There are so many wonderful places to visit in the Lake District from its gorgeous mountains and scenic lake views to beautiful villages and towns.
Introducing the Lake District
There are so many wonderful places to visit in the Lake District from its gorgeous mountains and scenic lake views to beautiful villages and towns.
We decided to take a short road trip to the Lake District after postponing it for a few months. Finally, we did it, plus last week was a great time to visit and explore this rugged part of England.
The Lake District is England's largest National Park with around 16 lakes. It's one of those timeless and protected places that are so beautiful to visit.
Our plans did not focus on particular villages or towns to visit but on going to places that we thought worth visiting and exploring for a few sunny days in the Lakes.
The experience was good; every part and corner of the Lake District offered us the magical backdrop of its rugged mountains with such spectacular landscapes. No wonder it's one of the best places to visit in England. The Lake District is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you like to hike or walk, this is definitely a place to go, but even if you're not into that, there are plenty of things to do and see leisurely, from museums to cruises on the lake to historic houses and gardens. Or you can simply explore the picturesque villages and towns if that is your thing.
So here is a quick list of 18 locations in the Lake District that you must see during your visit.
Things to Do
Main Activities
Just walk around the town. You can find things to do and see easily in Keswick. Here is my selection of some of the best.
Learn history at Long Meg and her Daughters
These standing circle stones are located 20 minutes drive from Penrith near Little Salkeld. It's surrounded by farmland with beautiful views, and the Pennines provide a dramatic backdrop to this magnificent stone circle.
The stones date back to the Bronze Age. Long Meg and her Daughters is England's third-largest stone circle. It consists of a huge ring made up of more than 60 stones and Long Meg, a 12-foot-high block of local red sandstone. Do a walking circle to see each of the stones and view them from different positions. You can feel a magical moment while walking around it.
It is likely to have been used as a meeting place or for some form of religious ritual.
Folklore / It has inspired its fair share of myths and stories, just like many other prehistoric locations. Some claim that the stones are innumerable, that a coven of witches was turned to stone at the location for dancing on the Sabbath, or that the stones in the circle are actually Long Meg's lovers-though they all shared the same fate of being turned to stone.
Visit Brougham Castle
Brougham Castle is located a short drive from Penrith town. This beautiful well-preserved castle is by the River Eamont. It was abandoned some 300 years ago and became a picturesque ruin until today. Brougham Castle is great fun to investigate and explore for its tangle of passages and spiral stairways.
The building was built in the early 13th century. The castle was a key military base for Robert de Clifford during the Scottish wars of Independence. Of course it is a fascinating place to visit.
Tip / Go to the bridge nearby the castle and view Brougham Castle from there.
See Castlerigg
Wow! Castlerigg is surrounded by spectacular views from different corners. It sits against an atmospheric and dramatic backdrop with panoramic views of the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat. So you can have the stone views and also enjoy those gorgeous views at the same time.
Castlerigg is among the earliest British stone circles. It was raised during Neolithic times. Formerly, it comprised 42 stones, and now there are 38 stones, which vary in height from 3 1/4 ft. to 7 1/2 ft.
One of the unusual features of Castlerigg is the rectangle of standing stones within the circle. The original purpose of the site is unknown. It could have been used as a trading post, among other possible uses, including a meeting place, for religious ceremonies and rituals , or even as an astronomical observatory.
Explore Keswick town
Keswick is a charming market town located in the northern Lake District. The town is perched on the edge of Derwent Water and surrounded by lovely mountains. Of course, it is one of the prettiest areas of the Lake District.
No matter what the purpose of your visit, Keswick offers you plenty of choices of things to do and see, from hiking opportunities to sitting and relaxing or visiting the local shops and museums.
More reading // Things to do in Keswick
Walking alongside Derwentwater Lake
If you've decided to stay around Keswick, make sure that you go and explore Derwentwater Lake. It is a gorgeous place to see. The lake is located a 15 minutes walk from the Market Square. This three mile long lake is fed by the River Derwent at the head of Borrowdale.
