Julie Smith
22 March 2021
There are so many wonderful places in the Lake District that sometimes it’s hard to pick which ones to visit during a short break or holiday.
That’s why we have put together this ultimate guide to 30 locations in the Lake District that you must see, and if you can’t fit them all in during one trip, it’s a great reason to visit again and again!
For even more inspiration, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in the Lake District during summer and browse our range of holiday cottages in lovely locations like Keswick, Coniston and Windermere.
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1. Derwentwater
With stunning views into the “jaws” of Borrowdale, small islands to explore, and boat hire available, there’s lots of excitement to be had on Derwentwater. The glistening lake is just a short stroll from Keswick, and you can catch one of the regular Keswick Launches around the lake to discover spectacular viewpoints and ancient woodland.
Don’t miss
- Follow the Derwentwater Walk, a 10-mile waymarked trail that will take you around the lake with flat paths and plenty of places to stop for a picnic.
- Hire a canoe and paddle to St Herbert’s Island in the middle of Derwentwater, it’s one of four islands in the lake and provided inspiration for Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.’
- Head to Friar’s Crag, just a short walk from the centre of Keswick, for a spectacular view over Derwentwater.
2. Windermere
Windermere is England’s longest lake and the Lake District’s most popular! Explore all the attractions on the shore or take in the sights from the water with a cruise. Towns and villages dotted around Windermere include Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside and Lakeside, and you can easily hop between them on a Windermere Lake Cruises steamer boat.
Don’t miss
- A relaxing walk along Windermere’s west shore will take you through Heald Wood with lots of places to stop and look out over the water.
- Try a range of water sports including canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding to explore Windermere under your own steam, stopping off to explore some of the 18 islands.
- Visit Fell Foot, a National Trust park on the shores of Windermere with Grade II-listed boathouses and picnic areas where you can enjoy stunning mountain views.
3. Hill Top. near Hawkshead
Once home to Beatrix Potter, Hill Top is a time capsule of the beloved author’s life. It’s located in the village of Near Sawrey, close to Hawkshead and can also easily be reached by ferry from Bowness-on-Windermere. The National Trust site is full of things that inspired the classic children’s books and comes with a gorgeous cottage garden that has been restored to show how it would have looked when Beatrix Potter lived at Hill Top.
Don’t miss
- Take a walk down the famous garden path at Hill Top, which was included in the Tale of Tom Kitten and The Tale of Pigling Bland.
- Catch a glimpse of the Herdwick sheep who live on the working Lakeland farm at Hill Top.
- See some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations that were inspired by Hill Top.
4. Scafell Pike, Wasdale
If you’re a keen, well-prepared walker, England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, has to be on your bucket list! The most direct way to the top is a challenging hike via Hollow Stones, with a gentler ascent available from Borrowdale. If you’re not a walker, you can still admire the impressive fell from the valleys of Eskdale or Wasdale.
Don’t miss
- The climb up Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head is the shortest and the best one to try for beginners.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Scafell Pike with a ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which is affectionately known as ‘La’al Ratty’.
- For longer walks up Scafell Pike, try the Langdale route which starts at the National Trust’s Stickle Ghyll Car Park.
5. Keswick
The pretty market town of Keswick is an eternal favourite thanks to its gorgeous views, variety of activities, and easy access to Derwentwater and the surrounding fells which include Blencathra and Skiddaw. It’s a perfect base for a walking holiday with popular routes from the town including Walla Crag and the Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Don’t miss
- The annual Keswick Mountain Festival which is a celebration of the array of outdoor activities available in this part of the Lake District.
- Catch a Keswick Launch for a scenic boat trip around Derwentwater, where you can get off at locations such as High Brandelhow and Ashness Gate.
- Spend some time at Hope Park, where you’ll find beautiful, landscaped gardens, a boating lake and a woodland stream
6. Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowness sits right on the shores of Windermere and is the perfect place for exploring the stunning South Lakes. Boats regularly leave the Bowness-on-Windermere Jetty for a scenic cruise around the lake, and there are lots of pubs and restaurants around the town where you can relax with a drink and watch the world go by.
Don’t miss
- Take the kids to The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, where characters from the classic tales are brought to life.
- Enjoy a Kayaking adventure from nearby Brockhole-on-Windermere, where you’ll find extensive grounds to explore and the Lake District Visitor Centre.
