Discover your excellent stick with our information to one of the best locations to remain within the Lake District by area. Hardy hikers, panorama photographers, or tea store goers, get your bearings in England’s most scenic space.
LAST UPDATE: 4 Nov 2023
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The Lake District is a well-liked nationwide park in northern England overlaying an space of two,300 sq. kilometres.
It’s identified for gorgeous ribbon lakes, rugged mountains, and charming villages.
Getting essentially the most out of this lovely UNESCO World Heritage location means discovering the suitable base. The totally different areas of the lakes every provide a really particular expertise.
Some have loads of amenities (and loads of vacationers). Others are distant landscapes plentiful with pure magnificence and rugged out of doors experiences.
We’ve been visiting this lovely nook of England for a few years. We all know every of the areas, a lot of the mountain climbing trails, and we’ve our favorite issues to do within the Lake District.
This information features a evaluation of every area that can assist you determine the place to remain within the Lake District. We now have lodge suggestions for every space, plus among the greatest stays within the Lake District.
BEST OF THE LAKES
Listed below are our total picks for the greatest Lake District lodging. Additional down within the information we breakdown every area within the Lake District and why you must keep there.
LAKE DISTRICT REGION MAP
All of the properties we’ve listed on this information are on the map under.
Earlier than you determine the place to remain, learn our information to one of the best issues to do within the Lake District. This may enable you discover the actions that curiosity you, so that you’ll have a good suggestion of the place to base your self.
Methods to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the listing of places, then click on on the places to show additional data. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to save lots of to your Google Maps.
1 – KESWICK & AROUND
Finest place to remain within the Lake District for adventurous actions centred round a market city.
Nestled on the sting of Derwentwater within the north of the Lake District, Keswick is a vigorous market city. It has numerous amenities, nice nightlife and cafes.
The pedestrianised primary road has a wonderful fresh-food market and there are museums for wet days.
The waterfront at Keswick is a beautiful spot to walk. Surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains, it’s one of many basic walks within the Lake District.
Loads of actions are primarily based round Keswick. You may strive canyoning, paragliding, mountaineering, and mountain biking. Keswick Adventures has an excellent collection of out of doors actions.
In case you are a walker, lots of the most craggy mountains are solely a brief drive away. Particularly, mountain climbing Sharp Edge on Blencathra is a completely adventurous expertise.
There’s a wide array of lodges in and round Keswick catering to all budgets.
HOTELS NEAR KESWICK
Listed below are just a few lodges we suggest within the Keswick space. This can be a highly regarded space, so it’s a good suggestion to e book nicely prematurely.
THRELKELD
BUNGALOWS GUEST HOUSE | £
Just some miles out of Keswick in Threlkeld, The Bungalows Guesthouse is a wonderful funds possibility within the space. The placement on the foot of Blencathra is great.
KESWICK
LAKESIDE HOUSE | ££
Set within the centre of Keswick, Lakeside Home is up to date luxurious lodging with all the trendy facilities you can ask for. Breakfast is served in entrance of a shocking view.
OUR PICK
KESWICK
ROYAL OAK | ££
Situated within the centre of city, the Royal Oak has a rustic home really feel with trendy trendy facilities. The meals is great and canine are cared for in addition to common human company.
2 – BORROWDALE & BUTTERMERE
Finest Lake District space for rugged surroundings and dramatic craggy mountains
Borrowdale and Buttermere are a brief 30-minute drive from Keswick.
With two darkish and moody valleys neglected by excessive craggy mountains, this distant area has among the most gorgeous views within the Lake District.
There are no cities right here, only a splattering of villages and the odd rustic, hiker’s lodge.
Borrowdale and Buttermere are the center of mountain climbing nation. Lots of the greatest walks within the Lake District go away from right here. One among our favourites within the space is Haystacks. It’s additionally an excellent base to strive one of many totally different routes up Scafell Pike.
That is the proper Lake District area for getting away from all of it. Head into the very best mountains and end in a country pub.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR BORROWDALE & BUTTERMERE
Borrowdale and Buttermere are much less busy with vacationers. Nevertheless, as one of many beginning factors for the Scafell Pike stroll, it could possibly get busy over the height mountain climbing interval from June to August.
ROSTHWAITE
YHA BORROWDALE | £
This clear and spacious hostel is correct on the coast-to-coast path, making it a wonderful alternative for hikers. The communal areas are heat and comfortable.
OUR PICK
SEATOLLER
GLARAMARA | ££
If you need all of the amenities of a enterprise lodge in a wonderful location, Glaramara is an efficient alternative. The hearty breakfast is nice.
3 – WINDERMERE & BOWNESS
Finest Lake District stays for fancy lodges, lakeside strolls, tea retailers & boat rides
Windermere has a gentler panorama than the craggy space round Keswick.
Much less steep rock has paved the way in which for bigger cities with extra amenities. Vacationer boats present cruises of the lake and a steam prepare chugs alongside the shore. The city is bursting with quaint tea retailers.
