Top Attractions of the Lake District

  Lake District Camping

Take your tent, motorhome or caravan to the Lake District and explore a wealth of beauty and attractions. Here we've listed a few recommendations for your next touring holiday.

Ullswater Steamers
No visit to the Lakes is complete without a trip across the water on a famous Ullswater Steamer (01768 482229). These steamers began sailing in 1849 and then in the 1930s the paddle steamers were converted to diesel as the paddles kept getting tangled in the weed. Today five steamers operate on the lake. You can board at Glenridding and enjoy the journey across the lake to the jetty at Howtown. Whilst here you can follow a circular walking route over Hallin Fell and enjoy views back over Ullswater. Then follow the alternative route back down into Pooley Bridge which is another departure point for the steamers back to Glenridding. The village of Pooley Bridge offers a riverside walk, pubs, cafes and gift shops.

RSPB Leighton Moss
When visiting this RSPB nature reserve (01767 680551), expect to see lapwing, grebe, bittern, cormorant and other unusual species. The reserve stretches for miles and visitor walkways lead to viewing points across six major lakes, as well as some smaller bogs and ponds. Wooded areas, reed beds, and piles of dead twigs provide habitats for all kinds of wildlife and the reserve is visited by red deer in the summer months.

Ullswater
The water of Ullwater itself if worth some time on your visit to the Lakes, if just to admire its stunning beauty and take a few photographs. You can park at various intervals on the road alongside the lake and you'll see the bank covered in wild daffodils. It is here Wordsworth was inspired to write his famous poem 'Daffodils' when he sheltered here during a storm. On a sunny day, take a picnic and sit beside the water, watching the ducks and boats pass by.

South Lakes Wildlife Park
A perfect family day out, the South Lakes Wildlife Park (01229 466086) offers a few unusual treats. Firstly, different species are allowed to roam together within their enclosures, which better reflects the mix of animals in the wild. Secondly, they also let humans inside too! This means that emus, prairie dogs, lemurs and squirrel monkeys all interact with each other and with the visitors. There is a no-touch rule, but this doesnt stop the experience being one not to miss. Another unsual feature is the fact that they feed the tigers and jaguars by pinning the food to the top of a telegraph pole, meaning the big cats have to run and climb the pole to get their dinner.

Sizergh Castle Gardens
Situated near Kendal, this is a medieval house with gardens which include a lake, pond, ferns and rock garden. The castle is open from Sunday to Thursday for visitors to go inside to explore the stately interiors, dark panelling and grand furnishings. The gardens, estate, cafe and shop are all open at different times depending on the time of year so see the website for full details or call 01539 560951.

Beatrix Potter's House
Hilltop, the former home of Beatrix Potter, is located near Lake Windermere. The cottage (01539 436269), owned by the National Trust, showcases her life, work and passion for wildlife. It is full of items owned by Beatrix - her original floral wallpaper and her paintings being some of the artefacts. In the kitchen, plastic toy mice represent the real mice, which probably snuck into her kitchen and inspired her stories. Outside is her walled vegaetable garden where rabbits would have appeared and insired her stories about Peter Rabiit and friends. today, carved wooden rabbits stand in the flower-beds for the visiting children to enjoy. Some of her letters are displayed in the upstairs study. One, a letter to a friend, tells the story of Peter Rabbit and is covered with illustrations. Beatrix's four poster bed and doll's house provide a little more insight to the personality of the slightly eccentric animal lover and novelist.


Want to know more about the stunning Lake District?
Read about the waterfalls to visit, here.
See our pick of places to eat, here.


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