Lake District National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A mountainous landscape with a prominent rock in the foreground and a valley in the background.
A lake surrounded by hills and a field of blue flowers.
A tranquil lake at dusk with a dock, a leafless tree, and distant mountains under a twilight sky.
A snow-covered valley with rolling hills and sparse trees.
A rocky hillside with a lone tree in the foreground and a cloudy sky above.

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”.

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
23 Church Street Windermere England
The price is AU$281 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
AU$281
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Lakes Hotel and Spa

Lakes Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
Kendal Road Windermere England
The price is AU$318 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
AU$318
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 15 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,319 reviews)
"We stayed for a few nights at the end of July. The hotel itself had good facilities - a lovely spa area and swimming pool, a "pub" underneath the spa/next to the pool, and a balcony area where food was also served. The view over the lake from the balcony was nice, and the food was excellent. It was ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Lakes Hotel and Spa
Beech Hill Hotel & Spa

Beech Hill Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Newby Bridge Road Windermere England
The price is AU$210 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$210
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free parking, 2 hot tubs and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (261 reviews)
"It's a somewhat high-end hotel overlooking Lake Windermere. Staff were friendly and helpful. I didn't have dinner there or spend time in the bar, but I had breakfast, which was fine. I had a very nice room overlooking the lake, but it was many flights of stairs down to it. As far as I know there ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Beech Hill Hotel & 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 spa aparthotel in Carnforth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,524 reviews)
"Duck poop is almost everywhere and they have no kids playground. There is one but its so small. Weird for a holiday park not to have a proper kids play area outside. Next to no food options."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

Pine Lake Resort
1 Bed Flat - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking - Wifi

1 Bed Flat - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking - Wifi

3 out of 5
Lower House Fairfield Ambleside England
Stay at this cottage in Ambleside. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Grizedale Forest are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Great property for 3 people. It was well equipped very clean . Location perfect for Hawkeshead for all amenities. Will definitely return."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2026

1 Bed Flat - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking - Wifi
Kotel Windermere

Kotel Windermere

4.5 out of 5
Lake road Windermere England
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Windermere Jetty Museum of ...
Kotel Windermere
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.

Stay near popular Lake District National Park attractions

Activities

Cities near Lake District National Park

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