- Climb up nearby hills, Brant Fell and Orrest Head, for wonderful views over Windermere.
7. Wastwater, Wasdale
Famous for being England’s deepest lake and for the dramatic screes that tumble into the water, Wastwater is also a tranquil spot to reflect while you take in the rugged Wasdale scenery. It’s located at the western edge of the Lake District National Park and is surrounded by dramatic Lakeland fells including Buckbarrow, Illgill Head and Whin Rigg.
Don’t miss
- The spectacular view from the southwest corner of Wastwater, which shows the glistening water framed by high fells.
- It’s well worth driving along the steep Hardknott Pass to reach Wastwater and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
- Pay a visit to St Olaf’s Church at Wasdale Head, it’s England’s smallest church and dates back to 1551, and features beams that are thought to have come from a Viking longship.
8. Helvellyn, near Glenridding
Regularly voted one of Britain’s favourite walks, Helvellyn is a popular ascent for well-equipped and knowledgeable walkers. Helvellyn is the third-highest peak in the Lake District and makes an impressive backdrop to beautiful Ullswater. The climb up Striding Edge isn’t for the faint-hearted as there are a series of rugged crags to tackle on your way to the top, but the spectacular views make it all worth the effort.
Don’t miss
- An ideal starting point for your climb up Helvellyn is the pretty village of Glenridding at the southern edge of Ullswater.
- It’s well worth stopping for a wild swim at Red Tarn on the slopes of Helvellyn.
- For a circular walk, you can tackle the Striding Edge ascent up Helvellyn before returning down via Swirral Edge.
9. Dove Cottage, Grasmere
Once home to the Romantic Age poet William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage now offers a glimpse back in time, with personal belongings of the Wordsworth family on display. It was while living here that Wordsworth wrote many of his famous poems, and you can see recreated journals and letters that tell the story of his life at Dove Cottage.
Don’t miss
- Spend some time in the garden-orchard behind Dove Cottage, which has been beautifully restored to what was described by Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot man hath ever found’.
- Follow a trail around Grasmere which features many of the places in the village that are associated with Wordsworth, including St Oswald’s Church, where he and his family are buried.
- No visit to Grasmere is complete without calling in at Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop, which has been making and selling the delicious, sweet treat since 1854.
10. Honister Pass, Borrowdale
One of Cumbria’s highest and steepest roads, Honister Pass offers spectacular views across Borrowdale. At the top of the road, Honister Slate Mine is a fascinating look into the area's history and gives you the chance to test your mettle with its Via Ferrata. With classic and extreme versions available, it’s a great way to try rock climbing and scrambling along Honister Crag.
Don’t miss
- For one of the best views of the Borrowdale Valley, head across the Infinity Bridge at Honister Slate Mine, which is suspended more than 300 metres above the ground.
- Head underground for a tour of the slate mine or to climb the cavern walls.
- While you can take a leisurely drive up Honister Pass, the best way to enjoy the stunning scenery is by cycle.
11. Buttermere
Often regarded as England’s best view, Buttermere makes for an easy, family-friendly walk with gentle paths and a tunnel carved into the rock on the north-east side. The beautiful lake is surrounded by dramatic fells and peaceful woodland and is separated from Crummock Water by Buttermere village, where you can stop for refreshments after your scenic walk.
Don’t miss
- Not only are the clear waters of Buttermere and Crummock Water perfect for wild swimming, but a little further up the valley at the base of a waterfall, you’ll find the Buttermere Infinity Pool which, has views over the lake.
- There are several pretty waterfalls to walk to in the Buttermere Valley, including Moss Force and Scale Force, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Lake District.
- Buttermere and Crummock Water are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and protected for wildlife including, wildflowers, red squirrels and Arctic char, an Ice Age fish that is only found in the Lake District.
12. Ravenglass
The only coastal village in the Lake District, Ravenglass is a peaceful place where you can step back in time to explore its Roman heritage. It lies on the estuary of three rivers and has a sand and shingle beach that’s dog friendly, so four-legged friends can join you on a coastal walk with views over the Eskdale estuary.
Don’t miss:
- Explore the remains of Ravenglass Roman Bath House, an English Heritage site that dates back to 130 AD.
- Visit Eskdale Stores and Post Office, a traditional village shop in Ravenglass, where you can pick up everything from walking gear and maps to locally grown vegetables and Cumbrian craft ales.
