Arguably one of the most beautiful parts in all of Great Britain, the Lake District offers a retreat from the hustle-bustle of the cities. The Lake District is a scenic five hour drive from London and makes a great stopping point when traveling to Glasgow. Stay here for a night or two to soak in the sheer natural beauty of the region, or stay for a week to relax and enjoy everything that the Lake District has to offer.
With such a wealth of natural riches, it's hardly surprising that the Lake District is one of England's favorite places for enjoying the great outdoors, but there is so much more to this region than fine views. It is also packed with history and culture. Here are just a few of the sites that travelers to England can enjoy when visiting the Lake District:
Blackwell Arts & Crafts House
Enjoy a lovingly crafted day out at one of the most enchanting historic houses in the Lake District. When you visit you are invited to relax and immerse yourself in all the beauty and craftsmanship of Blackwell. We encourage you to sit and soak up the atmosphere in Blackwell’s fireplace inglenooks, which have fine examples of tiles by Arts & Crafts designer William de Morgan. The inviting window seats offer stunning views of the surrounding Lake District scenery. You can appreciate the house as it was originally intended, without roped-off areas.
Lakeland Motor Museum
The fascinating Lakeland Motor Museum nestles in the picturesque Leven Valley, at Backbarrow, close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere. A diverse and unique road transport collection of some 30,000 exhibits assembled over a period of almost 50 years is thoughtfully displayed alongside many non-motoring additions, in fully DDA compliant state-of-the-art premises with a beautiful riverside setting.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Reputedly the most beautiful train journey in England, this 15-inch, narrow gauge railway carries passengers along seven miles of scenic track, from the old Roman Port of Ravenglass along the Eskdale Valley to Eskdale during a 40-minute ride.
Theatre by the Lake
Cumbria's only year-round producing theatre, described by The Independent as "the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain."
Holehird Gardens - Lakeland Horticultural Society
The 17 acre hillside gardens at Holehird include a great variety of planting - specimen trees and shrubs, extensive rock and heather gardens, a walled garden, alpine houses and herbaceous borders.
Muncaster Castle
Visit this early 13th-century castle to view a large number of historic artifacts collected by the Pennington family over the centuries, and walk along the miles of woodland paths that wind through this scenic estate.
Honister Slate Mine
Honister Slate Mine is a unique award winning experience, England's last remaining working slate mine.
Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre
A large collection of birds of prey - hawks, eagles, vultures, owls, falcons and buzzards. Flying demonstrations daily from 2 pm to 4pm. Visitors get the opportunity to fly a bird at the display. On site vintage tea room and local crafts.
Wordsworth Museum & Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage was the home of William Wordsworth during his most productive and inspired years. He arrived in 1799, looking for a haven, where he could settle down and fulfil his dream of living a simple life, surrounded by nature and able to concentrate on his writing.
The museum is beside Dove Cottage, which is where William Wordsworth, the poet who wrote, "I wandered lonely as a cloud" (Daffodil poem) lived while he produced his best work. It has a permanent display which shows his life history through pictures, maps, manuscripts and letters. There are paintings and sculptures as well as some of his personal possessions and a social history about the area in the 1800s.
Hill Top House, Beatrix Potter's Farmhouse
Located in England's historic Lake District, this working farm owned by Beatrix Potter was the setting for her delightful and popular series of animal tales.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Dating from about 3000 BC, this is one of the first stone circles built in Britain, which is perched atop a high moor with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape
Long Meg and Her Daughters
Dating from the Bronze Age, this is England's third largest stone circle that consists of a huge ring (the Daughters) of more than 60 stones and Long Meg, a 12-foot-high block of red sandstone.
Rydal Mount and Gardens
Rydal Mount, the last family home of William Wordsworth from 1813 until his death in 1850, now belongs to the direct descendants of the Poet and remains a lived-in family home. The dining room, part of the old Tudor cottage, with its original flagged floor and oak beams, contrasts pleasingly with the larger proportions of the drawing room and library, added in 1750. The house contains works of art, furniture, manuscripts and many of the Poet's books and personal possessions, reflecting his life here. Wordsworth was a keen landscape gardener and the four acre garden remains very much as he designed it, consisting of fell-side terraces, lawns, rock pools and a 9th century Norse mound. There are rare shrubs and, in season, the daffodils, bluebells and rhododendrons produce a spectacular display
Beatrix Potter Gallery
This gallery displays original watercolours and manuscripts by the author.
Hutton in the Forest
Today Hutton-in-the-Forest reflects centuries of history and change. A house of six periods between the mid 14th and the mid 19th centuries, Hutton is a rich illustration of the development of the country house in the North of England.
Hawkshead Grammar School
The museum in the Old Grammar School building in the village of Hawkshead, Cumbria, houses a unique collection of historic artifacts relating to the ancient School, some of which date back to the sixteenth century.
Furness Abbey
The impressive remains of an abbey founded by Stephen, later King of England, including much of the east end and west tower of the church, the ornately decorated chapter house and the cloister buildings.
Holker Hall & Gardens
Holker Hall is the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish who welcome visitors of all ages to one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain.
Cumberland Pencil Museum
Perfect all weather attraction for all the family. Discover Keswick's industrial heritage, be amazed at the World's Longest Coloured Pencil, artist demonstrations and workshops are held throughout the year. A full range of Derwent Fine Art pencils are available in the Museum shop, along with Sketchers Coffee shop serving light lunches and afternoon teas.
Wordsworth House and Garden
This 18th-century Georgian town house was the birthplace and childhood residence of the English poet William Wordsworth.
The Dock Museum
Built in an historic graving dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects and information on the social and industrial history of the Furness area.
Brantwood
The former home of artist and writer John Ruskin is perched high above Coniston Water.
The Quaker Tapestry Exhibition Centre
The Quaker Tapestry came into being as a result of a chance remark made by an eleven-year-old boy attending the children's class of a small Quaker Meeting in the South West of England in 1981. His teacher, to whom the remark was made, was Anne Wynn-Wilson, an accomplished embroiderer. She had the vision of a number of large tapestry panels telling something of the Quaker story and beliefs. In 1982 she mounted an exhibition of work in progress and her ideas and determination aroused an enthusiastic response from many Friends. Designers came forward, embroidery groups were formed, and training workshops were arranged.
The World of Beatrix Potter
The Lake District’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife inspired Beatrix Potter to write her much-loved stories. As you step in to the World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction you too can explore this wonderful landscape as all 23 of the magical tales are brought to life, recreating sights, sounds and aromas in 3D displays. There’s chance to meet your favourite characters Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggywinkle and Mr. Tod, not forgetting the most famous character of all, Peter Rabbit!
Travel to the Lake District. Start planning your vacation to England