There are additionally loads of brief walks with nice views together with Orest Head and Gummer’s How.
Beatrix Potter’s cottage is barely a brief ferry experience away.
Lots of the greatest lodges within the Lake District are perched alongside the banks of Windermere providing luxurious stays.
The simple accessibility and good amenities signifies that Windermere and Bowness can get very busy in summer season. Moreover, site visitors on the lake’s east aspect may be oppressive.
Because of this, Windermere/Bowness is nice for having fun with the cities, but it surely’s not one of the best base for exploring the rugged aspect of the Lake District.
HOTELS NEAR WINDERMERE/BOWNESS
Windermere has lots of the high-end stays within the Lake District, nonetheless, it’s potential to discover a whole lot. This can be a highly regarded space so e book nicely forward.
OUR PICK
WINDERMERE
CRAGWOOD COUNTRY HOUSE | ££
This imposing manor home on the banks of the lake set amongst landscaped gardens is filled with guest-friendly amenities. It’s a 5-minute drive from the centre of city.
WINDERMERE
THE SAMLING HOTEL | ££££
Should you love the thought of being taken care of in luxurious, the Sampling Resort is for you. The fantastically appointed rooms have lake or mountain views.
WINDERMERE
WHEATLANDS LODGE | ££
This basic Victorian property just some minutes from the centre of Windermere is an adults-only stick with all the suitable consideration to element.
4 – CONISTON, AMBLESIDE & GRASMERE
Finest locations to remain within the Lake District for fantastically set villages in a central location
These three charming small cities within the centre of the Lake District are the proper base to discover the entire space.
Inside a 40-minute drive, you may be mountain climbing Helvellyn, canyoning in Coniston, mountain biking in Keswick, or driving Wrynose Cross.
Grasmere is a small city set again from the principle highway. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it’s probably the most lovely villages within the Lake District. It has good lodges and unbiased eating places.
Coniston is little greater than a village, but it surely retains an area and lived-in really feel with pubs spilling onto the road and useful village shops.
Ambleside is a bigger city. It’s busier and has a wider collection of eating places and unbiased retailers. Regardless of its amenities and site, it has maintained a attraction that Windermere and Bowness have misplaced.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE AREA
Listed below are a few of our suggestions within the space. It’s an excellent vacation spot for self-catering properties and rustic farm stays.
OUR PICK
AMBLESIDE
LAKE HOUSE AT THE WATERHEAD INN | ££
The freshly cooked breakfast is simply what you want after having fun with the mountain climbing trails close to the Ambleside Lake Home. There’s free parking and it’s only a 10-minute stroll to the city centre.
CONISTON
SELF-CONTAINED HOME | ££
This 3-bedroom house within the centre of Coniston has been renovated to a excessive customary, making it an excellent self-contained keep within the lakes. The view from the backyard is gorgeous.
GRASMERE
FOREST SIDE HOTEL | £££
This conventional house in a wooded property in Grasmere nonetheless exudes the elegant type of its heyday. The restaurant is high quality high-quality eating and the employees are extraordinarily attentive.
CONISTON
LUXURY PROPERTY | £££
This 6 bed room, 5 rest room home close to Coniston has the whole lot you want for a top quality household keep, full with a video games room and panoramic views.
5 – ELTERWATER & LANGDALE
Finest Lake District getaway for dramatic and atmospheric landscapes
Elterwater and Langdale are one of the best areas for photographers with a few of our favorite photograph spots within the Lake District.
Snap the mountain reflections on Coniston Water. Go to the putting and under-visited Langdale Valley. Seize the misty waters of the River Brathay because it meanders alongside the valley.
The Langdale Valley has glorious brief walks, a number of longer ones, and among the most memorable drives within the Lake District.
Elterwater village itself is a captivating hamlet with a few nice pubs.
This can be a great spot to remain within the Lake District to really feel such as you’re getting away from all of it in pretty environment.
HOTELS NEAR ELTERWATER & LANGDALE
The Elterwater and Langdale area has an excellent mixture of conventional pubs and luxurious spa lodging. Listed below are some suggestions from us.
ELTERWATER
THE BRITANNIA INN | £
This conventional Inn has all the suitable trimmings: oak beams, open fires, actual ales and home-cooked meals. Visitors additionally get entry to the pool and spa subsequent door.
OUR PICK
ELTERWATER
ELTERMERE INN | £
With views over Lake Eltermere, this property has elegant rooms in daring designs. High quality meals is the icing on the cake.
GREAT LANGDALE
LANGDALE HOTEL & SPA | ££
Take pleasure in luxurious on the Langdale Resort & Spa, set in 4 acres of pretty woodland. With high service inside and gorgeous environment exterior, it’s an ideal keep.
ELTERWATER
TOWNFOOT COTTAGE | ££££
This nice worth cottage sleeps 4 within the coronary heart of the Langdale Valley. It has all of the facilities you want for a Lakeland keep and it’s very dog-friendly.
