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Explore the Lake District
Welcome to the Lake District
For natural splendour, nowhere in England compares to the Lake District home to the UKs most popular national park, Englands highest mountain, and a World Heritage Site since 2017. With a postcard panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes, its a place that stirs the imagination. Lace up your boots: its time to get out and explore.
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Lake DistrictTop Sights
Englands largest lake.
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Lake District Top Sights
The beloved village of William Wordsworth, whose former home Dove Cottage (pictured) you can visit.
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Lake District Top Sights
Beatrix Potters world-famous Lakeland home.
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Lake District Top Sights
The highest peak in England.
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Lake District Top Sights
Cumbrias answer to Downton Abbey.
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Lake District Top Sights
A glorious park and waterfall.
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Lake District Top Sights
A historic town on the gorgeous Derwentwater.
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Lake District Top Sights
Arguably the loveliest of the Lakeland valleys.
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Lake District Top Sights
Cumbrias mightiest red-brick fortress.
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Lake District Top Sights
One of the classic peak-bagging hikes.
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Eating
Youll eat well in the Lakes, whether its dining in a high-class restaurant or in a cosy village inn. Sample some traditional Cumberland sausage, try Herdwick lamb or tuck into some tattie hotpot but remember to leave room for sticky toffee pudding.
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Pubs & Inns
Historic pubs and inns litter the Lakes, and theyre great for getting a flavour of local life. Many feel traditional, with whitewashed walls, hefty beams, slate floors and well-worn decor; others have reinvented themselves as chic, sleek gastropubs.
Restaurants
The Lake District has a good range of restaurants, from cosy village bistros to Michelin-starred wonders. The stand-out destination is in Cartmel, where experimental chef Simon Rogan experiments with weird and wonderful textures and ingredients.
Cafes & Tearooms
Afternoon tea is an essential post-hike ritual, and theres nearly always a convenient teashop nearby. Most Cumbrian teashops and cafes serve light lunches as well as cakes and sweet treats.
Best For Fine Dining
The Lake Districts best (and barmiest) restaurant, bar none.
Sample Simon Rogans food without the stellar price-tag.
New Nordicinspired multi-course menus in Keswick.
A temple to the very best Lakeland produce.
An out-of-the-way recommendation near Whinlatter Forest.
Best Gastropubs
Is this the Lake Districts top dining pub? We think so.
Superb name, superb location, superb food.
Cosy country pub hidden away near the pretty Lyth Valley.
Much-recommended locals pub just outside Penrith.
The best place for food in the Eden Valley.
Best on a Budget
Keswicks coolest cafe, with loads of vegan and veggie options.
The British pie goes gourmet.
Chunky sandwiches, homemade cakes and Keswicks finest apple pie.
Delicious food in a delightful walled garden.
Middle Eastern and fusion flavours at this Kendal cafe.
Outdoor Activities
The Lake District is the spiritual home of English hiking (or fell walking, as its known locally), and there are endless trails to explore, from full-day mountain treks to lowland valley rambles. But there are plenty of other outdoor pursuits on offer here too.