Top Things to do in Lake District
Top Hotels in Lake District
- 1. Ravenstone Manor Hotel
- 2. Applegarth Villa Hotel and Restaurant (Adult Only)
- 3. Ambleside Salutation Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 4. The Keswick Country House Hotel
- 5. The Daffodil Hotel & Spa
- 6. Ravenstone Manor Hotel
- 7. Riverside Hotel
- 8. Damson Dene Hotel
- 9. The Wordsworth Hotel
- 10. Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, BW Premier Collection
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Lake District That You Shouldn't Miss
Cumbria's valleys and fells (as the low mountains are known) are home to idyllic villages, high moorlands and picturesque lakes. Literary buffs will enjoy Wordsworth's Dove Cottage (go in March to see daffodils), and if you've got kids in tow, visit The World of Beatrix Potter. Or just enjoy a leisurely drive through beautiful scenery.
Restaurants in Lake District
1. Loughrigg Fell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By mgsnorwich - Norwich, United Kingdom
From Skelwith Bridge follow the footpath round Loughrigg Tarn to the Grasmere road and then take the footpath on the right to Loughrigg Terrace where you are rewarded with a panoramic view over Grasmere. There is a path down to the waterside but continue on the terrace down to the waterside path round Rydal Water. When you come to the road turn right and follow the road by the river until it turns sharply left at which point leave the road and climb up a steep path to the shoulder of Loughrigg whence the path goes all the way back down to Skelwith. The”Loughrigg Round” is an excellent half day’s walk.
2. Orrest Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,652 reviews
Reviewed By catherineaW5938DI - Manchester, United Kingdom
Absolutely love this walk! It's a must for people who aren't as athletic and still want to experience the beauty and the views of the lakes, it's just a short walk from windermere and only takes you about 30 minutes to get the top! Which didn't take me long! absolutely breath taking views and a lovely pub just a short walk from it ????
3. Easedale Tarn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 721 reviews
Reviewed By katiemF7715XW - Crook, United Kingdom
This is a great walk up the side of Sour Milk Ghyll to Easedale Tarn, it is a beautiful peaceful place, the path takes you straight up to the tarn, it can be steep in places and when it has been raining it can be a bit boggy under foot
4. Old Man of Coniston
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 637 reviews
Reviewed By russellnicholson997 - Northolt, United Kingdom
This Famous Lake District Mountain, has a Unique place in the Hearts of Many Walkers and is in Wainwrights Favourite Lakeland Mountains,for Good reason....it Towers over the Tiny Lakeland village of Coniston... it's rich Mining industry is another Very Good reason to Walk this particular Peak....There are a Number of Routes up, through the Copper Mines Valley, which takes you through the Workings of the Copper Mines, and another Very Good route is Via The Walna Scar Road....it's possible to Walk right from the Village, although this route we Did ( is Very Steep) initially...The Track is well marked and Gently Zig Sags,as it Winds it's way up the Side of the Old Man......passing through the Truly Stunning Scene of the Slate/Mining Workings from Centuries ago ( PLEASE RESPECT THE FACT, THIS IS A HERITAGE SITE AND MANY ARTEFACTS FROM THAT PERIOD OF TIME ARE THERE TO BE SEEN) PLEASE RESPECT THIS AND DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING....Thank you.... as the Path Climbs ,you will pass Many old Shaft Entrances, they are Fascinating to Observe/Photograph, but PLEASE DON'T ENTER, most of the Major Entrances are Sealed off.... They are Extremely Dangerous..... and are not to be Entered.... as you Climb the Track,you will pass very Close to Low Water,one of the Tarns,which Supplied Water to give power to the Crushers,to enable Ore Extraction....The Scene is Breathtaking, as the Clods gently Lapping the Mountain sides, the sun's peeps through the clouds,lighting up the Azzure Blue sky.... the Summit is not far away now,where you will be Greeted by an Amazing Cairngorms,and the Trig point, lays just a few paces behind the main Cairn.... On Clear Days ( Sadly WE DIDN'T GET TO SEE THE VIEWS) on this Occasion, but Superb vistas ,far and Wide, to Grange over Sands ,Towards the Scafells, the Iconic peaks ( Highest in England) there are Exceptional Views of these Mountains from the Old Man.... PLEASE REMEMBER TO ENSURE THAT PROPER FOOTWEAR( WALKING BOOTS) Waterproofs,High Energy Snacks and Drinks....are Essential....And ALWAYS Check the Weather Forecast for the Mountain, the Night before ....Mountain Weather changes ,VERY Quickly......
5. Holehird Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 447 reviews
Holehird Gardens, home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, 12 acres of volunteer-run stunning gardens, open every day of the year & a partner garden to RHS. November 2020 Covid-19 update: The gardens will remain open over the winter months. The toilets are open but there are no other facilities for visitors. Please follow government guidelines on hygiene, social distancing and travel. Toilets are being cleaned on a daily basis, with hand sanitiser available at exit doors. We hope you enjoy your visit to Holehird Gardens. We ask all visitors to make a donation of £5 to help with the upkeep of the garden & this, as usual, may be deposited in the collection boxes situated in the car park (close to the sign board) and outside the door to Visitor Reception.