6 – WASDALE & ESKDALE
Finest space to remain within the Lake District for excellent walks in distant valleys
Wasdale and Eskdale are essentially the most distant valleys within the Lake District. But, they provide among the most opulent surroundings within the space.
Other than a stream of day-trippers mountain climbing up Scafell Pike, it’s the proper spot for getting away from all of it. You’ll additionally discover among the greatest wild swimming within the Lake District.
There aren’t any cities, simply the odd village, just a few nation pubs, and among the best surroundings within the space.
And getting to those valleys is half the enjoyable. Most routes contain driving over the excessive passes of Wrynose, Hardknott, and Whinlatter.
Hardknott is essentially the most difficult with 30% gradients and a collection of hairpins.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR WASDALE & ESKDALE
As essentially the most distant area within the Lake District, lodging round Wasdale and Eskdale is commonly extra reasonably priced. Listed below are our suggestions within the space.
HOLMROOK
YHA ESKDALE | £
The Eskdale hostel is positioned in a picturesque setting, very best for exploring the valley. The shared kitchen is nicely arrange for self-catering.
NETHER WASDALE
WINDSOR COTTAGES SCAFELL | ££
With a personal backyard, glorious views and entry to a totally geared up kitchen, Windsor Cottages Scafell is a superb possibility in Wasdale.
OUR PICK
SEASCALE
1692 WASDALE | ££
The fashionable up to date design of the 1692 Wasdale, blends in with the rugged distant environment. A variety of nice walks go away from the lodge.
WASDALE
SCAFELL VIEW APARTMENT | £
A lately renovated property overlooking the Scafell Vary, this 2-bedroom house sleeps 4. It’s completely positioned for excellent walks and nice pubs.
7 – CARTMEL & HAWKSHEAD
Finest place to remain within the Lake District for excellent meals and craft beer
Wedged between the ocean and the Lake District Nationwide Park, Cartmel and Hawkshead are house to the finer issues within the Lake District life.
Cartmel is a small village with an enormous foodie status. It has 2 Michelin-starred eating places, L’Enclume and Rogan & Firm, whose lodging we talked about on the high of this information.
It’s additionally a contender for inventing the sticky toffee pudding, which you could find within the tiny village retailer.
Hawkshead is a ravishing little village that has retained its native attraction. It’s typically neglected by vacationers, making it nice for a quiet keep within the Lake District.
A brief drive brings you to the grand nation homes of Holker Corridor or Levens Corridor and a plethora of simple walks unfold out from the waters of Coniston.
HOTELS NEAR CARTMEL & HAWKSHEAD
With a status for high quality dwelling, Cartmel & Hawkshead have a collection of high-end lodging. Nevertheless, you’ll additionally discover some conventional pubs.
OUR PICK
HAWKSHEAD
QUEEN’S HEAD INN | ££
Regardless of the seventeenth century starting, the Queen’s Head has up to date fittings with a retro contact. The wine and beer listing is spectacular.
NEWBY BRIDGE
SWAN HOTEL & SPA | £££
The quirky vibrant interiors of the Swan Resort will brighten up any gloomy Lake District weekend. Their self-contained cottages, The Nests, are like mini resorts.
CARTMEL
WEAVER’S COTTAGE | £££
Luxurious lodging within the coronary heart of Cartmel with 4 good-sized bedrooms, 3 loos, and a well-appointed kitchen for entertaining.
8 – ULLSWATER & PATTERDALE
Finest space to remain within the Lake District for adventurous ridge walks and lakeside actions
The northwest of the Lake District is a craggy towers of rocks. The south is lower-lying inexperienced hills punctuated with lakes. Ullswater and Patterdale are a mixture of the 2.
Excessive mountains mix with grassy hills to kind the best ridge walks within the lakes.
Some are razor-sharp and just for the adventurous like Sharp Edge Blencathra and Striding Edge Helvellyn. Others are rounded tops upon which you can stroll for days.
Moreover glorious strolling, there are additionally family-focused actions on the lakes.
Hire a canoe or motorboat, take a experience on a steamer, get pleasure from a protracted swim from the shore, or leap into chilly waters from Kailpot Crag.
The perfect waterfall within the area, Aira Pressure, is right here making it a microcosm of all that’s good concerning the Lake District.
HOTELS NEAR ULLSWATER & PATTERDALE
The world round Ullswater and Patterdale has a mixture of basic pubs, quirky stays, and resort-style lodging. Listed below are some strategies from us.
PATTERDALE
OLD WATER VIEWS | ££
The Previous Water View is a comfortable, primary guesthouse with attraction & character. The continental breakfast will put you in good stead for mountain climbing Hellvelyn.
POOLEY BRIDGE
THE CROWN INN | ££
Properly-appointed pub on the shores of Ullswater with a well-positioned deck. The hearty breakfast will set you up for the day.
