30 Incredible Places to Visit in the Lake District

The Lake District, in the north of England, is one of my favorite places on earth. I visited for the first time in April 2017, and was completely enchanted. It’s a destination that I return to regularly, and an area I know extremely well. There is so much to see and do in this national park, it can be difficult to know where to start! It took a lot of work to narrow this list down, as truly, there are so many incredible spots. Here are 30 spectacular places to visit in the Lake District.

Table of Contents

What is the Lake District? Where is the Lake District?

The Lake District National Park, sometimes referred to as the Lakes or Lakeland, is a national park in the northwest of England. It’s in the county of Cumbria, with Manchester to the south and Carlisle to the north. The national park was established in 1951 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. It covers 912 square miles, and is home to the highest mountain in England: Scafell Pike (978 meters). Windermere, the longest and largest lake in England, is here; Wastwater, which is the deepest lake in the country, is also located here. A quirky thing to note about the Lake District: there is only one official lake, Bassenthwaite Lake. The rest are meres, tarns, or waters.

There are 214 notable fells, called Wainwrights, based on Alfred Wainwright’s books of the Lakes – hiking them (“bagging Wainwrights”) is a common activity for hikers in the Lake District. I’m currently at 53 out of 214!

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How to Get Around the Lake District

The best and easiest way to get around the Lake District is by car. Public transportation is limited in the more remote areas, and to get to the starting points for hikes it’ll be easiest to have your own vehicle. Note that there are some single-track roads in the rural areas, including epic (and challenging) drives like Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass – narrow switchbacks up and down the mountains. You may need to use passing places if you meet another car; always thank drivers with a short wave or flicking your index finger up if they give way to you. Buses connect many of the main towns and villages – the Lake District has a surprisingly good bus network, particularly around Keswick and Ambleside. For train access, Penrith and Windermere are two of the most convenient stations for exploring the Lake District.

Would you rather take a tour of the Lake District? Check out some of the best tours in the Lakes below!

The Best Places to See in the Lake District: History & Culture

Castlerigg Stone Circle

This is probably my favorite place on earth. Castlerigg Stone circle is an impressive Neolithic stone circle, just outside of Keswick. It’s older than Stonehenge – and, unlike Stonehenge, you can actually walk around between the stones. There are beautiful views over the surrounding peaks from here, and it’s free to visit. Seeing the sunrise here remains one of the best moments of my life.

Grasmere

Grasmere is a charming village in the heart of the Lake District. While it’s the home of William Wordsworth, you don’t need to be a literary fan to enjoy visiting here. Stroll around the pretty streets, and be sure to stop at Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. This gingerbread recipe was invented in 1854, and is popular around the world – there will probably be a queue at the shop, but it’s worth it!

Hardknott Roman Fort

This is one of the most unique historical sites in the Lake District. It was established in the early 2nd century BCE, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, as a strategic fort due to its very remote location. It’s high up in Hardknott Pass, accessible from Eskdale or Wrynose Pass. You can only imagine how isolated the Roman soldiers stationed here felt – it feels like another world!

Hawkshead

This is somewhere I’ve actually only visited once in the Lake District, but it certainly won’t be my last visit! This is a beautiful village, with classic English features like cobblestone streets, pretty houses, and plenty of cozy pubs. Don’t miss a stop at the Little Ice Cream Shop for the best ice cream in the Lake District!

Slater’s Bridge, Little Langdale

This is a beautiful, historic packhorse bridge in Little Langdale. Easily combined with a trip to the impressive Cathedral Cave nearby, you can do a short walk from the village to see Slater’s Bridge and the stunning Lake District scenery. Don’t miss it on a trip to the Lakes!

Honister Slate Mine

This is the last working slate mine in England, perched in a spectacular location at the top of Honister Pass. Go underground on a mine tour, and learn more about the history and present workings of the mine. Brave adventurers can steel their nerves on the via ferrata, climbing a steep cliff path at Honister Pass.

Ashness Bridge and Surprise View

There are a number of good walks that start from this area in Borrowdale. But it’s also a good spot to simply enjoy the beautiful Lakeland scenery. Ashness Bridge is an old stone packhorse bridge, on a single-track road. Surprise View offers a gorgeous panorama of Derwentwater – there’s parking available here, so you won’t have to do much hiking!

Ullswater Steamers

Cruise across Ullswater by taking a trip on a heritage vessel. This is a fantastic way to see the surrounding area, without needing to do strenuous hikes. Although, if you’d like to combine a boat trip with a hike, the steamers cruise across the lake – so you could do one section of a walk, and then take a steamer back to your starting point. The most popular embarkation points are Pooley Bridge and Glenridding.

Bridge House, Ambleside

This is one of the most photographed places in the Lake District. But there’s a good reason for that – it’s such a unique place! The stone house was originally built by the Braithwaite family in the 17th century over the beck to avoid land tax. There have been many different uses to the house, but today it’s in the care of the National Trust.

