Introduction
The Lake District National Park in northwest England is one of the UK’s most breathtaking destinations, attracting over 15 million visitors each year. Famous for its glacial lakes, rugged mountains, picturesque villages and literary heritage, it offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. Whether you’re into hiking, boating, photography or simply enjoying charming English countryside life, there are countless attractions in the Lake District UK to explore. From world-famous lakes like Windermere to hidden gems like Tarn Hows, this guide by Path To Places highlights the top 15 attractions you must see.
🏞️ 1. Lake Windermere – The Heart of the Lake District
Lake Windermere is the beating heart of the Lake District, stretching over 10.5 miles and surrounded by gentle hills and bustling villages. It’s not just the largest natural lake in England, but also one of the most popular attractions in the Lake District UK.
Visitors can take a Windermere Lake Cruise from Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding fells. Adventurers can hire kayaks, paddleboards or even try sailing. Families often enjoy a lakeside picnic at Fell Foot Park, while couples may prefer a sunset boat ride.
The town of Bowness-on-Windermere is full of cafes, restaurants, and the famous World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, making it a perfect stop for families with kids. For those looking for scenic hikes, Orrest Head offers a short but rewarding climb with panoramic views of the entire lake.
👉 Best For: Families, first-time visitors and boating lovers.
⛰️ 2. Scafell Pike – England’s Tallest Mountain
At 978 meters (3,210 ft), Scafell Pike stands tall as England’s highest mountain and is a bucket-list climb for hikers and mountaineers. The trek is challenging but unforgettable, with routes starting from Wasdale Head, Seathwaite, and Eskdale.
The mountain is part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, where hikers climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in under 24 hours. Even if you don’t attempt the full challenge, summiting Scafell Pike is a rewarding experience. On a clear day, the summit offers panoramic views that stretch as far as the Irish Sea, Isle of Man and even Scotland. For photography lovers, the rugged landscape of boulders and scree fields provides dramatic scenery.
👉 Best For: Experienced hikers, adventure seekers, and photographers.
🌿 3. Derwentwater – The Queen of the Lakes
Often nicknamed the “Queen of the Lakes”, Derwentwater is one of the most picturesque spots in the Lake District. Surrounded by wooded hills and overlooked by the towering Catbells Fell, it offers a mix of tranquility and activity.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat cruise around the lake, hop off at jetties to explore hidden bays or rent a rowing boat for a more personal adventure. The lakeside trail, a 10-mile circular walk, is perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Nearby, the market town of Keswick provides excellent dining options, traditional pubs and outdoor gear shops. In summer, many visitors also attend plays at the Theatre by the Lake, located right on Derwentwater’s shore.
👉 Best For: Families, romantic getaways, and leisurely outdoor activities.
🏡 4. Grasmere Village & Dove Cottage
Grasmere is one of the most charming villages in the Lake District, known for its stone cottages, quaint tea rooms and literary history. It’s most famous as the home of poet William Wordsworth, who described Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”
Visitors can tour Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived with his family and explore the Wordsworth Museum, which showcases manuscripts, personal belongings, and stories of his life.
Another unmissable treat is Grasmere Gingerbread, baked to a secret recipe since 1854 at a tiny shop beside St. Oswald’s Church. The village is also surrounded by scenic walks, including the Easedale Tarn hike, which rewards walkers with stunning views of waterfalls and a mountain tarn.
🚤 5. Ullswater & Aira Force Waterfall
The tranquil beauty of Ullswater often makes visitors fall in love instantly. Stretching over 7.5 miles, it’s the second-largest lake in the region but less crowded than Windermere.
One of its highlights is the Aira Force Waterfall, a 65-foot cascade hidden within lush woodlands. Walking trails around the falls make it one of the most scenic nature spots in the area.
Visitors can take the historic Ullswater Steamers, which have been running since the 19th century, connecting villages like Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Popular activities include sailing, paddleboarding, and wild swimming.
👉 Best For: Nature lovers, couples, and peaceful retreats.
🌲 6. Tarn Hows – A Hidden Gem
Tarn Hows is a peaceful lake surrounded by wooded hills, making it a perfect hidden gem in the Lake District. It’s especially popular in autumn when the leaves turn golden, creating a magical atmosphere.
The circular walk around the tarn is easy and wheelchair accessible, making it great for families and all fitness levels. The reflections of trees and hills on the calm water create stunning photo opportunities year-round.
Managed by the National Trust, the site offers picnic spots and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
👉 Best For: Families, photographers, and relaxing nature walks.
📚 7. Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s Home
Step back into childhood memories at Hill Top, the 17th-century farmhouse where beloved author Beatrix Potter lived and wrote her famous stories. Fans of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck will instantly recognize the rooms and gardens that inspired her illustrations.
The house is preserved exactly as she left it, with her belongings, sketches and furniture still on display. Outside, the cottage garden bursts with seasonal flowers and vegetables, making it a picture-perfect spot for fans and families.
👉 Best For: Families, children, and literary enthusiasts.
🚶 8. Catbells Fell – A Hiker’s Favorite
Catbells Fell is a moderate hike (around 3 miles) but one of the most rewarding in the Lake District. The climb is achievable for most visitors, including families with older children and the views over Derwentwater are some of the finest in the region.
