Things you probably didn’t know about England’s Lake District
With over 16 million visitors each year, the Lake District, which covers a total of 885 square miles is the most popular National Park in the UK.
Home to England´s longest lake, Windermere at 10.5 miles, and the highest mountain, Scafell Pike, at 978m the Lake District offers a wealth of attractions and things to do. All 5 peaks over 900m in England are situated in Cumbria.
Make the most of your stay in the Lakes and book into a Windermere Spa Suite.
With 50 stone circles and Hadrian´s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lakes offer a vast range of historical and cultural attractions.
There are many towns and villages to explore in the Lake District, whether nestled in valleys, on the side of a lake or along the coastline. So diverse is the landscape in Cumbria, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming or beach walking within just a few miles.
From the vibrant city of Carlisle, gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, and Keswick in the north to the charming market towns of Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale and the maritime town of Barrow-in-Furness in the south; from the historical market town of Cockermouth and the harbour town of Whitehaven along the west coast to the pretty towns of Penrith and Appleby in the Eden Valley to the east. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the central lakes, Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere offer a wealth of attractions and things to do. Each place has its own story to tell and a character to discover. Whether you want a relaxing, chilled-out holiday in the Lakes ore you prefer something more adventurous, such as: walking, hiking, abseiling, hot air ballooning, swimming or kayaking, you will not be stuck for choice.
Lowther Castle, Penrith
Lowther is a striking castle ruins with 130 acres of historic gardens which date back 350 years. The stunning gardens have been carefully restored, and a former stable courtyard offers a café and shop facilities.
Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith
This historic house and stunning gardens with medieval pele towers attract visitors from far and wide. Stroll around the extensive gardens in woodland setting, and enjoy the topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
Levens Hall and Gardens, Kendal
Levens Hall, an Elizabethan mansion is famous for its topiary gardens which were designed by M Beaumont in 1694. Enjoy the fountain garden and the licenced restaurant and gift shop.
Wray Castle, Ambleside
Wray Castle is a Victorian mock-gothic castle on the western shore of Lake Windermere. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, children´s activities and spectacular grounds stretching down to the lake.
Castlerigg, Keswick
Castlerigg is one of the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the stunning Helvellyn mountain range as a backdrop. Raised in 3,000BC the stones are well worth a visit.
One of the best places to base yourself in the Lake District if you want to explore the whole county of Cumbria is Windermere. Check out the fabulous luxury hotels, Windermere spa suites and romantic hotels close to England´s largest lake.