Page contents

Planning Tips for Your Lake District Holiday


If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Details

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK to visit, and now spring is finally here, it’s a great time to plan your Lake District holiday.

From activities, to hotels, to which part of the Lakes you want to be based in, we’ve covered everything you need to think about to have the perfect holiday.

Which area to visit?

The northern area of the Lake District is stunning and offers a variety of destinations. Choosing where to base yourself in the North Lakes is a key part of getting the most out of your holiday. You may want to be somewhere more lively, like the market town of Keswick, or want to completely retreat into the beautiful countryside of somewhere like the Bassenthwaite area.

If you want a walking holiday, choose Keswick or Derwentwater, where there’s some great walks alongside the lake as well as into the hills above.

If you want to get on the lake, Ullswater is the second largest of the lakes, and offers canoeing, fishing, sailing and boat hire. You can also take the Ullswater Steamer across the lake. Derwentwater and Ullswater also have watersports centres.

Wherever you base yourself, if you’ve got a car you’ll still be in reach of the North Lakes area.

Things to do

There’s something for everyone in the North Lakes. If you’re into watersports head to Derwentwater Marina where you’ll be able to undertake windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and lots more.

If you’re a keen angler, you can fish on the lakes. It’s best to check where you can fish and which permit you’ll need before you pack your rod.

Walking and hiking is one of the main reasons people come to the Lakes, and there are so many opportunities to get out into the hills and around the lakes. Find guided walks, routes and maps so you can plan in advance. The lakes are known for wet weather, so make sure you bring your all weather clothing!

For keen cyclists, the Lakes offers boundless opportunities, from off-road dirt tracks to country lanes. Hotels are often geared up for people with bikes, or those on cycling tours and you’ll likely meet fellow cyclists on the road. You can get a cycling guide to download and get on your bike!

If you prefer a more relaxing holiday, there’s plenty of choice. Keswick and Cockermouth offer shopping opportunities and lots of places for leisurely lunching. Visit Aira Force to watch the water cascading down the hills. You might also spot a red squirrel.

On wet weather days the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery is worth a visit, or find out more about the humble pencil at the Keswick Pencil Museum.

For history fans, you can visit the house that William Wordsworth was born in, on a visit to Cockermouth.

Where to stay

Think about what kind of accommodation you want in advance of your visit; do you want to bring your dog? There are many dog-friendly places to visit and some hotels do offer dog-friendly accommodation. Do you need family-friendly accommodation?

Do you need space for a bike, fishing equipment or adventure activity equipment? Are you looking for four star luxury or 3 star affordability?

A hotel gives you the best of both worlds; a comfortable place to stay, convenience, with on-site food and drink options.

There’s a wide range of hotels suitable for Lake District holidays situated around the North Lakes. Be sure to book early as accommodation books up really fast. Last minute deals are available for spontaneous getaways so if you feel the Lakes calling, you might still find somewhere to stay.

If you want to be able to have a few drinks and sample the local beers and wines, stay in Keswick or Penrith where you’ll be able to leave your car and wander into the town.

 

 

Pin For Later

About the author

Mae has travelled to over 40 countries and lived in 8. Born in St. Petersburg, Mae grew up in Lithuania and has spent most of her adult life in the UK. She has been blogging for over 8 years and is the lead editor on Travel Belles.

Leave a Comment