In this part of our Great British Outdoors series, we’re dreaming of the enchanting Lake District National Park. A place of staggering natural beauty, the Lake District seems to defy scale, with huge peaks towering above mirror-glass lakes, the tranquil waters concealing their icy depths. Many visit from the world over looking to conquer this wild landscape, whether they choose to scale the mountainous heights or swim in the chilly waters.
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Holidays in the Lake District
A mysterious land of water and peaks
There is also much more to the Lake District besides its scenery. The national park is peppered with charming, historic towns and villages with buildings built from local stone – many housing traditional pubs where you can enjoy a pint of local ale in front of a roaring fire. Foodies will be delighted by the wide range of places to eat in this area – whether you opt for the traditional gingerbread or something a little more experimental at a Michelin-starred restaurant. And the Lake District also has a rich literary history, with wordsmiths such as Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransome and William Wordsworth finding inspiration from the stunning surroundings. However you choose to explore this captivating area, we have a wide range of holiday cottages with luxurious features like hot tubs, where you can indulge and unwind.Looking for even more spectacular landscapes? We've captured some of the finest in our Love Letter to the Lake District.
Lake District cottages with hot tubs
Iconic lakes
The water that's shaped this region
Everyone’s heard of the beautiful waters of Windermere and the myths and legends that surround this lake, but there are a remarkable 16 bodies of water across the landscape that make up the UK’s ‘Great Lakes’. Discover every single one of these magnificent lakes, from the yacht-laden waters of Ullswater to Wordworth’s favourite lake: Rydal Water. No trip to the Lake District is complete without a stroll along the shore of one of the UK’s favourite lakes.
Guide to our 'Great Lakes'
A dog-friendly destination
Explore the Lakes with your faithful friend
With lakes for swimming, fells for hiking, and rivers to splash through, the unique, unforgettable landscape of the Lake District is a true doggy haven! Bring your four-pawed pup along with you on a Lake District holiday for endless adventure before cosying up in an authentic dog-friendly pub or back at your own pet-friendly holiday cottage. Leave pawprints in the sand at lakeside beaches, dine in style at cafes with views for miles, or your dog can even join you on a Windermere cruise during your Lake District getaway.
Dog-friendly Lake District
Activities
Conquer this wild landscape
With over 200 square kilometres of landscape to explore, including 16 lakes and England’s ten highest mountains, it’s no surprise that many Lake District activities revolve around the natural environment. It’s heaven for outdoor adventurers – whether you choose to conquer England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, tackle Wainwright’s 214 fells detailed in his Pictoral Guide to the Lakeland Fells or enjoy a sedate hill walk, the Lake District offers the most unforgettable walks.
If you’d prefer to take to the water, you can cruise along the calm lakes aboard a chartered boat, row yourself across while soaking up the scenery or even swim – the Lake District has many popular wild swimming spots, and you could even coincide your visit with the Great North Swim across Lake Windermere.
Literary fans will love exploring sites where their favourite authors found inspiration. Visit Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or John Ruskin’s Brantwood. And children won’t fail to be delighted by the World of Beatrix Potter where they can come face to face with their favourite characters.
Top things to do
Food and drink
Gingerbread and gastronomy
The Lake District is a must-visit destination for gastronomes, whether you want to tuck into traditional treats or treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal.
Many of your favourite foods originated in the Lake District – from gingerbread, which comes from Grasmere, to sticky toffee pudding, originally from Ullswater, and, of course, the Cumberland sausage! And you can’t conclude a foodie tour of the Lake District without sampling some Kendal Mint Cake.
And while the Lake District is well-known for its traditional food, there is a growing wave of modern restaurants which have been rewarded with the highest gastronomic honour: a Michelin star. Visit L’Enclume in Cartmel for experimental food created with local produce, enjoy a refined Sunday lunch at The Samling, Windermere, or treat yourself to an afternoon tea overlooking Ullswater at Sharrow Bay.
Best places to eat
Where to stay
Luxury by the Lakes
Whether you’re planning an active break exploring this vast and rugged natural landscape or you see yourself dipping in and out of the Lake District’s many cafes and restaurants on a foodie tour, our range of holiday cottages are the perfect setting for your getaway.
In popular destinations like Buttermere, Hawkshead, Coniston, Cartmel and Bowness-on-Windermere, you can wake up to the view of the glistening water as the sun rises behind the mountains, and step out of your front door to explore the surrounding landscape when you stay at one of our Lake District cottages.
To add a touch of indulgence to your stay, many of our cottages have luxury features including hot tubs, five-star interiors and spa-style bathrooms. The Lake District is also a fantastic place for dog walkers, with trails that will tire even the most energetic of hounds! We also have a wide range of dog-friendly cottages where you can bring the whole family.
All Lake District cottages
