Where to stay in the Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria is England's largest national park and, since 2017, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as a cultural landscape shaped by centuries of farming and by the artists and writers who fell in love with it. It holds England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and its largest natural lake, Windermere, along with dozens of smaller lakes, tarns and valleys. Where you stay makes a big difference to the kind of holiday you have, so this guide looks at the main bases and what each offers.

Windermere and Bowness

The town of Windermere and its lakeside neighbour Bowness-on-Windermere form the busiest part of the national park and the easiest to reach. Windermere has the only railway station inside the park, at the end of a branch line from Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line. Bowness, a short walk downhill, sits on the shore of the lake with piers for cruises, rowing boats and a lively choice of pubs and tearooms. The World of Beatrix Potter attraction is here, popular with families. Staying in this area suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car. Browse places in Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere.

Ambleside

At the northern tip of Windermere, Ambleside is a compact stone town that has long been a hub for walkers and climbers. It is full of outdoor shops, cafés and pubs, with fells rising straight behind the town and footpaths leading to waterfalls such as Stock Ghyll Force. From here it is a short drive or bus ride to Grasmere, Rydal and the Langdale valleys. Ambleside is a practical, characterful base that balances convenience with access to the hills; see stays in Ambleside.

Grasmere and Rydal

Grasmere is the village most associated with William Wordsworth, who lived at Dove Cottage on its edge and later at Rydal Mount nearby. He is buried in St Oswald's churchyard in Grasmere, and the village is also known for its gingerbread, made to a long-standing local recipe. It is small, peaceful and surrounded by beautiful walks, including the climb up to Easedale Tarn and the circuit of Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Keswick and the northern lakes

Keswick is the main town of the northern Lake District, on the shore of Derwentwater beneath the bulk of Skiddaw. It is a market town with a strong outdoor culture, a theatre by the lake and launches that run around Derwentwater to landing stages for walks such as Catbells, a favourite short fell climb. Nearby is the Castlerigg Stone Circle, a prehistoric monument with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Keswick is a good choice for walkers and for those who want a town base in a quieter part of the park; browse Keswick listings.

The quieter valleys

For real peace, consider the western and southern valleys: Borrowdale, Buttermere, Wasdale, Eskdale and Coniston. Coniston Water is known for its association with John Ruskin, whose former home Brantwood overlooks the lake, and for water speed record attempts. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's farmhouse at Near Sawrey, is between Windermere and Coniston and is cared for by the National Trust, to which she left much of her land. Wasdale, at the foot of Scafell Pike, is remote and dramatic. Accommodation in these areas is often in farmhouses, inns and small guest houses, and you will generally need a car.

When to visit

Summer and school holidays are the busiest times, and roads around Windermere and Ambleside can be congested. Spring brings lambs and daffodils, which Wordsworth celebrated, while autumn colours on the fells are spectacular. Winter can be beautiful but the high fells require proper equipment and experience. The Lake District is one of the wetter parts of England, so pack waterproofs whatever the season and check mountain weather forecasts before heading up high.

Getting there and around

Trains on the West Coast Main Line stop at Oxenholme and Penrith, and a branch line runs from Oxenholme to Windermere. The M6 motorway runs along the eastern edge of the park. Local buses connect the main towns, and lake steamers and launches on Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston and Derwentwater offer a lovely way to travel. Our guide to travelling the UK by train has tips on reaching the region without a car.

Responsible visiting

The Lake District is a working landscape. Keep dogs on leads near livestock, close gates, use car parks rather than verges, and take litter home. Many of the most popular paths suffer from erosion, so stay on the marked route.

Wet-weather ideas

When the clouds roll in, there is still plenty to do. Museums and attractions include Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere, the Windermere Jetty Museum of boats, steam and stories in Bowness, the Keswick Museum and the Derwent Pencil Museum, which tells the story of the pencil industry that grew up around local graphite. A lake cruise is enjoyable in almost any weather, and low-level walks to waterfalls are often at their most spectacular after rain.

Choosing a place to stay

Expect a wide range, from traditional country house hotels with lake views to friendly B&Bs and walkers' inns with drying rooms. If you are planning to walk every day, ask about packed lunches, boot storage and early breakfasts. For more mountain landscapes, see our Scottish Highlands guide. Then browse places in Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick and contact owners directly.