The Best Hikes in the Lake District: Easy

Buttermere (4.5 miles)

This 4.5-mile walk is one of the best low-level, easy walks in the Lake District. There is a path that runs around the entirety of the lake, with very little ascent. It’s a perfect stroll for all ages and ability levels – plus you can stop at one of pubs or tearooms in Buttermere. I also recommend a stop at Gatesgarth for ice cream if they’re open!

Blea Tarn (2 miles)

Blea Tarn is a picturesque lake deep in the heart of Langdale. There’s a well-marked trail that loops around the lake and returns to the car park by the road, which is about 2 miles. The view from the tarn across to the Langdale Pikes in the distance is one of my favorites in the Lake District.

Aira Force (Variable)

This 65-foot waterfall thunders down over the rocks, close to Ullswater. There are a number of trails around here, with several parking options, so the distance will vary depending on where you start. To extend your hike, head up to the summit of Gowbarrow Fall for magnificent views over Ullswater.

Stock Ghyll Force (1.3 miles)

Stock Ghyll Force is a pretty waterfall located in the woodland around Ambleside. Its location does mean that it can be quite popular, but it’s perfect for stretching your legs if you’re pottering around Ambleside for the day. It’s a 1.3-mile loop, but note that you will be walking uphill for a bit of the trail.

Tarn Hows (2 miles)

Tarn Hows is always going to be a special place to me, as it’s somewhere I visited for the first time on my first solo trip to the Lake District in April 2021. This beautiful lake is surrounded by forest and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The trail is approximately 2 miles, on an accessible paved path. Extend your walk by hiking up to Black Crag if you’d like to bag a Wainwright.

Wastwater (Variable)

There are a number of different walks you can do around Wastwater, including a difficult 8-mile circular route that takes in the challenging (and, in my case, tear-inducing) Wastwater screes. But Wastwater is a top spot for swimming in the Lake District, and there are a number of areas where you can park by the shore and walk down to the water for a dip. This is the deepest lake in England, so it can be a bit chilly – you’ve been warned!

The Best Hikes in the Lake District: Moderate

Catbells (2.3 miles)

One of the most popular Wainwright hikes in the Lake District: Catbells. It’s a short but steep climb to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Derwentwater, Keswick, Borrowdale, and the Skiddaw massif. This is many people’s choice for their first Wainwright, and with good reason. There are a number of routes you can do, but the easiest is the up-and-down route from Hawes End, approximately 2.3 miles and 345 meters of elevation gain.

Loughrigg Fell (3 miles)

Loughrigg Fell is really in the heart of the Lake District: close to Grasmere village and Ambleside, with amazing views over Grasmere (lake) and Windermere. This is a walk that I always take first-time visitors to the Lakes on, as it’s a moderate climb up but the views are sensational. I prefer the route from White Moss (although it’s become notorious in recent years for its parking scam) – which is just over 3 miles altogether.

Hallin Fell (1 mile)

If you want big bang for your buck, this little fell in quiet Martindale is one of the top picks in the Lake District. A short 20-minute hike up, and you’ll be rewarded with epic views over Ullswater and the Eastern Fells. Sunrise and sunset are particularly special here. There’s parking at the church in Martindale.

Latrigg Fell (1.2 miles)

Another great short walk with unbelievable views, Latrigg Fell sits under the shadow of Skiddaw and overlooks Keswick. If you can nab a parking spot at the Latrigg car park, it’s just a short 1.2-mile loop to the peak and viewpoint. This is a gentle walk, on an accessible paved trail. There’s also the option to walk up from Keswick, too.

Castle Crag (3.6 miles)

Castle Crag is a lovely little hill in Borrowdale. It’s the smallest Wainwright in the Lake District, but that doesn’t mean it should be skipped. There are a few different route options, but the most straightforward is from Rosthwaite. The up-and-down route is about 2.3 miles, but looping through the woods is much nicer. The circuit is 3.6 miles.

Rannerdale Knotts (3 miles)

This is a top choice for a hike between April and May, during bluebell season. The countryside around Rannerdale Knotts comes to life, with the pretty purple flowers blanketing the area. The walk from Buttermere is just over 3 miles – if the weather is good, reward yourself with a swim in Crummock Water afterwards!

Raven Crag (1.5 miles)

Raven Crag is another smaller Wainwright, with jaw-dropping views over Thirlmere and across to the Helvellyn range. It’s about 1.5 miles out and back, although the incline is pretty unforgiving – it’s a steep climb up. But it’s well worth it for enjoying the spectacular scenery.

The Best Hikes in the Lake District: Difficult

Helvellyn (9.3 miles)

Helvellyn is the third-highest summit in the Lake District. It’s a popular peak, with many different routes up and down. One of the most challenging is the ascent up Striding Edge, a rocky ridge walk, and then descending down Swirral Edge. This route is about 8.7 miles, and should only be done in good weather, by those with hiking experience and competent scrambling ability. When I did this walk, I started from Wythburn Church and did the 9.3-mile loop. But I hope to go back and do Striding Edge someday!

Old Man of Coniston (3.7 miles)

This was my first Wainwright and true difficult hike in the Lake District. And wow, what an experience! It got me hooked on hiking, mountains, the Lakes – all of it. Starting from the village of Coniston, or the car park higher up, you’ll pass Low Water before the climb to the summit. While the out-and-back from the car park at the end of Walna Scar Road is about 3.7 miles, you can extend the hike to Swirl How and back past Levers Water for a more challenging 7.3-mile route.

Red Screes (1.4 miles)

There are a number of different routes of Red Screes. One of the shortest, but hardest, is from the Kirkstone Pass. This route is a 1.4-mile hike, with about 345 meters of elevation gain. There are a number of scrambles to navigate, plus one very short stretch along a thin edge. But the views here are tremendous.

Great Gable (5.2 miles)

Like so many other high summits in the Lake District, there are several routes up to the summit of Great Gable. When I hiked this one, I did an out-and-back route from Honister Pass, which was about 5.2 miles in total. But whichever way you climb it, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing panorama over Wastwater. Be sure to see the memorial plaque at the summit to the Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the Lake District, who lost their lives in World War I. Every year, on Remembrance Sunday, there is a service held at the summit.

Kentmere Horseshoe (12.8 miles)

For a truly challenging round in the Lake District, hike the Kentmere Horseshoe. This is a 12.8-mile circuit that takes in eight Wainwrights, with phenomenal views around the Eastern Fells and even Haweswater in the distance. This was one of my first big horseshoe rounds, and I loved it! Note that parking can be difficult here, there are only about 6-7 spots in the village – but a farmer/landowner often opens up their field to accommodate more parking.

The Best Pubs to Visit in the Lake District

The Kirkstone Pass Inn

This pub is the third-highest in the country – it’s located high up in Kirkstone Pass, at a height of 1489 feet (454 meters)! It’s between Glenridding and Windermere, and you can drive a winding road called the Struggle up from Ambleside to get here! I stayed overnight here and it was such a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, the pub closed a few years ago for renovation works; there’s no set date for reopening as of yet.

The Kirkstile Inn

The Kirkstile Inn is a fantastic pub in Loweswater, a very small and quiet village close to the lake. Everything I’ve ever eaten here has been fantastic, and there are pretty views from the beer garden. It’s somewhere I try to detour to if I’m anywhere close by in the Lakes.

The Woolpack Inn

Located in remote Eskdale, this pub is something of an institution. The food is great, service is friendly, and you’ll likely be surrounded by lots of walkers. It’s a top place for a pint while exploring Eskdale. They have accommodation available, too.

Where to Stay in the Lake District

I’ve stayed at so many fantastic properties around the Lakes – plus, I’ve camped (and wild camped) at many locations. It all depends on what area you want to visit, and if your itinerary is focused on hiking and being outdoors, or history and culture. Here are a few options:

Rivendell Guest House – B&B accommodation in a fantastic location in Keswick
YHA Buttermere – a cheap and cheerful spot for exploring Buttermere
Kirkstile Inn – cozy rooms in a top-notch pub, in quiet part of the Lakes
Airbnb in Drigg – friendly hosts and a great base for exploring the Western Lakes

If you choose to wild camp in the Lake District, please follow the guidelines and Leave No Trace principles. Pitch late, leave early; camp only for one or two nights at each location, and in small groups; always camp above the highest fell wall (not on the shore of a lake). Bring ALL your rubbish away with you; no one should be able to tell you camped there. And please, NEVER light fires – these leave a scorched mark on the earth and can cause devastating wildfires if not extinguished properly.

The Lake District is always going to be a special place for me. It’s somewhere I love deeply, and know very well. This photo, at the summit of Hallin Fell on my first solo trip to the Lakes in 2021, was like a rebirth for me. I came back from the dead here. As I rebuilt my life, the Lakes welcomed me and took care of me. I will cherish this place forever.

The Lake District is such a special destination in England. While it’s heaven on earth for those who love walking and being outdoors, there are plenty of other attractions for others. Narrowing this post down to just 30 spots, after six years of regular visits, was so difficult. But, hopefully it’ll inspire your next destinations on a trip to the Lakes! I hope this helps in planning your visit to the beautiful Lake District.

Have you visited the Lake District? What were your favorite places?

You might also like my posts:

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Lake District

Why You Should Visit the Lake District This Year

Crinkle Crags in Langdale: A Beautiful Hike in the Lake District

Staying at the Kirkstone Pass Inn in the Lake District

Hiking Scafell Pike: England’s Highest Mountain

Hiking Up Helvellyn in the Lake District

The Lake District: Keswick and Beyond

A Guide to the North Pennines AONB: What to See and Do

21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors

The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales