The Lake District
England's most beautiful landscape - a national park of shimmering lakes, green fells and stone villages that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, a UNESCO site.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
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.
What you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
What to pack for The Lake District
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
