Lake District is England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The favorite of England’s Lake poets such as William Wordsworth, and other writers such as Beatrix Potter, it is famous for its natural beauty and tranquil charm. Though we are neither poets nor authors, we felt a week there would be worthwhile, and we were not mistaken.
Here’s our route map.Â
Ambleside
We based ourselves in a pretty little town called Ambleside on the shore of Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. It turned out to be a great base within easy driving distance of almost all the lovely sights, and well stocked with cafes and restaurants.
There are plenty of places for a little walk, or a hike, with beautiful scenery all around.Â
As you can see from the route map above, Ambleside is very central. A return trip from the farthest spot is only a maximum of 50 miles. Distances are short. You can see these spots in any order you like and will still drive only about 250 miles in a week.
Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere is England’s largest natural lake – called ribbon lake. It is long and narrow with many small islands and secluded bays, best seen on a lake cruise which provides plenty of photo ops.
There are several things to do in Lake Windermere including rowing, boating, canoeing, water sports and even sailing lessons.
Elter Water & Loughrigg Tarn
Elter water and Loughrigg Tarn is a 11 kilometer circular loop trail near Ambleside. It starts and ends at Skelwith Bridge.
Our walk started on a somewhat sharp uphill road towards the Tarn Foot farm. After some breathless efforts, we got some awesome views of the Loughrigg Tarn with Langdale Pikes far away. Loughrigg Tarn is a good place to stop to admire the lake and take some photos. There is another vantage point a bit further a towards the Elterwater village and the Langdale Pikes.
The trail ends with a lovely view of Skelwith Force waterfall a bit further from the bridge. It was a relief to find a nice little cafe – Chesters by the river – to enjoy some coffee and cake!
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is a small lake (‘tarn’) created by damming a stream running through low, wooded hills (‘hows’). From the car park a track led us on to a gentle walk, with a few steep bits, around the little lake. The charm of this spot lies in its setting amongst the surrounding hills which creates a beautiful scenery.
Interestingly, we found a coin tree studded with ‘good luck coins’ on the walk around the tarn hows. The tree has been felled and lies on the west side of the tarn.
Coniston WaterÂ
Another beautiful lake, Coniston Water, is much bigger and large enough to accommodate all kinds of small dinghies and boats. Here, too, the charm of the lake lies in the calm waters, dotted with sails, surrounded by little hills and ancient woodlands.
The picture-perfect scenery is the adobe of tranquillity. We walked, stopped to gaze, then walked some more, until we had our fill of the beauty and peacefulness of this place.
Fell Foot ParkÂ
Fell Foot Park – owned by the National Trust – is a lovely spot on the southernmost end of Lake Windermere. It is largely a boating centre and provides access to various kinds of watersports and boating. There are regular Windermere Lake Cruises starting from Fell Foot.
We had a pleasant walk through the park’s expansive gardens full of flower meadows and beautiful trees, set against the background of the lake and the nearby hills. The park has enough room for families with children to picnic and play.
After a lovely walk along the water’s edge we enjoyed some good English tea at the tea-room’s outdoor seating taking in the majesty of the surrounding landscape.
Sizergh Castle and GardensÂ
Another must-see spot owned by the National Trust.
England is dotted with castles and tudor manor houses and Lake District is no exception.
The Sizergh Castle was built in the 14th century and gradually converted into a grand Elizabethan residence. Carved oak furniture from the 16th century, rarely found elsewhere, is the highlight of this castle.
The castle is set in large, landscaped gardens including National Trust’s largest limestone rock garden. Apart from the various guided walks available around the estate, wild play trails and quizzes are offered to children visiting the castle.
Honister Pass
Have you have ever driven on a road which was so scary that you wish you hadn’t ventured there at all, but after you were through you remembered it with satisfaction? If not, try Honister Pass – one of Cumbria’s highest passes.Â
The road that leads to it is a twisty, narrow and very steep ‘B’ road. There is scarcely any room for two cars to pass and reversing down a 1 in 4 gradient, to let the other car pass, is an absolute nightmare. Yet the views along the way are very scenic and indeed breath-taking, provided you can tear your eyes away from the road.
Lake Bassenthwaite
Bassenthwaite Lake is quite a large lake and a place for walking as well as meeting the local wildlife. Bassenwaithe itself is a tiny village though it does have the vital elements of a quintessential English village – a pub, a school, a Church and a stream. The lake is a wildlife sanctuary where migratory birds, such as the osprey, come visiting. The western side of the lake has a lakeside path for walking.
We came across a Wildlife Park which had a Bird of Prey flying display and over a 100 species of animals, including lemurs but the highlight was the Lar Gibbon and his family. We spent a few hours walking around and seeing the animals. Fortunately, it was not raining that day.
Holker Hall and Gardens
Holker hall is a stately country home with 200 acres of gardens and woodlands, as well as a deer park. We were allowed to wander around a part of the house itself which was quite charming, but the real attraction is the picturesque garden where there is so much to see and enjoy.
Our week in the Lake district ended, perhaps too soon. We left with the feeling that its beauty and tranquillity would certainly inspire poetry, as many noteworthy poets have found over the years.
Lake District is the perfect holiday destination for photographers, water-sports enthusiasts, walkers-and-hikers as well as peace-n-quiet lovers!
