Local Area

There are tons of things to do in the Lake District that extend beyond lakes and walks. But if you still want to be outside, the fascinating Lake District castles are a great option.  Interestingly, only a couple of these castles actually sit inside the National Park. The rest? Just outside, and absolutely worth the detour.  Here’s your guide to which castles in and near the Lake District deserve a spot on your itinerary.  Lake District castle locations  If you’re searching for castles in the Lake District, you’ll only find a couple inside the National Park boundaries, then a wider…

You’ve got a weekend trip coming up to explore the Lake District, which is super exciting! The only challenge is trying to plan your schedule to maximise your trip. With only a couple of days on the agenda, how do you decide what to do?  With the right plan, you can strike a balance between adventure and relaxation. Use this Lake District 2-day itinerary to experience the best of the area.  Day 1: Gentle exploring and classic Lake District charm Winter’s day walking around Tarns Howes Morning: Start with a classic low-level walk Get your bearings of the incredible Lake…

There are tons of places to eat in Ambleside. One thing’s for certain – you won’t be stuck for choice when you visit. But which places are a bit of you? How do you know where to choose? Rather than present you with a list of ALL the places to eat out in Ambleside, we’ve done the filtering for you. Here, we’ve selected the places with the most delectable food, warmest welcome, best coffee, and freshest vibes. And we should know – we’re from this neck of the woods.  We’ve made it really simple for you by breaking it down…

Ambleside is one of the most beautiful and rewarding bases for exploring the Lake District. You can walk from your front door to hilltop viewpoints, waterfalls, and lakeside paths, all without needing to get in the car. But with so much within easy reach, it’s not always obvious where to start. Should you head straight for the fells, stick to gentler lakeside routes, or spend time exploring the town itself? In this guide, we break down the best things to do in Ambleside for first-time visitors. Discover the best must-see landmarks, rainy-day options, and beautiful walks around classic Lake District…

Lake District Michelin star restaurants represent the highest concentration of starred dining in the UK, outside London. The beautiful natural surroundings increase their appeal. But which one is right for you? This guide helps you choose Michelin star restaurants in the Lake District by breaking down: Defining characteristics Typical price points The atmosphere and setting Whether accommodation is available on site 1. L’Enclume, Cartmel, Cumbria With three Michelin Stars plus a Michelin Green Star (for sustainable produce and practices), L’Enclume in Cartmel is recognised globally.  Simon Rogan, the genius behind L’Enclume, is one of Britain’s most influential chefs. He’s known…

Between the rolling hills and lakes, there are several small, independent microbreweries from Hawkshead to Ulverston. Not only will you find some delicious and unusual beers on offer but there will be a warm welcome too. Here are just a few of our favourites:

Coniston may be small, but its food scene punches well above its weight. Whether you’ve just finished a long walk in the Lake District, spent the day out on Coniston Water, or you’re simply looking for a relaxed meal in the village, there’s plenty of choice.  From cosy cafés serving homemade cakes to welcoming local pubs, Coniston restaurants cater to walkers, families, couples, and dog owners alike.  This guide covers the seven best places to eat in Coniston, highlighting what each spot does well and why it’s worth adding to your itinerary. Price guide for Coniston restaurants:  £ = Budget-friendly…

Sitting among the fells and forests off the western shore of Windermere and just north of Elterwater, Hawkshead village feels like it’s been lifted straight from a storybook. With cute cobblestoned streets, whitewashed cottages, homely pubs, and literary history, you can’t help but feel you’ve discovered somewhere secret, away from the usual tourist hotspots.  So, apart from the village, are there places to visit near Hawkshead if you stay for a couple of days? Indeed, there are! Here’s an accessible two-day itinerary of how to spend a weekend (or any two days, really) in Hawkshead.  Side note: Our Hawkshead itinerary…

Winter in the Lake District is calm, atmospheric, and quietly spectacular. Frosted fells, peaceful lakes, and crowd-free trails show the region in a completely different light. Picture starting your day in a warm cottage, stepping out into quiet landscapes, and exploring places that feel almost untouched. Winter lets you experience the Lakes with more space, more stillness, and more time to enjoy what makes it special. If you’re planning a winter break, you’ll find cottages in beautiful spots across the Lakes – from peaceful valleys to characterful villages. Browse the options and choose a place that suits the kind of…

Thinking of visiting the Lake District but not sure where to start? Planning on making your escape to the Lakes but no idea how to choose a destination? Read on for some of our answers to some of the most common questions visitors have when booking a Lake District holiday. When is the best month to go to the Lake District? If you’re looking for sunshine, then May and June are statistically the sunniest and driest months of the year to visit the Lake District. If you’re on a budget then the best bargains are to be found during winter.…