Lake District National Park - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

The Lake District in Cumbria is a stunning place of pristine lakes ringed by an undulating landscape of fells and valleys, tucked away in the far northwest of England. The picturesque mountainous expanse stretches for over almost 1,000 sq miles, with green rolling countryside in between. It’s a popular spot with ramblers, hikers, and lovers of the great outdoors.

The Lake District has had a defining impact on many artists and thinkers. It’s the place where poet William Wordsmith was inspired by golden daffodils dancing in the breeze. And it’s where Beatrix Potter conjured up an idyllic world of flower-laden gardens and quaint cottages for her Peter Rabbit books.

What to see & do in Lake District National Park

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Most Charming Villages in the Lake District
The Lake District is well-known for its scenic landscapes, but sprinkled around its lakes and green valleys are towns and villages that brim with Cumbrian charm and history. Aside from their spectacular surrounds, these villages have ancient cobblestone streets, bustling...
10 Best Things to Do in the Lake District
The Lake District is one of England’s most mountainous regions, and home to the nation’s tallest peak and largest lake....
10 Best Hiking Trails in the Lake District
The Lake District is a hiker's playground, with seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventures among the lofty peaks, rolling hills...
10 Most Beautiful Views in the Lake District
The picturesque mountainous expanse of the Lake District stretches for around 1,000 square miles, with charming lakes, lush forests and...
10 Best Castles and Ancient Ruins in the Lake District
Castles and ancient ruins in the Lake District reveal an epic history going all the way back to the Romans,...
10 Best Lake District Hotels with Lake Views
The best hotels in the Lake District offer spectacular views of the English countryside and the country’s largest lake, Lake...
11 Best Lakes in the Lake District
The Lake District is famous for its lakes – the clue’s in the name – and there are some really...
10 Best Family Things to Do in the Lake District
Family things to do in the Lake District include a wide range of activities and adventures, from historic sites to...
10 Best Waterfalls in the Lake District
Waterfalls in the Lake District offer a stunning way to view the many natural attractions of this vast national park,...

Where & what to eat in Lake District National Park

10 Great Restaurants in the Lake District
This guide to great restaurants in the Lake District highlights some of the best fine-dining opportunities and local dining spots in the area. The Lake District is known for its stunning views and abundant nature so, of course, we'll show you excellent eateries serving local cuisine with beautiful views. You can find several Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants in the Lake District’s...
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Where to shop & what to buy in Lake District National Park

12 Unique Shopping Experiences in the Lake District
The Lake District is better known as a destination for hiking than shopping, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to buy. While you won’t find main street fashion in the national park’s tiny towns and villages, there’s an outstanding array of truly unique shopping experiences in the Lake District, with great local goods sold by remarkably popular independent shops. You won't...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Lake District National Park

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in the Lake District
The best things to do after dinner in the Lake District include watching top-notch theater performances, enjoying live music, and laughing your socks off with standup comedians. You can also drive to a remote valley to stargaze beneath a dark sky and even spend the night in a haunted castle. The Lake District is a popular destination for outdoorsy types thanks...
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Useful information

Lake District Travel Essentials
Our Lake District Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in North-West England. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers:...
10 Best Festivals in the Lake District
The 10 best festivals in the Lake District take place throughout the year, showcasing fantastic music and good English food,...
9 Money Saving Tips in the Lake District
The Lake District may have seemingly endless tracts of natural beauty that you are free to enjoy, but virtually everything...

5 of the Best Views in Lake District

5 of the Best Views in Lake District

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Where to stay in Lake District National Park

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