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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.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in the Lake District

Waterfall cascading between green mossy rocks.
Place
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.

Penrith, Cumbria

Fully open today
Exterior of Allan Bank and grounds in Grasmere in the autumn
Place
Place

Allan Bank and Grasmere 

The loveliest spot that man hath ever found

Ambleside, Cumbria

Fully open today
Frosty early morning overlooking the south lawn at Sizergh, Cumbria
Place
Place

Sizergh 

Beautiful medieval house with rich gardens and estate

near Kendal, Cumbria

Fully open today
Wray Castle in Winter
Place
Place

Wray 

Parkland and castle on the west shore of Windermere.

Ambleside, Cumbria

Partially open today
The boathouses in the winter sun at Fell Foot in the Lake District
Place
Place

Fell Foot 

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

Windermere, Cumbria

Fully open today
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
Place

Whitehaven Coast 

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

Whitehaven, Cumbria

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

Borrowdale and Derwent Water 

Spectacular and varied lakeland landscape around Derwent Water

near Keswick, Cumbria

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

Ennerdale 

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

Cleator Moor, Cumbria

Fully open today

Planning your visit to the Lake District

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

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.

Our work 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.

Get involved

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

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.

Places to stay in the Lake District

An aerial view of Wasdale Campsite and Wastwater, Cumbria

Wasdale Campsite 

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

An aerial view of Eskdale Campsite, Cumbria

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.

An aerial view of Low Wray Campsite and Windermere, Cumbria

Low Wray Campsite 

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

Upcoming events

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 summary

on
22 Dec 2024 to 28 Feb 2025
at
09:00 to 16:00
+ 68 other dates or times
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 summary

on
22 Dec 2024 to 28 Feb 2025
at
09:00 to 16:30
+ 68 other dates or times
Event

Winter at Sizergh 

Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria

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

Event summary

on
22 Dec to 24 Dec 2024
at
15:00 to 16:00
+ 17 other dates or times
Event

Parkrun at Fell Foot, every Saturday 

Fell Foot, Windermere, Cumbria

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

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 6 Dec 2025
at
09:00 to 10:00
+ 49 other dates or times
Event

Full Moon Circle 

Wasdale, near Seascale, Cumbria

Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual and let go of all the things that are no longer serving you.

Event summary

on
12 Jan to 6 Dec 2025
at
18:00 to 19:30
+ 11 other dates or times
Event

Family Stargazing Evening at Allan Bank 

Allan Bank and Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria

Join us for a family-friendly evening learning about the universe and stargazing in Grasmere.

Event summary

on
17 Jan 2025
at
17:30 to 19:00
Event

Stargazing Night at Allan Bank 

Allan Bank and Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria

Join us for a night learning about the universe and stargazing in Grasmere.

Event summary

on
17 Jan 2025
at
20:00 to 22:30
Event

Sandscale Haws Beach Cleans 

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

Help us keep Sandscale litter free.

Event summary

on
18 Jan to 22 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 12:00
+ 1 other date or time
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.