Things to do in the Lake District
A trip to the Lake District is all about superlatives. Whether you're gazing up at - or down from - England's highest mountains, photographing the country's deepest lake or visiting the homes of famous romantic poets, you're bound to be drawn into the unparalleled natural beauty of England's iconic national park.
Exploring Keswick
Join Hannah Outside in the latest of her series exploring Britain from YHA hostels, this time in the Lake District!
Hannah and friends tackle parts of the Cumbrian Way and Catbells, with stunning, snowy views of Derwentwater and Keswick.
Top Lake District attractions
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Lake Windermere
At over 10 miles long, the picturesque ribbon lake Windermere acts as an irresistible magnet at the heart of the Lake District.
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Rydal Mount
Moving on from the Wordsworth family home to his own house in the village of Rydal, the great poet lived, wrote and entertained here from age 43 until his death at 80 in 1850.
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Ullswater
The second largest lake in the Lake District is nine miles long, snaking through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest.
Best things to do in the Lake District
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Aira Force Waterfalls
Indulge in impressive mountain scenery and a 65ft waterfall that inspired many of Wordsworth's great works. See the National Trust website See the Visit Cumbria website
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Ambleside Climbing Wall
Here at Ambleside Climbing Wall there's an indoor climbing wall, bouldering room, and cafe. There's also a room dedicated to climbing gear, which can be hired.
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Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
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Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
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Boat trips on Derwentwater
Cruise the lake stopping at the lakeshore jetties where you can change boats, or enjoy the 50 minute trip around Derwentwater.
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Brantwood
Discover the home of John Ruskin.
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Brockhole Visitor Centre
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Brows
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Cathedral Quarry
A network of quarries above Little Langdale - best known for the main chamber, which is 40ft in height and lit by two windows. Visit the Visit Cumbria website Walkers, see the National Trust Hod
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Climbing in Borrowdale
Shepherd's crag is a unique climbing ground! The buttresses provide good pitches for both beginner and tiger. The rock is generally excellent.
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Climbing in Buttermere
There are fantastic multi pitch climbs on the quick drying Grey Crag to suit all abilities.
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Climbing in Coniston
Close by there is skilled scrambling on the famous Pudding Stone - on this large boulder alone there are 30 different challenging routes. Not much further away there are classic climbing and scr
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Climbing in Keswick
For an accessible road-side route try Little Chamonix for an entry level climb.
The best Lake District walks
Borger Dalr
Alfred Wainwright, the famous fell walking author, described Borger Dalr as "the finest square mile in Lakeland". A four-mile circular walk between Grange and Iron Age hill fort Castle Crag perfectly shows off the exquisite scenery, magnificent hills, a poignant war memorial and views over the former bed of an Ice Age lake.
The route
Duration: 3 hours
Length: 4 miles
Route details
Nearest hostel: YHA Borrowdale
The Tarn Hows Loop
In the hills above Coniston Water, this picturesque lakeside beauty spot is run by the National Trust. Its flat paths (on Beatrix Potter's former estate) offer short but truly rewarding walks for all abilities. Created in the 19th century by the damming of three tarns, the woodland walk is surrounded by breathtaking crags and ridges.
The route
Duration: 1-2 hours
Length: 1.8 miles
Route details
Nearest hostel: YHA Coniston Holly How
The Alcock Tarn Walk
Although it doesn't extend far on the map from Grasmere village, those bunched contour lines assure you're quickly ascending 1,000 metres skyward on this stunning four mile walk. The views southwest across the village and valley are superb, and the tarn nestling high in the hills makes a natural stop for well-deserved refreshments.
The route
Duration: 2-3 hours
Length: 3.7 miles
Route details
Nearest hostel: YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
The Mickleden Valley Trail
Beginning at Old Dungeon Ghyll, this two-hour walk is perfect for ramblers of all abilities and will introduce you to areas of real uninhabited wilderness. There's no loop route available on this flat two mile walk through Mickleden valley but when the towering valley splits into twin mountain passes, you can simply double your pleasure by turning back.
The route
Duration: 2 hours
Length: 3.8 miles
Route details
Nearest hostel: YHA Langdale
Transport
By train
Given the wild, mountainous nature of the terrain, the Lake District is surprisingly well served by rail. Stations at Penrith and Oxenholme are on the London to Glasgow mainline, with a journey time of around three hours from London. Windermere, Kendal and Staveley are the stops on one of England's most spectacular branch lines.
By car
The main arterial M6 motorway passes close by the Lake District, west of Kendal, so initial travel access is easy. However, the National Parks authorities do underline the stress-free possibility of doing the Lakes by bus, train, boat, bike - and ultimately on foot - relieving traffic on steep single-track roads and busy peak-season car parks.
By bus
All of the major towns in the Lake District, as well as many more inaccessible villages and visitor attractions, are linked by reliable bus services. Stagecoachs Explorer day tickets (£10 adult; £7.50 under 16) can make great sense if you're travelling on a budget, enabling you to travel throughout Cumbria on most services.
