In North West England, you will find some of the most beautiful mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. The Lake District spans 2,362m² and is the second largest National Park in the UK. Moreover, in 2017 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best Lake District attractions include the highest mountain – Scafell Pike or the deepest lake in England – Wast Water. However, there are many more incredible places to visit in the Lake District National Park. If you don’t want to miss any secret places, make sure to check out this list!
Helvellyn Striding Edge, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
I will start my travel guide with the most famous lakes and mountains. For instance, Windermere is the largest of the sixteen lakes in the Lake District. However, only Bassenthwaite is officialy a lake so some people would argue that there is only one lake in the Lake District National Park. In this beautiful location you will find many bodies of waters like tarns, which sometimes might be bigger than popular lakes. Nevertheless, there is no doubt about the deepest lake, which is Wast Water near Scafell Pike.
Wast Water, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
What should I pack for the Lake District?
Waterproof clothes
Wetsuit, sunscreen, waterproof camera (Check out our article how to take underwater photos)
Pack a pair of good walking shoes, local map and reusable water bottle (You can read more on our blog about eco friendly water bottles)
Bring a good camera (Read review of the best backpacking cameras)
Lake District attractions – Largest lakes
- Windermere – 14.8 km²
- Ullswater – 8.9 km²
- Derwentwater – 5.5 km²
- Bassenthwaite – 5.3 km²
- Coniston Water – 4.0 km²
- Haweswater – 3.9 km²
- Thirlmere – 3.3 km²
- Ennerdale Water – 3 km²
- Wast Water – 2.9 km²
- Crummock Water – 2.5 km²
- Esthwaite Water – 1 km²
- Buttermere – 0.9 km²
- Grasmere – 0.6 km²
- Loweswater – 0.6 km²
- Rydal Water – 0.3 km²
- Brothers Water – 0.2 km²
1. Windermere
Lake Windermere in Lake District National Park ©claire jones
The best hotel by the lake: Storrs Hall (Extremely expensive)
Cheapest hotel near the lake: YHA Windermere (This lake is the most sought-after holiday destination in England so it is difficult to find inexpensive hotels in this area)
Windermere lake is one of the most pet friendly places to visit in the UK. You can take lake cruise with your 4-legged friend (dogs travel for free) in England’s largest natural lake. This popular holiday destination has so much to offer from kayaking, admiring the views to exploring Wray Castle which is situated by the lake. The largest lake in England has also plenty of small islands. Belle Isle is the biggest and the only private island in the lake Windermere.
2. Ullswater
Ullswater, Lake District National Park ©Aleks Marinkovic
The best hotel by the lake: The Inn on the Lake
Budget hotel near the lake: Patterdale Hotel
The second largest lake in England is a great place to visit if you also want to see some stunning waterfalls. It is only 10 minutes walk to Aira Force Waterfall from Ullswater. As well as, a few minutes drive to Aira High Force Waterfall from National Trust – Aira Force and Ullswater. Since 2016, you can walk the Ullswater Way, which is 32km walking path around the lake. There are also a few small island on the lake that are great to explore while kayaking such as Norfolk Island, Lingy Holm, Wall Holm or Cherry Holm.
3. Derwentwater
Derwentwater, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
The best hotel by the lake: Derwentwater Independent Hostel
Cheapest hotel near the lake: The Lion – Bar & Kitchen (All accomodations near Derwentwater are pretty expensive. This is one of the cheapest hotels in the area within 15 minutes walk to the lake.)
Third largest lake in Lake District is set in picturesque location. Hills which are surrounding the lake have dense forests. There are also a few bigger islands on the lake. You can kayak to St Herbert’s Island or Derwent Isle to see 18th century house. However, one of the most beautiful is Rampsholme Island with a long narrow band of a gravel where you can park your boat. Then, explore lush greenery of the island and take incredible pictures with your backpacking camera.
4. Bassenthwaite
Bassenthwaite, Lake District National Park ©Andy Quickenden-Smith
The best hotel by the lake: Ouse Bridge House
This beautiful lake is located near Keswick next to the fourth largest peak in Lake District – Skiddaw. Bassenthwaite is also a popular destination for wildlife photographers. Ospreys, cormorants or herons nest nearby the lake. It is a perfect place to paddle board or just stop to take a picture at one of the lake’s viewing points.
5. Coniston Water
Coniston Water, Lake District National Park ©Chapman Chow
The best hotel by the lake: The Coniston Inn
The lake which is famous for green energy and supplying power for almost 300 houses. Coniston Water is a pioneer in hydroelectricity since 1932. It is perfect place for wild swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or enjoying Steam Yacht Gondola. There are also numerous walking trails around the lake with a shore length of 20.2km.
6. Haweswater
Haweswater, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
The best hotel by the lake: Haweswater Hotel
One of the most peaceful lakes in Lake District provides approximately 25% of the water supply for the North West. You will not find many pubs nearby, just Haweswater Hotel with amazing views of the lake. This tranquil location offers a variety of walks in a beautiful countryside. It is a perfect place for those who are looking for a less touristy destination with incredible scenery.
7. Thirlmere
Thirlmere, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
The best hotel by the lake: Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel
Budget hotel near the lake: Fisher-Gill Camping Barn
In less than 10 minutes drive from Keswick, you can get to the beautiful Thirlmere. Ten mile walk around the lake will keep you busy for a whole day. You can also climb Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike to admire the views from the top of the mountains. Despite this that reservoir is man made, this place cannot be missed while exploring Lake District.
8. Ennerdale Water
Ennerdale Water, Lake District National Park ©Dan Blackburn
The best hostel near the lake: Ennerdale Water (There are no hotels by the lake and this is the nearest hostel from Ennerdale Water – 24 minutes walk. It is also a perfect base for climbing mountains.)
This lake is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in Lake District. From Ennerdale Water you can see many peaks such as Red Pike, High Stile or Pillar. Even with its amazing location, it gets a small attention from tourists. If you would like to walk around the lake, allow for 2-4 hours depending on your fitness level.
9. Wast Water
Wast Water, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
The best hostel by the lake: YHA Wasdale Hall
If you are looking for one of the best Lake District attractions, visit Wast Water. This glacier lake is not only the deepest lake in England (79m), but also offers one of the most dramatic views in the country. The lake is surrounded by the highest mountains in Lake District such as Scafell Pike or Sca Fell. However, Illgill Head makes this is a picture-perfect location with a mountain rocks falling into the water.
10. Crummock Water
View of Crummock Water from Red Pike, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
The best hotel by the lake: Wood House Buttermere
If you want to see bluebells in Lake District, visit Crummock Water between May and April. Spring is the best time to walk around the lake. 20 minutes walk from Crummock Water will take you to the highest waterfall in Lake District. Whether, you want to see 52m tall Scale Force or admire the views of the lake from Red Pike, this place has something to offer for everyone.
11. Esthwaite Water
The best hotel near the lake: Ees Wyke Country House
The English writer, Helen Beatrix Potter which was famous for her kids books such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, was inspired by Esthwaite Water. The lake is privately owned so access to it is limited, but some tourists still visit it. You can see the lake from the roads that surround it. Another option is visit at The Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery, which offers boat tours around Esthwaite Water.
12. Buttermere – 0.9 km²
Buttermere, Lake District National Park ©Sattam Saha
The best hostel near the lake: YHA Buttermere (It is just a 5 minutes walk from the Buttermere. This hostel is also a perfect base for exploring Moss Force Waterfall and climbing Robinson)
Buttermere offers one of the best walks in Lake District National Park. This three hours hike is a perfect way to spend day out with a family. The name of the lake comes from Old English and means “the lake by the dairy pastures”. It refers to fertile land between Buttermere and Crummock Water. Buttermere is famous for its catchy name, beautiful views and easy flat walk around the lake.
13. Grasmere
Grasmere, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
The best hotel by the lake: Daffodil Hotel & Spa
One of the best attractions in Grasemere is Faery Boat Landing where you can rent a boat and enjoy coffee with magical views. There are plenty of unique restaurants in the village where you can stop to eat something before heading off for your next adventure in Lake District. Due to its central location Grasmere is within easy to reach to many other lakes. For instance, it takes 45 minutes drive to get from Grasemere to Buttermere or only 15 minutes drive to Windermere.
14. Loweswater
The best hostel near the lake: Kirkstile Inn (This 3-star hotel is set between Loweswater and Crummock Water. It takes approximetely 20 minutes walk to both lakes.)
You will not find any facilities by the lake, except Holme Wood Bothy. This simple shelter that is freely available is popular structure in mountains across the UK. Especially in Scottish Highlands, however it can be found in many other places around the world. Loweswater is small lake with less crowds where you can enjoy views of green hills and watch the birds.
15. Rydal Water
Rydal Water, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
The best hotels near the lake: Rydal Hall Ltd
Just a few minutes walk from the lake there is excellent wedding venue – Cote How Lake District Weddings. Tranquil location and bluebells make it a perfect spot for wedding photography. There is also an impressive Rydal Cave only 10 minutes walk from Rydal Water. Despite this being one of the smallest lakes in Lake District, it is absolutely worth visiting.
16. Brothers Water
Water lilly, ©ALEX S DAS
The best hotels near the lake: Brotherswater Inn
Despite its small size, Brothers Water offers scenic views of surrounding mountains. If you are camping in Lake District, make sure to bring with you a good backpacking camera to take incredible shots of this location. Because of its shallowness and abundance of reeds, it is one of the least visited places in Lake District National Park. In July, you can admire water lilies which will give you another impression how remote this lake is.
Lake District attractions – Tarns
17. Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
The best hotel near Tarn Hows: Yewfield (This is one of the nearest hotels, just 5 minutes drive from Tarn Hows)
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Lake District which can be extremely crowded during peak season. It is one of the must see Lake District attractions, because of its beautiful dense forest and amazing mountainous views. The path around Tarn Hows is accessible for wheelchairs which makes it easy to visit for everyone. However, swimming, cycling or fishing is not allowed there, because of the Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Lake District attractions – Highest peaks (above 900m)
- Scafell Pike – 978 m
- Sca Fell – 964 m
- Helvellyn – 950 m
- Skiddaw – 931 m
- Great End – 910 m
- Bowfell – 902 m
18. Scafell Pike – 978 m
Views from the top between Sca Fell and Scafell Pike ©Ukeveryday
If you enjoyed climbing Snowdon – highest mountain in Wales (especially via Llanberis path), please do not underestimate Scafell Pike in England. It does not matter, which path you choose to climb Scafell Pike, it will be tough. All routes require scrambling over rough terrain and this is the hardest from all three highest peaks in the UK (Snowdon, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike).
Climbing Scafell Pike, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
However, it should not stop you from climbing England’s best mountain. The views from the top are superb. On a clear day you can see many peaks such as Bowfell, Esk Pike or Crinkle Crags. With a bit of preparation, great weather and proper clothes, you will enjoy a day out at the highest peak in Lake District.
19. Sca Fell – 964 m
Sca Fell, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
Hiking in the Southern Fells which includes among others Scafell Pike and Sca Fell – the second highest mountain in Lake District is great outdoor activity. With so many mountains peaks and lakes below them, every hiker will fall in love with this part of England. Especially with huge rocks at Sca Fell peak, which are considered one of the best in Lake District.
20. Helvellyn – 950 m
Helvellyn, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
Lake District attraction that will take your breath away is definitely Helvellyn. You can admire there Red Tarn between two mountains edges – Swirral Edge and Striding Edge. The third highest mountain in England is easier to climb than Scafell Pike or Sca Fell, however it is dangerous to climb in bad weather conditions. At the top of the mountain can get really windy, so make sure to dress properly for the weather
Helvellyn is made of volcanic rocks, which can be also found in other part of the UK like Anglesey Island. Thanks to them we can see such amazing rock formations around the whole country. You can also spot rare species of alpine butterflies or plants around the mountain. This area is truly special and very popular among the hikers.
21. Skiddaw – 931 m
View from Castle Ln, Lake District National Park ©Ukeveryday
If you are looking for a beautiful mountain with variety of colours, visit Skiddaw. It is a mix of heather, grass, scree and bracken. Moreover, there are no other significant peaks nearby that would restrict views from top of the mountain. Due to its remote location, the panorama from Skiddaw is one of the best in Lake District.
Whether you are beginner or avid hiker, but looking for more inspiration, check out some Mountain Quotes. There is nothing better than desire to reach highest peaks and motivating yourself for next adventure.
Lake District attractions – Stone circles
The best Lake District Stone Circles:
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Swinside Stone Circle
- Birkrigg Stone Circle
- Brat’s Hill Stone Circles
- Blakeley Raise Stone Circle
- Giants Grave Standing Stones
22. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle in Lake District ©Ukeveryday
The first thing that comes to the mind about stone circles is Stonehenge. Although, those prehistoric stones are not the oldest in the country. Standing stones are not also an unique attraction in the UK with over 1300 stone circles, including 316 just in England. However, Castlerigg Stone Circle in Lake District is somehow special. It was built around 3200 BC and it is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Castlerigg Stone Circle in Lake District ©Ukeveryday
Lake District attractions – Castles
The best castles in Lake District:
- Wray Castle
- Lowther Castle & Gardens
- Muncaster Castle
- Sizergh Castle
- Brougham Castle
- Piel Castle
- Egremont Castle
23. Wray Castle
Wray Castle, Lake District National Park ©ian kelsall
24. Lowther Castle & Gardens
Lowther Castle & Gardens, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
Lake District attractions – Waterfalls
The best waterfalls in Lake District:
- Scale Force Waterfall
- Stock Ghyll Force
- Aira Force
- Moss Force Waterfall
- Taylor Gill Force
- Skelwith Force
- Stanley Ghyll Force
- Ritson’s Force
- Lodore Falls
- Black Moss Pot
- Sour Milk Gill
25. Scale Force Waterfall
Scale Force Waterfall, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
26. Stock Ghyll Force
Stock Ghyll Force, Lake District National Park ©Ian Cylkowski
27. Aira Force
Aira Force, Lake District National Park ©Ian Cylkowski
Lake District attractions – Gardens
The best gardens in Lake District:
- Holker Hall & Gardens
- Holehird Gardens
- Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens
28. Holker Hall & Gardens
Holker Hall & Gardens, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
29. Holehird Gardens
Holehird Gardens, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
Lake District attractions – Caves
The best caves in Lake District:
- Rydal Cave
- Hodge Close Quarry
- Cathedral Cave
30. Rydal Cave
Rydal Cave, Lake District National Park ©Luke Ellis-Craven
31. Hodge Close Quarry
Hodge Close Quarry, Lake District National Park ©James Qualtrough
Lake District attractions for families
The best attractions for families in Lake District:
- Honister Slate Mine
- Windermere Jetty Museum – Stories of boats and steam
- The World of Beatrix Potter
- Puzzling Place
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
- Lakes Aquarium
- Lake District Wildlife Park
- Lakeland Maze Farm Park
32. Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine, Lake District National Park ©Jonny Gios
33. Windermere Jetty Museum – Stories of boats and steam
Windermere Jetty Museum, Lake District National Park ©Igor Wang
Lake District attractions – Lighthouses
The best lighthouses in Lake District:
- Walney Lighthouse
- Rampside Lighthouse
- Hodbarrow Haverigg Lighthouse
- Maryport Lighthouse
- Sir John Barrow Monument
