Lake District Guidebook

Sarah
Lake District Guidebook

Waterfalls

Stunning waterfalls, especially after or during heavy rainfall. National Trust car park and a short walk along marked trails to get to the waterfall. Free entry.
68 locals recommend
Aira Force Waterfall
68 locals recommend
Stunning waterfalls, especially after or during heavy rainfall. National Trust car park and a short walk along marked trails to get to the waterfall. Free entry.
Lovely, short circular trail taking in Stock Ghyll Force. Walkable from Ambleside town centre.
16 locals recommend
Stock Ghyll Force
6 Stockghyll Ln
16 locals recommend
Lovely, short circular trail taking in Stock Ghyll Force. Walkable from Ambleside town centre.
Approx a 5 mile out and back walk from Buttermere village. You'll need a map and compass for this one!
Scale Force Waterfall
Approx a 5 mile out and back walk from Buttermere village. You'll need a map and compass for this one!
Possibly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lake District. It's less than 2 miles there and back from Dalegarth Station.
8 locals recommend
Stanley Ghyll Force Waterfall
8 locals recommend
Possibly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lake District. It's less than 2 miles there and back from Dalegarth Station.

Outdoor Adventure

A whole host of things to do here, including, various marked hiking trails, including a children's trail, Go Ape high ropes course, mountain bike hire and marked single track trails and cafe and playground.
85 locals recommend
Grizedale Forest
85 locals recommend
A whole host of things to do here, including, various marked hiking trails, including a children's trail, Go Ape high ropes course, mountain bike hire and marked single track trails and cafe and playground.
A whole host of things to do here, including, various marked hiking trails, including a children's trail, Go Ape high ropes course, mountain bike hire and marked single track trails and cafe and playground.
67 locals recommend
Whinlatter Forest Park
Whinlatter Pass
67 locals recommend
A whole host of things to do here, including, various marked hiking trails, including a children's trail, Go Ape high ropes course, mountain bike hire and marked single track trails and cafe and playground.
Sizergh Castle is a National Trust property with grounds and cafe. Additionally there is a free Wild Trail for kids that starts at the top end of the car park.
16 locals recommend
Sizergh Castle Cafe and Shop
Ashbank Lane
16 locals recommend
Sizergh Castle is a National Trust property with grounds and cafe. Additionally there is a free Wild Trail for kids that starts at the top end of the car park.
Honister Slate Mine not only offers traditional mine tours, but also a host of outdoor adventures too, including via Ferrara and Climb in the Mine. There are also a number of great hikes that start from here.
75 locals recommend
Honister Slate Mine
Honister Pass
75 locals recommend
Honister Slate Mine not only offers traditional mine tours, but also a host of outdoor adventures too, including via Ferrara and Climb in the Mine. There are also a number of great hikes that start from here.
A great place for a wide variety of activities and adventures: Motor boat, rowing boat, kayake and canoe hire. Treetop trek Crazy golf Go karting Archery Pony rides Adventure playground Treetop Nets Inside cave Cafe Restaurant
67 locals recommend
Brockhole
67 locals recommend
A great place for a wide variety of activities and adventures: Motor boat, rowing boat, kayake and canoe hire. Treetop trek Crazy golf Go karting Archery Pony rides Adventure playground Treetop Nets Inside cave Cafe Restaurant
Rydal Caves is a fantastic easy walk ending in the adventure of finding the huge cavern. Accessible from Rydal or Grasmere.
25 locals recommend
Rydal Cave
25 locals recommend
Rydal Caves is a fantastic easy walk ending in the adventure of finding the huge cavern. Accessible from Rydal or Grasmere.
Cathedral Quarry, located in Little Langdale is a fantastic hidden gem. This huge cavern has several long tunnels branching from it. Take a torch! Accessible from Little Langdale or Hodge Close. You'll need to plan your trip using a map and compass.
Cathedral Cave
3 Stang End
Cathedral Quarry, located in Little Langdale is a fantastic hidden gem. This huge cavern has several long tunnels branching from it. Take a torch! Accessible from Little Langdale or Hodge Close. You'll need to plan your trip using a map and compass.
Tarn Hows is a must see part of the Lakes. Stunning scenery and an easy circular walk around the water. National Trust car parking.
88 locals recommend
Tarn Hows
88 locals recommend
Tarn Hows is a must see part of the Lakes. Stunning scenery and an easy circular walk around the water. National Trust car parking.
Fell Foot Park, at the southern tip of Windermere is a great place for a stroll, picnic, paddle, swim or boat hire. You can bring your own paddle board or hire one! There's also a cafe, toilets and parking on site.
96 locals recommend
National Trust - Fell Foot Park
96 locals recommend
Fell Foot Park, at the southern tip of Windermere is a great place for a stroll, picnic, paddle, swim or boat hire. You can bring your own paddle board or hire one! There's also a cafe, toilets and parking on site.
Hire bikes and cycle up to Grizedale Forest.
Hawkshead Tourist Information Centre
Main Street
Hire bikes and cycle up to Grizedale Forest.
Walk Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater (and back!) Park at either Skelwith Bridge or Elterwater and enjoy a lovely flat walk along the river and Elterwater itself, with the magnificent Langdales as your backdrop.
Skelwith Force
B5343
Walk Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater (and back!) Park at either Skelwith Bridge or Elterwater and enjoy a lovely flat walk along the river and Elterwater itself, with the magnificent Langdales as your backdrop.
Esthwaite Water is one of the lesser known Lake District lakes, probably due to it being the only privately owned one with very little public access. However, it is still very attractive and is worth some exploring. This small visitor centre, set in woodland on the lakeshore with lovely views up the lake, offers a number of attractions for visitors and has developed from the original trout fishery. It remains a popular venue for fishing, boats and kit can be hired for this activity. Also on offer is an Osprey Safari where you can self-drive a small electric boat around the lake looking for the Ospreys that are normally in residence between April and September. At any time of year the boat ride gives a great view of the different wildlife on and around the peaceful lake.
Esthwaite Water, Ambleside LA22, UK
Esthwaite Water is one of the lesser known Lake District lakes, probably due to it being the only privately owned one with very little public access. However, it is still very attractive and is worth some exploring. This small visitor centre, set in woodland on the lakeshore with lovely views up the lake, offers a number of attractions for visitors and has developed from the original trout fishery. It remains a popular venue for fishing, boats and kit can be hired for this activity. Also on offer is an Osprey Safari where you can self-drive a small electric boat around the lake looking for the Ospreys that are normally in residence between April and September. At any time of year the boat ride gives a great view of the different wildlife on and around the peaceful lake.

