The moody atmosphere and lush vegetation of the Lake District attracts artists, poets, walkers, cyclists, photographers and romantics from all over the world. As the name suggests, the Lake District has many beautiful lakes, which are not only pleasant to look at but are good for water sports and boat cruises. The quaint villages that dot the countryside add to the area’s charm.

Penrith, in the northeast, is one of the largest settlements of the Lake District and a good base from which to see the many nearby historic houses, castles, villages and natural wonders. Not far from Penrith is Keswick village, established in the 12th century and now known for its beautiful scenery, old buildings and landmarks such as the ancient Castlerigg stone circle. Another Bronze Age stone circle, Long Meg and her Daughters, can be found not far from Penrith, at Little Salkeld.

Windermere, the village on the lake of the same name, is one of the most famous and most popular Lake District towns. Visitors come here to see England’s longest lake, ride its famous paddle steamer boats or the old steam train, explore the historic village and enjoy the countryside. 

At the other end of Windermere Lake are the villages of Ambleside and Grasmere. Both are popular with tourists who come not only for the lake, but the recreation and to see the houses once owned by William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Other nearby, picturesque hamlets include Rydal, Elterwater, Langdale and Skelwith.

Ullswater is the second largest and reputedly most beautiful lake in England. Famous Ullswater Steamers sail its waters, connecting the various villages on its shores. Glenridding, a former mining town, is now a tourist hub with a sailing centre and steamer port. On the other side of the lake is Pooley Bridge, a pretty village of stone and whitewashed buildings which is close to attractions such as the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre and the 17th century Dalemain historic house. The quaint towns of Patterdale, Watermillock and Howtown also dot Ullswater’s shores.

Coniston is perhaps the most famous destination in the Lake District, boasting the third largest lake in the UK, Coniston Water, the famous Old Man Coniston mountain, old copper mines and historic buildings such as the 16th century Coniston Hall or the 400-year old Black Bull Inn.

The lakes after which the district was named form some of the area’s best known landmarks. Windermere is the largest lake and one of the most popular. Visitors come here to enjoy a lake cruise and stroll around the historic villages on its shores. Ullswater is the second largest and often regarded as England’s most beautiful lake. Coniston Water is the third largest and known for boating and water sports.

The Lake District boasts many mountains including Scafell Pike, which at 978 metres is not only the highest peak in the district, but in England. The Lake District is also home to the second and third highest peaks in England, Scafell and Helvellyn at 964 and 950 metres high respectively.

Like much of the UK, the Lake District is dotted with old forts and castles. Hardknott Fort near Eskdale is one of the best preserved Roman forts, while Muncaster Castle was built on Roman foundations and has been added to and altered right up to the present day. Located at the village of Ravenglass, the castle is one of the most visited in the region.

Besides castles, the Lake District has many historic hotels and houses. One of the oldest is Winder Hall at Lower Lorton. Established some time around the 12th century, the current building, now a hotel, has a 1550s Tudor hearth and a 1660s Jacobean hall. Hardcragg Hall at Grange-over-Sands was built in 1563 and is now a hotel. The Hydro at Windermere was established in the late 1900s as a healing spa.

The Lake District has been home to many artists and writers throughout the years. Dove Cottage at Grasmere, now a museum, was the home of one of Britain’s greatest poets, William Wordsworth, who lived here from 1799 to 1808. Hilltop House at Ambleside was owned by famous children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter from 1905 to 1943, when she willed it to the National Trust to become a museum.

While the Lake District is not known for nightlife and is certainly not famous for wild parties, there are lots of very pleasant options for entertainment. Dining out or visiting local pubs are the most common activities, with more lively entertainment possible during the various festivals that take place here throughout the year.

Eating and drinking in one of the many old pubs or nice restaurants would have to be the number one evening activity in the region, and there are many delightful venues to choose from. Every town and village has at least one pub, usually serving food as well as drinks and often with live music in the evenings, particularly on weekends. Even pubs in remote areas are often surprisingly lively.

Some of the best places to experience traditional English pubs are Little Langdale, Newlands Valley, Buttermere, Elterwater and Boot, among many other villages, while the main tourist centres of Windermere and Ambleside feature many restaurants as well as pubs. For something a little different, visitors can soak up summer theatre performances at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake.

The Lake District sees many festivals throughout the year, which see an influx of visitors and entertainment options. The 17-day Lake District Summer Music Festival takes place during August and features concerts in historic churches, halls and other venues across various villages. Other notable events include the Keswick Film Festival in February, the Coniston Water Festival in July and the family-friendly all-ages Solfest in August.

The Lake District has lots of farms, so the food tends to focus on fresh local ingredients cooked in traditional English style. Locally reared lamb is a regional speciality, as is locally caught trout. Cumberland sausages are another local tradition.

Traditional British cuisine tends to be built around the principles of meat and three vegetables, which, at its most basic form, is just that. But in more imaginative hands, it can become stews, pies or modern fusion dishes with fine cuts of meat or seafood and fancy sauces and sides.

Pubs are dotted all across the Lake District and are the traditional, common and obvious choice for lunch and dinner. Pub food, also known as ’pub grub’, can vary from basic bar snacks and meals such as a Sunday roast, fish and chips or pie and peas, to ’gastropub’ cuisine comprising any number of fine dining dishes across a range of international cuisines. Pub meals often offer the best value for money in the Lake District.

Fine dining in restaurants, often located in four- or five-star hotels, is a good option for a romantic meal but is not prevalent in the Lake District. Vegetarians are usually able to find something to eat across the spectrum.

For those who don’t fancy English food, there are a few restaurants offering alternatives in the large towns such as Penrith, Windermere, Ambleside and Coniston, with Chinese, Italian and Indian restaurants being the most common. There are also many quaint tea rooms in the villages where hikers and boaters enjoy afternoon tea and cakes.