The Lake District is one of the most stunning places to visit, and it’s right on our home turf. If you’ve never been there, well you’ll at least know someone who has. So what’s all the fuss about? What’s the reason around 18 million people head to the Lake District every year?
This National Park in Cumbria is England’s largest, drawing in £2.304 billion of tourism revenue in 2023. But what does this mean to you? As someone who likes to travel, all I want to know is whether a place is worth parting with money for (because the Lake District not particularly cheap). So why do people love the Lake District so much?
Let me tell you, it’s an absolute national treasure – we are so lucky to have it right here in the UK, and I want to tell you why booking that trip will be so worth it. I’ll also give you tips on how to make sure you get the best out of your time here, including where and when to stay.
Those Jaw-Dropping Landscapes
Unlike the lovely but flatter parts of the UK, the Lake District offers a dramatic mix of peaks and valleys that set the most incredible scenes. It’s home to the highest mountain (Scafell Pike), the deepest lake (Wastwater) and the longest lake (Windermere), plus 26 miles of coastline. (Some extra trivia for you: these lakes are actually called waters or meres – the only official lake here is Bassenthwaite Lake.)
In terms of landscape beauty, the Lake District offers absolute perfection, which is so enjoyable in every kind of weather via any mode of transport.
Adventure
So I’m not exactly Bear Grylls. The first time I attempted Helvellyn via Striding Edge, I spent half the time on all fours, questioning my life choices. But reaching that summit felt like I’d conquered Everest.
The brilliant thing about the Lake District is that it caters to all adventure levels. If you’re after an adrenaline rush, scrambling up Striding Edge or wild swimming in Blackmoss Pot will get your heart racing. If you’re more of a gentle stroller (or have little ones in tow), the path around Tarn Hows or up to Orrest Head offers stunning views without the huffing and puffing.
I hired a kayak on Windermere last summer during a heatwave. Gliding across that glassy water at 7am, with the morning mist just lifting, was utterly unbelievable. Cost me just £30 for an hour, and the memory of it will last a lifetime.
Rich Culture
The Lake District inspired some of Britain’s greatest poetry. As someone who loves literacy, I loved wandering through Grasmere and browsing Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, which is now a museum.
Beatrix Potter’s home is also open to the public – it’s called Hill Top Farm and definitely worth a trip. There are loads of amazing art galleries and workshops, and festivals and events that celebrate all kinds of arts.
Even if you’re not bothered about the literary connections, the villages themselves are gorgeous. Tiny stone cottages with colourful doors, independent shops selling handmade goods, and cafés serving gorgeous cakes that are the most welcome treat after lots of walking.
Year-Round Accessibility and Versatility
The Lake District is brilliant and beautiful all year round, for every season. It’s not just for summer! Even rainy days are kind of magical here – the drama of waterfalls like Scale Force only escalate and create as escape for everyone. This makes it a really good option for everyone and anyone looking for flexibility on when to go, or planning around school holidays.
Ideal for Families
There is so much to do for families at the Lake District, which overall has a really friendly vibe. Lots of easy woodland walks especially around Tarn Hows, and they’re suitable for all ages. There are plenty of interactive attractions around to get children involved and create a magical experience for them. There are plenty of picnic-friendly spots (Buttermere is great) and also if you take a lake cruise on Windermere they put on some really good onboard activities for kids.
You get a mix of learning and adventure here too, with historical sites like Muncaster Castle and museums that spark their curiosity. Plenty of guided tours are geared up to include kids, and safety overall is a big plus here.
Perfect for Solo Travellers
You can easily and very happily travel to the Lake District on your own. The locals are friendly, and you still have the thrill of adventure in a peaceful and safe place. Hostels and B&Bs make solo travellers very welcome into their little communities, and there are lots of towns like Keswick and Ambleside that are easy to navigate.
When I went on my own it quickly felt like a second home. I felt as though I’d been taken under the Lake District’s wing, and I felt totally relaxed the entire time.
