Towns and Villages to visit in the Lake District

Lake District attractions include the five tallest mountains and the deepest lake in England, and many areas of outstanding beauty. Cumbria boasts a rich natural environment that is unique to the north-west of England, and attracts visitors from all over Europe. If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, you will discover some of the most stunning scenery and landscapes in the Lake District, along with some great hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Every town and village in the Lake District has a unique culture and personality. From the lively city of Carlisle, the cultural sights of Kendal and the market town of Penrith, each town and city has printed its own indelible hallmark on the history of the Lake District.

Visit Cumbria´s historic houses, which are surrounded by beautiful gardens, and the wide, green parks which provide a perfect day out for all the family. One thing the Lake District does offer is plenty of fresh, clean air and open spaces.

Combining land and sea in the most magnificent way, visit the towns of Maryport, Whitehaven and Allonby, and enjoy a day on the beach, or watch the boats bobbing around in the harbour. The history and culture of the Lake District is as rich as its landscapes, and poignant ruins sit on hilltops, overlooking cobbled streets and charming old villages that have remained much the same for hundreds of years. Providing fun and fresh air for all the family, some of the best Lake District attractions include:

The Lakes Aquarium Windermere

The Lakes Aquarium is situated on the south shore of Lake Windermere, and is home to the biggest collection of freshwater fish in the UK. In addition to the fish, including sharks, you can see otters, brown mice and bank voles close up. An underwater tunnel features diving ducks and special activities for children include a quiz trail and daily talks. If you are looking for stylish accommodation in the Lake District, try one of the elegant boutique hotels near Windermere.

Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum Grasmere

Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere are well worth a visit. Once home to famous poet, William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage was the place where William Wordsworth put pen to paper and wrote his most famous poems. Enjoy a guided tour of Dove Cottage and see the acclaimed collection of portraits, manuscripts and possessions of the great poet in Wordsworth Museum. Special exhibitions, tearooms and a gift shop make this a great day out for all the family.

The Lake District Visitor Centre Brockhole Windermere

Perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, is free to enter and boasts interactive exhibitions, beautiful gardens, an adventure playground, plus a shop, cafe and information centre. Lake shore access is available with regular cruises to and from Waterhead and Ambleside. This is the perfect place for a day out, whatever the weather, and dogs are welcome. If you are looking for accommodation in Windermere or Bowness, check out the boutique hotels and lakes hotels in the area.

The Beatrix Potter Gallery Hawkshead

The Beatrix Potter Gallery at Hawkshead is a must-visit attraction for the family. Here you can see the original artwork that made Beatrix Potter´s books so famous, and the exhibitions changes every year. You can also learn more about Beatrix Potter´s life and visit the 17th Century building which was her husband´s office. Children´s quiz sheets and goody bags are give out and there is a shop nearby.

Windermere Lake Cruises

No trip to Windermere would be complete without a cruise down the lake. An extensive network links Lake Windermere with Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside, every day except Christmas Day. A round trip would take three hours, but you can hop on and off wherever you choose, and visit attractions such as the steam railway, the aquarium and the World of Beatrix Potter, plus the small villages around the lake. A 45 minute island cruise from Bowness takes in the wooded islands and secluded bays, and a 40 minute tip from Ambleside offers free entry to the Lake Distict Visitor Centre at Brockhole.

List of Towns with Hotels

Cars of the Stars Motor Museum Keswick

Whether you have booked hotel accommodation in Windermere, a cottage at Ullswater or a guest house in Penrith, the Keswick Cars of the Stars Motor Museum is well worth a visit. Featuring vehicles from TV and film, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, James Bond´s Aston Martin, the A-Team van and many more, this is one of the most popular attractions in Keswick. A souvenir and autograph shop is situated onsite.

Ullswater Steamers

Ullswater steamers have been operating in the area for almost 150 years, and they provide the perfect way to get around and view the stunning landscapes from the lake. Ullswater is also a great location for walking the lakeside trails, enjoying the flora and fauna or relaxing at a lakeside pub. With miles of footpaths, all linked by steamer routes, Ullswater offers great fun and attractions for all the family.

If you are visiting the lakes for the first time, the best place to be based is Windermere or Bowness. From here you can explore the lakes at your own pace, walk along the shore or take a Windermere cruise and enjoy the scenery. Windermere hotels are among the best hotels in the Lake District and you can choose from boutique hotels, organic hotels, themed hotels and romantic hotels when you visit. Lake District pubs, restaurants and cafés are legendary, and everything is within easy reach of Windermere so you can make the most of your stay.