The ridge walk is especially scenic, with rolling hills and panoramic vistas of Keswick town, Borrowdale Valley and the surrounding peaks. It’s also a popular sunrise and sunset hike, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike.
👉 Best For: Casual hikers, families, and scenic walkers.
🏰 9. Castlerigg Stone Circle
Dating back over 4,000 years, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the most atmospheric prehistoric sites in England. Set on a grassy plateau surrounded by mountains like Skiddaw and Blencathra, it offers a truly mystical experience.
The circle consists of 38 stones arranged in a near-perfect circle, and while its original purpose remains a mystery, it’s believed to have been used for rituals or gatherings. Sunrise and sunset are magical times to visit, when the stones cast long shadows against the fells.
👉 Best For: History lovers, photographers, and spiritual travelers.
🏙️ 10. Ambleside – The Gateway to the Fells
Ambleside sits at the northern edge of Lake Windermere and is known as the Gateway to the Fells. It’s a lively hub for hikers, shoppers and foodies alike.
Visitors can explore the Bridge House, a tiny 17th-century stone house built over Stock Ghyll stream. The town is filled with cozy cafes, bookstores and outdoor shops, making it a great stop before or after a hike.
Nearby, the Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall offers a short scenic walk and boat trips from Ambleside Pier connect the town to Bowness and Lakeside.
👉 Best For: Shoppers, hikers, and cultural travelers.
🏡 11. Hawkshead Village
Hawkshead is one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District, known for its whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys and medieval squares. It’s a car-free village, which adds to its charm and makes it ideal for leisurely strolls.
The village is closely tied to Beatrix Potter, who once owned much of the land here. Visitors can learn more about her legacy at the Beatrix Potter Gallery. Hawkshead is also near Esthwaite Water, one of her favorite fishing spots.
👉 Best For: History lovers, photographers, and peaceful getaways.
🦢 12. Lake Buttermere
Buttermere is a favorite among walkers, thanks to its 4.5-mile lakeside path that offers one of the most beautiful circular walks in England. The reflections of Haystacks Fell in the lake are breathtaking and a dream for photographers.
It’s less crowded than Windermere or Ullswater, offering peace and tranquility. On clear mornings, the glassy water mirrors the surrounding peaks perfectly.
Nearby, walkers can also hike to Fleetwith Pike for panoramic views.
👉 Best For: Photographers, peaceful retreats, and scenic walks.
🎭 13. Keswick & Theatre by the Lake
The market town of Keswick is a lively hub for outdoor activities, shopping and culture. Surrounded by fells and lakes, it’s often considered the outdoor capital of the Lake District.
Visitors can enjoy the Keswick Market, explore the Derwent Pencil Museum or shop at outdoor gear stores. In the evenings, the Theatre by the Lake offers plays, musicals and events in a stunning lakeside setting.
👉 Best For: Culture lovers, outdoor adventurers, and families.
🚣 14. Coniston Water & Ruskin’s Brantwood
Coniston Water is the third-largest lake in the district and is surrounded by rugged scenery. It’s perfect for boating, canoeing, and even wild swimming.
The lake is closely associated with Donald Campbell, who set world water speed records here in the 1950s and 60s. History enthusiasts can also visit Brantwood, the former home of writer and artist John Ruskin, now a museum filled with art and literature.
👉 Best For: History lovers, adventurers, and culture seekers.
🌅 15. Wastwater – England’s Deepest Lake
At 243 feet deep, Wastwater is the deepest lake in England and one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Lake District. Surrounded by Great Gable, Scafell Pike and Lingmell, its rugged setting is awe-inspiring.
In 2007, Wastwater was voted Britain’s Favorite View and it’s easy to see why. The stark beauty of the dark waters and towering mountains makes it a must for photographers and hikers.
The lake lies in the remote Wasdale Valley, meaning it’s far less crowded than Windermere or Ullswater, giving visitors a chance to experience the raw, untouched side of the Lake District.
👉 Best For: Adventure seekers, photographers, and those looking for solitude.
🗺️ Travel Tips for the Lake District UK
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Getting Around: Car hire is best for flexibility, but buses and trains connect major towns.
Where to Stay: Windermere (central, lively), Keswick (outdoor activities), Ambleside (great base for hiking).
Food to Try: Cumberland sausage, sticky toffee pudding, Grasmere gingerbread.
❓ FAQs About the Lake District UK
How many days do you need in the Lake District UK? → 3–5 days is ideal.
Is Lake District expensive? → Moderate, but free hikes make it budget-friendly.
What is the prettiest lake? → Buttermere and Windermere are top contenders.
Can you visit without a car? → Yes, but buses/trains may limit flexibility.
✨ Final Path To Places Conclusion
The Lake District UK is more than just lakes, it’s a journey through breathtaking landscapes, charming villages and cultural treasures. From Scafell Pike’s dramatic peak to the peaceful waters of Buttermere, every corner offers something unique.
At Path To Places, we believe the Lake District isn’t just a destination, but an experience that connects you with nature, history and inspiration. Whether you’re a hiker, history lover or foodie, the Lake District will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.