A Visitor's Guide To The Lake District

Whether you are a regular visitor to the Lake District, or you are just planning your first trip, you are sure to find lots of interesting and adventurous things to do. The Lake District is a popular tourist destination, famous for its beautiful valleys and mountainous terrain. It attracts visitors of all ages and is an all-year-round holiday resort. To help you decide on your itinerary and plan your holiday, we have put together this overview of the Lake District with pointers and tips to get the most of your visit.

• Where Is The Lake District
• Travelling To The Lake District
• Travelling Within The Lake District
• The Lake District Is Famous For
• Agricultural Shows And Shepherds Meets
• Accommodation In The Lake District

Where is the Lake District The Lake District is in the north-west corner of England, just to the south of Scotland. It is wholly contained in the county of Cumbria. The Lake District National Park, to give it its full title, is the largest national park in England (and 2nd largest in the UK) covering some 885 square miles (2300 sq km). It extends 40 miles (64 km) north to south and 32 miles (52 km) east to west. The park is administered by the Lake District National Park Authority located at Brockhole. The park contains England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike) and deepest lake (Wastwater), and some of the countries most beautiful scenery.

Travelling to the Lake District

If you are travelling by car, you will most likely arrive via the M6 motorway that runs north-south from London through to Glasgow, or via the A66 which runs east-west from Newcastle. The distrance from London to the Lake District is 270 miles and the journey would take approximately 5 hours. Whilst from Glasgow you can cover the 130 miles in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Journey Times and Distances by Car

If you are travelling by train, the Lake District is served by the west coast mainline railway, with main stations at Lancaster, Penrith and Carlisle. There is a branch line running to Windermere from Lancaster via Carnforth. The journey from London Euston to Penrith is direct and takes 3 hours. From Manchester to Windermere the journey time is 2 hours with two changes.

The nearest international airports are Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle, from where you can hire a car or take a train. Alternatively, many European visitors take the ferry crossing from Amsterdam to Newcastle, or Zeebrugge & Rotterdam to Hull.

Travelling Within The Lake District

A car gives you the greatest flexibility when exploring the Lake District. If you visit the Lake District without a car you can still get about using a variety of modes of transport.

Car Hire in the Lake District

You can easily get around the lakes on public transport – StageCoach serves Cumbria with a variety of routes.

Bus Routes in the Lake District

Cycling is a popular way of getting about and there are many opportunities to go off-road. And, because of its popularity, there are many cycle shops selling parts, spares and provide servicing.

Lake District Mileage Chart

The Lake District is Famous for . . .

Herdwick Sheep

Herwick Sheep are the native breed of sheep that live on the Lake District’s mountains and fells. They are an extremely hardy breed, are easy to handle and can graze on grass and moorland. Herdwick sheep are often referred to as being ‘hefted’ – which means that they tend to stay around one particular area and seldom wander from the fells that the know. As well as producing flavoursome meat, their wool is used for clothing, throws, carpets and insulation. You can see Herdwicks on the fells around Borrowdale.

Beatrix Potter - The Tales of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter was a regular visitor to the Lake District before moving there permanently in 1905. She bought Hill Top Farm at Near Sawrey and it was here that she wrote her best known children’s books based around the tales of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix Potter left Hill Top Farm to the National Trust who maintain it. The house and gardens are open to the public – see Hill Top. You can immerse your self in the world of Beatrix Potter at the Beatrix Potter attraction in Windermere. Beatrix was also a farmer and a prize winning breeder of Herdwick sheep.

Cumberland Wrestling

Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling is an old sporting tradition that is thought to date back to the invasion of the Vikings. Two wrestlers face each other, chest to chest and lock their arms around one another (the right arm going under the left arm). The objective is to throw your opponent to the ground with lifting or twisting throws, or trips. If any part of a wrestlers body touches the ground (feet excepted), the wrestler looses. If both wrestlers fall down at the same time, the ground is deemed to be the winner. You can see Cumberland Wrestling at the many agricultural shows and sports days.

Agricultural Shows, Sports Days and Shepherds Meets

Throughout the year there are various agricultural shows, sports days and shepherds meets.

Accommodation in the Lake District

The overnight visitor to the Lake District has a choice of accommodation – Guesthouse, Hotel, Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering. Hotels are a popular choice for those wanting a little bit of luxury and pampering. Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast establishments are popular for those that spend their days outside and eat out in the evenings. However, if you are staying for more than 3 or 4 nights then the most cost effective choice is to choose one the many self catering cottages in the Lake District.

Self Catering Short Breaks - Weekends and short break holidays can generally be booked for the low season at any time – the low season being November – March (excluding Christmas, New Year and Easter). Otherwise, short breaks are made available 2 – 3 weeks prior to the break taking place.

The main choice for visitors to the Lake District is to book a week or two in a self catering cottage. This means you have the freedom to come and go at your own discretion. Full week bookings usually begin on either a Friday or Saturday.

Click Here to Search for Lake District Cottages

Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfast And Camping

For other forms of accommodation in the Lake District, please visit the Tourist Information Centre:

Keswick Tourist Information Centre