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.
One of the most scenic of the Lakeland Passes, Hardknott has been in use since at least the Roman era. The road from Eskdale climbs to 1291 feet, making Hardknott the second highest of the Lakeland passes. Near the summit of the pass is a well preserved 2nd-century Roman fort. The way is narrow and winding, with few passing places, but the scenery is simply superb. Well worth a drive.
Cockley Beck, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Mountain Pass
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Hardknott Roman Fort
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One of the most popular peaks in the Lake District for walkers, Helvellyn can be approached by a variety of routes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular routes leave from Glenridding and Patterdale to the west, and Thirlmere to the west.
Patterdale, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Mountain
Heritage Rating: ?
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A lovely waterfall just a short distance uphill of popular Aira Force. Less crowded than Aira Force, but well worth a combined visit. Access to walks to Yew Crag for views over Ullswater.
Glenridding, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Waterfall
Heritage Rating: ?
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One of the most popular circular walks in the Lake District leading from the shores of Lake Windermere, through the picturesque streets of Ambleside, and up the fellside to a medieval packhorse bridge in a stunning countryside setting. This short circular walk offers superb views over Windermere and the surrounding countryside.
Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 9LQ
Attraction Type: Countryside - Walk
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
One of the most scenic and most popular Lakeland routes, the road over the Honister Pass follows the route travelled by Victorian sightseers on circular day trips from Keswick. The B5289 road climbs from Borrowdale to a height of 1167 feet, before plunging down a precipitous 4:1 grade to fetch up at Buttermere far below.
Seatoller, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Heritage Rating: ?
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If you fancy a good view, take my advice and turn your steering wheel south from Ullswater on the A592. Head through the hamlet of Patterdale and begin the long climb up to the summit of Kirkstone Pass, at 1489 feet the highest pass in the Lake District.
Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: The ancient Kirkstone Inn
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Lake Windermere is the largest, deepest, and widest lake in the Lake District National Park (and in England as a whole). Steamers sail up and down the lake, linking major visitor attractions. At the head of the lake is Ambleside, a magnet for walkers, while Bowness and Windermere attract families.
Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Lake
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Roman remains at Galava (Ambleside)
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A spectacular waterfall made famous by poet Robert Southey. A popular destination for visitors to Derwentwater since the Victorian period.
Grange, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Waterfall
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
One of the most popular and enduring walks in the Lake District, with fantastic views across Rydal Water, Grasmere, and the Langdale valley. If you don't fancy climbing all the way to the top, there is a much shorter walk to Loughrigg Terrace, a level path part way up Loughrigg. The walk starts at Old Moss Common Quarry Car Park on the A591.
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 9SE
Attraction Type: Countryside - Walk
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Mallerstang Dale stretches roughly from the market town of Kirkby Stephen in the north to Garsdale in the south. On the east, the valley is bounded by Mallerstang Edge, and to the west by Wild Boar Fell. This is a glorious area of unspoilt countryside, a real overlooked gem of natural beauty.
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, England
Attraction Type: Countryside - Valley
Heritage Rating: ?
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