With stunning views and of course plenty of water, the Lake District is definitely one of my favourite places in the UK. The summer months can be the best and worst time to visit, with better weather and more going on, drawing in visitors. At other times of the year it can be wet or damp mostly. However, this just adds a misty and almost mysterious layer. Simply, be prepared with walking shoes and a good selection of layers and you will enjoy a visit as much as I do.
During the Ice Age glaciers carved out valleys, some then filled with water and became what we know as the Lake District. Having obtained UNESCO world heritage recognition in 2017, it’s becoming more visited every year.
Things to do
The list of things to do in the Lake District is endless, so it’s difficult to decide where to start. You can basically spend your days experiencing the outdoors, visiting villages or taking part in various activities. There are a number of annual events in the area, so plan your visit to coincide or fit around these.
Walking
Of course, hiking is probably the biggest draw, attracting through novice to professional climbers. There are many buggy friendly trails as well, with waterfalls, ridge walks and of course the 214 Wainwright’s, including the highest peak to conquer.
Beatrix Potter
Hill Top
Beatrix Potter bought her home at Hill Top with the royalties from the first of her books, the Tale of Peter Rabbit. Here she was inspired further and much of the wildlife and the garden featured in her books. You can visit the house and the nearby Beatrix Potter Gallery nearby in Hawkshead where some of here original artwork is displayed. Both these are National Trust owned. If you have kids they may enjoy the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Arts and crafts
The beauty of the Lake District is captured by many artists and there are numerous galleries in the area to visit. The Green Door artist collective is a good place to search for some of them. Many villages have craft fairs and events on throughout the year and there are a couple of interesting museums:
Derwent pencil museum – open year round.
Quaker Tapestry – open from April to November.
Wordsworth
Born in Cockermouth, William Wordsworth went to school in Hawkshead and then lived in Grasmere at Dove Cottage (now a museum) after university. He eventually settled in Rydal Mount (also open to visitors) in Ambleside.
Daffodils at Dove Cottage
Numerous activities
There are so many activities to experience in the Lake District, I can’t list them all, but here are a few suggestions:
Honister Slate Mine – mine tours and scaling the inside of a mountain.
Sailing – more than just a boat ride.
Horse riding – options for all ages.
Unique to the Lakes
There are quite a few products that are unique to the Lake District. Some of these you can see being made and are great for gifts.
Grasmere Gingerbread – hand made and tasty.
Kendal mint – the oldest energy bar.
Hand crafted spirits – Visit a working distillery and enjoy tastings and/or meet the resident alpacas.
Craft beer – for beer tours and tastings, Hawkshead brewery is the place.
Kennedy’s chocolates – just on the edge of the Lake District in the village of Orton.
Cartmel sticky toffee pudding – a British dessert that apparently originates in the Lake District.
Getting there
I would recommend visiting with a car, although it is possible to base yourself in one area and venture out from there on foot and/or using public transport, but this can be difficult in low season and it is much easier to cover a wider area with your own wheels.
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