Lake District area guide
Things to do in the Lake District
Whether you're gazing up at – or down from – England's highest mountains, photographing the country's deepest lake or visiting the homes of famous romantic poets, you're bound to be drawn into the unparalleled natural beauty of England's iconic national park.
Whatever Lake District itinerary you have in mind, we'll have a hostel to match it. From remote shepherd's bothies to secluded lakeside retreats, you're sure to find unique Lake District accommodation for the best prices with YHA.
Traveller tips
Exploring Keswick
Join Hannah Outside in the latest of her series exploring Britain from YHA hostels, this time in the Lake District!
Hannah and friends tackle parts of the Cumbrian Way and Catbells, with stunning, snowy views of Derwentwater and Keswick.
Top Lake District attractions
Aira Force Waterfall and Gowbarrow Park
Probably the most famous of the waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force provides a glimpse of impressive mountain scenery. There are lots of woodland trails to discover and this 65ft waterfall...
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.
Lake Windermere
At over 10 miles long, the picturesque ribbon lake Windermere acts as an irresistible magnet at the heart of the Lake District. Surrounded by wooded slopes and moody mountains, your whole itinerary...
Rydal Mount
Moving on from the Wordsworth family home to his own house in the village of Rydal, the great poet lived, wrote and entertained here from age 43 until his death at 80 in 1850. The hillside gardens...
Ullswater
The second largest lake in the Lake District is 9 miles long and snakes through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest. Steamers have stopped at...
Best things to do in the Lake District
Aira Force Waterfall and Gowbarrow Park
Probably the most famous of the waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force provides a glimpse of impressive mountain scenery. There are lots of woodland trails to discover and this 65ft waterfall...
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Here at Ambleside Climbing Wall there's an indoor climbing wall, bouldering room, and cafe. There's also a room dedicated to climbing gear, which can be hired.
Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
Boat trips on Derwentwater
Cruise the lake stopping at the lakeshore jetties where you can change boats, or enjoy the 50 minute trip around Derwentwater.
Brantwood
Discover the home of John Ruskin. A historic house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts, Brantwood is the former home of artist and social reformer John Ruskin. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating...
Brockhole Visitor Centre
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Browse the shop...
Cathedral Quarry
A network of quarries above Little Langdale - best known for the main chamber, which is 40ft in height and lit by two windows. Visit the Visit Cumbria website Walkers, see the National Trust Hodge...
Climbing in Borrowdale
Shepherd's crag is a unique climbing ground! The buttresses provide good pitches for both beginner and tiger. The rock is generally excellent. Classic routes abound in Borrowdale and include Little...
Climbing in Buttermere
There are fantastic multi pitch climbs on the quick drying Grey Crag to suit all abilities. Alternatively, check out the classic combination of Harrow Buttress, Chockstone Ridge and Oxford and...
Climbing in Coniston
Close by there is skilled scrambling on the famous Pudding Stone - on this large boulder alone there are 30 different challenging routes. Not much further away there are classic climbing and...
Climbing in Keswick
For an accessible road-side route try Little Chamonix for an entry level climb. If you want something a bit more meaty there's the Troutdale Pinnacle and Troutdale Super Direct on Black Crag in...
Climbing in Langdale
Raven Crag, Gimmer Crag and White Ghyll are just a few of the numerous rock climbing spots which line the Langdale valley floor, providing some of the most spectacular rock routes in the UK - come and...
Climbing in Wasdale
Follow in the footsteps of the Abraham brothers and climb to the top of Napes Needle - a classic hard/severe climb with stunning mountainside views straight down to Wasdale.
Coniston Boating Centre
To see Coniston Water and the stunning fells hire a motor boat, canoe, rowing boat or sailing boat and explore. Take a break at the Bluebird Café right on the edge of Coniston Water. Visit the website
Coniston Cruises
Enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water, staying on the boat for the full cruise or getting off at a jetty to explore. Or just use the service as a ferry to get between where the different...
Cross Bay Walks
The walks cross several estuary channels, some some fast running, so it's best to use a guide across the dangerous sands.
Cycling around Hawkshead
YHA Hawkshead is a fantastic location for road and mountain bikers, be they novice, families or experienced. Here are some of our recommendations: Grizedale Forest The forest is a mecca for mountain...
Cycling in Borrowdale
Cycling around Derwentwater is a great day in the saddle. Admire the ever changing and breathtaking views across Derwentwater and stop off at the cafe at Grange and Keswick to keep you going.
Cycling in Buttermere
The Fred Whitton Challenge is a famous endurance event taking place in early May each year. It’s a 112 mile ride over all the principle mountain passes of Lakeland. The ‘Four Seasons Fred Whitton Bike...
Cycling in Coniston Holly How
The circular route around Coniston Water is perfect for easy, relaxing rides. Take on the high altitude buzz of Hardknott and Wrynose passes from the hostel. The Fred Whitton Challenge around lakes...
Cycling in Eskdale
The fantastic Hardknott Pass circuit takes you over one of the highest and hardest cycle passes in Britain, then cycle down the Duddon Valley and return to the hostel via Birker Moor.
Cycling in Keswick
From YHA Keswick there is a cycle route to suit everyone, whether you’re looking for a gentle ride following the River Greta along an old railway track to tackling the famous 112 mile Fred Whitton...
Dove Cottage
Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.
Glenridding Sailing Centre
Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater. A range of courses are offered. Visit Glenridding Sailing Centre's website
Go Ape
Go Ape has several locations across the UK where you can climb and fly through the trees. If it's adrenaline fuelled family fun you're after then look no further. YHA members get 10% off outdoor...
Go Ape Grizedale
Fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy from 18m up a Douglas Fir. YHA members get 10% off outdoor adventures with Go Ape (all activities and locations...
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
Situated in the pretty Lake District village of Hawkshead, the Grammar School Museum tells the story of school life since its founding in 1585. Our most famous pupil was William Wordsworth and in its...
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Instructors and mountain guides used by Highpoint Mountain Guide are...
Hill Top (Beatrix Potter)
Full of her favourite things, the house looks like Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Don't miss the lovely cottage garden.
Holker Hall
Set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
Honister Slate Mine
For underground tours and the popular Via Ferrata. Edge along ladders and bridges to reach a summit viewpoint over Buttermere. Visit the website
Keswick Adventure Centre
Offering multi-activity courses in everything from ghyll scrambling and zip-wires to raft-building and waterrollerz.
Keswick Golf Club
An 18 hole golf course offering a unique golfing experience - with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland Fells.
Keswick Launch Company
Daily launches around the lake stopping at Keswick, Nichol End, Hawes End, Low Brandlehow,, High Brandlehow, Lodore and Ashness Gate.
Keswick Leisure Pool
With its warm waters, wave machine and 'black hole' flume there's fun for all the family.
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
With its large collection of exhibits, the museum is a fascinating place to discover old Keswick and the Lake District. See the museum website.
Lakes Aquarium
Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.
Leighton Moss RSPB reserve & Morecambe Bay RSPB reserve
Two nationally important wetland reserves. Free entry for YHA guests arriving at RSPB by bike or rail.
Levens Hall
One of the finest stately homes in south Cumbria. Don't miss the fantastic gardens with the famous topiary.
Merz Barn
Discover the recovery, documentation and restoration of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau project; the Elterwater Merz Barn.
Mountain Biking around Coniston Holly How
There's low level bridleways with easy wooded terrain for youngsters, while the more adventurous can take on the challenge of Walna Scar Road or the north face trail in Grizedale Forest. If you haven...
Mountain biking in Ambleside
With Claife Heights right opposite, the hostel is a perfect base for exploring the area by mountain bike. Exciting steeples and exhilarating ground, along with stunning views make this a fantastic...
Mountain biking in Borrowdale
The 19 kilometre red grade Altura trail has two loops which includes 15 kilometres of challenging single track sections and popular features like berms, jumps, rock features, skinnies, cork screws and...
Mountain Biking in Caldbeck
Wind through the hills and straights for the ultimate mountain biking experience.
Mountain biking in Ennerdale
Situated alongside moderately graded forest roads, the hostel also has easy access to the lanes and B roads of West Cumbria.
Mountain biking in Eskdale
For those with energy to burn, and a certain amount of experience, there is the trickier mountain route into the neighbouring valley of Wasdale and coming back to the hostel by Burnmoor into Wasdale...
Mountain biking in Hawkshead
Set off down the bridleway from the back of the hostel to join Grizedale forest which offers hundreds of different routes for mountain bikers of all abilities. The highest point in the forest is Karen...
Mountain Biking in Keswick
Whinlatter Visitors Centre is just five miles from YHA Keswick with some of the best purpose built single track mountain bike trails in the country. The 19km Altura Trail is great for experienced...
Mountain biking in Langdale
If you're an experienced mountain biker, try the Langdale Loop in the Langdale valley area. The route takes in some of the hills on either side of the valley, mainly along forestry and farm tracks...
Mountain biking on Helvellyn
Bike up Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lake District, to get your heart pumping! Or if you fancy a lakeside route try Ullswater Singletrack near High Street and Place Fell.
Muncaster Castle
Historic haunted castle, with 70 acres of stunning Gardens, set against the back drop of the fells. Home to the Hawk and Owl Centre, where from Easter through to min-Oct there are daily flying...
Osprey View Point
Spectacular view of the ospreys flying to and from their nest and, most amazing of all, catching fish from Bassenthwaite Lake.
Plattyplus watersports
Based on the shores of Derwent Water, you can hire equipment or take a lesson in kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. Visit the Platty+ website
Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway
Travel for seven miles from a delightful coastal village, through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains. Visit the Railway website
Rheged Discovery Centre
Designed to resemble a Lakeland hill, the grass-covered centre houses a cinema, play areas, pottery painting and regional shops that reflect the area, its craft people and producers. Why's it called...
Rookin House Horseriding and Activity Centre
Rookin House is an established adventure venue in the Lake District. It offers horse riding, archery and quadbiking to name but a few. Visit Rookin House's website
Running in Borrowdale
The Borrowdale valley has a great reputation with fell runners. And thanks to the races the hostel organises, YHA Borrowdale is now attracting plenty of people with a passion for dashing.
Running in Coniston
The fells and trails of the Lake District abound with opportunities to take your running to new heights and achieve euphoria. And where better to base your experience than this remote retreat offering...
Pikes and fells
Scafell Pike
As the highest mountain in England at 978m, Scafell Pike offers three routes to the summit with various degrees of difficulty. The Hollowstones route is most popular, rewarding properly equipped hikers with unrivalled views to the west coast - and Scotland, Wales and Ireland on clear days.
Helvellyn
Situated north of Ambleside, the high point on the Helvellyn range is the third most lofty summit in all of England. Access is easier here than to the two higher peaks, offering amazing views over surrounding fells and down into Red Tarn. Experienced hikers may be tempted by the thrilling adjoining knife-edge ridges and scree slopes.
Skiddaw
Skiddaw may only be the Lakes' fourth highest peak, but it is the oldest, dating back over 400 million years. Lured by inviting views of the pyramid peak from Keswick below, there is a relatively easy six mile walk ascending over 600m to the 931m peak. However, there are tougher routes for experienced walkers.
Castle Crag
Your ascent to Castle Crag begins in the nestling village of Rosthwaite. First following the River Derwent then rising above beautiful Borrowdale amid neighbouring fells, the route eventually passes through green slate quarries to the wooded crag, a one-time Iron Age hillfort.
Transport in the Lake District
By train
Given the wild, mountainous nature of the terrain, the Lake District is surprisingly well served by rail. Stations at Penrith and Oxenholme are on the London to Glasgow mainline, with a journey time of around three hours from London. Windermere, Kendal and Staveley are the stops on one of England's most spectacular branch lines.
By car
The main arterial M6 motorway passes close by the Lake District, west of Kendal, so initial travel access is easy. However, the National Parks authorities do underline the stress-free possibility of doing the Lakes by bus, train, boat, bike - and ultimately on foot - relieving traffic on steep single-track roads and busy peak-season car parks.
By bus
All of the major towns in the Lake District, as well as many more inaccessible villages and visitor attractions, are linked by reliable bus services. Stagecoachs Explorer day tickets can make great sense if you're travelling on a budget, enabling you to travel throughout Cumbria on most services.
By bike
Take your bike by train or car or take advantage of the many hire firms in the Lake District. The unspoiled high terrain offers fantastic challenges for adrenaline-fuelled off-road cyclists looking for a Tour de Lake challenge, while the lowland valleys, lakeside and river routes are far easier going and every bit as spectacular.
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Walking in the Lake District
Walking and Rambling in Ambleside
If you're planning on staying at YHA Ambleside, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
Walking and Rambling in Ennerdale
If you're planning on staying at YHA Ennerdale, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
Walking and Rambling in Hawkshead
If you're planning on staying at YHA Hawkshead, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
Walking and Rambling in Honister
If you're planning on staying at YHA Honister Hause, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore...
Walking and Rambling in Keswick
If you're planning on staying at YHA Keswick, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area...
Walking and Rambling in Wasdale
If you're planning on staying at YHA Wasdale Hall, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
Explore outdoors
Mountain biking
Whether you're cycling country lanes in the lowlands, taking on established cross-country routes or cruising the purpose-built off-road trails at Whinlatter or Grizedale Forest, a day's mountain biking offers a completely different way to enjoy the Lake District whatever your cycling ability.
Watersports
With countless square miles of fabulous open water fed by thundering river torrents, there's nowhere better than the Lake District to indulge your passion for watersports. Sailing, canoeing and windsurfing are available at most lakes, while kayaking and rafting are mostly river based.
Climbing
Walking in the Lake District is open to everybody with a stout pair of boots and a map, but higher-adrenaline activities such as mountain climbing, scrambling and canyoning in this natural wonderland are best taken on in expertly supervised groups. All levels of experience are welcome at the area's many specialist centres.
Swimming
The Great North Swim takes place annually in June in Lake Windermere, with events running from half a mile to 10,000m. Its popularity has led to a rise in open water swimming in the lakes that allow it, but remember you'll need to seek instruction and safety support from a local provider.
Weather forecast in the Lake District
Local weather
Average monthly sunshine and temperature charts reflect the expected summer highs for the Lake District. However, average rainfall is not hugely lower during peak season than at other times of the year. Lakeland scenery changes dramatically as the seasons spin by, and springtime and autumn breaks are now becoming popular.
Top photography spots
Wasdale Head
A far-flung hamlet strewn across the head of the Wasdale Valley, Wasdale Head is usually considered to be the starting point for some of the Lake District’s most picturesque walks. Snap the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, and Wastwater, its deepest lake and don’t miss St Olaf's, allegedly the smallest church in England.
Loughrigg Fell
It may not be the highest fell in the Lakes, but from Loughrigg the views in every direction have an uncanny ability to catch the light and transform a photo into a work of art. Whether you’re shooting Loughrigg Tarn, Grasmere or Windermere down below, you'll always grab some impressive snaps whatever the weather.
Grasmere
Grasmere village has been resolutely unspoiled by progress since Wordsworth's time and offers dozens of vantage points for breathtaking photos. Encircled by the central fells and containing Wordsworth’s "most loveliest" lake, the area is a must for any serious photographer.
Kendal Castle
A 12th century castle that was already a ruin by the 16th, it's almost as if the people of Kendal have deliberately preserved the old tower and great hall's decay, nurturing this irresistibly photogenic pile on its mound-like hill outside town.
Popular blog posts about the Lake District
Eco-friendly glamping in the Lake District
YHA has long been at the heart of travelling in the UK. They are affordable, friendly and can be found in each of the most beautiful and interesting parts of our fascinating country...
Discovering National Parks – The Lake District
We are so lucky to have UK National Parks – beautiful places and great big open spaces. Here we visit the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic National Parks...
Our favourite day walks in the Lake District
It can take a lifetime of commitment to cover every fell in the Lakes, and not all of us are blessed with the time. So for those saving their epic multi-day expeditions for a later date, here are five of our favourite Lake District walks...