In the 18th and 19th centuries the lake became the inspiration for romantic poets.
If you have time do go to 'Surprise View' to view the spectacular Derwentwater Lake. It is around a 10 or 15 minutes drive from Keswick town centre.
Enjoy the view at Friars Cragg
This place is not surprisingly beyond imagination, with breathtaking and amazing views towards the layers of mountains and Derwentwater. Friars Cragg is a fantastic place just to relax and sit and to be part of nature. We were lucky because the weather was very good and there were fewer people around.
It's located about 20 minutes walk from Moot Hall, Keswick. On your walk from Moot Hall to Friars Cragg, you will pass Hope Park, Crow Park, Theatre by the Lake and Derwent Water Jetties. The name Friars Cragg is derived from the embarkation point for monks making a pilgrimage to St Hebert's Island which is located South West of the Cragg.
Ruskin, a famous Victorian English writer, described the view as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe.
Explore Ambleside
Ambleside is a charming town and is located at the northernmost bay of Windermere. It is a tourist spot in the heart of the Lake District. This area has a unique blend of history and natural settings that will allow you to immerse yourself in history.
The town has a unique history to uncover, boasting many famous residents over time. Traditional stone houses are stacked on the riverside of Stock Beck, and historic homes and hidden waterfalls await you.
See Bridge House
The Bridge House is quite a stunning building to see when you drive through the Ambleside town. This 17th century building is one of the most photographed in the Lake District. Also it has inspired artists including Turner.
It sits directly over Stock Bek at the northern edge of Ambleside. The reason it was built over Stock Beck was to avoid the need to pay land tax. The house is a one up and down design with two small rooms linked by an external staircase.
If it is not open you can view the ground floor room and the building from outside. Check the National Trust website to find their opening times.
See Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in the Lake District and is the most popular one. It is also a prime example of picturesque in the Lake District. Of course no trip to the Lake District is complete without visiting Lake Windermere with its gorgeous views and lots of fun activities to choose from. You can simply walk, amble or cycle around the lake itself.
Visit the Blackwell House
This gorgeous house overlooks the beautiful Windermere Lake. Definitely the view we were looking for.
This Arts and Crafts house is full of original features from its stained glass to carved walls and ceilings, and of course its wonderful furniture and fixtures. Almost all original fixtures survive along with its furniture and stunning decorations. Ceramics by William de Morgan, furniture by Stanley Webb and Bailie Scott and metal work by WAS Benson.
I particularly like the main room and the White Room. The main room has amazing Arts and Crafts furniture and the White Room is equally good with its furniture and fixtures, plus the views overlooking Windermere and Coniston Fell.
The house was designed by the noted architect Mackay Hugh Bailie Scott and completed in 1901. Originally, the house was built as a holiday home for the brewer Sir Edward and Lady Holt. Over the years it was used for different purposes, from a college to a school and now it's a museum.
Enjoy the views at Claife Viewing Station
Strong winds awaited us on the top of the viewing station. The wind didn't disturb the views across Windermere, which were absolutely beautiful on this sunny day. And we were lucky enough because nobody else was there and we had the place to ourselves. So our views were without interruption by other people.
There are two ways to go to Claife Viewing Station. There's a ferry from Bowness which takes both walkers and cars. Otherwise, drive to the car park which is situated along the lakeside and just below the Viewing Station.
From the car park you have to climb up the stairs; in approximately 5 to 10 minutes you will get to the top. Once you approach the top you're rewarded with that stunning view.
Tips / Wear comfortable shoes. For the ferry do check their website first whether the ferry is available or not that day; while we were there, the ferry was under maintenance and not available.
Learn about Bobbin making
Surprisingly, this mill turned out to be a definite must-visit place in the Lake District. The mill is located in a peaceful and beautiful area, approximately 16 minutes drive from Claife Viewing Station.
One of several mills that opened in the Lake District during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Stott Park Bobbin Mill is the only surviving mill in Lake District; the others closed down and were demolished. Stott Park was originally owned by John Harrison. This working mill was built in 1835 and produced wooden bobbins that were vital for the spinning and weaving industries in Lancashire.
