The Lake District
The Lake District
The Lake District in Cumbria is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England. Come and climb the fells like Helvellyn and Skiddaw, savour the tranquility and beauty of Ullswater, or experience the many attractions of Windermere. Enjoy!
Exploring the Lake District
The Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a rural area in north west England. A popular holiday destination with a great range of holiday accommodation, it is famous for its lakes and its mountains (or fells), and also its associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets. It was also the inspiration for Beatrix Potter.
The main towns include Windermere and Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick, Cockermouth, Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven, Maryport, Ulverston and Kendal. In addition there are a host of small villages such as Patterdale, Glenridding, Elterwater and Hawkshead which provide ideal bases for holiday makers.
Only one lake in the National Park has the word 'Lake' in its name, namely Bassenthwaite Lake. All the others such as Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater and Buttermere use other forms, with 'mere' being particularly common.
Alfred Wainwright immortalised the fells and dales of the lakes with his series of pictorial guides - a must for walkers, fell runners, mountain bikers and climbers. Cumbria also has spectacular coastline and beaches and is an ideal holiday destination for families.
Walking and Hill Climbing in the Lake District
It is a mecca for walkers and climbers, with some of the most popular hills (in height order) being:
Scafell Pike, 978 m / 3210 ft
Scafell, 965 m / 3162 ft
Helvellyn, 951 m / 3118 ft
Skiddaw, 931 m / 3054 ft
Great End, 910 m / 2986 ft
Bowfell, 902 m / 2960 ft
Great Gable, 899 m / 2949 ft
Pillar, 892 m / 2926 ft
There are many other spectacular hills to be walked, including Place Fell. The Lake District a must for all outdoor enthusiasts, whatever their experience and aptitude!
Staying in the Lake District
As you would expect it offers the full range of holiday accommodation, from five star luxury hotels, to quaint bed and breakfasts and fabulous self-catering holiday cottages. There are also many excellent campsites and caravan parks. There is a huge range of attractions, places to eat and other activities to suit all tastes.
