10 towns and villages to visit in the Lake District

You may be a new visitor to the Lake District, or it may be your regular holiday destination, but there are so many things to see and do, you should take your time to discover the various towns and villages which make up this beautiful region of England. Below are ten of our favourites:

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1.  Maryport Cumbria

Maryport is situated on the eastern coast of Cumbria, and is one of the many undiscovered gems in the area.  Although it is located just outside the Lake District National Park, Maryport is a great base for visitors who want to explore Windermere, Ullswater and beyond. Pubs and restaurants in the Lake District are plentiful and you can pick up a local guide from your hotel or guest house for information about local attractions, events and things to do. As Maryport is situated close to the lakes and the sea on the Solway Estuary, you can make the most of sweeping views, walks, coastal sailing and lively pubs and restaurants.

2.   Newby Bridge Accomodation

Newby Bridge accommodation is plentiful and varied, and you can book into a cheap guest house, a luxury hotel or a holiday cottage nearby at Windermere. With stunning views of Windermere Lake, there are plenty of things to see and do in the area for adults and children.  Shops, bars and restaurants are close by and you can find a fabulous range of boutique hotels, vegetarian hotels, dog friendly hotels and themed hotels in Windermere and Bowness. The Lake District is one of the most beautiful regions in England, and if you are planning to visit, pick up a map from a tourist information office to make the most of your stay.

3.  Patterdale

Patterdale lies at the southern end of Ullswater, close to Glenridding, and is the perfect holiday spot if you want some peace and quiet. If you want to climb up Helvellyn, or enjoy the views and walks around Ullswater, Patterdale is a great starting point. If you are a lover of the great outdoors, you can even join in the Patterdale Parish Borough Walk which is held annually. The choice of hotels, bars and restaurants in Ullswater, Patterdale and Windermere is enormous, and the best way to enjoy the Lake District is to hire a car and explore the area at your own pace.

4.  Penrith

A traditional market town, Penrith is one of just a few local towns which cater for the locals before the tourists. Penrith is a bustling, large and lively town with plenty of attractions for all the family. Acting as a regional centre for the eastern Lake District, Penrith lies just outside the National Park, and enjoys a position on the strategic route to Scotland. Once the capital of Cumbria, the town is an important shopping centre, and is the hub of the Eden Valley. Accomodation in Penrith ranges from luxury hotels to guest houses and bed and breakfast. Take your time to explore Penrith and the surrounding district, and make sure you book early if you are planning a Christmas break in the Lake District.

5. Pooley Bridge

Pooley Bridge lies at the northern end of Ullswater, which is the second largest lake in the Lake District. Offering a fantastic range of pubs, hotels, holiday cottages and restaurants, Pooley Bridge is a good base if you want to visit Ullswater and Glenridding. Enjoy a trip on board one of the famous Ullswater Steamers which sail all the way along the lake, and relax during your stay at one of the Lake District boutique hotels. Wherever you are staying in the Lake District, take the time to check out the events, attractions and facilities in Pooley Bridge, which is surrounded by stunning scenery.

6.  The Borrowdale Valley

One of the more popular tourist destinations, Borrowdale Valley is made up of several small villages, including Rosthwaite and Grange. This picturesque valley is close to Derwentwater and Keswick, and you can find a great range of holiday accommodation close by. If you are looking for Lake District breaks, or themed hotels in Windermere and Bowness, you can check out a range of accommodation in Cumbria.  The Borrowdale Valley offers visitors some of the most breathtaking scenery they will see in Cumbria, and there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors happy, whatever the weather.

7.  Sedbergh Cumbria

Located in the south of Cumbria, Sedbergh is close to Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale, just within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, at the foot of the Howgill Fells. A good range of holiday accommodation can be found in and around Sedbergh, plus a great choice of attractions for all the family.  Lake District cottages can be pre-booked, along with car hire and hotels in Sedbergh, Windermere and Ullswater. The Lake District offers something for everyone, and you will find a fantastic range of country pubs, restaurants and hotels within walking distance of Sedbergh, Cumbria.

8.  St Bees Cumbria

If you are planning a weekend break in the Lake District, St Bees is a good place to visit. Situated on the west coast of Cumbria, St Bees boasts a great beach and a picturesque village centre. The Coast to Coast long distance walk also starts or ends here each year, so if you are planning to book hotel accommodation in the Lake District during the time of the walk, make sure you book early.  With a wide range of things to see and do, St Bees is undoubtedly one of the must-see places the Lake District has to offer.

