Julie Smith
10 July 2025
With beautiful lakes surrounded by mountains, valleys dotted with pretty villages and plenty of scenic walks to try it’s no surprise that Cumbria and the Lake District ranks highly as one of your favourite places to visit in the UK.
In fact, Cumbria was named the third happiest place in the UK in a recent survey by our sister brand holidaycottages.co.uk and we have analysed the data to find the towns and villages around Cumbria and the Lake District that bring you the most joy.
From Keswick to Grasmere and Windermere, take a look at the top 10 happiest places to stay in Cumbria and start planning your next joyful getaway to Cumbria.
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Keswick
Surrounded by towering mountains including Skiddaw and Blencathra and nestled at the northern tip of Derwentwater, Keswick is one of the most-loved destinations in the Lake District so it’s no surprise that it claimed top spot as the happiest place in the Lake District.
Popular things to do in Keswick include visiting attractions such as The Puzzling Place, catching a Keswick Launch for a boat trip around the lake and walking up the fells of Cat Bells before calling for refreshments at one of the many dog-friendly cafes and pubs in the town.
What you said
- “I’m happiest spending time with family in Keswick, either chilling in a pub, walking / hiking or just sightseeing.”
- “I love looking across the water towards the fells bathed in sunshine which are topped with snow and dappled with shadows of passing clouds.”
- “I'm so content on a clear day when I've reached a trig point and can see for miles.”
Ambleside
Bagging second place in our happiest places survey, Ambleside is a bustling market town at the top of Lake Windermere with traditional Victorian buildings that house holiday cottages and a great range of shops. You’ll also be spoiled for choice for places to eat and drink too with Lucy on a Plate, one of your top Ambleside restaurant picks.
A short walk from Ambleside is Stock Ghyll Force which has easy access viewpoints for the whole family. Other attractions in and around the town include the National Trust’s Stagshaw Gardens and Brockhole-on-Windermere where you can hire rowing boats and kayaks to head out onto the water.
What you said
- “I’m happiest when I’m sitting on the edge of the jetty at Lake Windermere with a glass of wine looking out over the water.”
- “We spent our honeymoon 25 years ago in a cottage in Ambleside. We walked every day, had picnics, hired boats, ate out. It was perfect!”
- “I am most happy walking through Rothay Park in Ambleside with my dog.”
Windermere
Sharing its name with the famous lake, the town of Windermere lies around a mile from the water and has a busy high street where you can get everything from gifts and walking shoes to ice cream and a pint. Windermere, which came third in our survey, is popular for a day out in the Lake District as it is easily reached from nearby locations like Manchester with a regular train service.
There are plenty of things around Windermere to fill a longer holiday too, including visiting attractions like Holehird Gardens and Windermere Jetty Museum, taking a walk to enjoy the view from Orrest Head and heading to nearby Bowness for a jaunt on the lake.
What you said
- “Windermere in spring is lovely, the town is so friendly with lovely walks and plenty to do and see. I always feel refreshed and re-energised even after spending a couple of hours there.”
- “I love going up there with my family. We enjoy walking through the town, eating at a local restaurant and shopping in the unique shops.”
- “First time paddleboarding with the dogs in this place, it was beautiful warm weather and the lake was warm which made it all that more beautiful. It was an amazing place.”
Grasmere
One of the prettiest villages in the Lake District, Grasmere was described by poet William Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’ and, taking third place in our survey, it is a superb place to visit if you are looking for beautiful scenery and some creative inspiration.
Find your happiness in Grasmere by following in the footsteps of Wordsworth himself and visiting Dove Cottage and Allen Bank where the poet once lived. Other things you love to do in Grasmere including hiring a traditional wooden rowing boat for a trip on the lake, seeking out a waterfall such as Sourmilk Ghyll and sampling some delicious Grasmere Gingerbread. It’s still made from Sarah Nelson’s original recipe and is regarded as the best gingerbread in the world.
What you said
- “As soon as I see the mountains and lakes from the M6 I feel so relaxed.”
- “I’m happiest when on a hike in the rain or sunshine holding my husband’s hand talking about everything and nothing with our little dog running around.”
- “I’m in heaven when I’m in a cottage looking at the marvellous views through the window at the wonderful hills and mountains.”
Bowness
A very popular place to visit during summer, Bowness lies on the shores of Lake Windermere and comes with a marina and a jetty where you can hire self-drive boats, paddleboards and cruises around the lake.
Bowness is just down the road from Windermere town so both joyful destinations can easily be explored together during a Lake District getaway. Activities highlighted in the happiest places survey include visiting The World of Beatrix Potter, trying out some water sports and catching the ferry across Lake Windermere.
What you said
- “We spent a fantastic summer's day with our dogs walking around Bowness and then having ice cream on the edge of Lake Windermere with stunning views behind us.”
- “I’m happiest when paddleboarding around lake Windermere first thing in the morning when not many people are up and the lake is silent and still.”
- “I have been visiting Bowness-On-Windermere with my daughters and granddaughters for many years. I have many happy memories.”
