Embrace a wild adventure and immerse yourself in the unrivalled allure of the Lake District, weaving in unmissable attractions during a luxury escape.

Bowness on Windermere

Windermere is the largest and longest lake in England and the perfect setting for crafting Lakeland love stories. At 10 miles long, its vast, shimmering swathes reside within a glacial valley, carved during the last ice age. Renowned for its spellbinding scenery, it encompasses a plethora of places to visit, including the beautiful Bowness on Windermere. A unique place to visit in the Lake District, this lakeside town is the largest town in the National Park and ideal for those seeking both culture and wild escapism. Head to Bowness on Windermere to uncover the magic of the lake and enjoy a range of things to see and do, from shops and restaurants to boat cruises.

Amongst the town’s array of attractions, The World of Beatrix Potter is amongst the most adored. Celebrating the life and works of acclaimed children’s author and natural scientist, Beatrix Potter, and her beloved characters, the attraction promises an enchanting experience for all generations. Peruse the exhibitions and displays and uncover insights into Beatrix’s love of the Lake District and her 23 Tales

Sizergh Castle

For those seeking a dose of historical romance, escape to Sizergh Castle in Helsington for a few hours or the whole day. A striking Medieval manor house surrounded by a 1,600-acre estate, the National Trust-run Sizergh is a dream to explore. Head over between March and November to make the most of the intriguing manor and its sprawling grounds. Inside the house, 26 generations of Strickland family history spans more than 800 years. Meanwhile, outside, verdant gardens are reflected in a picturesque lake and encompassed by thousands of acres of wetland, woodland, fields, and orchards for timeless adventures. Satiating appetites is the onsite café, which serves lunch daily in season.

Rydal Cave

One of the most unique places to visit in the Lake District is Rydal Cave. A dramatic cave on the northern slopes of Loughrigg Fell, this man-made cave was created as the result of local quarrying and today it offers an atmospheric place to wander. Park in Pelter Bridge car park just over half a mile away and amble along the defined tracks that fringe the banks of the River Water and the foot of Loughrigg to find the cave. Upon arrival, step inside to enjoy the silverscreen aesthetics, which have starred in TV series such as The Witcher. To pursue further exploration, you can also visit nearby Cathedral Cave in Little Langdale or continue your hike up Loughrigg Fell to enjoy the captivating vistas over Langdale Valley.

Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike is an iconic emblem of the Lake District National Park. Situated at the head of the deepest lake in England, Wastwater, this towering mountain is a soaring beacon and has long beckoned to explorers and hikers. Composed of 450-million-year-old volcanic rock, it rises to 3,210 feet to claim the title of England’s highest mountain and promises otherworldly alpine pursuits. Follow one of the trails that wend up the contours of the mountain to reach the top, all the while enjoying the incredible views over Wasdale and the surrounding summits. Depending on your experience, the walk from Wasdale Head up ‘Brown Tongue’ is a great route to introduce yourself to the fell.

Grasmere

For those seeking fairytale forays, the village of Grasmere is an unmissable treat. A stone’s throw from Rydal, it resides within one of the prettiest pockets of the Lake District National Park, hemmed by a sapphire-hued lake and overlooked by mist-shrouded fells. Meander through the village to find its mountain boutiques and traditional pubs, row on the lake, and explore its nearby attractions. A must for the wanderlist, a trip to Grasmere Gingerbread rewards with shelves of gingerbread, rum butter, creamy fudge, and mint cake. Tucked within a 1630s schoolhouse, the shop is most famous for its award-winning Grasmere Gingerbread, first invented by local legend Sarah Nelson in 1854. Down the road, you can also journey to Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum on the edge of Grasmere, the former home of English poet William Wordsworth.

Aira Force

Part of a designed landscape created by the 11th Duke of Norfolk in the 18th century, Gowbarrow Park is simply heavenly. At the centre of these Georgian pleasure grounds, the tumbling 65-foot falls of Aira Force descend through a leafy valley. The inspiration behind William Wordsworth’s poem, Somnambulist, the falls make for a dramatic sight, framed by wooded glades and gnarled trees. Head over to this National Trust-run site to experience the roar of the waterfall for yourself, before branching off to trace the myriad trails around the park past stone bridges, champion trees, and corridors of ferns. From the Aira Force National Trust car park, gravel tracks lead all the way down to the shores of Ullswater, promising a picturesque picnic spot for alfresco refreshers.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

One of the earliest man-made attractions in the Lake District, Castlerigg Stone Circle is a place of unique appeal. Exuding mystique, it is considered to be one of the oldest stone circles in Britain and is believed to date as far back as 3,000BC – predating even Stonehenge. At nearly 100 feet in diameter, it is composed of 38 stones, some of which reach over 7 feet in height. Head over to see the circle and marvel at the incredible feat of human engineering that facilitated this Neolithic mystery. Making the view all the more special is the backdrop of the mighty Helvellyn in the distance, the third-highest mountain in England.

Whinlatter Forest

For adumbral immersion in nature, seek the emerald cloak of Whinlatter Forest. One of the largest forests in England, Whinlatter is a mecca for lovers of outdoor moments. Promising miles of leisurely strolls and invigorating hikes, the forest’s trails range from mile-long stretches to extended hikes that can be looped together for full days of sylvan reveries. As well as boasting breathtaking walks through soaring evergreens, the forest is especially adored for its purpose-built mountain bike trails, which twist and turn through the trees. With a range of pistes of varying complexity, cyclists of all abilities can experience the thrill of off-roading. For further intrigue, events are regularly held in connection with Forestry England to connect people with nature at Whinlatter Forest, such as photography workshops and wildlife walks.

Coniston Water

For the limnophiles, Coniston Water in the Lake District promises a mesmeric destination. Overlooked by Coniston village, the lake is over 5 miles long and half a mile wide, affording plenty of space to paddle, swim, paddleboard, and kayak on clement days. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can also hire a boat from Coniston Boating Centre or Coniston Launch, or take part in dreamy lake cruises with Steam Yacht Gondola from Coniston Pier. For deeper discovery, experienced divers can also visit a number of access points and dive sites around the lake to explore life below the water’s surface. One of the most well-known spots is Underwater Cliff, a sought-after dive site that’s adorned with various underwater decorations.

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Established in 1973, the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway promises a wonderfully unique experience in the Lake District. Home to vintage steam locomotives pulling lovingly restored 1950s carriages, the railway offers a nostalgic journey through the Leven Valley and the magical realms of the National Park. Hop aboard one of the dog-friendly trains at Haverthwaite Station and relax in style in your carriage as you are transported for 50 minutes through leafy surrounds, past the southernmost reaches of Windermere to Lakeside Station. From here, enjoy connections with Windermere Lake Cruises for charming escapades, or explore the surrounding area with its endless attractions. When you’re ready to return, simply relax in your carriage seat and let your mind drift in tandem with the views that unfurl beyond the window.

Ashness Jetty

For those hoping to savour a sublime sunset scene in the Lake District, turn your attention to Ashness Jetty. Situated within Barrow Bay, this photogenic jetty is beloved for its scenic qualities, extending into the mirror-topped waters of Derwentwater. With distant mountains to frame the scenery and plenty of rugged charm, this west-facing gem is particularly admired by photographers, as well as those wishing to simply sit beside the lake shores for a moment of quietude in the fresh mountain air. As well as sunsets, sunrises can be particularly special here, illuminating the lake with the soft palette of dawn. Close to Ashness Jetty, Ashness Bridge promises another storybook scene, with a quaint packhorse bridge crossing crystalline mountain waters.