Find a special place to stay in the Lake District

Campaign for National Parks, who work tirelessly to preserve our green spaces, have created a guide to help you visit the Lake District while taking only photographs and leaving only footprints.

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The Lake District might be rightly famous for its scenery but its towns and villages are just as much a reason to visit. Here are six of the best towns and villages in the Lakes, plus places to stay nearby.

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Our perception of The Lake District was as a vast place that was all about long, challenging hikes to windblown peaks. Our trip, thanks to a little research and a lot of local advice, turned out to be much more varied.

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Which part of the Lake District is the best to stay? 

If it’s your first visit, the stunning central Lakes around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere are a great starting point, with bustling towns and easy access to famous walks like Catbells and Loughrigg Fell. For a slower, quieter stay, head west to Eskdale or Wasdale, where sheep outnumber people, and the mountains feel truly remote. The north, around Ullswater and Keswick have wide open skies and peaceful lakeshores. And if you’re chasing artisan food, cosy pubs and rolling farmland, then the southern Lakes offer rustic charm in spades.  

What month is best for Lake District? 

The Lake District is beautiful year-round, but spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer a sweet spot. You’ll find fewer visitors, golden light and blooming or fiery landscapes, perfect for exploring at a gentler pace. Summer is popular and understandably so, but this can mean busier paths and towns. We always encourage people to travel outside the peak months when they can, helping protect the region’s fragile environment and support local businesses by extending the season. 

How many days are enough for Lake District? 

Even a weekend in the Lake District can be a great experience, but with so many valleys, lakes, and hidden gems to discover, a longer stay lets you experience so much more of what the lakes have to offer. Three to five days gives you time for scenic walks, a boat ride or two, more local food and drink, and maybe even a fell summit. It’s a place that rewards lingering.  

Is Lake District worth visiting? 

Yes, absolutely. Whether you’re drawn by Wordsworthian romance, the satisfaction of a hike, or the chance to sit beside a still lake with a brew in hand, the Lake District offers moments of genuine magic. It’s a place of deep connection to nature and to tradition, with a strong community spirit. If you’re looking for somewhere to breathe deeply, eat well and sleep soundly, it’s hard to beat. And wherever you land, the joy of the Lake District is that every valley feels like its own world, and each one holds something special.