I did not know that the whole Lake District was designated as a UNESCO site. Definitely just one of the reasons to visit. I love all the different views of water. Makes me want to get a boat and head out. Those blue skies look so unlike what I always think of England. Just means I have not spent enough time there! Small towns, castles and lovely gardens would certainly keep us moving through the Lake District. I am saving your route for travel planning in England.
I love the Lake District although I haven’t been back for years. It’s such a beautiful part of the world which your photos capture perfectly. My sister was actually at university in Ambleside (many, many years ago!), so seeing it mentioned brought back a lot of wonderful memories. I love your itinerary – a real mix of everything. I also know what you mean about the road of the Honister Pass – I drove a number of those in a recent road trip around Scotland where you are literally braced & holding your breath, hoping not to meet a car coming the other way! Great post.
Lovely post and looks like you had a great itinerary for your road trip. I just love the Lake District. Every time I go back I find somewhere new or something new to see and do. We are very lucky in England to have this gem on our doorstep
Beautiful photos, and thank you for the driving itinerary to see these amazing areas. The UK is high on our bucket list and we can’t wait to visit, once the pandemic threat is passed. Have a lovely day!
Lake District is beautiful! I’ve been to Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick and have walked around parts of the areas. Even tasted the mint from Keswick. A beautiful area indeed.
You brought back memories for me of a fabulous New Year’s Eve I spent in Ambleside with a big group of other single parents and all (25) of our children. The Lake District is so beautiful and there’s so much to see and explore. You’ve given me great ideas for more places to explore.
There’s always so much to discover in England. The pictures are gorgeous!
Wow! This place looks so incredible and magical! The photos, I am sure, don’t do it justice for actually being there and seeing the sights!
I’d heard people talking about the lake district but I’d had no desire to visit it. But then a friend of mine suggested it, and I went along begrudgingly… man how wrong I was. The scenery up there is beautiful and it’s a fantastic place to drive around. We only had an overnight stay, but it was enough to make me want to come back for a return trip.
I absolutely love the Lake District. I’ve visited a few of these places before but there are some on your list that I’ve not heard of so I’m happy you shared them. I cannot wait to head back to the Lakes and visit these places now 🙂
I love how each place looks so uniquely different from the last! Awesome, thoughtful post. Thank you so much for sharing!
Ambleside is so pretty. That’s what I have in mind how small town in England looks like. I would like to drive on Honister Pass. Looks pretty and challenging.
Wow! Your post is super detailed and helps me imagine the Lakes District – which I had always heard of but didn’t quite know what it was. I’ve not had the opportunity to visit the UK, but would love to make it here when I do.
I’ve been to the Lake District so many times and never knew that it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You’ve picked out some beautiful places to visit there – some I haven’t been to yet!
Oh I love the Lake District! I really need to explore more of it…I’ve not visited many of these sights! I absolutely adore Ambleside! I’d really love to visit Coniston Water and Fell Foot Park though, they both look beautiful! You’ve got me itching to book a weekend break! Thanks for the great guide!
What a beautiful area! When we went to England we only visited London, but next time we make it out I’d love to see other parts of England.
Looks like an amazing road trip through beautiful countryside. Your stops along the way are accentuated by your great photography. I love wandering through small towns and these offer some great options.
I didn’t know much about the Lake District in England, but I’m glad to have stumbled upon this informative post. There are so many beautiful spots in this park that I’d love to visit, like the Sizergh Castle and Gardens, or Fell Foot Park. This looks like suck an exciting road trip through a very scenic countryside.
I have never been to the Lake District in England but it sure looks like a great way to immerse yourself in nature & countryside. The Sizergh Castle looks magnificent and the drive through Honister Pass is one I’d truly enjoy.
Wow all the places in the Lake District are amazingly pretty. I especially loved Sizergh Castle and Honister Pass. They are so stunning and has such awesome vibes to them. I was in England a few years ago but unfortunately did not have time to visit any of these places. I will keep them in mind for next time.
Yours is one of several wonderful posts I’ve seen recently about the Lake District in England. I sure wish I’d had time in my itinerary to make it there a few years back when we were in the UK. I love that there’s so much beautiful scenery, and also lots of history — castles, forts, old walls, etc. Great place to camp, too, right?! I’ll be sure to include at least one of these locations if I ever return.
When I see lake photos, I think of stand-up paddling, going on a picnic, or meditating. These lakes are on a different level. No wonder the place is considered a UNESCO World heritage site. A drive and stroll here would be a good inspiration for story writing or photography.
Can you believe, we somehow never got around to visit Lake District area when we were in UK. Now, I dunno when I’ll get around to visit UK again. It is indeed a great idea to base yourself in a central location. I’ve learnt that lesson the hard way. Haha. Good that you could do short trips in all directions that ways. Coin tree??? I’ve never heard of that so far! Interesing to learn about it. First I thought its mushroom grown on a tree. After reading, I had zoom into the pic to see it!
Wow Lake district is so very beautiful. Love the feel of the green and the lakes. This certainly is such a refreshing trip. England Parks always reminds to of lovely beautiful sunny days and just a bit of clouds at times and showers.
This is so beautiful! Great places to unwind and rejuvenate. Being a mountain lover, I would definitely like to visit the Honister Pass.