The Lake District National Park has Windermere, Ullswater and Scafell Pike, plus the literary legacy of Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Walking, boat rides and pub lunches suit every pace.
Good to know
- Rent a car or use the 599 and Stagecoach buses to cover remote valleys.
- Bring waterproofs and proper walking boots.
- Parking fills early in summer; arrive by 9am.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Short, rewarding fell walk above Derwentwater with sweeping views.
Market town with a pencil museum, gear shops and a lakeshore walk.
Steamer cruises across England's largest lake with fell views.
Wordsworth's home, a lakeside village and famous gingerbread shop.
Tiny farmhouse that inspired Peter Rabbit, with a cottage garden.
Boat ride and a woodland walk to a waterfall.
England's highest peak, a long day hike for the experienced.
Cumberland sausage or sticky toffee pudding by a fire after a hike.
Gothic Revival castle with kids' trails on Windermere's western shore.
Calm-water paddling on Derwentwater with islands to explore, kayak and paddleboard hire available at the shore.