Welcome to the Lake District
Be inspired by the magical landscapes of England's largest National Park
Home to England's largest mountain, its deepest lake and now a World Heritage Site, the Lake District is the perfect holiday destination for families and activity seekers looking to explore. We have a vast range of hostels to suit the needs of all traveller types.
YHA hostels in the Lake District
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Things to do 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.
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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.
View some of our popular Lake District blog posts
Eco-friendly glamping in the Lake District
YHA has long been at the heart of travelling in the UK. They are affordable, friendly and can be found in each of the most beautiful and interesting parts of our fascinating country...
Discovering National Parks – The Lake District
We are so lucky to have UK National Parks – beautiful places and great big open spaces. Here we visit the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic National Parks...
Our favourite day walks in the Lake District
It can take a lifetime of commitment to cover every fell in the Lakes, and not all of us are blessed with the time. So for those saving their epic multi-day expeditions for a later date, here are five of our favourite Lake District walks...