- Eskmeal Dunes near Ravenglass is a Cumbria Wildlife Trust site with walking trails where you can see natterjack toads, curlews and oystercatchers.
13. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Known locally as the La’al Ratty, this miniature steam train tootles along the valley from Ravenglass on the coast to Boot in the heart of Eskdale. You’ll pass through 7 miles of spectacular Lake District National Park scenery with seven request stops where you can hop off the steam train to explore the area.
Don’t miss
- There are various events that take place on The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway each year, including Halloween activities and Santa Express trains.
- At Ravenglass Station, there is an outdoor play area and an informative museum with interactive exhibits.
- Dogs can join you on a steam train journey, and there’s a dog-friendly pub at Ravenglass Station called The Ratty Arms where you can enjoy a pint while looking out over the railway.
14. Catbells, near Keswick
This iconic, family-friendly fell is perfect if you’re looking for some hillwalking without too much effort! Catbells is one of the Lake District’s shortest fells, so it’s perfect as a first family climb and once you have reached the top, you can enjoy panoramic views over Keswick, Derwentwater and Borrowdale.
15. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
With a dramatic fellside location near Ravenglass, Muncaster Castle proudly looks over the Eskdale valley and boasts a fascinating history, gorgeous gardens, and regular events. The Grade I-listed building has a history that dates back more than 800 years, and makes a great day out for the whole family. There are almost 80 acres of beautiful gardens to explore, along with various atmospheric rooms to look around on a self-guided tour.
Don’t miss
- There are a couple of adventure playgrounds to keep little ones happy during your visit to Muncaster Castle, and an Enchanted Trail to follow and find fairy doors and woodland dens.
- The Hawk and Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle features regular flying displays with owls, falcons and eagles.
- Have-a-go sessions are included in all admission tickets to Muncaster Castle and let you try your hand at axe throwing, archery and shooting crossbows at a target.
16. Orrest Head
Said to be where Alfred Wainwright first got a taste for the region, Orrest Head is an easy fell walk that rewards you with stunning views over Windermere. Although there are some fairly steep sections to reach the top, there’s a 2-mile ‘Miles without Stiles’ route starting from the town of Windermere that’s suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Don’t miss
- A section of the walk up Orrest Head will take you through Elleray Woods, where you can follow a wildlife sculpture trail.
- Circular benches at the top of Orrest Head, installed by local metalwork artist CB Arts, mean you can rest awhile and enjoy the panoramic views over Windermere and the Kentmere Horseshoe.
- The Blacksmiths is a converted horsebox serving drinks and sweet treats for extra energy on the way up, with dog treats for four-legged friends.
17. Aira Force, Ullswater
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force near Ullswater, is surrounded by woodland and has viewing platforms to make the most of the sight of cascading water. Visitors have been drawn to the beauty of Aira Force for more than 300 years, and there are a variety of walks and trails that will take you from the shores of Ullswater to the waterfall, which is best viewed after heavy rain.
Don’t miss
- Follow the 4.5-mile circular trail from Aira Force around Gowbarrow Park, where you’ll find lush woodland, Herwick sheep and Gowbarrow Fell, which has stunning views from the top.
- Another wonderful trail to Aira Force is from Glencoyne Bay, a lakeshore area on Ullswater that inspired William Wordsworth’s poem ‘Daffodils’.
- Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, which live in the woodland around Aira Force.
18. The Bowder Stone, Borrowdale
Defying gravity, the Bowder Stone is a 2,000-tonne, 30-foot-high rock with a 90-foot circumference that stands precariously on its edge, perfectly balanced by its own weight. It’s one of the best-known and most visited rocks in the Lake District and is located in the Jaws of Borrowdale, the narrowest part of the valley between the River Derwent and Grange Fell.
Don’t miss
- You can climb a ladder to the top of the Bowder Stone via a 30-foot metal ladder, which replaced the original wooden one in 2019.
- The Bowder Stone is surrounded by regenerated woodland that has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, as it represents one of the few remaining fragments of the Atlantic oak wood habitat.
- You’ll see carpets of bluebells in spring on a dog-friendly walk to the Bowder Stone from the National Trust car park, which is around 900 metres away.
19. Surprise View and Ashness Bridge, Derwentwater
Located close to the shoreline of Derwentwater, Ashness Bridge is small stone packhorse bridge that crosses the fast-running Barrow Beck. It’s a popular spot for a photograph with the backdrop of Derwentwater and Skiddaw and a short but steep walk to Surprise View where you can look out over the whole of the lake.
