Lake District National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A mountainous landscape with a prominent rock in the foreground and a valley in the background.
A lake surrounded by hills and a field of blue flowers.
A tranquil lake at dusk with a dock, a leafless tree, and distant mountains under a twilight sky.
A snow-covered valley with rolling hills and sparse trees.
A rocky hillside with a lone tree in the foreground and a cloudy sky above.

From the heights of Skiddaw to the depths of Wastwater, Lake District weekend breaks comprise the best of England’s green and pleasant land.

Spanning more than 2,000 square kilometres, Lake District holidays wrap up the country’s finest natural attractions in a pretty bow. Lake Windermere, for instance, is the Lake District’s largest lake and one of the most spectacular of its kind. With winding woodland trails, deep fells and azure waters, it’s no surprise that this natural wonder is a popular stop-over point for visitors in the region.

For panoramic views, you’ll want to lace up your walking boots and scramble to the top of Scafell Pike. At 978 metres tall, this is the country’s highest mountain and, on a clear day, boasts unrivalled views across the Mourne Mountain in Northern Ireland and the frosty peaks of Snowdonia in Wales – a must-see on any Lake District break.

Looking for some local entertainment on your Lake District holiday? Pocketed around the edges of the Great Lakes are quaint market towns and villages, where friendly locals and family-run restaurants offer up fantastic food and entertainment.

Two of the most popular areas in the Lake District, Keswick and Ambleside, can be found pulled up neatly beside the area’s tallest mountains – perfect for taking in breath-taking views from your doorstep.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten track on your Lake District break, you’ll want to visit Grasmere. This hilly village is collared by high ground, and even has the river Rothby running beside it. In fact, so picturesque is Grasmere that William Wordsworth once described it as the “most beautiful spot man hath ever found”.

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
23 Church Street Windermere England
The price is NZ$321 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$321
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very good! (1,002 reviews)
"Lovely hotel room was cleaned every day all the amenities are good staff very helpful"

Reviewed on 1 July 2026

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Lakes Hotel and Spa

Lakes Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
Kendal Road Windermere England
The price is NZ$467 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$467
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 15 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,302 reviews)
"Staff were very welcoming and helpful. Lovely hotel, food and spa and is in a great location, couple of minutes walk into Bowness"

Reviewed on 12 July 2026

Lakes Hotel and Spa
Beech Hill Hotel & Spa

Beech Hill Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Newby Bridge Road Windermere England
The price is NZ$355 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
NZ$355
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free parking, 2 hot tubs and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (177 reviews)
"Lovey view from room 53 balcony despite on-going building works. Spacious and relaxing room, although I don’t know what the purpose of so many cushions on the bed are. Breakfast had a great choice and my cooked selection was excellent. Helpful and friendly staff. Had to wait now and then at busy ..."

Reviewed on 12 July 2026

Beech Hill Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pine Lake Resort

Pine Lake Resort

4 out of 5
Dock Acres Carnforth England
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Carnforth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,506 reviews)
"Staff outstanding. Amazing resort!"

Reviewed on 8 July 2026

Pine Lake Resort
1 Bed Flat - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking - Wifi

1 Bed Flat - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking - Wifi

3 out of 5
Lower House Fairfield Ambleside England
Stay at this cottage in Ambleside. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Fantastic accommodation & location
"Amazing, the photos do not do it justice, lovely cosy cottage a home from home and fully equipped. Great location, short walk to village incl pubs and chippy, also access to walks (which pass through livestick fields so dogs on leads). Grizedale forest was a short drive away with really good (long ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2024

1 Bed Flat - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking - Wifi
Rayrigg Villa Windermere

Rayrigg Villa Windermere

4 out of 5
Ellerthwaite Square Windermere England
Stay at this villa in Windermere. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and World of Beatrix Potter are located nearby.
8/10 Very good! (161 reviews)
"Perfect, nothing to say, destroys its price point."

Reviewed on 9 July 2026

Rayrigg Villa Windermere
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Lake District National Park attractions

Activities

Cities near Lake District National Park

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