Lake District National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park
Photo provided by Lake District National Park

From the heights of Skiddaw to the depths of Wastwater, Lake District weekend breaks comprise the best of England’s green and pleasant land.

Spanning more than 2,000 square kilometres, Lake District holidays wrap up the country’s finest natural attractions in a pretty bow. Lake Windermere, for instance, is the Lake District’s largest lake and one of the most spectacular of its kind. With winding woodland trails, deep fells and azure waters, it’s no surprise that this natural wonder is a popular stop-over point for visitors in the region.

For panoramic views, you’ll want to lace up your walking boots and scramble to the top of Scafell Pike. At 978 metres tall, this is the country’s highest mountain and, on a clear day, boasts unrivalled views across the Mourne Mountain in Northern Ireland and the frosty peaks of Snowdonia in Wales – a must-see on any Lake District break.

Looking for some local entertainment on your Lake District holiday? Pocketed around the edges of the Great Lakes are quaint market towns and villages, where friendly locals and family-run restaurants offer up fantastic food and entertainment.

Two of the most popular areas in the Lake District, Keswick and Ambleside, can be found pulled up neatly beside the area’s tallest mountains – perfect for taking in breath-taking views from your doorstep.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten track on your Lake District break, you’ll want to visit Grasmere. This hilly village is collared by high ground, and even has the river Rothby running beside it. In fact, so picturesque is Grasmere that William Wordsworth once described it as the “most beautiful spot man hath ever found”.

The Windermere Hotel

The Windermere Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Lake District National Park, Kendal Rd, Windermere, England
The price is £89 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£89
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (681 reviews)
"Love visiting the lakes"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

The Windermere Hotel
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
23 Church Street, Windermere, England
The price is £189 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£189
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
Superb location
"The hotel's location is superb - with a great view over Windermere and within walking distance of restaurants, pubs and tings to do. While in need of investment, the room we had was clean and in good condition and the restaurant was too. The swimming pool and leisure facilities were very good. Some ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Lakes Hotel and Spa

Lakes Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
Kendal Road, Bowness, Windermere, England
The price is £185 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
£185
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 15 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,089 reviews)
"Fabulous"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Lakes Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pine Lake Resort

Pine Lake Resort

4 out of 5
Dock Acres, Carnforth, England
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Carnforth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,333 reviews)
"Superb stay, food in the restaurant was amazing, the pool and spa were an added bonus."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Pine Lake Resort
Kotel Windermere

Kotel Windermere

4.5 out of 5
Lake road, Windermere, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Windermere Jetty ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (231 reviews)
"Great Value for money."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Kotel Windermere
Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments

Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments

4 out of 5
The Lodge, Kendal Road, Windermere, England
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a health club. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Bowness Pier are ...
"My family and I had a lovely stay here. We will definitely be back as we enjoyed the location and facilities. Staff was also very helpful"

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2025

Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Lake District National Park