Don’t miss
- Catch one of the regular Keswick Launch boats from Keswick to Ashness Gate, it’s around half a mile from Ashness Bridge.
- A 3-mile circular walk from the Ashness Bridge National Trust car park takes in the packhorse bridge, Surprise View and nearby Lodore Falls.
- There’s another National Trust car park at Surprise View for anyone who can’t manage the steep walk, making this beauty spot accessible to all.
20. Lowther Castle
Lowther Castle lies just a few miles south of Penrith, perched on the top of a limestone cliff so you can enjoy spectacular views over the Brampton Valley as you explore the sprawling grounds. Though the building itself is now just a shell, the impressive facade is still mainly intact, and you can walk inside the extensive ruins and imagine how spectacular the Gothic castle would once have been.
Don’t miss
- The gorgeous Lowther Castle gardens contain parterres that were first formally laid out in the 17th century by Sir John Lowther and a rose garden inspired by Sleeping Beauty.
- The Lost Castle is an adventure playground that’s located deep in the woodland of Lowther Castle with mazes, walkways, zipwires and tunnels to keep little ones happy during a visit.
- An exhibition in the Stable Gallery tells the fascinating story of Lowther Castle and the family who lived at this grand historic home.
21. Rannerdale
This ‘hidden’ Lake District valley is awash with beautiful bluebells in the spring. The area is known locally as Bluebell Valley due to the sheer quantity of the pretty purple plants that grow here during April and May. Local legend says that bluebells flourish in the Rannerdale Valley as a reminder of the bloodshed in a Norman battle that took place here. Remember to avoid trampling the flowers so future visitors can also enjoy the spectacle too!
Don’t miss
- Take the circular 3-mile walk to the top of Rannerdale Knotts from the National Trust car park at Buttermere, you’ll get great views over the lake from the summit and pass along the shoreline of Crummock Water.
- Follow a series of paths around Rannerdale to avoid trampling the flowers.
- As well as the famous bluebells, you’ll also see hawthorns, gorse and gambolling Herdwick lambs on a spring visit to Rannerdale.
22. Theatre by the Lake
Sitting on the shores of Derwentwater, the Theatre by the Lake provides an exciting programme of performances throughout the year. The Independent said: 'It’s the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain' so it’s definitely worth visiting on a getaway to Keswick and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss
- You can see live music performances, plays and talks at Theatre by the Lake, and there are various summer masterclasses for young people to get involved in during July and August.
- The Lakeside Café at Theatre by the Lake serves locally sourced fresh food which you can tuck into while enjoying panoramic views over Derwentwater.
- As well as the main auditorium, there are various gallery spaces with exhibitions and work from local artists.
23. Whinlatter Forest
England’s only true mountain forest, Whinlatter has many waymarked footpaths, mountain biking routes, and a Go Ape! high ropes course. It’s a World Heritage Site located high in the Lake District National Park with views across Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater and Keswick. Head to the visitor centre for more information on the assortment of trails and activities available at Whinlatter Forest.
Don’t miss
- Whinlatter Forest is the perfect place to head to for a dog-friendly day out with four-legged friends; they can sniff out lots of adventures amongst the trees and are welcome in the visitor centre and cafe.
- For something a little different, take a guided alpaca walk through Whinlatter Forest with Alpacaly Ever After.
- The WildPlay trail features various activities for little ones as you head into the forest.
24. Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House
Overlooking Windermere, Blackwell is a Grade I-listed building that is a masterpiece of Arts and Crafts design. It was originally built in the early 1900s as a Lake District holiday home for a wealthy Victorian family, and you can wander through beautifully preserved rooms to imagine the summer getaways spent here, looking across the lake to the Coniston Fells.
Don’t miss
- The skilled craftsmanship on display at Blackwell includes painted tiles, carved stone and mosaic tiles.
- Wander around the beautiful gardens at Blackwell, which include vibrant flower beds and lush lawns that were once used for croquet.
- There are regular art exhibitions at Blackwell, and the house contains furniture and ceramics by Morris & Co, Baillie Scott and Ruskin Pottery.
25. Tarn Hows
This pretty tarn offers an easy, accessible walk that takes in some of the gorgeous scenery of the South Lakes. Originally part of the Monk Coniston estate, which was owned by Beatrix Potter, Tarn Hows was bequeathed to the National Trust upon her death. The beautiful body of water is around half a mile long and surrounded by rising fell and woodland between Coniston and Hawkshead.
