Lake District

Home of Beatrix Potter, fascinating history, dramatic landscapes and – of course – plenty of lakes. Cycle, walk or sail through the unforgettable Lake District and discover its many delights.

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Waterfall cascading between green mossy rocks.

Place

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park

Aira Force is a showcase for the power and beauty of nature; it’s a place to escape the ordinary.

Exterior of Allan Bank and grounds in Grasmere in the autumn

Place

Allan Bank and Grasmere

The loveliest spot that man hath ever found

Frosty early morning overlooking the south lawn at Sizergh, Cumbria

Place

Sizergh

Beautiful medieval house with rich gardens and estate

Place

Wray

Parkland and castle on the west shore of Windermere.

The boathouses in the winter sun at Fell Foot in the Lake District

Place

Fell Foot

Lakeshore park with stunning mountain views, Boathouse cafe, watersports hire and play area

Walkers follow a coastal path along the cliffs at Whitehaven on a brisk day in winter, facing towards a grey sea and an overcast sky.

Place

Whitehaven Coast

There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along this post-industrial coastline

A couple sit on a bench looking out towards Derwent Water and the snow capped hills on a clear winters day

Place

Borrowdale and Derwent Water

Spectacular and varied lakeland landscape around Derwent Water

A view of snow capped fells and winter sunlight on bare trees in Ennerdale, Lake District, Cumbria

Place

Ennerdale

Home of the Wild Ennerdale project with 30 miles of traffic-free paths

Multicoloured lights projected along a stone wall, with a projection of a stag at its centre. There are two people standing off to the right, admiring the lights.

Planning your visit to the Lake District

Tools, tips and guidance to help you make the most out of your trip to the Lake District and help us look after it.

Visitors with their dogs walking along a pier to board a boat on a sunny winter's day

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Places you can visit in the Lake District without a car

Whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot, there are many places in the Lake District that you can visit without a car - here's the info to help you plan a car-free day out.

A man sitting on the back of his car in a car park to put his walking boots on to go for a walk in Borrowdale, Cumbria

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Countryside car parks in the Lake District

Discover the National Trust's countryside car parks in the Lake District.

Alongside our tenant farmers, the National Trust looks after 20% of the Lake District National Park, including England's deepest lake and highest mountain. We work to restore habitats for nature and to conserve the cultural heritage within a dozen historic buildings. Find out more about what the teams have been up to here.

Two Herdwick sheep stand together on Lingmell in Wasdale during winter

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Farming in the Lake District

Learn about the traditional farming practices in the Lake District and how the National Trust works with farm tenants to restore vital habitats, protect wildlife and support quality local produce.

A view of Watendlath Beck Borrowdale, Lake District

Riverlands projects

Rivers are life forces. They’ve helped sustain ecosystems, cultures and communities for millennia, their quiet power steadily shaping everything from landscapes to place names. Find out more about the work the National Trust is doing with local partners, tenant farmers and other landowners in the area to help restore the Lake District's rivers and improve the water quality in lakes and tarns.

Five people in coats and scarves walking beside placid lake with bare trees dotted around

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Windermere Gateway

The Windermere Gateway programme is a unique opportunity for the National Trust to make a difference in Windermere and support the Lake District National Park Local Plan ambitions.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in our work across the Lakes

Search volunteering opportunities in the Lake District

Man moving large rock by side of lake while woman and dog look on

Volunteering in the Lake District

Find out more about volunteering for the National Trust in the Lake District. You could work indoors or outside, welcoming and guiding visitors, growing crops or managing woodland or building paths.

Wasdale Campsite

A mile from Wastwater, close to challenging bike trails and Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.

Volunteers sitting on a bench with Cat Bells in the background at Borrowdale and Derwentwater in Cumbria

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Romantic places to stay in the Lakes

A dog with a view of Wastwater at Wasdale in Cumbria

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Dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District

Eskdale Campsite

Low in the valley, with trails by the river and up through the fells to small mountain lakes. Village pubs are a short stroll away.

Low Wray Campsite

By Windermere, England’s largest lake, surrounded by things to do and places to visit.

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Event

Winter at Sizergh

Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria

There’s winter wonder for the whole family at Sizergh this year.

Event

Pooch Passport

Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park, Penrith, Cumbria

Pooch passport is back! Explore new places with your dog/s until 28 February 2025. Find out more about the scheme and discover dog-friendly places to explore together.

Event

Pooch Passport

Fell Foot, Windermere, Cumbria

Pooch passport is back! Explore new places with your dog/s until 28 February 2025. Find out more about the scheme and discover dog-friendly places to explore together.

Event

Flower time in the Oberland: The holiday watercolours of Eleanor Rawnsley 

Allan Bank and Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria

A snapshot of the Rawnsley's private lives and holidays in Europe displayed in the house where they lived.

Event

Christmas at Townend

Townend, Windermere, Cumbria

Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas.

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Parkrun at Fell Foot, every Saturday

Fell Foot, Windermere, Cumbria

A simple way to get fit, with a great community at its heart.

Event

Santa Paws Festive Photo Studio

Fell Foot, Windermere, Cumbria

This Christmas dogs too can join in the festive fun at Fell Foot. Don your Christmas jumpers and hats for professional dog photographer Shaun Barr to capture a free image of you and your dog, to share with friends and family.

Event

Sandscale Haws Beach Cleans

Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, near Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

Help us keep Sandscale litter free.

Explore an area nearby

Two visitors laughing at each other whilst admiring the Dining Room at Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

Plan a visit