9.  Tirril and Sockbridge

Tirril has been attracting visitors for many years, and William Wordsworth once commented that ´Tirril was the loveliest spot that man hath ever known.´ Tirril and Sockbridge are sister villages, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park near Ullswater and beside the River Eamont. Wordsworth´s brother, Richard also lived in Tirril and once owned the local pub, the Queen´s Head, which is still open today. If you want to discover the true beauty of the Lake District, there is no better place to start than Tirril. Its rolling landscapes and beautiful surroundings are amongst the most stunning in the Lake District.

10. Ulverston

ULverston is a lively market town in Cumbria, which takes great pride on being one of the friendliest places in the Lake District. Ulverston is the starting point for the long distance ´Cumbia Way Walk´ which ends in Carlisle, and is also famous for being the birthplace of comedian, Stan Laurel. Ulverston offers visitors a wide range of things to see and do, and offers some of the best accommodation and hotel packages in the Lake District. If you are planning a winter break, or a Christmas break in Ulverston, check out the hotels and guest houses nearby.

10 places to discover in the Lake District

Wherever you go in the Lake District, you will be surrounded by stunning scenery, and some of the best luxury hotels, boutique hotels and guest houses in England. Choosing ten places to see in the Lake District is not easy as there are so many beautiful places to visit, but below are some of the best:

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1. Ennerdale and Ennerdale Bridge

Situated in the western Lake District, Ennerdale and Ennerdale Bridge are close to the town of Whitehaven. Ennerdale Water is the most westerly of the lakes, and is one of the most unspoilt areas of natural beauty in the Lake District. Traditionally the first night stop for west to east walkers on the coast to coast distance walk, Ennerdale provides a great range of Lake District accommodation, late deals and breaks which can be booked online. Windermere breaks and spa breaks in the Lake District can also be pre-booked. If you plan touring around the lakes, pick up a Lake District map from a tourist information office to and check out the best places to visit.

2.  Glenridding

Situated on the south-western shore of Ullswater, to the north of Patterdale, is Glenridding. If you are looking for a Lake District hotel or a guest house near Ullswater, Glenridding is a great place to stay. If you are planning to climb Helvellyn, or enjoy the stunning scenery around Ullswater, check out the accommodation in Glenridding. Also with a good selection of attractions and things to do, Glenridding is a great place to take the kids. Lake District cottages and lakes hotels range from luxury stays to cheap weekend breaks in Windermere, Ullswater, Glenridding, Bowness and Keswick. Whatever your preferences, you can find accommodation in the Lake District to suit all budgets and requirements.

3.  Grasmere and Grasmere Village

Situated to the north-west of Ambleside, Grasmere and Grasmere village are close to Rydal Water, and have some of the strongest Wordsworth connections in the lakes. Take the time to visit Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage and see where Wordsworth grew up and wrote some of his most famous poetry. You can find plenty of hotels in the Lake District, plus a wide range of cottages and self-catering accommodation to suit all requirements. Late deals and Christmas breaks in Grasmere and the Lake District are now available. Enjoy the stunning landscapes around Grasmere, Bowness and Windermere.

4.  Hawkshead

Situated between Coniston Water and Windermere, Hawkshead is at the northern end of Esthwaite Water. Visitors to the Lake District can book holiday breaks in boutique hotels in surrounding towns and villages, including Windermere and Bowness, where you can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes and countryside in England. Nestling in the beautiful vale of Esthwaite, Hawkshead is noticeable by a cluster of whitewashed houses, and is within easy reach of Sawrey, Outgate, Satterthwaite and Grizedale.  Accomodation in Hawkshead includes bed and breakfast, guest houses and luxury hotels close by.

5.  Kendal Cumbria


Kendal is situated in the south-east of Cumbria, and lies just outside the boundaries of the Lake District National Park. One of the most accessible and popular towns in the region, Kendal is close to the M6, and is a great base for visitors who want to explore the lakes and the Yorkshire Dales. You can also find a great range of shops, holiday hotels, pubs and restaurants in Kendal and the Lake District. Lakeside hotels can be found in Windermere, Bowness, Kendal and Ullswater. Things to see and do by the lakes are plentiful, and you can hire a car to make the most of your stay and discover the beauty of the Lake District in style.

6.  Keswick

Whether you are looking for family hotels in Keswick or Windermere hotel offers, you will not be disappointed. The Lake District boasts some of the best accommodation in England, set amongst beautiful landscapes and spectacular scenery. Keswick lies at the north end of Derwentwater, and is a vibrant town with a good range of shops, bars and restaurants. Local areas which can be easily reached from Keswick include: Windermere, Bowness, Ullswater, Kendal and Ambleside. Gay hotels, small hotels, luxury hotels and boutique hotels can all be found in the Lake District, and this little piece of paradise offers visitors some of the best things to see and do in the UK, in an incredible setting.

