The English Lake District’s breathtaking scenery makes it popular with holidaymakers keen to indulge their love of active adventures. Whether you’re into hiking trips, cosy cottage breaks or romantic getaways, this is a part of England that ticks all the boxes.
I did a road trip around the Lake District recently and wanted to share some of my favourite places to visit in the area in case you’d like to do a similar trip. Here, I’ve put together a short guide to the best places to go in the Lake District in terms of views, proximity to great walks and top tourist attractions, and the Lake District resorts with the best facilities.
5 Best Lake District towns to visit
1. Grasmere
Known as the literary hub of the region, Grasmere is a must-visit on your Lake District itinerary. With verdant scenery and a postcard-perfect village centre, Grasmere has plenty to keep you entertained; from pubs and tearooms, garden centres to art galleries. Hikers will love Grasmere too – the lofty peak of Helm Crag is nearby.
While you’re in Grasmere you can visit William Wordsworth’s first family home, Dove Cottage, and its attached museum. You also can’t miss the gingerbread shop, selling what has to be one of the most quintessential Lake District souvenirs.
Grasmere has a romantic history making it the ideal place to go in the Lake District for couples.
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Booking.com2. Windermere
England’s largest lake is one of the most popular places to visit in the Lake District, and there’s a thriving tourist industry there with regular lake steamer cruises and shopping to keeping visitors occupied.
If your trip to the Lakes coincides with bad weather, there are a few fun indoor attractions in Windermere too including the Lakeland Motor Museum, and a museum dedicated to life on the lake called Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats Steam and Stories.
You can even visit Beatrix Potter’s former home in nearby Hawkshead. It’s called Hill Top. There’s also a 1950’s railway you can see in action at Haverthwaite Station.
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Booking.com3. Bowness-on-Windermere
This is one of the busiest towns in the Lake District, with plenty of cosy pubs, sophisticated bars that serve great cocktails and shops. There’s are tons of of boats offering trips on the lake and the promenade is usually filled with tourists feeding the ducks and swans.
You’ll find The World of Beatrix Potter in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere is home to the Laura Ashley Hotel which is worth popping in to for a drink even if you aren’t staying there.
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Booking.com4. Ambleside
Ambleside was the first part of the Lake District I ever visited and I’ll always go back when I’m in the area. The well-equipped tourist resort make the perfect base for exploring the Lake District and is filled with cute B&Bs, dog-friendly pubs, local bakeries… all overlooked by majestic mountains that are often shrouded in mist.
In terms of sightseeing, there’s a stunning 70ft waterfall called Stock Gyhll Force in Ambleside.
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Booking.com5. Kendal
One of the larger Lake District towns, Kendal has more of an air of civilisation about it than some of the more rural destinations on this list. Once an important textile centre for England, today the market town has all the usual high street shops and a handful of antique stores.
Kendal has a great museum, a fine-art gallery in Abbott Hall, the 12th century Kendal Castle and of course it’s the place to pick up the famous Kendal mint cake.
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Booking.comMore Lake District travel inspiration
What to know before you visit the Lake District
The best easy hike in the Lake District
Where to have afternoon tea with a view of Lake Windermere
Rothay Manor afternoon tea review
The best pub lunch near the Lake District
What to pack for a hiking trip
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I hope you found this short guide to where to go in the Lake District useful!
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Bernie and Jess Watt says
It’s a beautiful part of the world. Looks like it really turned on the typical British weather though.