Don’t miss
- Take a short but scenic woodland walk from Tarn Hows to the majestic Tom Gill Falls where water gushes around 30 feet into the Glen Mary ravine.
- The circular walk around Tarn Hills is just under 2 miles and is a ‘Miles without Stiles’ route with Tramper mobility scooters available to hire.
- Enjoy a 3-mile circular wildlife walk around Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows where you can see red squirrels, otters and hares.
26. Bridge House, Ambleside
One of the most iconic and most photographed buildings in the Lake District, Bridge House is a tiny property that stands on the bridge over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside. It was built in the 17th century as an apple store so that the wealthy Braithwaite family could escape land tax. Through the years, Bridge House has also been used as a counting house, a tearoom and a home for eight people.
Don’t miss
- Bridge House is currently owned by the National Trust, and you can look around the two tiny rooms on selected dates each year.
- Stand on the bridge in front of the tiny house for a great photo opportunity.
- Visit the nearby Armitt Museum to learn more about the fascinating history of Ambleside.
27. Stanley Ghyll
Follow flowing rivers through the tranquil woodland of Eskdale to reach the wonderful Stanley Ghyll waterfall thundering down a rocky ravine. The narrow gorge where Stanley Ghyll is located is filled with ferns and rhododendrons, with water dropping dramatically down to a deep plunge pool, around 60 feet below.
Don’t miss
- There’s a fantastic viewing platform across the top of Stanley Ghyll where you can look down over the tumbling water.
- Park at Dalegarth Station, or catch a Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway steam train, to climb up through the rocky ravine to the viewing platform.
- Kids will love the series of stepping stones that cross the River Esk on route to the waterfall from Dalegarth.
28. Steam Yacht Gondola, Coniston
Take a trip across Coniston on a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht and enjoy a taste of tourism from the past. The Steam Yacht Gondola, which is run by the National Trust, is dog friendly too, so four-legged friends can join on a scenic cruise around the lake in either the elegant, covered saloon or the open-air deck.
Don’t miss
- The Mountain cruise will take you around the northern half of Coniston with great views of the Furness Fells, including the Old Man of Coniston.
- Discover the world of Swallows and Amazons on a Heart of the Lakes cruise when you’ll sail to Peel Island, which featured as Wild Cat Island, in the famous book.
- Disembark at the Brantwood jetty on the Heart of the Lakes cruise to discover Brantwood House & Garden and learn about the life of John Ruskin.
29. Wray Castle
Nestled at the top of Windermere’s west shore, Wray Castle may look like a Gothic medieval fortress, but it was actually built as a Victorian folly. It’s a fascinating place to look around with castellated towers to climb and period rooms to explore. There are also lots of waymarked trails around the grounds and a long stretch of shingle beach to relax on.
Don’t miss
- A collection of giant exotic fir trees in the grounds and a Mulberry tree said to have been planted by William Wordsworth in 1845.
- Take a Lake Windermere pleasure boat ride to Wray Castle, and you’ll enter via the impressive Gothic Revival Boathouse and Miniature Harbour.
- Follow a scenic 4-mile lakeshore path from Wray Castle to Claife Viewing Station, a monument built in 1790 which frames the view of Windermere with stained glass panels.
30. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Located high above Keswick, this mysterious stone circle is the oldest in Britain, dating back to around 3000 BC. You can take a circular 4-mile walk from the Market Square in Keswick to Castlerigg Stone Circle and enjoy panoramic views from the the natural plateau that this historic site is perched on.
Don’t miss
- A ring of mountains, including Helvellyn and High Seat, surrounds the 38 atmospheric stones giving a wonderful backdrop for photographs.
- The dark skies at Castlerigg Stone Circle make this elevated spot in the mountains just right for stargazing.
- Pop into the Keswick Pencil Museum to see a Neolithic axe-head that was discovered in the centre of Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Map of must-see places in the Lake District
Plan your getaway to the Lake District with this map of the must-see places to visit while you are there.
Book a Lake District holiday cottage
Hopefully we have given you lots of inspiration for lovely places to visit during your next Lake District holiday. Browse our full range of Lake District cottages, including romantic, family and dog-friendly holiday homes and start planning which of these must-visit places to tick off your list next.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.