7.  Kirkby Lonsdale

Kirkby Lonsdale lies to the south-east of Kendal, and is situated on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Also convenient for travelling round the Yorkshire Dales, Kirkby Lonsdale is a popular base for holidaymakers. Holiday accommodation including cottages, small hotels, guest houses, boutique hotels and spa hotels can be found near to Kirkby Lonsdale, and there is no shortage of things to see and do at the lakes for the whole family. Take a trip to Windermere and enjoy a lake cruise, or a boat trip around Ullswater. Lake District attractions include: the House of Beatrix Potter, Outdoor Adventure Parks and the amazing Lakes Aquarium on the shores of Lake Windermere.

8.  Kirkby Stephen

Also situated on the edge of the Lake District National Park is Kirkby Stephen, which is close to Kendal and Appleby-in-Westmoreland. The area around Kirkby Stephen provides a good range of holiday accommodation and hotels in the Lake District. This picturesque market town offers a wide range of things to see and do, and if you are planning to travel around the lakes, pick up a map of the Lake District from a tourist information office. Small hotels in the Lake District include themed hotels in Windermere, boutique hotels in Bowness and holiday cottages in Ullswater. Make the most of a weekend break by taking a guided lake tour, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

9.  Langdale

Situated in the central lakes area of the Lake District is the hidden gem of Langdale.  Well known as the home of the Langdale Pikes, and the small villages of Little Langdale and Great Langdale, this region is steeped in history and surrounded by amazing scenery. Accomodation in Langdale includes hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast accommodation and holiday cottages. If you want to get away from it all and tour the Lake District from Langdale, you can hire a car and easily drive to Windermere, Bowness, Ullswater or Kendal, where some of the more impressive lakes are situated.

10. Bewcastle

Bewcastle is a remote moorland hamlet which features the ´Bewcastle Cross´. This intricately decorated cross dates back to the 7th-8th Century, and stands close to the church and castle, which were built with stone from Hadrian´s Wall. If you want to visit Bewcastle, but also want to tour the Lake District, you will find some great hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages nearby. Lakes hotels and romantic hotels in Windermere are an easy drive from Bewcastle, and you can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes around this tiny hamlet.

10 great places to visit in the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most visited regions of England and boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe. Whether you are new to the Lake District, or a regular visitor, we have compiled a list of the best places to go in Cumbria:

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1. Ambleside

Situated north west of Windermere, where you will find some of the best accommodation in the Lake District, Ambleside is a picturesque town which has retained its original charm. You can make the most of your stay by booking an Ambleside guest house, and explore the area with the help of a map of the Lake District, which you can pick up from the local tourist information office. Bargain breaks and Christmas breaks can be booked in Ambleside, Windermere and Bowness, so you can take your time to enjoy the countryside. You will find a range of attractions and things to do in Ambleside, plus stylish boutique hotels in nearby Windermere.

2. Appleby-in-Westmoreland

Appleby-in-Westmoreland is one of the most charming towns in Cumbria, and it lies close to the River Eden at the foot of the Pennines. The Lake District fells are just a few miles from Appleby, and it is the perfect place for walkers and lovers of the countryside. Steeped in history, the town retains much of its original charm, and offers a great range of attractions and things to do. Holiday accommodation in Appleby-in-Westmoreland is plentiful, and information about guest houses, boutique hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation and bargain breaks can be found online or from the Lake District Tourist Board.

3.  Bassenthwaite

Bassenthwaite lies close to the famous town of Keswick, and is home to a nature reserve with a wide variety of wildlife, including birds of prey and ospreys.  Also a popular sailing venue, Bassenthwaite attracts visitors from far and wide, and viewing points around the lake provide spectacular vistas over the water and surrounding countryside. Close to the fourth highest mountain in England, Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite also boasts a range of great accommodation nearby, and if you are looking for a quiet break in the Lake District, this could be the perfect place for you. Whether you are looking for luxury holiday accommodation, a guest house or a boutique hotel in the Lake District, you can book online or find more information from the tourist board.

4.  The Borrowdale Valley

The Borrowdale Valley is a popular area close to Derwentwater and Keswick, and the villages of Rosthwaite and Grange are well worth a visit. You may be looking for accommodation in the Borrowdale Valley or a bargain break in Windermere, but you will be spoilt for choice with accommodation in the Lake District. The area which surrounds Borrowdale provides a good selection of things to see and do, including plenty of attractions for the kids. You can find information about events, festivities, pubs, restaurants, guest houses and boutique hotels in the Borrowdale Valley, Windermere and the Lake District from the local tourist board.

5.  Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere lies south of Windermere itself, and actually borders the lake of the same name. Windermere, at 10.5 miles long, is the longest lake in the UK, and attracts tourists from far and wide to its excellent shops, bars and restaurants. The scenery around Windermere is stunning and if you are looking for luxury accommodation close by, you can find award winning boutique hotels and guest houses just a stone´s throw of the lake. Take a cruise down Lake Windermere in a steamer and enjoy the surrounding scenery from the water.  If you are planning a weekend break in the Lake District, there is no better place to be based than Bowness-on-Windermere.

6.  Brampton and Capon Hill

Located just east of Carlisle, Brampton is a historical town with plenty to see and do. With its red sandstone buildings and beautiful surrounding countryside, Brampton attracts visitors from all over the UK. Capon Hill is situated just outside Brampton, where the survivors of Bonnie Prince Charlie´s assault on Carlisle Castle were hung by the Duke of Cumberland in 1746. If you are based at Brampton, and want to make the most of the Lake District, check out Windermere pubs, hotels and restaurants or enjoy a weekend break or spa break in Bowness.

7.  Carlisle Cumbria

Carlisle is situated in the north of Cumbria, and is the county town of the region. Although Carlisle is outside the official boundaries of the Lake District National Park, it offers visitors a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. Take a trip round Carlisle Castle or take a day trip to the lakes, to Scotland or Northumberland. Accomodation in Carlisle and the Lake District is plentiful and varied.  If you are looking for a dog-friendly hotel in the Lake District, a boutique hotel in Windermere or a bed and breakfast in Ambleside, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy the shops and history of Carlisle, and remember to book early if you are planning a Christmas break in the Lake District.

8.  Cockermouth

Cockermouth lies to the west of Bassenthwaite, and if you are looking for Lake District holidays, this is a good place to stay. With historical buildings, including Wordsworth House, Cockermouth sits on the edge of the Lake District, and provides a good range of holiday accommodation, plus boasts a wide range of attractions for all the family. Bargain breaks are available in Cockermouth and the Lake District, and can be pre-booked online. Boasting  award-winning architecture, a rich local heritage and delightful landscape setting, Cockermouth is a great place to stay.

9.  Coniston Cumbria

Situated to the west of Windermere, Coniston is a peaceful and tranquil spot which is perfect for visitors who want a quieter weekend break or Lake District holiday. Famous for Donald Campbell´s ill-fated attempt at the world speed record in his boat ´Bluebird´ in 1967, Coniston offers visitors history, serenity and stunning landscapes. The area around Coniston also offers visitors a wide range of things to do, and whether you are looking for luxury hotels, themed hotels, guest houses, b & b´s or boutique hotels in the Lake District, you will find them close by.

10.  Elterwater information

Located to the west of Windermere and Ambleside, where you can find a great range of accomodation for short breaks in the Lake District, Elterwater is a small village which first flourished with the quarrying of slate. Elterwater´s name derives from the small lake by which it sits and the Norse word ´elter´ means ´swans´, which migrate to the lake in winter. Modern day Elterwater caters to holidaymakers with a range of shops and pubs, plus a youth hostel. If you want to experience Old England, take a trip to the village green, where Morris Dancers strut their stuff in the summer months. If you are looking for a quiet break or special offers in the Lake District, check out Elterwater.

Exploring the Lake District

The popular idea of the Lake District as a place with an identity of its own, to be explored by touring for the sake of its scenery, was precipitated by the poet Thomas Gray. In October 1769 Gray travelled at leisure between Keswick and Lancaster looking at the scenery. He was equipped with several 'Claude glasses' small convex pocket mirrors, plain or tinted, in which a landscape could be viewed (over one's shoulder) and composed into a living picture, supposedly like a composition of Claude Lorraine. The Claude glass had been invented to help painters find subjects, but Gray viewed the landscape itself as a work of art, as 'picturesque', though he does not use the word himself. He described his tour in a series of beautifully written letters to his friend Thomas Wharton, and after his death the letters (still the best and most delightful account of a Lakeland tour) were published by William Mason in his 1775 Life of Gray.

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They became enormously popular and encouraged literate people to visit the Lakes and seek out the scenes Gray had described. Publication of Gray's letters was quickly followed by Thomas West's still more popular Guide to the Lakes: Dedicated to the Lovers of Landscape Studies and to all who have Visited, or Intend to visit the Lakes in Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire (1778). It was the first systematic guide to the area, and it formalized Gray's perceptions by identifying a series of specific 'stations' or standpoints from which the best views might be obtained. Most of these are given in the present book; some are still popular viewpoints. Travelling in the Lakes soon became a popular middle and upper class recreation, especially after 1789 when revolution and war made continental travel impossible. Guides and Tours poured from the press, and have never ceased to do so. The best of them form an important literary genre, and I quote from them freely in this book.