GUIDE TO THE LAKE DISTRICT
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most beautiful and peaceful places to explore. Spanning over 900 square miles, it boats many beautiful fells, waterfalls, caves, woodlands and lakes that are waiting to be explored by you.
In this guide, we talk about some of the best places to visit in the Lake District, including loads of hidden gems, scenic walks, amazing views, wild swimming spots, great bakeries, and more. We’ve also added some top tips here to help you make the most of your trip.
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5 Tips for Exploring The Lake District
#1 – Pack Suitable Clothing
Hikes can make you go from cold to boiling to freezing within the space of 30 minutes, and there’s always the chance of a surprise downpour (it is the Lake District, after all) so, layers are your best friend. Take a waterproof windbreaker jacket, a fleece, walking trousers or leggings, and a bobble hat to keep your head warm. We’d also recommend investing in a pair of decent walking boots that are waterproof, protect your ankles and have decent grip. The last thing you want on a hike are wet feet, blisters or a strain! We rate Merrell for high-quality comfort and grip, or for a cost-friendly option, Go Outdoors.
#2 – Pack Essential Gear
Take a backpack with the basics:
- A large water bottle (like this Camelbak Flip Straw 1L bottle)
- High-energy snacks, like nuts, dried fruit, and granola bars
- Sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses)
- A portable charger
- An extra pair of socks (because wet socks ruin everything)
- A small first-aid kit
- A tick remover tool – ticks are common in many rural places in the Lake District, especially during spring and summer!
#3 – Use Apps for Navigation
Signal is hit-and-miss in the Lake District, so prepare using the apps below:
- MAPS.ME is an essential app for offline navigation, allowing you to download maps – great for exploring remote places in the Lake District where you might end up short on signal. Download for Google Play or iOS.
- Park4Night is a great app, especially if you’re staying in a campervan or motorhome – it helps you find free or cheap overnight spots (some with seriously scenic views).
#4 – Time Your Visit Strategically
The Lake District can get busy – especially around the touristy areas that you may pass through, such as Windermere. Visit in May or June for great weather while also avoiding high tourism. We also recommend visiting outside of the usual hours, for sunrise and sunset. We often travel in the evening to dodge the traffic (some of those narrow, bendy roads are no joke), then wake up early to explore, without the possibility of crowds. It makes the whole trip feel calmer and more peaceful, especially when you’re heading to some of the best places in the Lakes that usually tend to fill up fast by mid-morning.
#5 – Save on Parking
There are loads of National Trust spots across the Lakes, and the parking cost will add up fast. If you’re planning to visit a few, a membership is well worth it and starts from £4 a month, and it means you can just rock up, scan your pass and head off on your walk without worrying about faffing with ticket machines. Again, we rate Park4Night to find free or cheap parking and overnight spots which are often tucked away in the most beautiful locations!
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