The Lake District is long known as one of the most stunning places in all of England. While Wales and Scotland have mountainous terrain, England is famously largely flat with only gently rolling green hills.
The Lake District is a mountainous region in North-Western England and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. It is famous for its lakes, mountains (called fells), and forests. The Lake District is also famous for its boat tours in England's most beautiful setting.
What Makes The Lake District Special
"In England’s north western corner lies ancient Cumbria and the timeless landscapes of the Lake District. This is where modern tourism was born..."
The Lake District was one of the first UK national parks established in 1951 and covers an area of 2,362 square kilometers. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
- Status: England's Largest National Park and World Heritage Site
The Lake District is located in the Cumbria region of England today although historically it was spread over three English counties (Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire).
- Tip: Pop Into The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and See Why This Historic Little Gingerbread Shop Is of Such Renown Across England
The Lake District boasts all the land in England over 3000 feet or 914 meters in elevation (including Scafell Pike - the highest mountain in England). The lake district also has England's most impressive lakes boasting both its deepest and largest natural lakes.
- Scafell Pike: Height 978 Meters or 3,209 Feet
Why its One Of England's Favorite Destinations
The English describe the district with superlatives. It is a very stunning location but pails compared to mountainous and alpine lake regions like British Columbia in Canada, Fiordland in New Zealand, and even the Highlands of Scotland. But the Lake District is quaint and charming pulling from the deep history and best culture of England.
- Getting There: Its About 3.5 Hours From London by Train
It is a landscape that has long inspired poets and painters alike. It is one of the places in England where the landscapes themselves are the main attraction and not the tea houses, castles, and historic estates.
Notable among its writers are Beatrix Potter whose Hill Top Cottage one can visit today, and William Wordsworth whose old home, Dove Cottage, is now a quaint little museum.
As one of England's oldest and most loved tourist destinations, one can count on the region's hospitality and quality places to stay.
Where To Go In The Lake District
Popular regions in the Lake District include:
- Windermere and Ambleside: These Boast Mountain Views Around England's Largest Lake And Includes the Bustling Charming Town of Ambleside
- Coniston: The 3rd Longest Lake In the Lake District and Is Popular for Rowing, Kayaking, Boat Tours, Walking, And Hiking
- Keswick and Derwentwater: A Lively Market Town On The End of Derwent Lake Next To The Quaint Valley of Borrowdale
- Grasmere and Rydal: Grasmere Is a Village Full of Charm and Has Some of the Best Palaces To Stay and Dine
- Langdale Valley: One of The Best Hiking and Camping Places in The Lake District
- North Lakes: Said By Some To Be The Most Peaceful Part of the District and Includes The Lakes Buttermere, Crummock, Loweswater, and Bassenthwaite
What To Do In The Lake District
Here one will see the best of the North. Discover British cuisine at its most impressive (stereotypes and jokes aside, England does have some really good cuisine). If one's budget permits see the four Michelin star restaurants and some of the most well-known names in the world.
- Food: One Will Find Some Of England's Best Restaurants In The Lake District
Explore the English countryside at its best. While the English thing to do is often to take a gentle stroll and explore the quaint countryside, one can also find hikes for hardcore trekkers. Come across the numerous cozy pubs doting the region serving their patrons just as they have for hundreds of years. See the traditional English pubs and taste locally brewed beers.
If going to these pubs, it may be beneficial to familiarize oneself with British pub etiquette - some of which may surprise you.
- Kirkstile Inn: Boasts Its Own Brewery, Cumbrian Legendary Ales
If rough and rugged camping isn't for you, then try out the world-class glamping in the region. Spend a night in a yurt or lodge pod - the coming with a log-burning stove adding to the cozy feeling (Grizadel Campsite and Wallsend are great options for this).
If one is looking for places to stay, then the Lake District National Park shows many of the best listings in the region.