Zoos & Aquariums

Large zoo with a huge variety of animals, cafe, adventure playground etc.
85 locals recommend
South Lakes Safari Zoo
Melton Terrace
85 locals recommend
Large zoo with a huge variety of animals, cafe, adventure playground etc.
Small aquarium, suitable for children. Make it part of a day out with a trip on the Haverthwaite Lakeside Railway and Lakes Cruises.
69 locals recommend
Lakes Aquarium
69 locals recommend
Small aquarium, suitable for children. Make it part of a day out with a trip on the Haverthwaite Lakeside Railway and Lakes Cruises.
The only zoo actually in the Lake District, it's a medium sized zoo with a good selection of animals.
37 locals recommend
The Lake District Wildlife Park
37 locals recommend
The only zoo actually in the Lake District, it's a medium sized zoo with a good selection of animals.
A small zoo in the South Lakes, featuring snow leopards, meer cats and a selection of other animals.
30 locals recommend
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
30 locals recommend
A small zoo in the South Lakes, featuring snow leopards, meer cats and a selection of other animals.

Indoor Adventures

Huge main climbing wall and a whole host of other rooms and activities.
23 locals recommend
Kendal Wall, Lakeland Climbing Centre
Mint Bridge Road
23 locals recommend
Huge main climbing wall and a whole host of other rooms and activities.
Adult climbing and a hard play area and cave for the kids, located in Keswick.
12 locals recommend
KONG Adventure
Heads Road
12 locals recommend
Adult climbing and a hard play area and cave for the kids, located in Keswick.
Small climbing wall.
8 locals recommend
Ambleside Climbing Wall
101 Lake Rd
8 locals recommend
Small climbing wall.
A very interesting, small museum filled with every type of optical illusion you can imagine!
15 locals recommend
The Puzzling Place
15 locals recommend
A very interesting, small museum filled with every type of optical illusion you can imagine!
Beautiful cinema, watch whatever is in screen 1! Wurlitzer and original building make this a stunning place to watch a film on a rainy day!
14 locals recommend
Royalty Cinema
Lake Road
14 locals recommend
Beautiful cinema, watch whatever is in screen 1! Wurlitzer and original building make this a stunning place to watch a film on a rainy day!
Beautiful theatre with a variety of productions throughout the year and other events.
71 locals recommend
Theatre by the Lake
Lake Road
71 locals recommend
Beautiful theatre with a variety of productions throughout the year and other events.