Reviewed By almanzobasildon
So unexpected ! An absolutely beautiful garden with the amazing back drop of Lake Windemere and the hills of the Lake district in the distance. It has a wonderful walled garden surround by by further areas there was wonderful display of Heather's and Hydrangeas during our visit and it is all maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, entrance is by donation, £5 being he recommend amount worth every penny make the effort to go while in the area you wont be disappointed.
6. Stott Park Bobbin Mill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 384 reviews
Reviewed By markaF791UT
An outstandingly well preserved mill where wooden bobbins were made for the UK weaving industry of the 19th and 20th centuries. Almost exactly as it was left when the mill closed, a guide takes you on a tour of the mill and demonstrates how bobbins were made in the millions. The tour includes working lathes and the truly spectacular original working steam engine that powered the mill. There is also a little shop where you can buy genuine antique bobbins.
7. Hallin Fell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By paulsymonds - Haverhill, United Kingdom
Only my second Lakeland fell climb to date to me to Hallin Fell. We accessed the climb from the car park at St Peters church in Martindale. The little road that passes a few camp sites is driven from near Pooley bridge. Beware at busy times bank holidays being the main, the road is extremely difficult to navigate due volume of traffic and on one occasion a full sized coach manoeuvred along when we exited. Back to the climb, it is a very steep grassy track accessed on the opposite side of the road. With average fitness and resting you should make the summit in around half an hour. Believe me the views are magnificent in all directions. I loved it and I'm sure you will too, it's worth all the effort!
8. Keswick Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 221 reviews
Keswick Brewing Company is a craft brewery within two minutes walk of Keswick town centre. Visit our Fox Tap bar, Beer Shop & enjoy a Tour of the brewery. Brewery Socials on last weekend of month. Brewery Tours - Enjoy the brewery tour which includes sampling a selection of our beers. Discover how beer is made, how we use sheeps wool to brew great beers and what makes our beers green! Brewery Tours Tuesday - Saturday at 11.30am & 1.30pm. Tours can be booked on-line or by phone. Pre-booking recommended. The Fox Tap - Enjoy a beer where it is brewed in our new Fox Tap bar. Open Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 5pm (for extended hours see our website) Beer Shop - with cask beer to take away, bottled & canned beers, merchandise, local gins, cider & gifts. Open Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 5pm. There is no charge for entry to our beer shop or bar. Brewery Socials - Brewery fresh beers, new releases & great street food. Last weekend of month On-line Shop - with free Brewery collection available.
Reviewed By tonyhS3959WL - Salisbury, United Kingdom
My wife (Judy) and I have just enjoyed a fantastic tour of the Keswick Brewery and tasting. Our host, Nigel, was quite superb. So enthusiastic and informative and so welcoming. An excellent visit and the samples of the ales were delicious. Can’t recommend this tour more. Only regret is that the beer is only sold in Cumbria but understandable. Can’t wait to return and sample some more and see the new Fox Tap bar open. Thanks Nigel and good luck from Tony and Judy Hodge of Salisbury.
9. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,624 reviews
Dating from about 3000 BC, this is one of the first stone circles built in Britain, which is perched atop a high moor with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Reviewed By 90josephr - Cumbria, United Kingdom
Castlerigg Stone Circle on the outskirts of Keswick is a magical place. It is one of the oldest remaining stone circles in the British Isles, older than Stonehenge, and easily accessible either on foot, by bicycle or in a vehicle. The site is owned by the National Trust with free access to all. Standing in the middle of the Neolithic stone circle the stunning views of the surrounding fells (mountains) and valleys can seem subtly different as the clouds above pass overhead. When the cloud cover is above the fells the higher Lakeland peaks that can be seen from this dramatic amphitheatre include Helvellyn, Blencathra and Skiddaw. There are ample and free parking spaces on the adjacent road. Go through the kissing gates and there are recently restored information boards explaining the history and heritage of the stone circle. Follow in the footsteps of countless generations of scholars, writers, poets, artists and photographers and soak in the wonders of this enchanting location.
10. Grizedale Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 940 reviews
Scenic forest located in England's Lake District that serves as a recreation center for hiking and mountain biking, plus an outdoor "art museum" with numerous sculptures scattered throughout the forest.
Reviewed By 758kristenc - London, United Kingdom
This place is fantastic! There are a huge range of activities and trails to explore - bikes to hire, a children's play area, informative staff, basic cafe, Go Ape centre, fabulous pottery and printmaking businesses, art displays, and gorgeous natural attractions. With four hard-to-please London teenagers, it was touch and go as to whether they would be entertained by a day in 'the outdoors' but we chose the orienteering course and they spent a fabulous couple of hours, getting somewhat lost, but then finding their way back. Super that you can bring your dog and let them off-lead. It's a beautiful place with well-marked trails and differing levels of challenge depending on your fitness/time-constraints. Parking isn't cheap (£8 for the day) but it is plentiful. We brought a packed lunch and enjoyed ice-cream/drinks only at the cafe. As in all these places, the food is average and overpriced, but at least there are options if you don't have enough with you! I thoroughly recommend the forest for a great day out (with or without dog and/or children). Had the children not got lost on the orienteering course, we could have done another walk and also a Go Ape adventure.
