A great number of people regularly visit the Lake District in the north west of England. William Wordsworth was inspired to write poetry about it, there are numerous books including the Lakeland Workswirth Bible, guides to walks, tourist attractions, places to eat and just about everything else Lake District related. We have to conclude that it must have something worth seeing.
England’s highest mountains are found in the Lake District. Between them are cradled the various lakes with names that sound familiar; Windermere, Ullswater, Grasmere and a whole host of ‘waters’ and smaller tarns. The mix of lakes, waterfalls, tumbling brooks and the awe-inspiring Cumbrian hills create spectacular scenery that changes mood with the light and season. For hikers, the Lake District is an all year round outdoor playground, snow adds an extra challenge for the experienced. Scafell Pike, near Eskdale, is the highest point at 978 metres, followed by Helvellyn and Ill Crag. Scaling their heights is a challenge for the strongest and most determined climbers. Another notch on a hiker’s belt and magnificent views is the reward.
Most visitors to the Lake District are ‘fair weather walkers’ who come to see the wild daffodils in spring and to bask in the sun during summer. Boats ply the lakes, giving tourists something to do and allowing the best views from below. There are some easy ways to get to the top of hills for those views from on high. There is a walk above Coniston water that people can drive to and then walk the circular 1.5 mile route to enjoy fabulous far-reaching views of the Langdale Pikes and Tarn Hows.
Lakeland towns and villages clustered around the lakes are another tourist magnet. The chances are that people will rent holiday cottages and apartments in towns for their stay because of the convenience of local shops and amenities. Unless people travel as part of a group, most like to go out in the evenings and at least get on nodding acquaintance with other holidaymakers. Meals out, pub nights and tea shops all contribute to a good self-catering holiday in the Lake District.
Towns on any ‘must see’ holiday to the Lakes for the views are Kirkby Lonsdale for ‘Ruskin’s View’, the short woodland walk from the village of Finsthwaite for another lovely view of a Lakeland tarn. Everyone who visits the Lakes will return with fond memories of one or more locations, for various reasons. For some it may be the scenery, for others it could be the village with the best tea shop for miles. One thing is for certain, go to the Lakes and discover this stunning part of north west England to have memories of your very own.
Click on the tabs on the map to explore each country cottage, house or log cabin holiday, or find Cottages in the Lake District by town.