With fresh seafood and flavoursome game well stocked and easily accessible, the Lake District is synonymous with quality English food. Fine dining restaurants offer the full table clothes and petit fours experience, while country pubs and cosy cafes provide reliable grub which'll keep you fuelled on a hike. Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Coniston are all known for offering varied dining options, but many hotels throughout the lakes come with a quality restaurant attached.
What to see & do
As you’d expect, the Lake District is literally dripping with waters crying out to be enjoyed. At Windermere – the UK’s largest natural lake – you can explore 6 square miles of extraordinary mountain views, while the quieter Coniston area makes for a more tranquil afternoon, perhaps paddling a rented boat along Coniston Water. You'll also be doing a lot of walking here, whether it's an ascent to the summit of England’s tallest mountain, Scafell Pike, or a trek among the voluptuous peaks of Langdale Pikes.
Where to stay
Guesthouses, hotels, and B&Bs are all over the landscape, as you'd expect from one of the UK's most popular regions. Want to live like a visiting aristocrat in a stately home? Or perhaps you fancy a bit of old school English hospitality in a quaint bed and breakfast? It's all here, and if you’re looking to camp or caravan, there’s plenty on offer around Keswick, while the higher-end stuff can be found in abundance in the Grasmere, Ambleside, and Windermere areas.
Where to shop
Foodies, nature lovers and would-be Wordsworths will all obviously love the Lake District. It also happens to be a hit with shoppers. There are plenty of shops selling farmhouse jams, cheeses, and pickles, not to mention Kendal Mint Cake. If you're after some souvenirs, be sure to check out the independent boutiques lining the quaint streets of Keswick and Ambleside. Windermere also has some great browsing areas, and those looking for high street brands and bigger stores can find it at Penrith, which is on the very cusp of the Lake District National Park.
