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”.

The Windermere Hotel

The Windermere Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Lake District National Park, Kendal Rd, Windermere, England
The price is NZ$211 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
NZ$211
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (686 reviews)
"Clean."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

The Windermere Hotel
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
23 Church Street, Windermere, England
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$516 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$516
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"The family room was good and the kids loved the bunk beds. But the room was at the front of the property and so was pretty noisy even on a Sunday. Breakfast in the morning was tasty with a good view over the lake. We didn't park in the hotel car park but on Glebe Road which was a fifth of the ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Lakes Hotel and Spa

Lakes Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
Kendal Road, Bowness, Windermere, England
The price is NZ$408 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$408
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 15 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,099 reviews)
"One of the best stays I’ve ever had! Beutiful hotel will be coming back"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Lakes Hotel and 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 4-star spa aparthotel in Carnforth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,340 reviews)
"Excellent property and lovely quiet location just what we like. Enough to do and decent eating area. Would highly recommend. Windermere only 40 mins away in the car."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Pine Lake Resort
Kotel Windermere

Kotel Windermere

4.5 out of 5
Lake road, Windermere, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Windermere Jetty ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
Unreal stay at Kotel Windermere
"Absolutely beautiful room😍So clean and well equipped. Dyson cool fan, GHD straighteners & hairdryer!! Will definitely be booking here again!!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Kotel Windermere
Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments

Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments

4 out of 5
The Lodge, Kendal Road, Windermere, England
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Bowness Pier are ...
"My family and I had a lovely stay here. We will definitely be back as we enjoyed the location and facilities. Staff was also very helpful"

Reviewed on 5 Jan. 2025

Hapimag Burnside Park 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

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Cities near Lake District National Park