DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 - Lake District

Clockwise from top: Old Man of Coniston, Cat Bells seen from Ashness Bridge, Castle Crag, valley south of Keswick, Lake District cattle, summit of Skiddaw, boats on Windermere

Rich autumnal colours reflected in mirror-clear lake water. Boulder-strewn mountains known here as fells and soft green valleys grazed by sheep. Tiny villages of whitewashed stone. Bustling markets, cosy country inns and Michelin-starred restaurants. This region is all this and more. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Lake District, its yours to explore.

Rising up above Englands windswept northwestern coastline, the Lake Districts wild peaks, rolling farmland, placid waters and winding country lanes have sunk themselves deep into the national psyche. As the inspiration behind William Wordsworths and Samuel Taylor Coleridges Romantic poetry, Arthur Ransomes childrens adventures and, of course, Beatrix Potters tales, this landscape has deeply influenced the way in which we picture the British countryside.

Central to the region, pretty Grasmere village was once home to Wordsworth himself. Nearby Windermere, Englands largest lake, offers boat rides, easy walks and attractive Ambleside town, while Coniston Water also boasts a Victorian steamboat. Kendal, the Lakes southern gateway, hosts good wet-weather attractions, as does its northern counterpart Keswick. For off-the-beaten-track appeal, its hard to beat Langdale or Wasdale, two isolated valleys where facilities are few but the scenery is tremendous.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the Lake District has to offer, from walking in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright to gazing on Wordsworths beloved golden daffodils. The guide gives you tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to finding places off the beaten track, plus seven easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to help you visit a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy the Lake District.

EXPLORING THE LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District packs a huge amount into a very small area while you can spend a whole day cruising around a lake, hiking a hillside or exploring a town, it doesnt take long to drive between sights, and many are accessible by public transport, too. Here are two itineraries to help you make the most of your visit.

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Two Days in the Lake District

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Day 1

Morning

Kick off your tour on along the lake itself.

Blackwell is a magnificently preserved Arts and Crafts manor house.

Afternoon

Cross the lake to , both rich in pubs and literary associations.

Day 2

Morning

Start the day at the for breathtaking views.

Afternoon

Drive up dramatic .

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Seven Days in the Lake District

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Days 1 and 2

Follow the two-day Lake District itinerary as the perfect introduction.

Day 3

Head up between Thirlmere and , before returning to Keswick for the evening.

Helvellyn, Englands third-highest summit, is challenging to climb all year round.

Day 4

Catch the sunrise at .

Day 5

Head down the coast to , Englands highest peak.

Wasdale represents the Lake District at its wildest.

Day 6

Pass through attractive Eskdale enthusiasts will want to ride the little town.

Day 7

Visit tiny .

Kendal, the gateway to the Lake District, is a charming market town.

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Top 10 Lake District Highlights

Skiddaw mountain, near Keswick

Top 10 Lake District Highlights

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