Travel to Lake District

Travel to the Lake District

Cumbria's hills and lakes in northwest England arguably make up the United Kingdom's most gorgeous region, which is the reason why 14 million travellers annually flock to the many towns dotted among the lakes.

The region inspired Wordsworths poems, and views of the dales, extensive walking trails and the option for reflection will without a doubt inspire you too. There are 16 lakes in the districts heart, which radiate out from a central core of mountains. Just a stones throw away, there are also numerous untouched areas and plenty of outdoor activities available including mountain biking, horseback riding, water skiing, sailing and paragliding.

Transportation to the Lake District

A private hire car is the best way to truly enjoy Cumbria, as rail services give limited access. A number of daily fast trains depart from Londons Paddington Station up the east coast, terminating in Carlisle, from where there are local links to several Cumbrian localities. The nearest international airports are Manchester International Airport, approximately 100 miles away, or Glasgow Prestwick, a 2-hour drive north, but long-distance arrivals are fairly limited at the latter.

What to see

Windermere is the longest lake in England and it is one of the most popular travel destinations. Many quaint bed-and-breakfasts, traditional pubs and outlets to help make your getaway relaxing can be found here. However, the majority of visitors come for the excellent walking, and theres an abundance of trails going over the rolling hills and around the lakes. The walk to Langdale Pikes in the stunning Langdale Valley is especially rewarding, though a less exhausting trek is to stroll around Grasmeres fabulous environs.

Keswick region and the North Lakes are home to the enchanting Borrowdale Valley, with tiny hamlets such as Rosthwaite. The vibrant market town of Keswick is located at Borrowdales northern end, with its outstanding selection of specialist outlets and wonderful parks to unwind in.

Less busy but also very special is the Western Lake District, which provides travellers with a breathtaking scenic combination, from mountains and lakes to seaside beaches and marinas. Especially jaw-dropping is the panorama around Wastwater. The spacious, spectacular sands of Morecambe Bay are also a perfect spot for solitude.

To the north lies Carlisle, the areas most historic place, and you should not miss a visit to the town. Take a ride by train across the remote Eden Valley on the Carlisle-Settle Railway for one of Europes most scenic voyages. Another excursion you simply should not miss is a trip eastwards to observe pieces of Hadrians Wall, constructed by the Roman army to keep the Picts at bay.

Daytrips

The region is ideal for rewarding daytrips. The Scottish border, Hadrians Wall and the wider Cumbria region are filled with jaw-dropping landscapes, Roman excavations, Carlisle Castle, pivotal prehistoric stone circles, Caerlaverock Castle and the picturesque little Scottish town of Dumfries.
Yorkshire Dales National Park is another destination which makes for a pleasant daytrip. Here you can visit Skipton, which is a medieval town featuring one of Englands finest preserved castles, a Norman fortress. Nearby, Hardraw Force is the United Kingdoms highest waterfall.

Activities and leisure

There are plenty of leisure and activity options throughout the Lake District. You can make idyllic walks along tracks, beside lakes and through forests; take a boat trip or have a relaxed picnic in one of the quaint villages. You can also visit the typically English teashops and even make strenuous mountain walks such as the ascent of Scafell Pike, which is the countrys highest mountain.

Sporting activities range from extended mountain biking and cycling tours to sailing, swimming rowing, kayaking, canoeing, golf, horseback riding, tennis, angling, walking and climbing.

Safety issues

The Lake District is a safe area; although as with any well-visited tourist attraction in England, there might be some places where pickpockets practice their skills. Crime rates in the entire region are traditionally low, yet pick-pocketing does sometimes occur and typically involves visitors who are inattentive to their belongings when they visit tourist hotspots.

It is advisable to try not to look out of place and to remain constantly aware of your surroundings. Keep your precious belongings out of sight. If pick-pockets have the impression that you are attentive, they will most likely not choose you as their next victim.