21 pictures of the Lake District to rekindle your wanderlust

Travelzoo Staff
09 Jul 2017

The Lake District has been awarded World Heritage status! Quite right too, we reckon. Get ready for a whistlestop tour of all that is truly amazing about England’s largest National Park. It’s almost as good as being there.

We should warn you though – once you’ve finished looking at these pictures, it’s highly likely that you’ll find yourself wanting to jump in the car, or hop on the next train, and head straight for the Lakes. Fortunately we can help you there, with our range of deals on lots of Lake District hotels. We've even picked out a few of our favourites at the bottom of the page.

But first, this...

Lakes: check. Mountains: one or two. Boats: in abundance. Soul-nourishing views in every direction: naturally. Welcome to the Lake District.

 

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This is Buttermere. We’re big fans of Buttermere here at Travelzoo. So much so that when we put together our 101 Things to do in the Lake District guide we chose it as the main picture.

Forget Stonehenge. Get yourself to Castlerigg Stone Circle - sunrise or sunset is best if you want to beat the crowds. You won’t regret it.

 

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Welcome to the birthplace of some of the most beautiful compositions in the English language - Dove Cottage in Grasmere, former home of the legendary poet William Wordsworth.

Speaking of Grasmere, this unassuming little spot in the centre of the village is where you’ll find the world’s finest gingerbread.

And this is where you’ll find the world’s finest sticky toffee pudding – the Cartmel Village Shop.

They do a good jetty in the Lakes…

 

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Just to confirm that last point...

 

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The Lake District Visitors Centre at Brockhole. A must-do for families.

 

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This is the view that greets anyone confident enough to take on the 8-mile route to the Helvellyn summit via the Striding Edge.

 

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Blea Tarn in remote Little Langdale. Not bad, even on a grey day.

 

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While we’re in the area, here’s the view towards Langdale.

 

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Lake District sheep: very orderly.

 

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Head to Tarn Hows and you’ll find that money even grows on trees in the Lake District. Sort of.

 

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Haweswater - until recently, home to England’s only resident golden eagle. Keep an eye out for peregrines, redstarts buzzard and more.

 

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There’s even the odd lion wondering about in the Lake District. Fortunately they’re located within the South Lakes Safari Zoo.

 

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Wolves too. Actual wolves. You can go walking with them if you head to Predator Experience in Ayside.

 

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There’s a reason people come here specifically for the cycling.

 

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And if that's not sufficiently extreme for you, try out the Via Ferrata at the Honister Slate Mine. Just don't look down.

 

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It’s not just people that love the Lake District – dogs love it here too.

OK, most dogs love it.

 

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Hotels We Love in the Lake District

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Where: Bowness-on-Windermere
Why: Prime location in Bowness, overlooking Windermere. Home to a 2-AA-Rosette restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a 20-metre swimming pool and a spa. The hotel is close to many Lake District attractions - The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is a 3-minute walk away.
Click here for rates and availability

Laura Ashley the Belsfield
Where: Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Why: This listed Victorian property reopened in July 2014 after a multimillion-pound refurbishment and collaboration with Laura Ashley. There’s an indoor pool, a stylish cocktail bar, two restaurants and, as you can see, spectacular views over Windermere.
Click here for rates and availability


The Ryebeck
Where: Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Why: A former Edwardian gentlemen’s residence set in five acres of landscaped grounds with sweeping views of Windermere. There’s also a 2-AA-Rosette restaurant on site, and Bowness and Ambleside are just up the road. Rooms have lake or garden views. 
Click here for rates and availability


Wordsworth Hotel & Spa
Where: Grasmere, Cumbria
Why: The village of Grasmere is about as idyllic a spot as you’ll find to usher in the spring months. This hotel is named after the poet William Wordsworth and sits next to another famous institution – the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. The northern tip of Lake Windermere is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 
Click here for rates and availability

See all our latest Lake District deals here.  Many of our listed properties offer exclusive extras for Travelzoo members.

To find the all the best ways to spend time in the area, check out our interactive guide, 101 Things to do in the Lake District.

 

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