Lake District countryside attractions
Out and about in the Lake District
The Lake District National Park
Visitor information and major attractions
Lakes of the Lake District
The major lakes of the National Park region and what to see and do
Waterfalls
The Lake District is blessed with a number of spectacular waterfalls, and many of them are fairly easy to access.
St Bees Head Heritage Coast
St. Bees is the only heritage coast between Anglesey and the Scottish border, indeed, it is the only sea cliff in all that area. The cliffs are dramatic, composed of striking red sandstone some 300 feet high, and affording excellent views north to Scotland and across to the Isle of Man.
Aira Force is possibly the most visited waterfall in the Lake District - certainly, it is one of the easiest to get to! A footpath from the National Trust parking lot off the A592 leads through lovely woodland in a circular path to Aira Force and High Force, a pair of cascades totalling 65 feet in height. Footbridges lead across the Aira above and below the falls, allowing some excellent views - mind the spray! Paths lead beyond the falls to Yew Crag.
Glenridding, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Waterfall
Heritage Rating: 
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Bassenthwaite is the northernmost lake within the Lake District National Park. Bassenthwaite's major attraction is the stately home of Mirehouse and the old church of St Bega nearby. The lake is home to the vendace, a fish found only one other place in the UK. Good access to Skiddaw, Cockermouth, and Keswick.
Bassenthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: 
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The Fairy Steps is a natural limestone rock formation near Beetham, Cumbria, in the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. Legend says that if you can climb up or down the Fairy Steps without touching the sides of the cleft, the faeries will grant you a wish.
Whinscar Plantation, Beetham, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Rock Formation
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Myths of faeries and spectral dogs
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A picturesque 18th-century stone packhorse bridge spans the River Duddon at Birks, near Seathwaite. There is a picnic area near the bridge and footpaths through scenic woodland.
Seathwaite, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Packhorse Bridge
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: 18th-century stone bridge
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One of the most scenic areas of the Lake District National Park, the Borrowdale valley stands at the south end of Derwent Water. The River Derwent runs along the valley floor, and on all sides rise up dramatic fells. This glorious walking country, and immensely popular; not surprising given the variety of both easy and more difficult trails available.
Bowe Barn, Borrowdale Road, Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England, CA12 5UP
Attraction Type: Countryside - Valley
Heritage Rating: 
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A Lake District icon, the Bowder Stone is a 2000 tonne boulder precariously balanced on one narrow corner. The stone is 30 feet high and 50 feet wide, and it can be ascended via a slender ladder. The Bowder Stone is set in lovely woodland in Borrowdale.
B5289, Grange, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Rock
Heritage Rating: ?
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Brother's Water is one of the Lake District's forgotten treasures, a small lake south of Ullswater, often overlooked by tourists. The lake lies at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass, which leads to the Windermere valley. There are walking trails around the lake and through the attractive hamlet of Hartsop.
Hartsop, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
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A beautiful lake in the heart of all that is best about the Lake District! Surrounded by some of the best walking country in the National Park, Buttermere has been a magnet for visitors since the Lakeland poets like Wordsworth first began to extol its beauty. There are popular walks along the lake and more vigorous walks to Red Pike and Haystacks, among other delights.
Buttermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
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The walk from Rosthwaite to Castle Crag is one of the most popular in the Lake District. The trail passes beside the River Derwent, over a picturesque stone bridge, then climbs the slopes of Castle Crag, past old slate mining spoil heaps, to the summit at 890 feet, where you can get wonderful views north to Derwent Water.
Rosthwaite, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Walk
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Old slate mining
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Coniston Water is one of the largest lakes within the Lake District National Park, and one of the most popular with visitors. The main centre for Coniston Water is Coniston village, at the north-west corner of the lake. If you are feeling energetic, a trail leads from Coniston to the peak called the Old Man of Coniston, which looks out across the lake to Brantwood, the home of the Victorian philosopher, author, and social reformer John Ruskin. If you fancy a trip to see Brantwood the best way to travel is on the restored steam yacht Gondola, which makes regular trips from Coniston pier.
Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
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