Exploring the Beauty of the Lake District

Lake District National Park, located in England’s Northwest, is a spectacular national park, formed by glaciers approximately 15,000 years ago; spanning 885 square miles, it is nearly as expansive as Rhode Island.

This enchanting region has been a tourism hotspot for over 300 years, classifying it as one of the earliest holiday destinations globally. If you recall the famous poem by Wordsworth about Daffodils, “I wandered lonely as a cloud…” then you’ve already envisioned the stunning landscapes of the Lake District. If Beatrix Potter’s “Tales of Peter Rabbit” enchanted you, you have embraced the whimsical world of the English Lakes.

However, the charm of the Lake District transcends its picturesque landscapes. It is England’s only genuine mountainous region, showcasing stark, lofty peaks, challenging mountain passes, deep and unpredictable waters, renowned mountain trails, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

Key Facts About the Lake District

The Lake District is home to four peaks exceeding 3,000 feet, including England’s tallest, Scafell Pike, which stands at nearly 3,209 feet. This mountain poses one of the most challenging ascents among the UK’s high peaks. The region also boasts 50 lakes and tarns (small, high-altitude lakes encircled by mountains), encompassing England’s largest and deepest lakes. Windermere, often dubbed the Victorian playground, is the largest natural lake in England, measuring 10.56 miles in length, a mile in width, and about 220 feet deep. Wastwater, known as England’s deepest lake, offers awe-inspiring scenery with its surface at 200 feet above sea level and a bottom plunging 50 feet below. Notably, the lake features impressive gravel slopes known as The Screes, climbing to nearly 2,000 feet above the water surface.

A History of Tourism in the Lake District

In the late 17th century, daring traveler Celia Fiennes journeyed throughout every county in England, documenting her visits to the lakes. In 1698, she described Kendal, a key town in the Lake District, as “very Rich good Land Enclosed-Little round green hills flourishing wth Corn and grass as green and fresh.” However, her contemporary, Daniel Defoe, had a contrasting opinion, dubbing the area “the wildest, most barren and frightful of any that I have passed over in England” during his early 1700s visit.

As time progressed, preferences shifted. By the late 18th century, upheaval across Europe reduced the interest of affluent British and North American travelers in the traditional Grand Tour of European capitals. Simultaneously, poets including Wordsworth, Southey, and Coleridge stimulated public curiosity about the lakes’ beauty. The first travel guide emerged in 1778, and by 1820, Wordsworth penned his own guidebook, as Victorian industrialists flocked to the clean, crisp air of the lakes. The arrival of the railway in 1847 reached Lake Windermere and several other notable Lakeland spots, leading to an influx of day-trippers from Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle. Windermere became the first lake developed for tourism and remains the most visited today.

Gateways to the Lake District

Despite being England’s most densely populated national park, the Lake District contains no cities or large towns, nor major roadways traversing the area. The M6 Motorway skirts the eastern edge, connecting these regional gateway towns:

• Kendal: Nestled between Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park, Kendal serves as a vibrant market town with excellent shopping options, including various small centers and outdoor markets held weekly. The town hosts numerous events and family-friendly activities. Be sure to taste Kendal Mint Cake, famous among adventurers.
• Penrith: Located to the northeast of the National Park, this town is known for the impressive ruins of its 14th-century castle and is in proximity to neolithic henges like Mayburgh Henge and King Arthur’s Round Table, both overseen by English Heritage.
• Carlisle: Situated just north of the Lake District, Carlisle is the county seat of Cumbria, renowned for its 12th-century castle, built by William Rufus, and a stunning cathedral, alongside the remains of a military citadel established by Henry VIII.

Within the Lake District National Park, Keswick (pronounced Kezzik) sits at the head of Derwentwater, while Windermere remains the largest town with notable amenities for shopping, tourist information, and accommodation.

Fell Walking in the Lakeland Fells

Fell walking is the predominant, yet undoubtedly the most arduous and challenging, activity in the Lake District. Although it may sound deceptively gentle, the term fell is derived from the Old Norse word fjall, meaning mountain. Many fell walks vary from moderate to strenuous scrambles along steep ridges and fields of scree. The reward for mastering these hikes is the breathtaking scenery awaiting at each turn.

