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.
The larger sibling of popular Buttermere lake in the north-west of the Lake District, Crummock Water is larger than its neighbour and tends to avoid the crowds that throng Buttermere. On the western side of the lake is Scale Force waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Lake District at 170 feet in height.
Buttermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
One of the most popular and easiest to access lakes in the northern Lake District, Derwentwater offers excellent boating opportunities, and access to some of the best walks in the National Park. Immediately east of Keswick is Castlerigg, one of the most beautifully situated stone circles in Britain. At the south eastern tip of the lake is Lodore Falls and beyond lies Borrowdale, where the road climbs over Honister Pass to Buttermere.
Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Dob Gill is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the Lake District National Park. The Gill runs east out of Harrop Tarn and empties into Thirlmere. Access is easy, up a short trail from a parking area by the lakeside.
Wythburn, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Waterfall
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Dodd Wood is a secluded forest woodland on the eastern shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, in the north-western corner of the Lake District National Park. Dodd Wood is immediately opposite the entrance to Mirehouse, the historic house from which the National Park leases the area. Walks lead through the woodland, past an impressive waterfall, onto hillside terraces which give excellent views over the lake.
A591, Bassenthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Walk
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
A beautiful and unspoilt area of Cumbria, often overlooked by tourists who flock to the Lake District further west, the Eden Valley offers wonderful scenery, historic interest - and none of the crowds that can sometimes threaten to overwhelm the Lake District itself. The Eden River flows down from the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and passes north through Cumbria, then turns west to the sea near Carlisle.
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Valley
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Ennerdale Water is located in the north-west corner of the Lake District National Park, an area bypassed by the hordes that tend to crowd the more accessible eastern lakes. It is one of the least accessible of the major lakes, and that helps add to the charm - the forests that crowd in upon Ennerdale are protected, with no vehicles allowed. There are superb climbs and walking trails around the lake, many of which can be reached via the remote youth hostel at the eastern end of Ennerdale Water. The hostel can only be reached on foot.
Ennerdale Bridge, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Eskdale is one of the quietest and most scenic valleys in the Lake District. At one end of the valley is Muncaster Castle, home of the Pennington family for 800 years, and at the other end is Hardknott Roman Fort, built in the 2nd century. A narrow-gauge railway runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth, in the centre of the valley.
Eskdale Green, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: 12th century Muncaster Castle
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Fell Foot Park is a National Trust country park situated in a lovely location at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. There are picnic areas and boat hire available, and the park offers wonderful views north over the lake.
Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, England, LA12 8NN
Attraction Type: Countryside - Park
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Grasmere is a small lake north of Ambleside. The lake gives its name to the village of Grasmere, located at the northern tip of the lake. The village is famous as the home of poet William Wordsworth and for Grasmere gingerbread, still made locally. Popular walks follow the lakeshore and climb the slopes of Loughrigg Fell for amazing views.
Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Links to the poet William Wordsworth
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
A highlight of any visit to the Lake District, this popular woodland park extends between the Coniston and Windermere lakes. Grizedale was once owned by Furness Abbey, near Cartmel, then became part of the Grizedale Hall estate, but in 1931 the Forestry Commission purchased Grizedale to create a forest park. Within the park are several waymarked walks intended for people with different levels of mobility. The trails are lined with fascinating sculptures to add interest.
Hawkshead, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 0QJ
Attraction Type: Countryside - Walk
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages