The Lake District

The Lake District is the most beautiful landscape in England, a UNESCO national park of shimmering lakes, craggy green fells, stone-walled valleys and slate villages in the northwest county of Cumbria. It holds England's highest mountain and its deepest lakes, and its beauty inspired the poet Wordsworth and the tales of Beatrix Potter. A paradise for walkers, it is best explored slowly over several days.

The landscape

• The lakes - Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater and the deep waters of Wastwater.
• The fells - the green mountains and the walking trails over them.
• The literary connections - Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and Beatrix Potter's farm.
• The stone villages - Grasmere, Ambleside and Keswick.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn for the best walking weather and long days; the fells are green and the lakes at their loveliest. The region is famously wet, so pack for rain any time, and expect crowds and traffic in peak summer.

Before you go

It is famously wet, so grey, rainy days are common even in summer; pack waterproofs. The honeypot villages and lakes get very busy and the narrow roads congested in peak season, so go early and consider quieter valleys. A car helps, as public transport is limited.

Nearby

The Yorkshire Dales and the Scottish Borders are within reach; Hadrian's Wall is to the northeast.

Key facts