Your A-Z Guide to the Lake District

A – Alfred Wainwright

Alfred Wainwright devoted his life to mapping the Lake District after moving into the area. Over the course of his life, he wrote seven guidebooks, documenting some of the best walks in the area. There are 214 ‘Wainwright Walks’ in the Lake District, where walkers are encouraged to reach the very peak of each fell. 

B – Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most famous areas of the Lake District and is home to a whole host of attractions. The town is home to a whole host of restaurants and shops, which are all just a stone’s throw away from the banks of Lake Windermere where many water sports activities are available year round.

C – Coniston

The quaint village of Coniston is home to one of the most recognisable fells in the Lake District, the Old Man of Coniston. Standing at 2,634 feet, the Old Man is one of the most popular walking routes in Cumbria.

D – Dog Friendly Accommodation

Bringing your family pet along to the Lake District is very popular, especially when you’re planning on going on long walks which are perfect for your dog to come along on too. If you are looking for dog friendly holiday cottages in the Lake District then please feel free to get in touch with our team.

E – Eskdale Walk

Eskdale presents keen walking enthusiasts with a whole host of paths and ancient lanes to traverse. We would suggest taking on the 3 mile long Stanley Force walk which should take most people around 2 hours to complete.

F – Food

The Lake District presents visitors with a whole host of fantastic cuisines, from family owned eateries to pubs and gourmet restaurants. When visiting the Lakes, you simply must try a locally sourced Cumberland Sausage, some Kendal Mint Cake and the fantastic Cartmel sticky toffee pudding.

G – Grasmere

The picturesque village of Grasmere can be found nestled away right in the heart of the Lake District, and is well worth a visit during your trip to the Lake District. Be sure to get yourself some world famous Grasmere Gingerbread during your visit, it’s a sweet treat that is sure to set your taste buds tingling.

H – Helvellyn

Sitting just north of Ambleside and between the lakes of Thirlmere and Ullswater, Helvellyn boasts the third-highest point in England. Popular with explorers from around the UK, Helvellyn offers one of the most challenging routes in the Lake District.

I – Ice Cream

If you visit any part of the Lake District, you are sure to find an abundance of shops that are selling English Lakes Ice Cream. Why not treat your family to a truly scrumptious flavour of their choice the next time you are visiting the Lakes?

J – John Muir Award

The Lake District offers you a fantastic place to complete the John Muir Award, which encourages people to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places throughout the UK. The four challenges stated in the challenge are:

Discover a wild place
Explore its wildness
Conserve – take personal responsibility
Share experiences

K – Keswick

The market town of Keswick has become extremely popular with tourists visiting the area. With a  huge array of attractions, shops, restaurants and museums around the village, Keswick is also home to a fantastic local market every Thursday and Saturday.

L – Lakes Aquarium

Perfect for children of all ages, Lakes Aquarium takes visitors on a journey through several different environments. In each section at the aquarium, you will find a vast collection of wildlife and some information about each species housed there.

M – Medieval Architecture

Whilst the Lake District is well known for stunning scenery, it’s also worth noting just how many historical landmarks the area features. We would suggest visiting Sizergh Castle as part of your journey to the Lake District, as the estate boasts rich gardens and a truly stunning interior.

N – National Park

In 1951, the Lake District became a National Park, later becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. The purpose of the Lake District gaining a status of National Park was to help to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, whilst also paying particular attention to the wildlife and cultural heritage of the Lake District.

O – On The Water

During your visit to the Lake District, you simply cannot afford to miss out on a trip on one of the many Lakes. We would definitely suggest taking a boat trip on Windermere, as it really is an experience you cannot afford to miss out on.

P – Patterdale Walk

Located towards the North of the Lake District, Patterdale village is home to one of the most challenging treks in the Lake District.

Patterdale walk is relatively difficult and will take seasoned walkers at least 6 hours to complete, so it’s well worth considering if you are definitely up to the 9.3 mile challenge!

Q – Quad Biking

If you are looking for an action packed break, then the Lake District can provide this and more! Quad biking through the stunning Lake District countryside is not to be missed, you can expect to find some of the most awe-inspiring sights along the route too!

R – Railways

The Haverthwaite to Lakeside rail journey is a must do activity during your visit to the Lake District – despite the journey being relatively short, the amount of beautiful scenery you can expect to take in is well worth the ride.

S – Sustainable Tourism

As a National Park, the Lake District adheres to strict sustainable tourism rules and regulations. The aim of the project is to sustain the landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage that have always attracted visitors.

T – Troutbeck

Hidden away on a hilly road between Windermere and Penrith is the village of Troutbeck. Home to some of the oldest buildings in the Lake District, Troutbeck was once home to Beatrix Potter, where she bred Herdwick sheep at Troutbeck Park Farm.

U – Ullswater

Surrounded by stunning mountains and fells, Ullswater boasts the second largest lake in England, sitting at seven and half miles in length. If you do happen to visit the town of Ullswater during your visit to the Lake District, it’s well worth stopping off at Glenridding and Patterdale along the way.

V – Views

It’s no secret that the Lake District has some of the most stunning views that the UK have to offer. All you need do is find yourself a walking route and head towards one of the many peaks within the district, a fantastic view will be waiting for you at the summit.

W – Walking

It goes without saying that the Lake District offers some of the very best walks in the UK. With the Lake District offering some of the very best views around, you simply must experience one of the many trails the Lakes have to offer. If you would like some inspiration on which walk to complete, why not check out our blog on the Top 7 Wainwright Walks?

X – Xmas Markets

When the Christmas period comes around, the Lake District comes to life, with a whole host of activities and events going on in the region. The Windermere Christmas Markets are not to be missed, each year the event has grown in popularity and size and is well worth a visit.

Y – Yacht Hire

Make the most of your stay in the Lake District and travel across Lake Windermere in style by hiring a yacht to enjoy the very best scenery the area has to offer. Sit back and relax on your own privately chartered yacht and take in the very essence of the Lakes during your stay.

Z – Zoo

The Lake District is home to an award winning wildlife park, so be sure to bring children of all ages along to this fantastic attraction. With over 24 acres of park land to explore, and over 100 species of animals housed there, the Lake District Wildlife Park will provide an unforgettable day for all the family.

If this list has peaked your interest in visiting the beautiful Lake District, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to begin planning your family holiday in the Lake District today.