By bicycle
Take your bike by train or car or take advantage of the many hire firms in the Lake District. The unspoiled high terrain offers fantastic challenges for adrenaline-fuelled off-road cyclists looking for a Tour de Lake challenge, while the lowland valleys, lakeside and river routes are far easier going and every bit as spectacular.
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Pikes and fells
Scafell Pike
As the highest mountain in England at 978 metres, Scafell Pike offers three routes to the summit with various degrees of difficulty; all of which reflect the lonely grandeur of the scenery. The Hollowstones route is most popular, rewarding properly equipped hikers with unrivalled views to the west coast - and Scotland, Wales and Ireland on clear days.
Nearest hostel: YHA Wasdale Hall
Helvellyn
Situated north of Ambleside, the high point on the Helvellyn range is the third most lofty summit in all of England. Access is easier here than to the two higher peaks, offering amazing views over surrounding fells and down into Red Tarn. Experienced hikers may be tempted by the thrilling adjoining knife-edge ridges and scree slopes.
Nearest hostel: YHA Helvellyn
Skiddaw
Skiddaw may only be the Lakes' fourth highest peak, but it is the oldest, dating back over 400 million years. Lured by inviting views of the pyramid peak from Keswick below, there is a relatively easy six mile walk ascending over 600 metres to the 931 metre peak. However, there are tougher routes for experienced walkers.
Nearest hostel: YHA Skiddaw Bunkhouse
Castle Crag
Your ascent to Castle Crag begins in the nestling village of Rosthwaite. First following the River Derwent then rising above beautiful Borrowdale amid neighbouring fells, the route eventually passes through green slate quarries to the wooded crag, a one-time Iron Age hillfort.
Nearest hostel: YHA Borrowdale
Lake District adventures & activities
Mountain biking
Whether you're cycling country lanes in the lowlands, taking on established cross-country routes or cruising the purpose-built off-road trails at Whinlatter or Grizedale Forest, a day's mountain biking offers a completely different way to enjoy the Lake District whatever your cycling ability.
Watersports
With countless square miles of fabulous open water fed by thundering river torrents, there's nowhere better than the Lake District to indulge your passion for watersports. Sailing, canoeing and windsurfing are available at most lakes, while kayaking and rafting are mostly river based. Check out our watersports page to find out which of our hostels are best equipped to accommodate watersports enthusiasts.
Climbing
Walking in the Lake District is open to everybody with a stout pair of boots and a map, but higher-adrenaline activities such as mountain climbing, scrambling and canyoning in this natural wonderland are best taken on in expertly supervised groups. All levels of experience are welcome at the area's many specialist centres. Check out our climbing page to find out which YHA hostels accommodate keen climbers.
Swimming
The Great North Swim takes place annually in June in Lake Windermere, with events running from half a mile to 10,000 metres. Its popularity has led to a rise in open water swimming in the lakes that allow it, but remember you'll need to seek instruction and safety support from a local provider.
Weather
Average monthly sunshine and temperature charts reflect the expected summer highs for the Lake District - perhaps naturally, the most popular time to visit. However, average rainfall is not hugely lower during peak season than at other times of the year.
Lakeland scenery changes dramatically as the seasons spin by, and springtime and autumn breaks are now becoming popular especially if you're looking to wind down the year amid the spectacular reds and oranges of October and November.
Where to take your camera
Wasdale Head
A far-flung hamlet strewn across the head of the Wasdale Valley, Wasdale Head is usually considered to be the starting point for some of the Lake District’s most picturesque walks. Snap the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, and Wastwater, its deepest lake and don’t miss St Olaf’s, allegedly the smallest church in England.
Nearest hostel: YHA Wasdale Hall
Loughrigg Fell
It may not be the highest fell in the Lakes, but from Loughrigg the views in every direction have an uncanny ability to catch the light and transform a photo into a work of art. Whether you’re shooting Loughrigg Tarn, Grasmere or Windermere down below, you’ll always grab some impressive snaps whatever the weather.
Nearest hostel: YHA Langdale
Grasmere
Grasmere village has been resolutely unspoiled by progress since Wordsworth’s time and offers dozens of vantage points for breathtaking photos. Encircled by the central fells and containing Wordsworth’s “most loveliest” lake, the area is a must for any serious photographer.
Nearest hostel: YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
Kendal Castle
A 12th century castle that was already a ruin by the 16th, it’s almost as if the people of Kendal have deliberately preserved the old tower and great hall’s decay, nurturing this irresistibly photogenic pile on its mound-like hill outside town.
Nearest hostel: YHA Windermere
The best budget accommodation in the Lake District
Whatever Lake District itinerary you have for your adventure, we will have a hostel to match it. From remote shepherd's bothies to secluded lakeside retreats, you're sure to find unique Lake District accommodation for the best prices with YHA.
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