At one time, the mill produced a quarter of a million wooden bobbins a week and employed 250 men and boys. The working conditions were noisy and could be dangerous, with the work itself often ardous and repetitive.
Tips / Join a guided tour to get to know more about the place and bobbin making too. Check out in advance the time of the tours. Do buy a guide book too.
Visit Townend
Stunning and quirky! This ancient house turned out to be full of original and interesting things that I wanted to see. If you're into historical houses, this is a must-go place in Lake District.
Townend is set on a hill overlooking awesome views of the mountains and farmlands. It's called Townend because it is on the edge of the village of Troutbeck.
It was a house for George Browne, a farmer, and his wife Susannah. The house was built in 1625 and remained the family house until 1943. The house is full of interesting features and fixtures and also furniture which are original to the family. Once you get inside, the kitchen has a real fire and quirky kitchen tools. You need to explore further to find out fascinating stories and see the original objects in each room. Look in the nooks and crannies, they are absolutely beautiful.
The road to Townend is quite narrow in parts and care is needed, especially as bike riders often use it.
Two other points. First, take a look at the medieval barn opposite Townend. It's a stunning building. Second, if you want tea and cake, there's an excellent cafe nearby in the village.
Explore the Sizergh
What a beautiful place to explore! The sun came out make the place even more beautiful with the countryside as a backdrop.
Sizergh is located just 3 minutes drive from the hotel where we stayed. So it was easy for us to get there. It's quite a popular place, and when we arrived there were many people walking around.We explored its rich and beautiful gardens, including a mirror lake, topiary yew trees, colourful herbaceous borders, the orchard with various fruit trees and its stunning limestone rock garden before we went into the house.
Sizergh was built by the Strickland family over 750 years ago. The house is filled with thousands of items from paintings to furniture and books. Sizergh was extended in Tudor times.
Highlight / The inlaid Chamber which boasts stunning period furniture and exquisite Elizabethan panelling inlaid with poplar and bog oak. The entire room contents was sold to the Victoria and Albert Museum by the family. But the V&A has loaned the panelling back to the family so that it can be displayed in its original setting.
Wander around Castle Wray
Castle Wray is easy to access from Ambleside and from other parts of Windermere. It is located on the east of Windermere with spectacular views overlooking the lake and the mountains.
We explored the house first; there is no furniture in it except a few exhibitions that you can see. But we were rewarded with ornate decorations in almost every room that we look at. I particularly like the room with the colourful "icing" ceiling and the library. We ended our visit by walking along Windermere shore before returning to the house.
It was built around 1840 for James Dawson, a prominent Liverpool Surgeon and his wife, Margaret. Over the years the house has been used by different people and organisations. Beatrix Potter's family rented it in 1882 and the house continued to change hands over the years, being used as a youth hostel, offices for the Fresh Biological Association and Merchant Navy Offices.
Explore the stunning Furness Abbey
Another great place to visit near to the Lake District is Furness Abbey. It's located about a 30 minutes drive from Stott Park Bobbin Mill.
Tranquil and peaceful can be used to describe this abbey. The ruined abbey was looking amazing in the sunshine when we arrived and stepped out from the information centre. The red sandstone buildings seem to soak up the sun and have a real grandeur. We walked from one section to another to see all of the site, including walking up the hill to the viewpoint for a view across the whole of the abbey.
Furness Abbey was founded almost 900 years ago. At that time the abbey was one of the largest and wealthiest Cistercian monasteries. Walk around to see the outer court, the church with its North and South transepts and tower, the cluster court, the chapter house, the dormitory, infirmary and kitchen.
The information centre has a small museum too.
Enjoy the views at Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District. It extends over 7.5 miles and is very good for outdoor activities from trekking and hiking to water sports. The biggest advantage of coming here is that Ullswater has fewer visitors than Windermere.
