The Lake District is a national park in the northwest of England. With dramatic landscapes thanks to its 200 fells and 16 lakes the scenery is stunningly picturesque wherever you look.

Here are my favourite Lake District things to do if you have a few days to spend in the area.

Hiking

The panoramic views are everywhere you look so you’ll want to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some walking.

The most famous hike in the Lake District is the climb up to Scafell Pike, also the highest mountain in England. Be warned though, this is a challenging 5 hour hike over hard terrain with some scrambling involved.

For something a little easier try Catbells, a smaller peak and easier climb with views over Derwentwater. It’s 3 miles long and still an uphill slog with some scrambling involved, but it’s a good family hike that should be achievable for most fitness levels.

Things To Do

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick is a 5000 year old stone circle sitting with a backdrop of beautiful Lake District scenery. You can climb on the stones and walk among them so if you’ve got kids it’s a great spot for hide and seek.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter lived in the Lake District for most of her life and she is very closely associated with this part of the world. The World of Beatrix Potter museum in Bowness-On-Windermere is an affectionate homage to her creations.

There are walk-through exhibits featuring her beloved animals including Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Jemima Puddleduck, and even an outdoor vegetable patch belonging to Mr McGregor. This is a great stop with kids. You get an activity book on entry and there are lots of hidden things to find as you walk around. Don’t miss the large Peter Rabbit gift shop next door where you can buy all manner of Peter Rabbit and friends merchandise.

Aira Force Waterfall

A spectacular drive over Kirkstone Pass takes you to Aira Force Waterfall. Here you can enjoy a woodland walk alongside a stream which leads to the waterfall. Keep your eyes out for red squirrels in the woods.

Enjoy The Drive

With spectacular views everywhere you look the Lake District is a great place for a scenic drive. Kirkstone Pass takes you high over a mountain pass with magnificent views all around you. The scenery around Keswick and Grasmere is also particularly pretty.

The Lakes

The Lake District with its 16 lakes is a perfect place to get out on the water. Lake Windermere will be your best choice for this, with cruises, boat hire and ferries all allowing you to enjoy some water-based pursuits.

Where To Stay

All of the Lake District towns are pretty, with stone buildings and plenty of character.

The main towns of the Lake District are:

• Windermere
• Bowness-On-Windermere
• Ambleside
• Keswick

All of these towns make for good places to base yourself. Have a look at this listing of Lake District accommodation. Keep in mind the towns are full of people and very congested. Parking can be a problem, and trying to find a table in a pub or restaurant can be tricky at busy times.

As an alternative how about staying somewhere a little outside of town like The Kings Head Inn near Thirlmere or the Badger Bar in Glen Rothay where you can watch the badgers being fed every evening at dusk.

Where To Eat

The Ambleside Inn do a phenomenally good Sunday roast with an enormous Yorkshire pudding.

Also in Ambleside is The Drunken Duck, a much-loved inn with a modern spin on pub grub.

How To Get To The Lake District

Located an hour and a half from Manchester and 5 hours from London, you’ll need a car to explore the area.

Further Afield

If you have time for a longer trip, drive northeast from the Lake District and explore Hadrian’s Wall country and Northumberland.

We recently visited the Lake District as part of a month-long road trip around England. Read the full trip report here.