We've worked with a number of local experts to compile the ultimate travel guide to holidays in the Lake District. Whether you’re seeking fun for the family, fantastic food and drink, a host of active adventures or something completely unique, we're sure you will find it here. And when you’re ready to begin your break you can take a look at a special selection of fantastic holiday homes in the Lakes.
Start your journey with our Inspire and Explore guide highlighting things to do in the Lake District.
The Lake District national park is the first to be awarded UNESCO world heritage status in the UK. Self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District offer unrivalled access to one of the most green and gorgeous corners of the UK. You will never wonder what to do in the Lake District, take a slow boat over tranquil waters, traverse mountainous ranges and enjoy fantastic food and drink. Our resident experts have some fantastic recommendations they are happy to share with you.
There are many ways to make a holiday to remember in the Lakes, from ‘wandering lonely as a cloud’ in the spirit of Wordsworth to enjoying the more lively charms of Windermere or Ambleside. To help you on your quest to enjoy the ultimate holiday we’ve compiled the ultimate travel guide and where to stay in the Lake District. Once you’re inspired you can explore a selection of handpicked holiday homes in the lakes too.
Our experts offer a wealth of Lake District knowledge. However you’re looking to enjoy your holiday home in the Lakes we’re sure they have the perfect suggestion for you.
Some say the Lake District was made for cycling with extreme off-road mountain biking to gentle country lanes, cross country routes as well as the Lake District Cycling Loop. Bike hire in the Lake District can be found in most areas including electric bikes which could be a good idea; mountain biking in the Lake District can be a bit more enjoyable with a bit of assistance! We have picked a variety of the more popular routes to inspire you.
One of the really special things about this UNESCO National Park is the wonderful choice of Lake District walks; there really is something to suit everyone! Whether you prefer a gentle waterside ramble or strenuous mountain climb you’ll find yourself at famous locations, as well as hidden away gems, amidst stunning landscapes. There is so much to discover as well as rich and diverse nature and wildlife to look out for throughout all the four seasons.
The Lake District isn’t short of perfect places to eat. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin starred meal for two, hearty pub grub in glorious surroundings, ornate tea for two or a quick pit stop as you make your way from one gorgeous location to another – you will find a wealth of wonderful choice.
Sharp Edge is a short but very enjoyable knife-edge ridge that takes you onto the top of a beautiful mountain, which on the right day offers incredible views back down over Keswick and the north Lakes. Only for those with a head for heights!
Graham Wynne, Photographer
Take a boat trip on Lake Windermere with ‘Windermere Lake Cruises’ or indeed a hire a rowing boat with them too.
Tina Fleming, Cumbrian Cottages, Windermere Office
Try the local real ale in many of the pubs in the area – a favourite is ‘The Watermill’ at Ings. They have their own micro- brewery and are very dog friendly.
Tina Fleming, Cumbrian Cottages, Windermere Office
Go Ape at Grizedale Forest near Hawkshead- a zip wire adventure high in the treetops.
Tina Fleming, Cumbrian Cottages, Windermere Office
Surprise View: the most amazing view in the lakes in my opinion with the benefit of travelling over Ashness Bridge to get there (the most photographed bridge in Britain for a good reason).
Sophie Thornton, Regional Manager, Carlisle
Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, erected circa 3000 BC, with its magnificent backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.
Ken Pridmore, Holiday Cottage Consultant
The Northern Fells- still the stunning panoramas and charming villages you would expect of the lakes without the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas.
Sophie Thornton, Regional Manager, Carlisle
After a decent snowfall/cold spell Helvellyn is transformed into something that looks more like the Alps than Cumbria. The famous edges can be avoided by the less confident, but this is still a reasonably serious undertaking, requiring the proper footwear, equipment and knowledge.
Graham Wynne, Photographer
The independent shops in both Keswick and Cockermouth, lots of nice locally made food, drink and crafts.
Sophie Thornton, Regional Manager, Carlisle
Claife Heights: This extremely pretty area can be accessed via a short ferry ride from Bowness, and gets you away from the crowds to some of the best views in the south Lakes, via a relatively non-strenuous climb (for the Lake District!).
Graham Wynne, Photographer
A trip around Derwentwater on a launch.
Ken Pridmore, Holiday Cottage Consultant
Have a family day at the Lake District Wildlife Park, the kids will love the baby meerkats, and top it off with a tour and meal at the new Lakes Distillery.
Sophie Thornton, Regional Manager, Carlisle
Have a family day at the Lake District Wildlife Park, the kids will love the baby meerkats, and top it off with a tour and meal at the new Lakes Distillery.
Sophie Thornton, Regional Manager, Carlisle
Staveley has a lot going on, with the UK’s largest cycle shop, an artisan bakery, Hawkshead Brewery/Beer Hall, Wilf’s café, and a folk festival amongst other attractions.
Graham Wynne, Photographer
All of our featured holiday homes in the Lakes have been handpicked to offer the finest holiday experience possible. Take a look at traditional slate built and white washed cottages, cosy getaways for two, large farmhouses for the whole family, properties with pools and much more.
Windermere
Birkerthwaite, Birkermoor
Nr. Keswick
Windermere
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