See Aira Force Waterfall
The views were stunning when we drove all the way from Townend to Aira Force Waterfall. We stopped midway at Kirkstone Pass. The view from here is breathtaking towards 'the Struggle' and the mountains. Also we passed by Ullswater with its awesome views too
To go to Aira Force Waterfall was a last minute decision and it was 100% worth to go too. The waterfall is beautiful with the nature surrounding it.
The waterfall provides a glimpse of a landscaped Victorian park with dramatic waterfalls, arboretum and rock scenery. The Howard family landscaped the area as a pleasure garden by planting over a million native and ornamental trees and established tracks, footpaths and bridges.
Without doubt Aira Waterfall is one of the best waterfall walks in the Lake District. There is a cafe near to the car park. Remember that if you are not a National Trust member, you'll need to pay for the car park.
Travel Practical Information
Well prepared pre-planning and research will help make your travel plans easy. It also helps you to understand what you are looking for and what to do in each location. Here is the information I've prepared and that you might want to consider and use when planning your own trip to the Lake District.
Location of the Lake District
The Lake District is in the North west of England with Manchester to the south and Carlisle to the North. It is the largest national park in England.
Getting to Lake District
By car. If you can take a car to get around the Lake, it is the best option to explore places. The places may or may not be reached by public transport and you might have to wait a bit longer, so if you have limited time you could focus on one place e.g. Windermere or Keswick.
By train. There are options to go to the Lake District by train, London Euston station to Oxenholme Lake District station, Manchester to Windermere or Carlisle to Oxenholme Lake District station .
By plane. Of course you need to fly to the UK first before heading to the Lake. The nearest airports to the Lake District are Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool and Manchester.
Getting around Lake District
The mode of transport to be used or ways of travel depends on how long you intend to stay in the area.
On foot. If you visit the Lakes for a day or visit a specific location e.g. Bowness-on-Windermere or Keswick , I think on foot would be doable. Some of the attractions are located within walking distance of the town.
By car. This is the most convenient way of travelling around the Lake District, especially if you move quite often from one location to another without waiting.
By public transport. Travel slowly, this is definitely a way of travelling without much hassle as it involves just waiting for the bus to come along. There are comprehensive bus services from one location to another. Just check the bus timetables and check the bus destination too.
By bicycle. Take a bike with you and you can find some great cycle routes in the Lakes.
By tour. Another option is to join a small tour and just sit back and relax.
By steamer and boat cruises. Probably one of the best ways to explore the Lakes and see the sights from different locations. Head to Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston or Derwentwater where steamer and boat cruises operate. They often offer multiple stops.
Places to stay
If you are planning to stay a night or two nights in Richmond, there are plenty of choices of places to stay in the town. Just check on Booking.com or Airbnb.com to find out the availability of the hotels or other accommodations. In Summer the places to stay can be difficult to find because it is a busy season and prices can skyrocket. Hare & Hounds, Ravenstone Lodge Hotel and Cedar Manor are recommended.
Places to eat
There are a lot of places to eat in the Lake District, from very traditional English restaurants to Asian restaurants. Do check TripAdvisor.com to find out places to eat before you go. We had breakfast and dined in at the restaurant where we were staying. The food was very good in the hotels
How long to spend in Lake District
The number of days depends on your travel plans, travel budget and things you want to see. You could have a day trip to the Lake District but you have to plan early which places e.g. Wray Castle or an area to visit e.g. Windermere. Some people spend two days or more here to see the best of the Lake District. We spent about five days in the Lake District, which seemed like the perfect length of stay.
Best time to visit Lake District
I think the best time to visit the Lake District is when there is no rain and outside the main travel seasons. The different seasons of the year will give you different experiences and vibes. Possibly early Spring or late Autumn should be considered as these are less busy times.
Concluding remarks on trip to Lake District
I hope this guide helps you to find things to do in the Late District areas. It gives you a good start on what to do here and how to get the most from this stunning national park with its quaint villages, beautiful towns, scenic mountain views and beautiful historic houses and castles. There’s a great sense of history at every corner. We'll probably be coming back to explore the area again and find places to visit that we had no time to visit when we were last there.
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