Lake District National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park

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”.

Lakes Hotel and Spa

Lakes Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
Kendal Road Windermere England
The price is NZ$345 per night from 8 Jan to 9 Jan
NZ$345
8 Jan - 9 Jan
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,212 reviews)
Lovely staff, lovely location, amazing food, the best!!!

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Lakes Hotel and Spa
Windermere Manor Hotel

Windermere Manor Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Rayrigg Road Windermere England
The price is NZ$206 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
NZ$206
4 Feb - 5 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (672 reviews)
Staff very friendly on arrival and leaving. Breakfast good. Nice relaxing lounges. Room really warm could do with turning the heating down. Log fire lovely downstairs

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025

Windermere Manor Hotel
The Daffodil Hotel

The Daffodil Hotel

4 out of 5
Keswick Road Ambleside England
The price is NZ$233 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
NZ$233
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Ambleside. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (647 reviews)
Spacious clean room with lake view. Excellent food. Polite and helpful staff. Fortunate to have dry and often sunny weather. A lovely winter break.

Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025

The Daffodil Hotel
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,419 reviews)
Fully equipped room, easy parking

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

Pine Lake Resort
Kotel Windermere

Kotel Windermere

4.5 out of 5
Lake road Windermere England
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Windermere Jetty Museum of ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
Nice hotel.

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Kotel Windermere
 Lonsdale House Boutique Apartments

Lonsdale House Boutique Apartments

4 out of 5
Daltongate Ulverston England
Stay at this aparthotel in Ulverston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Laurel and Hardy Museum and Manjushri Kadampa ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
As soon as we stepped through the door, it felt like home from home. Clean, modern but with original features. So beautifully decorated and had everything we needed. The view from our window, that overlooked the garden, was just lovely. We cannot wait to stay there again.

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

Lonsdale House Boutique Apartments
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Lake District National Park

Explore a world of travel with Expedia