Coniston
Quieter than Windermere and surrounded by dramatically high fell, Coniston makes a great base for anyone looking to pull on their hiking boots and enjoy an outdoors holiday. The village is located at the top of Coniston Water, a long narrow lake that was the setting for Donald Campbell’s water speed record attempts in the 1960s. You can see the Bluebird MkII at the local museum.
Coniston also inspired the children’s adventure Swallows and Amazons and you can visit Peel Island which featured as Wild Cat Island in the beloved book. Other joyful things to do in and around Coniston include taking a trip on the historic Steam Yacht Gondola, exploring nearby Grizedale Forest and climbing up The Old Man of Coniston to enjoy the magnificent view.
What you said
- “I loved walking through the Coppermines Valley, sitting at the stream and then hiking up to the summit of The Old Man of Coniston with my daughter and dogs. The view was spectacular.”
- “Many happy memories of staying both with friends and with family, walking on the fells, orienteering and exploring Grizedale forests whatever the weather.”
- “I’m happiest when relaxing with a pint of local ale and a nice meal at one of the village pubs after completing one of the lovely walks in the local area.”
Buttermere
Buttermere is the place to head to if your happy places involves being far from the madding crowd and surrounded by beautiful scenery. The serene waters of Buttermere are still and calm and reflect rolling hills that lead almost to the edge of the lake. Buttermere is a popular spot for wild swimming, either in the lake itself or a nearby natural infinity pool.
There are various waterfall walks to try in the surrounding Buttermere Valley and nearby woodland trails where you can see rare red squirrels in their natural environment. The walk around the lake is on a fairly flat and well-maintained path so it’s suitable for most ages and abilities.
What you said
- “A walk around Buttermere with a slice of cake afterwards at the Croft House Farm Cafe is a must for every trip we make to the area.”
- “I’m happiest when walking my dog with my husband and exploring parts of the lakes we’ve never seen before. I’m always happy in the Lakes come rain or shine!”
- “Stayed in a lovely cottage close to Buttermere and Crummock. Totally unspoilt area with beautiful walks and the highlight was visiting when the bluebells were out at Rannerdale.”
Kendal
Kendal is a historic market town on the River Dart that’s a perfect base if you are looking for some history and heritage during your Lake District holiday. Claiming eighth place in our top ten happiest Lake District places, Kendal offers scenic riverside walks, an ancient castle to explore and an art gallery that’s located in the Georgian Abbot Hall.
The car-free streets in Kendal are full of quirky ginnels and historic yards where you’ll find artisan bakeries, antique shops, pavement cafes and independent boutiques. Sit down to a picnic in one of Kendal’s many parks and gardens and find out more about the history and heritage of the area with a visit to Kendal Museum.
What you said
- “I'm happiest when walking my dog off lead, watching him have the best time exploring new places.”
- “Walks along the river, beautiful countryside, lovely cottages and close to cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops.”
- “I’m happy walking along the river with our dog and visiting the Royal Barn Brewery. Visiting Farrers coffee shop in Kendal and walking to the castle.”
Elterwater
If you’re looking for a traditional Lakeland village that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the more busy tourist areas, make sure to pay a visit to Elterwater. It may be small, but it comes highly recommended in our happiest places survey thanks to a charming 500-year-old village pub called The Britannia and the breathtaking scenery of the Langdale Valley.
Elterwater lies around 4-miles west of Ambleside and nearby pretty Lake District waterfalls include Skelwith Force and Colwith Force. Popular things to do in Elterwater include taking a walk around the water, fishing for trout in the lake and heading deep underground into Cathedral Cave where there is a network of interlinked quarries.
What you said
- “I am happy relaxing with my family having a drink after climbing one of the many fells in Langdale.”
- “I love taking the footpath from Ambleside back towards Langdale and seeing the view across to Windermere for the first time.”
- “This is where I truly fell in love with the countryside and realised that a holiday in the UK is as good if not better than anywhere else.”
Glenridding
Located at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass, a famed mountain road that zig-zags through the Lake District, Glenridding is another pretty Lakeland village that’s well worth visiting. It’s nestled at the bottom of Ullswater and you can catch a steamer boat from Glenridding Pier to visit locations like Pooley Bridge and Aira Force.
Glenridding is a popular destination for walkers, especially as a gateway to climbing Helvellyn via the challenging Striding Edge path. There are a selection of good pubs in the village where you can stop for refreshments after a hike and if you prefer your outdoor activities to be on the water, you can get boat hire and tuition at the Glenridding Sailing Centre.
What you said
- “Climbing Helvellyn and surrounding fells walking from Glenridding and on my return to Glenridding going in the Travellers Rest for a beer and a nice meal.”
- “I remember being pregnant with my second child and watching my first child, dogs and husband playing in the water whilst looking at views over Ullswater.”
- “I’m happiest when kayaking with my Yorkshire Terrier on Ullswater.”
Map of the happiest places in Cumbria
Find the happiest places to head to on your next Lake District getaway with this handy map:
Find your happy place in Cumbria and the Lake District
Hopefully you have been inspired to visit some of these joyful Cumbria places and make some happy memories of your own with family and friends. Whether it’s your first visit to the Lake District or you have been many times, the stunning scenery will always amaze and delight.
Browse our full range of Lake District cottages, which include lots of dog-friendly holiday homes, to find your perfect base for exploring the area.
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.