Seven Top Reasons to visit the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, UK
Updated: Jun 12, 2020
I love love love the stunning Lake District in the North West of England. This is a perfect destination for a UK Staycation (once the country starts to reopen and it is deemed safe to travel again). Ok, so its' due North and it might not get the hottest summers as the South of the country but the Lake District holds its own regardless of the weather and is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The District has an abundance of market towns and is also home to Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain peak, and Lake Windermere - England's largest natural lake, not to mention the magical Beatrix Potter World.
Everyone can explore the Lake District at their own pace whether you want to spend a couple of weeks here or if you only have a long weekend, there is something for everyone in Cumbria's rolling hills. I have summarised my top reasons why the Lake District should be on everyone's bucket list.
1. There are an abundance of outdoor activities for everyone
Thanks to it's beautiful natural lakes, a range of water activities are available in the Lake District. The best lakes are Windermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater for boating activities and romantic walks.
2. Home to England's tallest Mountain
Scafell Pike, at 978 metres, is England's highest mountain and forms one of the 'Three Peaks' of the UK's highest mountains which includes Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdonia in Wales. My first trip to the Lake District was solely and purposely to conquer this beast! There is such a sense of an achievement spending the day climbing the mountain. You can take it at your own pace and is a great way to see the Lake District from a birdseye view. For more walking and Hiking trails in the lake district check out my other post on The Top Ten Scenic Walks in the Lake District for some inspo.
3. A Foodie Haven
For the culinary curious, Cumbria is raising the bar. Home to three Michelin-Starred restaurants, and with an abundance of farm shops and bakeries to craft breweries and classic English pubs, there's plenty to explore and cater for all gastronomic needs. My favourite is the Cottage in the Woods located in Whinlatter Forest,near Keswick. For more restaurant recommendations during your trip to the Lakes, check out my other blog post on the Best Restaurants in the Lake District for more info.
4. It's Artistic Majesty
The Lake district has a history of literary associations, owed to the allure of it's dramatic mountains, lakes and valleys which have provided inspiration to poets, writers and artists for centuries. Non more so than my childhood favourite - Beatrix Potter. her books and characters were inspired by the wildlife and scenery in the Lake District. It is also possible to visit Potter’s home and Beatirx Potter's world, which is just a delight for kids and adults alike.
5. Area of outstanding natural beauty
If you have never been to the Lake District before and are contemplating your first trip, this is a must see destination for any trip to England. It really showcases the stunning landscape that the North of the Country has to offer. I personally prefer it to the neighbouring Peak District because of its contrasting high peaks and mountains with the blue lakes below. Even when it rains (which is often) this only adds to the majesty of the area.
6. Wild Swimming
Might not be for everyone, but for me personally, wild swimming / open water swimming is one of the most serene experiences one can have. This is my yoga, this is my zen. With an abundance of deep water natural lakes in the Lake District, it is no surprise that keen swimmers flock to dip in the fresh water lakes. Swimming is very accessible in the Lake District; you can swim in any of the Lakes with the exceptions of those that are reservoirs or are privately owned. I personally prefer either of Coniston Water, Rydal Water or Ullswater lakes but Windermere is also an option, or the mountain lakes if you want to be more adventurous.
Use common sense when swimming in the lakes - don't swim at night, be careful of the cold deep waters, you may prefer to wear a wet suit and don't swim alone.
7. Accommodation for all Budgets
For most, a visit to the Lake District is more than a day trip, I would suggest a long weekend at the very minimum, but for others it is an extended holiday requiring comfortable accommodation. Whatever you are looking for in your Lake District escape - there are options ranging from hotels & cottages, bed and breakfasts, log cabins, as well as camping - from glamping and camping pods to carvanning and wild camping. You will also be able to find plenty of Air B n B's in the area but they book up fast. In fact most of the accommodation in the Lakes book out 6 months in advance of earlier. A car is a must for exploring the area so it shouldn't matter too much where you base yourself for your stay but Kendal is a particular favourite of mine, a picturesque little market town with plenty of cafes and shops. For Luxury accommodation, I recommend Another Place, set on the shores of Ullswater Lake, or alternatively, Gilpin Hotel and Lake House on Lake Windermere, a modern country house with a champagne bar and private hot tubs on offer. For somewhere special I would suggest the Cottage in the Woods for an alternative Lake District experience, or for more of a budget but fun option, try Fisher-Gill Camping Barn or Bower House Inn.
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