Places to stay in the Lake District

Five free things to do in the Lake District

Stretch those legs

Walking is great exercise, and when you get to wander up and down the fells of the stunning Lake District countryside, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Get on your bike

Cycling routes to suit all capabilities are dotted all over the landscape in the Lake District. You can ride along the fells or through winding woodland trails, with mapped-out routes ensuring you don't get lost!

Gorge walking

At the more extreme end, gorge walking will require expert supervision and equipment, but there are many simpler gorge walking routes which are easy for the beginner - you only need some just-in-case swimming skills and a willingness to get a bit wet!

Get inspired

If you travel to Glencoyne Bay in Ullswater, you can sit back and gaze upon the same daffodils which inspired the famous William Wordsworth poem. The Lake District also has a whole host of galleries featuring paintings of the famous fells, as well as the Beatrix Potter Museum, which celebrates the much-loved children's stories.

Museums

The Lake District is not just about beautiful scenery, of course. It has long been home to a variety of rural industries, and many museums in the area explore the manufacture of everything from stone to printing and even pencils.

There's nowhere in the world quite like the Lake District

For those with an interest in outdoor activities, the Lake District is the real capital of Britain. Comprised of 885 square miles of mountains, woodland, lakes and vast open spaces, it welcomes nearly 16 million visitors every year and has inspired some of Britain's most revered artwork and writings.

There a near-endless array of walking routes, as well as opportunities for all kinds of watersports, climbing, abseiling and cycling. Numerous picturesque villages provide all your modern comforts, along with other attractions with stunning views as backdrops.