How To Visit The Lake District – Inspiration For Hikers and Literary Lovers.
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The Lake District is one of the most admired parts of the entire UK. It’s beloved for is views, waterfalls, inspiring landscapes and, of course, its lakes. This is one of the most peaceful places you can go if you want to get away from it all. It has inspired numerous artists, writers, and was a place of particular interest during the Romantic period. Spending time in places like the Lake District is one of my favourite ways to feel more peaceful and calm. I always come back from a trip feeling refreshed and centred. I want you to be able to appreciate this wonderful place as much as I do, so I’m going to tell you everything I know.
This should be a meaty post, so it’s a good idea to add a table of contents element that shows the H2s and possibly H3s (shorter posts can also include the H3s in the table of contents).
What is the Lake District?
The Lake District is a mountainous region located in North West England. It encompasses the area surrounding the lakes of the same name: Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston. The landscape consists of hills, valleys and moorland that are home to a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, otters and golden eagles. The Lake District was designated as a national park in 1951 and covers an area of 633 square miles (1,660 square km). It is currently managed by English National Parks (ENP).
The Lake District has played an important role in the history of England since it was first inhabited by prehistoric tribes who lived off the land. The Romans later invaded the area and established settlements. The lake towns that were built to support these settlements grew into thriving communities. In later centuries, the Lake District became a popular destination for tourists seeking peace and tranquility away from the bustle of city life. Today, visitors can explore the region’s many attractions including its picturesque villages, lakeside walks and cultural sites.
What is so great about the Lake District?
The Lake District is located in the north of England and is made up of national park land, towns, villages and countryside. The area is home to beautiful natural landscapes and is popular with tourists who come to enjoy the scenery and take part in outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and boating. It is particularly loved by adventurous types. There are a number of beautiful lakes for kayaking and wild swimming. It also has the most scrambles of any national park in the UK.
The Lake District has been described as a ‘hidden gem’ because it offers so much more than just beautiful scenery. There are many things to do in the district including museums, sporting events, festivals and artisan markets. People who live in the area can also enjoy a range of local produce including cheese and ale. In addition, there are many places to eat and drink to suit all tastes and budgets. There are plenty of accommodation options for visitors from luxury hotels to B&B establishments. The Lake District is a great place to visit in any season but if you want to experience its best then come during the summer months when the weather is warmest.
A Hiker’s Paradise
The Lake District is a popular destination for hikers of all levels. The area features flat terrain, abundant natural beauty and a wealth of recreational activities.
The largest concentration of walking trails in England, the Lake District is famous for its mountainous scenery, idyllic green valleys and expansive lakes. The trails are generally well-maintained, but be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out. Summer can bring hot temperatures and heavy rainfall while winter brings freezing temperatures and high winds. While hiking, be sure to wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and waterproof boots. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you energized on long walks. There are many lakeside accommodations along the trails that are perfect for overnight stays or lunch breaks.
Some of the top hiking routes in the Lake District include:
- Tarn How’s Circular Walk
- Old Man Coniston
- Helvellyn via Thirlmere
- Blencathra
- Grasmere to Helm’s Crag
Writers in the Lake District
There are many writers that have lived in the lake district, and most of them live in Wordsworth Country. I’m sure you can guess why it’s named this. The Lake District was particularly popular with writers during the Romantic period. Writers of this time admired large landscapes and breathtaking sights. The Lake District was the perfect place to find this, and many of them fell in love during a visit and came to settle here
Some of these writers include:
- William Wordsworth – Poet and Romantic
- Alfred Lord Tennyson – Poet laureate
- James Barrie – Author of Peter Pan and other works
- Elizabeth Gaskell – Victorian author of Cranford, Cakes and Ale and North and South
- James Lees-Milne – Writer, journalist and diarist, short-story writer etc.
- Beatrix Potter – Author
You are able to visit the places that these writers stayed. William Wordsworth lived in Grasmere, Alfred Lord Tennyson lived in Rydal Mount, James Barrie lived at the Hall at Grange over Sands etc. Most of them wrote about the beauty of the Lake District, its landscapes, its wildlife and also its people. You can even take the same walks as these writers. Maybe you’ll be able to find inspiration, just the way they did.
How to start planning a trip to the Lake District
- Figure out your capability level. You don’t want to overshoot and plan hikes or swims that are too difficult or dangerous for your capability. Do some research beforehand into which routes suit you so you can have the most enjoyable trip possible.
- Check rules beforehand. Many of these places have specific rules about campfires, camping, swimming, and litter. Make sure to check the rules for each area before you go so that you don’t get caught unprepared.
- Make sure you have all your equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment for a hiking holiday is a pair of good hiking boots. Your can easily get injured if hiking in unsuitable footwear – a surefire way to ruin the whole holiday. Check out my post on the Best Hiking Boots For Women in 2022 for my top recommendations.
- Find a place to stay. Finding the perfect accommodation can really be a game-changer when you’re going on an adventurous holiday. The perfect accommodation can provide a respite when you come back in the evening to recharge for the next day. It is a home away from home wherever you stay and can make a massive difference to your comfort and happiness. Here are my top recommendations of places to stay in the Lake District:
- Rooms36 -Keswick
- The Rockefeller Apartments – Bowness-on-Windemere
- Inglenook Cottage – Granger Over Sands
- Grange Cottage – Flookburgh
- Haweswater Hotel – Bampton
Tips for the best possible Lake District visit
- Plan your trip beforehand. Having an itinerary can make a massive difference to your trip and the amount you get done. Try to plan at least one thing you want to do each day so you don’t waste a single second of your time in the area.
- Take your camera. The Lake District is renowned for having some of the best views in the entire country. You are sure to want to remember these forever. So, make sure to take your camera and capture them forever.
- Check for events that may be on in the area you’re staying. There are often festivals, food markets and other events that happen regularly in the Lake District. Make sure to research these beforehand so you can go along and make the most of the local culture while you’re there.
- Set time aside to relax. Holidays like this can become really jam-packed, so make sure to have some time for yourself so you don’t become overwhelmed. Take along your journal, or yoga mat, or download your favourite meditation app to give yourself the opportunity to chill. You could even sit outside and take in the beautiful atmosphere to increase your relaxation tenfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
The last thing you need to know about the Lake District
The Lake District is absolutely one of the most beloved areas of the UK throughout time. It is also one of the largest National Park. Unlike other national parks, while it is full of open spaces and hikes, there is also a large number of lovely towns to visit. There are also museums and points of interest to keep you busy. There is so much wonderful stuff that it can be hard to cram it all in. So, the sooner you get started the better. Make a great plan, put a nice length of time aside for your trip and get exploring. Life is too short to put the Lake District off any longer.
Thank you so much for reading my post, I really hope you loved it. If you want to read about another of my favourite national parks, go and check on my post on the Myths and Legends of Snowdonia.
Ta-ta for now! x
