An outdoor lover’s holiday destination, the Lake District is an amazing place to connect with some of the most beautiful natural sights England has to offer. We loved hiking, kayaking, and exploring the quiet and quaint towns that make up this charming mountainous region.
6 Magical Things to do in the Lake District:
Hike Orrest Head
You can access the trailhead to Orrest Head from Windermere town. This short hike was breathtaking! We did it in the rain and the mist and low hanging clouds made the views even more moody and mystical!
I couldn’t get over the rolling green hills and the carpet of bluebells that covered the forest floor. So magical!
You could even bring a picnic with you to enjoy once you reach the top! Who doesn’t love a good soggy sandwich?
At the top of Orrest Head, there’s a plaque with a beautiful quote from the works of Albert Wainwright. He had been swept up in the beauty of the Lake District and expressed his sentiment so eloquently:
“Quite suddenly, we emerged from the shadows of the trees and were on a bare headland, and, as though a curtain had dramatically been born aside, beheld a truly magnificent view…This was truth. God was in heaven that day and I a humble worshipper.”
Albert Wainwright
Visit Beatrix Potter’s Home
I have been in love with the work of Beatrix Potter ever since I was a little girl! We booked a tour of her home in the Lake District: Hilltop Farm. These exclusive tours are only available on Fridays, but you can visit the property and walk through her home the rest of the week.
One of my favorite movies of all time is Miss Potter. If you’ve never seen it, you MUST watch it.
I learned from the film that Beatrix used to holiday in the Lake District with her family when she was young. Her love for the area led her to purchase and donate thousands of acres of land, preserving the working farms and forests for generations to come.
It’s because of Beatrix that much of the Lake District holds its untouched beauty and charm today! What an amazing lady!
I love Beatrix Potter’s whimsical artwork and charming stories and felt such a connection to her while visiting her picturesque home in charming Near Sawrey and Hawkshead.
It was so magical to see where her inspiration came from for her adorable books! Our tour guide told us that this is the little white gate that she often painted in her stories. Somebody grab me a tissue.
Explore Tarn Hows
Not far from Hawkshead lies the gorgeous Tarn Hows! The sun came out for a moment when we arrived and took my breath away! We meandered around the lake and did a short hike to a waterfall off the main path called Tom Gill.
I was just waiting for the queen of the fairies herself to make an entrance in this enchanting forest. The mossy green trees and waterfalls were straight out of a story book!
Eat Gingerbread in Grasmere
Stop at Sarah Nelsons’ famous gingerbread in the village for a delicious moorish treat!
Explore Keswick and visit Castle Rigg Stone Circle
We drove to Keswick (pronounced Kessick- we Americans learned after talking to a super friendly shop owner) and explored a farmer’s market in town before devouring the BEST creamy chicken pasty EVER at Cornish Pasty.
It was cash only and we only had enough mula to buy one little pasty to share, but OH. I would have bought out the whole case if I could have!
Just outside the town is Castlerigg Stone Circle! A fun spot to take some photos!
Go Kayaking or Paddle Boarding
We drove from Keswick to beautiful Ullswater, the second largest lake in the district. We love any kind of water sports, and booked a super fun tandem kayak tour of Ullswater as part of our stay at Another Place – The Lake District.
We spent one night at this family friendly hotel and LOVED IT! The dinner was delicious, and the breakfast in the morning was so good. I had never tried bircher muesli and fell in love with it after eating it there!
I would go back to the Lake District TOMORROW. What a relaxing place full of breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and delicious food!
If you enjoyed this guide to the magical Lake District, check out my guides to London and the Costwolds!
Wow, these pictures are amazing!! It looks like such a magical place! Thanks so much for sharing!