Oahu banner

Experience The Lake District
Make an Enquiry
Flights to UK & Ireland

With England’s five highest mountains, two national parks and three areas of outstanding natural beauty, the Lake District is a glorious place to visit.

This landscape of lakes, waterfalls and woodland will inspire you just as it has some of Britain’s most beloved writers, including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. It is this tapestry of scenic beauty and historic heritage that stretches back to the Stone Age that makes the Lake District so special.

Nestled in the hills or beside the shores of the more than 20 major lakes in this region are picturesque towns and
villages. Windermere or Ambleside would make ideal bases from which to explore further afield. You can experience the Lake District simply by strolling through a bluebell wood or a field of daffodils; from the deck of an historic steamer; or paddle a kayak across still waters. Head for the hills on foot on the multitude of walking tracks; climb Scarfell Pike, England’s highest mountain; or cycle over its steepest road, Hardknott Pass.

 

The Lake District Fast Facts
• 42,239 people live within the boundaries of the National Park.
• Deepest lake is Wastwater at 74 metres & the longest is Windermere.
• An area intimately associated with English literature.
• The Lake District National Park is England’s largest and covers 2292 sq. km.
• 8.3 million visitors a year.
• Herwick sheep, native to the region.
• 89 % of visitors come by private motor vehicle.
• Kirkstone Pass is the highest road in the Lake District.

 

Explore The Great Lakes

 

A great place to start this journey is in the village of Windermere, one of the Lake District’s most popular tourist destinations situated on the shore of Lake Windermere, England’s biggest and deepest. It extends along the shore with many tea shops, as well as gardens offering great views.

Worth a visit is nearby Brockhole National Park Visitor Centre, set in a stately home surrounded by acres of picturesque grounds. Continue north over Applethwaite Common on the A592 through to spectacular Kirkstone Pass towards Ullswater. This is one of the highest mountainous routes in Britain, with some very steep gradients. The road then skirts the western end of Ullswater until you fork left onto the A5091.

Carry on until you reach the T-junction then turn left onto the A66, the UK’s version of the American Route 66. You’ll then reach Keswick, a lovely town perched on the Derwent Water, boasting the world’s biggest pencil shop, as well as great views from Castlerigg stone circle. Head south again on the A591, passing between the peak of Halvellyn on your left and the pretty Lake Thirlmere on the right until you reach the town of Grasmere. Here you’ll be able to visit the Wordsworth family homes, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, and perhaps be inspired to go for a wander in search of Wordsworth’s daffodils.

Follow the road down to Ambleside, a popular Victorian village at the north end of Lake Windermere, and then take the B5286 to Hawkshead, another attractive village that’s worth a stop. Here you will find the Beatrix Potter Gallery and, if you take a detour a few kilometres south, you can visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s quaint country home. Back in Hawkshead follow the B5285 until you reach Coniston. This village is wonderfully situated beneath a distinctive, craggy hill known as the old man on Coniston, with the famous waters below.

From Coniston continue your drive by heading south on the A593 and A5084, taking in the views across the water to Grizedale Forest, along the way passing through the village of Newby Bridge, changing to the A591 eventually ending back in Windermere. 

 

Print page

Build A Quote
Add this page

  • flights
  • insurance
  • hotels
    1. Passengers with special needs or children (aged 2-15) travelling alone?
    2. Stopover or Multi-city? Search Flights