The Lake District, situated in the northwestern part of England, is breathtakingly beautiful, which may be why it was voted the nation’s favourite National Park back in the year 2018. Through the ages, this place has attracted many tourists, adventure seekers, and hikers in search of thrill and adventure. It’s worth exploring the fascinating landscape and the remarkable outdoor activities to participate in a lifetime trip whether you are traveling alone or with a group. This is something for everyone. Get set and choose any last-minute cottages in Lake District to start your journey.
As the name signifies, there are many lakes in this place. Apart from the lakes, the wooded islands, majestic falls, and absurdly lovely valleys make it one of the finest holiday destinations to explore while you are in the United Kingdom.
Here are some of the prime locations in the Lake District and what you can do over there:
Windermere
Windermere is one of the most famous areas in the Lake District as it is the largest natural lake in England. Being the largest lake in England, there is enough opportunity to tour and explore the nearby towns situated on the lakeside with boats. Ferries and cruises operate on this lake, and taking a trip across the lake is the easiest way to discover the surrounding area.
Windermere is also the name of a small town situated on the lakeshore. Another busy place, which is the main jetty for cruise boats, lies on this shore is Bowness-on-Windermere. The town buzzes with the sound of the steamers coming to and from the Bowness Bay. On the north end of Windermere Lake is one of the most popular towns Ambleside. Located in a valley surrounded by fells, this town has cosy cafes, remarkable restaurants, local gift shops, and many more. There are various activities and attractions around the lake and on it.
Hawkshead
In the heart of the Lake District, in Cumbria, is the picturesque village of Hawkshead. It is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. With so many hiking trails and cycling routes, it is one of the famous destinations among adventure lovers and seekers. Not only the pros, but even novice hikers can access a few paths in Hawkshead. You can enjoy family-friendly strolls exploring the scenic beauty of the place. There is ample opportunity for water activities in the nearby Windermere and Coniston lakes.
Another interesting feature of Hawkshead is its rich historical connection. William Wordsworth, a literary genius used to go to school here. Beatrix Potter’s house is located at the nearby hilltop houses. Now, the streets bustle with a series of shops, cafes, and pubs alongside the stone houses that bear the testimony of the rich cultural heritage.
If you are looking for a peaceful holiday gateway or an adventurous journey, Hawkshead has something for everyone.
Grasmere
This region in the Lake District is well-known for its connection with the famous poet William Wordsworth. Set beside the Grasmere Lake, fells and mountains create a stunning backdrop so mesmerizing that the poets, in fact everyone fell in love with the panorama. The old cottages set on the twisted lanes of the village only add to that panoramic beauty. It is nothing less than a wonder to witness how the traditional Victorian architecture has well assimilated with the modern galleries, hotels, and shops.
The memory of the romantic poet Wordsworth is abundant in this place. One of the former abodes of the poet, the Dove Cottage, is a popular tourist attraction in Grasmere. There is also a museum dedicated to him. From here, it is also possible to visit the nearby Rydal Mount where the poet resided later. If you are in Grasmere, do not forget to visit the Gingerbread shop located near the church.
Keswick
Situated in the northernmost part of the Lake District, the town of Keswick is exceptionally beautiful. Popular mountains, like Catbells, Blencathra, or Skiddaw, covered with clouds gliding into small islands of the Derwentwater Lake create an astounding beauty. Keswick is known as the adventure capital of the United Kingdom because of the range of outdoor activities possible in this area.
As there are so many popular mountains, walking in the fells is the major attraction. The paragliders throng this site. Paragliders are often seen exploring the town from above. You can participate in numerous adventure activities like kayaking in the pristine waters, ghyll scrambling, or exploring the area by cycling as well. The Keswick market on Thursday and Saturday is also popular among the visitors. There is a range of items to check out starting from foods to clothes, garden décor to home décor, gifts to shoes- all are available in this market. The vibrant town has other attractions. These include art galleries, museums, a chain of stores, pubs, and many other attractions.
Once you have decided to go on a tour, the first thing that comes to your mind is accommodation. The choice of accommodation is crucial to make your journey an enjoyable and comfortable one. Now, you get several options when it comes to lodging facilities in the Lake District. There are a bulk of accommodations available to stay in these famous four towns. Even if you are planning for an impromptu visit, you will surely get one of the holiday cottages in Grasmere. It is possible to access the entire National Park if you stay in a cottage in one of these famous locations.