Interestingly, despite the fact that tourists have flocked to the English lakes for centuries, fell walking gained popularity only recently, with Alfred Wainwright often credited as the pivotal figure in its rise. Between 1952 and 1966, Wainwright walked all 214 Lake District Peaks and documented them in seven illustrated guides, which have since become cherished British classics. Commemorating Wainwright’s legacy, six million viewers tuned in to watch the BBC2 series Wainwright Walks in 2007. Following in his footsteps unveils some of the most stunning paths and panoramas in the Lakes. To explore the best routes, consider obtaining a volume of Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells or a transcript of his podcasts, Eight Lakeland Walks. Brochures based on Wainwright walks can also be found at the National Park Information Centers. Find a list of them here.

More Outdoor Activities in the Lake District

Fishing: The rivers and lakes shelter an array of brown trout, salmon, and sea trout. Fishing rights and licenses are managed by numerous local angling associations, and information about these can be found on the National Park’s fishing page. Many accommodations facilitate fishing arrangements, including guides during the salmon season.

Unusually, visitors can fish for free in Windermere, Ullswater, and Coniston Water, though a rod fishing license from the Environment Agency is required.

Swimming: In the UK, outdoor, freshwater swimming, also known as wild swimming, is permitted in all lakes except Ennerdale Water, Haweswater, and Thirlmere. Note that the water temperature can be quite cold, prompting swimmers to don wetsuits, especially in busier lakes such as Windermere and Derwentwater. The calmer options for swimming include Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Grasmere, Loweswater, Rydal Water, and Wast Water.

Boating: Activities such as canoeing, rafting, kayaking, rowing, and motor boating are prevalent throughout the lakes, with options ranging from guided tours to boat rentals for seasoned visitors. Arrangements for hiring boats and guided excursions can be made at the National Park centers, notably at Brockhole and Coniston, where experienced sailors can also rent Hawk 20 sailing dinghies.

Cycling: The Lake District National Park features a plethora of easy cycleways, quiet roads, and exhilarating mountain bike trails. Trail guides are available at National Park Centers, and bike rental options can be organized through the Coniston center.

Cruising on a Lakeland Steamer

Even for those who prefer a leisurely pace over an action-packed holiday, the Lakes offer delightful opportunities to experience the breathtaking scenery from the water. The Victorians, who valued scenery over sports, enjoyed cruising on large steamers or smaller vessels. Many of these historic boats have been restored and now operate year-round, providing scenic cruises across the lakes.

• Windermere Lake Cruises operates a fleet of 16 vessels, including refurbished Victorian Steamers capable of accommodating over 500 passengers. They provide year-round services from multiple departure points on Windermere.
• Ullswater Steamers features five historic vessels providing year-round cruises, with options for boarding and disembarking at various stops, depending on schedules.
• The Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water, run by the National Trust, operates from March 24 to October 31, with trips requiring advance bookings.

Literary Lakeland

The Lakes are connected to numerous English literary figures, inviting visitors to explore sites associated with them. William Wordsworth, born in Cockermouth near the national park, has his childhood home preserved by the National Trust. Dove Cottage in Grasmere, where he created some of his most celebrated works, is accessible to the public through the Wordsworth Trust. If visiting in early spring, look for the enchanting wild daffodils that inspired Wordsworth’s beloved poem, typically known as Daffodils, a widely celebrated English poem.

Children’s author Beatrix Potter fostered a deep affection for the Lake District and played a vital role in preserving traditional farming practices. The Hill Top site, where many of her tales came to life, along with her artwork, can be explored at the Beatrix Potter Gallery, managed by the National Trust.

Another children’s author, Arthur Ransome, set his adventure tale Swallows and Amazons on Coniston Water, captivating visitors who can venture out by boat and guess the inspired island, or visit the Ruskin Museum in Coniston to see Mavis, the sailing dinghy that sparked his story.

When to Go to the Lake District

Summer is peak season in the Lake District, often leading to heavy traffic on the limited roadways, especially throughout July and August. Whenever possible, consider a visit during the spring or autumn, when the foliage showcases its most vibrant colors.

Winter too comes with its unique charm—the scenery remains relatively snow-free except for the highest peaks, and the lakes rarely freeze. The steamer services on Lake Windermere and Ullswater operate throughout the year.

Bear in mind that winter fell walking is suitable only for well-equipped, experienced hikers due to potential icy conditions on higher passes.