Sightseeing

The house where Beatrix Potter lived, a National Trust property.
23 locals recommend
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
23 locals recommend
The house where Beatrix Potter lived, a National Trust property.
An absolute MUST. This gingerbread is like nothing you've ever tasted! Famous worldwide and only available from Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread Shop in Grasmere.
31 locals recommend
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
College Street
31 locals recommend
An absolute MUST. This gingerbread is like nothing you've ever tasted! Famous worldwide and only available from Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread Shop in Grasmere.
Really cute miniature steam railway that runs from Ravensglass to Eskdale.
108 locals recommend
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Co.Ltd
Main Street
108 locals recommend
Really cute miniature steam railway that runs from Ravensglass to Eskdale.
Full sized steam engines run daily from Lakeside to Haverthwaite and back. You can connect to Windermere Lake Cruises and visit the Lakes Aquarium too.
69 locals recommend
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
69 locals recommend
Full sized steam engines run daily from Lakeside to Haverthwaite and back. You can connect to Windermere Lake Cruises and visit the Lakes Aquarium too.
Beautiful castle and huge sprawling gardens and grounds, with playground, falconry display, cafe etc.
121 locals recommend
Muncaster Castle
121 locals recommend
Beautiful castle and huge sprawling gardens and grounds, with playground, falconry display, cafe etc.
Take a circular tour of the lake, or trips to Ambleside, Lakeside and in the summer months - Wray Castle and Brockhole on Windermere.
62 locals recommend
Windermere Lake Cruises (Head Office)
Glebe Road
62 locals recommend
Take a circular tour of the lake, or trips to Ambleside, Lakeside and in the summer months - Wray Castle and Brockhole on Windermere.
Take a trip on Ullswater and enjoy stunning mountain scenery. You can cruise the length of Ullswater lake which takes an hour each way, stopping at Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge.
81 locals recommend
Ullswater Steamers
Grisedale Bridge
81 locals recommend
Take a trip on Ullswater and enjoy stunning mountain scenery. You can cruise the length of Ullswater lake which takes an hour each way, stopping at Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge.
Take a trip on Derwentwater, with its stunning mountain scenery.
11 locals recommend
Keswick Launch Ticket Office
11 locals recommend
Take a trip on Derwentwater, with its stunning mountain scenery.
An interesting piece of ancient history. Stunning backdrop to this stone circle.
44 locals recommend
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castle Lane
44 locals recommend
An interesting piece of ancient history. Stunning backdrop to this stone circle.
A beautiful viewpoint, car parking available, so no need to walk to get this amazing view!
21 locals recommend
Surprise View
21 locals recommend
A beautiful viewpoint, car parking available, so no need to walk to get this amazing view!
Climbing, guided walks and adventures. Based in Ambleside.
Adventure Peaks
101 Lake Rd
Climbing, guided walks and adventures. Based in Ambleside.
Coniston Launch operate a number of different cruises around Coniston Water, starting from Coniston jetty.
Coniston Launch
Coniston Launch operate a number of different cruises around Coniston Water, starting from Coniston jetty.
Attractive gardens overlooking Windermere lake.
6 locals recommend
Holehird Gardens
6 locals recommend
Attractive gardens overlooking Windermere lake.
Fascinating road transport museum near Newby Bridge. Combine with a trip on Haverthwaite Railway and Lakeside Aquarium for a fab day out.
52 locals recommend
Lakeland Motor Museum
52 locals recommend
Fascinating road transport museum near Newby Bridge. Combine with a trip on Haverthwaite Railway and Lakeside Aquarium for a fab day out.
Historic bobbin mill near Newby Bridge, English Heritage.
8 locals recommend
Stott Park Bobbin Mill
Colton Hill
8 locals recommend
Historic bobbin mill near Newby Bridge, English Heritage.

Mountain Peaks

One of England's highest mountains, located in the middle of the Lake District. Accessible from either Glenridding or Thirlmere. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
39 locals recommend
Helvellyn
39 locals recommend
One of England's highest mountains, located in the middle of the Lake District. Accessible from either Glenridding or Thirlmere. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
England's highest mountain, located in the west Lake District. Accessible from either Wasdale Head. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
69 locals recommend
Scafell Pike
69 locals recommend
England's highest mountain, located in the west Lake District. Accessible from either Wasdale Head. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
One of England's highest mountains, located in the north Lake District. Accessible from Keswick. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
29 locals recommend
Skiddaw
29 locals recommend
One of England's highest mountains, located in the north Lake District. Accessible from Keswick. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
Fantastic fell to climb if you want to climb a "real" mountain but want an easier one. Stunning views. Favourite for families and beginner walkers. Parking in summer months at the base, alternatives include parking in Keswick and getting boat across.
41 locals recommend
Catbells
41 locals recommend
Fantastic fell to climb if you want to climb a "real" mountain but want an easier one. Stunning views. Favourite for families and beginner walkers. Parking in summer months at the base, alternatives include parking in Keswick and getting boat across.
A challenging high peak, located in the South Lake District. Accessible from Coniston Village. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
58 locals recommend
The Old Man of Coniston
58 locals recommend
A challenging high peak, located in the South Lake District. Accessible from Coniston Village. A tough climb that requires planning and preparation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
Located in the South Lake District. Accessible from Ambleside town. centre. A tough climb that requires planning, preparation and navigation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
32 locals recommend
Loughrigg Fell
32 locals recommend
Located in the South Lake District. Accessible from Ambleside town. centre. A tough climb that requires planning, preparation and navigation. Stunning amazing and rewarding views from the top!
One of the most famous scrambles in the lake district, a grade 1 with a great sense of exposure on your way up to the peak of Helvellyn.
Striding Edge, Penrith CA11 0PU, UK
One of the most famous scrambles in the lake district, a grade 1 with a great sense of exposure on your way up to the peak of Helvellyn.

Breweries

Microbrewery located in Staveley.
31 locals recommend
Hawkshead Brewery
14 Back Ln
31 locals recommend
Microbrewery located in Staveley.
Brewery and pub located at Ings.
13 locals recommend
Watermill Inn & Brewery
A591
13 locals recommend
Brewery and pub located at Ings.
Microbrewery, including the famous Bluebird Ale.
Coniston Brewing Co
Microbrewery, including the famous Bluebird Ale.