Great Langdale, Lake District National Park - © By Fallschirmjäger (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons
The Lake District National Park is located in the English county of Cumbria in northern England, it was one of the first National Parks in the UK, designated back in 1951. The national parks covers the majority of the Lake District region that is well known for its natural scenic beauty, lakes including the famous Lake Windermere and landscapes. The area is known for its rolling hills and mountains and over the years has become a firm favourite for those that like the great outdoors with a number of hiking and great walking routes available.
The area includes a number valleys, lakes, towns and villages each with its own history and character providing visitors with plenty of interesting places to explore. The Lake District is the largest national park in England, it is home to Scafell Pike the highest mountain and the deepest lake, Wastwater. The areas special qualities include its wildlife, cultural heritage and impressive scenery.
The area is popular for sailing, boat trips, day trippers, canoeing, kayaking, walkers and cyclists with a number of routes to explore. Visitors can enjoy some of the finest natural scenery in the UK, tranquilly and wildlife around the area.
Quick Facts
Lake District National Park:
Year of Designation: 1951
Population: 40,800
Scheduled Ancient Monuments: over 200
Conservation Areas: 23
Size in square kilometres: 2,292
Main Settlements: Ambleside, Bowness, Coniston, Grasmere, Keswick & Windermere.
Located in: Cumbria.
Highest Point: Scafell Pike at 978 metres.
Attractions
Lake District National Park is located within the English county of Cumbria, in north west England. The national park is one of the most famous in the UK that is internationally known and over the years has established itself as one of the premier national parks in the UK attracting many visitors from within the UK and abroad. The region includes a range of scenic landscapes with hills, mountains valleys, woodlands and a number of lakes including the famous Lake Windermere. There are no large cities in the region, the main settlements include Keswick, Ambleside and Bowness; the region includes a number of charming towns and villages each with its own character offering visitors with plenty of places to discover.
The special qualities relating to the areas landscape including its lakes, rivers and woodlands, varied wildlife, geology, archaeology, cultural heritage and nature conservation make Lake District a special place.
Local accommodation includes a mix of hotels, B & B’s, Guest Houses, Self Catering houses and cottages, there is accommodation available in the Lake District towns of Keswick, Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere all of which are conveniently located for exploring the region.
Visitor attractions in the area include Boat Trips, visitors can see Lake Windermere, one of the best known and best loved attractions in the national park via boat. The largest natural lake in England attracts many visitors throughout the year, the towns of Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere are located close by; whilst at the southern end of the lake is Lakeside Pier and the Lakes Aquarium attraction. There are a number of lake cruises and boat trips on offer for visitors with cruises to Ambleside, Browness, Brockhole, Ferry House and Lakeside available. A lakeside cruises offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and local sights at a relaxing pace.
Dalmain Historic House & Gardens are part of a historic estate located in Penrith on the north eastern edge of the Lake District, set against the backdrop of the Lakeland Fells and parkland. The historic house is known for its Georgian ashlar façade and Palladian architecture. Dating back many centuries the house includes a number of impressive collections including ceramics, toys, family portraits, furniture and more. The impressive gardens include a wild garden that includes some wonderful wild flowers, the Tudor Knot Garden and the Abies Cephalonica. Visitors at the beginning of summer can see an impressive display of blue Himalayan poppies. There are some inspiring views of the surrounding woodland to enjoy in a visit to the house.
The Lakes Aquarium is located at Newby Bridge in the Lake District on the shores of Lake Windermere and features the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish. The attraction is a great place for a fun and educational day out for the whole family. There is plenty to see and experience here including the underwater tunnel with giant carp and diving ducks. Visitors can learn more about river life and various mammals, see and otters among others, there are special quiz trail for children sure to keep them occupied and interested. Various events are held at the attraction throughout the year. There are a number of knowledgeable experts on hand to help enhance the experience for visitors. The stunning views of Lake Windermere are one of the highlights of any trip here; visitors can save by having a ticket that combines both the Aquarium and cruise of the lake.
Dove Cottage is located in Grasmere in the Lake District, famous for being the home of renowned poet William Wordsworth at the beginning of the 19th century, during this time, Wordsworth wrote some of his best known and most famous poetry. The cottage is an interesting historic attraction; that remains much as it was when the famous poet resided there. The cottage retains many historical features including stone floors, coal fires, dark panelled rooms and family belongings offering a great sense of history. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the garden.
The Wordsworth Museum is located next to Dove Cottage and includes an impressive collection of poems, letters and journals from Wordsworth. There are a number of maps, pictures and interactive displays for visitors to see to get a better understanding of the poet’s thoughts, inspirations and life. The museum houses a number of books, manuscripts, portraits, paintings and water colours regarded as some of the greatest treasures from the era of Romanticism. There are also regular exhibitions held at the museum.
Muncaster Castle is located close by to Ravenglass in the Lake District. The castle is a Grade I listed building and is privately owned by the Pennington family who have lived here for generations. The impressive castle is surrounded by scenic gardens that date back to the 18th century, provide wonderful views over Ravenglass and include Rhododendrons, there is also a maze and an owl sanctuary. The castle also hosts a number of special events and festivals throughout the year.
Guided Tours are available from trained Blue Badge Guides with tours available in a range of languages that include French, Spanish, German and Japanese. Guided tours are a good way for visitors to get the most out of their visit to the Lake District, with a range of itineraries available including country and town walks, mountain walks, sightseeing tours and special interest tours.
Visitors can enjoy a trip to the Lake District, one of the most naturally scenic regions in the UK. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural environment, enjoy the splendid natural scenery and dramatic landscapes. Here visitors can enjoy the tranquillity and solitude to get away from it all, rest and relax or enjoy the great outdoors and take part in many outdoor pursuits.
How to Get There
The Lake District is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
The town of Kendal is located in the south of the Lake District, seen as the gateway to the Lake District, it is located approx 270 miles from central London. From London, take the A5 then the M1 (or the A40 and M40) until the junctions for the M6. Take the M6 all the way to junction 36 and take the exit for the A590 then take the A65 that goes to Kendal. The approx journey time is 5 hours depending on traffic and time of day.
By Train:
The train station at Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle have regular services with London Euston station, the journey time is approx 2 hour 45 minutes to 4 hours, depending on service and time of day.
By Bus/Coach:
There are regular coaches available from London Victoria Coach station to Kendal in the Lake District, the approx journey times is 7 hours 35 minutes to 8 hours depending on service, traffic and time of day. There are also coach services to Windermere, Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere in the Lake District, services are provided by services are provided by National Express.
Contact Details
Lake District National Park Authority
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7RL
Telephone: +44 (0)1539 724555
Fax: +44 (0)1539 740822
email:info@conservancy.co.uk
Website: Lake District National Park
Map
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For Local Search and Directions see: Lake District National Park Map
Tips & Other Considerations
The weather and climate can be unpredictable, there can be elements of all four seasons in one day. Ensure you check the weather forecast before you travel and have the correct clothing and footwear including comfortable walking shoes, fleece, raincoat and umbrella.
Follow travel advice and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to the Lake District ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions. Check traffic updates before you travel.
If you are looking for car parking in and around the national park, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise not to park there.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
