Visited by millions of holiday makers and day-trippers each year, the Lake District and its National Park boast hundreds of attractions, natural wonders, picturesque market towns and year-round festivals.
But amid the mountain music festivals, lake cruises, wildlife and traditional local produce, there are four key reasons and four particular activities that keep people coming back to the Lake District year after year.
So here are the 4 best things to do in the Lake District!
Cycling
The Lake District boats some of the greatest cycling routes across the UK, with cycle paths winding up mounts, running down valleys and passing through large areas of wild woodland.
Millions of keen cyclists pack their bikes onto the roof of their car and head towards The Lakes each year to visit Cumbria and small towns like Keswick in particular, which has numerous cycle paths leading from the area.
The Lake District Visitor Centre also puts on many free cycling events all year round, including the Skyride Local Celebration of Cycling Rides at Brockhole. Also, free guided bike rides are put on by the Coniston Boating Centre for the more ‘on-a-whim’ cyclist.
As well as the great lakes of Derwentwater and Windermere to cycle around, mountain bikers have the luxury of mass choice when it comes to trails, with the longest purpose built bike trail in the UK called Whinlatter’s Altura Trail climbing over 500m above Keswick as the area below surrenders its stunning landscapes to the bikers who reach the summit.
Hill Walking
Easily the biggest draw of the Lake District is the opportunity to roam the countryside. One of the most sparsely populated areas in the UK, The Lakes offers its visitors a chance to escape the nuances of everyday life with long Lakeland strolls and rewarding peak climbs.
Even regular visitors to the Lake District rarely tire of the stunning scenery and untouched landscapes with the National Park hosting many recognised walking paths for ramblers and post-supper strollers.
But what makes a hill walk so popular in the Lake District is the next best thing in this article…
Beer Gardens
After a long hike across the Catbells and the Coledale Peaks, or a challenging bike ride through Grizedale Forest, what any Lake District explorer will tell you is the best part of their day are the country pubs they stop off at along the way.
Frequently dotted around the Lakeland countryside, the great inns, pubs and breweries of the area entice weary travellers in with roaring fires, sun-trap beer gardens, local home cooked food and a great selection of real ales.
The majority are dogs and muddy boots friendly too, which helps make the pubs of the Lake District a popular place to recharge the batteries before the next hilly mountain ascent.
Afternoon Tea
It’s not all muddy boots and long walks in the Lake District. A growlingly popular reason why visitors flock to The Lakes each year is to indulge in a slice of higher class and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.
With many award winning hotels and Michelin Star restaurants to treat yourself in, the finest palettes will love the cream scones, locally baked cakes and crustless sandwiches. Washed down with a pot of tea and relax in stunning settings from the grand gardens of Armthwaite Hall to the serene scenery of Lindeth Howe near Lake Windermere.
For even more great events and activities in the Lake District, head over to Cottage Escapes and get inspired with their Cottage Journal of ideas and inspirational Lakeland reviews.
