of key areas to visit
  1. Explore Coniston Water
  2. Explore Derwentwater and Keswick
  3. Explore Grasmere and Rydal
  4. Explore Langdale Valley
  5. Explore Northern Lakes
  6. Explore Ullswater and Glenridding
  7. Explore Wastwater and west coast
  8. Explore Windermere and Ambleside
Keswick 555

Plan travel and transport

Make the journey part of your adventure, for example the quiet cycle routes of Langdale, Elterwater, Coniston, Windermere shore.

Walking in the Lakes

Plan walks in the Lake District

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

Paddleboarding in Lakes

Plan to get on the water

Things to do

Plan things to do

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

Where to Stay

Plan where to stay

Friendly information centre staff chatting to a visitor

Visiting Information Centres

Our friendly team is 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.

Information Centres

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Be Lake District Kind, 'know before you go'

We all cherish the Lake District, and together, we can keep it as stunning as ever. By parking considerately, taking litter home, choosing quieter spots, and staying safe on the trails and lakes, we can all play a part in protecting this special place. Wondering where to camp, if fires are allowed, where to launch your paddleboard, or the best places to park? Our frequently asked questions have everything you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Lake District online shop products, coffee cups, water bottles and shopping bags.

Shopping here, supports here

Every penny you spend in our online shop goes back into protecting the Lake District National Park.

From re-usable water bottles and coffee cups, to bags, t-shirts and even Lake District Monopoly, its a great way to take a bit of the Lake District with you everywhere.

Lake District online shop

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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