Affordable and Budget-Friendly Options
You can go big on luxury stays in the Lake District, but you can go on a budget too, with lots of self-catering cottages out there. You even have plenty of campsites to choose from, and even budget hostels like YHA Ambleside. April to May is a great time to get the best deals. There’s also plenty to do for free here, like walking trails and picnic spots, meaning you can cut costs without sacrificing experience.
Good Grub/Hospitality
Gastropubs, tearooms, and farm-to-table eateries galore over here. It’s so good. Lots of historic pubs and beautiful views, traditional British food, oh and Grasmere’s gingerbread shop is a must!
Photography and Social Media Gold
You’d be hard pressed to take a bad photo in the Lake District. If you’re a photographer, well you’ll have plenty of opportunity to capture the most unbelievable backdrops of all kinds – misty mornings, or golden hour at Derwentwater… Loughrigg Tarn’s mirror-like reflections or Scafell Pike’s rugged peaks… In fact it was the Lake District that got me into a little bit of photography myself. Even if you just do it for fun, it’s such a great way to spend time and relax, and soak up mammoth and minuscule details in nature.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel
The Lake District promotes green tourism with car-free options like buses and boats, working hard at reducing environmental impact. Eco-conscious campsites and local initiatives are a fabulous way to contribute, and even teach your kids about it along the way. It feels good to be able to enjoy guilt-free exploration with minimal carbon footprints.
Proximity and Ease of Access
Just a few hours from major cities like London or Manchester by train, it’s a quick escape. Weekend trips are absolutely doable.
Planning Your Lake District Escape
Where to Stay (Without Breaking the Bank)
After a long day of hiking, where you rest your head matters. I’ve stayed everywhere from youth hostels to fancy spa hotels in the Lakes, and honestly, the mid-range options often offer the best experience.
Keswick makes a brilliant base – it’s got enough pubs and restaurants to keep you fed and watered, plus it’s perfectly positioned for accessing the northern fells. The YHA there is surprisingly comfy if you’re on a budget.
For something a bit special, I spent my birthday at a tiny shepherd’s hut near Ullswater. Waking up to that view, with just sheep for neighbours and a wood-burning stove keeping things cosy – it was absolutely perfect (though not necessarily cheap!).
Sample Itineraries That Actually Work
If you’ve only got a day, don’t try to cram it all in. Focus on one area – perhaps cruise on Windermere then wander around Ambleside and up to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. You’ll get a taste without exhausting yourself.
With a weekend, base yourself in Keswick and tackle Catbells one day (the views are worth every step), then explore Borrowdale Valley and perhaps Derwentwater the next.
I spent five days based in Ambleside, which gave me time to mix hiking days with cultural bits. One day I’d be scrambling up Fairfield, the next pottering around Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm (which is as charming as you’d imagine, if rather small).
Essential Tips I Wish I’d Known Earlier
The weather is classic British, so pack layers – and a decent waterproof is non-negotiable. And don’t feel disheartened if the forecast is rain – as I’ve mentioned, some of my most magical Lake District moments have been in the rain – the colours are more intense, the waterfalls more dramatic, and it’s one of the few places in the world that still looks and feels incredible.
Food-wise, pack snacks for your hikes but save room for pub grub after. The Drunken Duck near Ambleside does incredible food, while the Kirkstile Inn near Loweswater serves a perfect pint with views to match.
Budget-friendly tip: Don’t be afraid of considering the youth hostels. They are brilliant and often in spectacular locations. The one at Black Sail is only accessible on foot – I stayed there on a walking holiday and felt like I’d discovered a secret mountain hideaway.
Start Planning Your Lake District Adventure
The Lake District isn’t just stunning – it’s a place that gets under your skin. I’ve visited countless times and still find new corners to explore, new views to gasp at, new pubs to warm up in after getting caught in inevitable downpours.
Writing this has made me want to return, because it never fails. Get booking! We’re lucky we have it right here to enjoy.