Discover the Lake District in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has many attractions, including castles, historical buildings, and incredible natural landscapes like parks and lakes. Today, we will discuss one of the famous natural landscapes in the United Kingdom: the Natural Lakes in the Lake District.

The Lake District has breathtaking natural reserves and mountains, such as Mount Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, and the deepest lakes in England, such as Lake Stutter.

It is a natural shelter for many animals, including red squirrels, birds, golden eagles, and falcons, that migrate yearly from North Africa to the Lake District in summer.

Lake District Weather

The Lake District occasionally experiences rainy weather, and the temperature drops near the slopes of the mountains surrounding the lakes. However, the fog condenses most of the time in the Lake District, which can be an obstacle due to the lack of visual clarity.

History of the Lake District in Britain

The Lake District, or simply the Lakes, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. It is believed that humans have inhabited this region since the Neolithic period, with stone circles and ancient artefacts providing evidence of early settlements. The region’s rugged terrain and natural resources made it an ideal place for farming and mining in ancient times, while its lakes and rivers served as important transportation routes.

In the Middle Ages, the Lake District was remote and sparsely populated. However, its isolation also helped to preserve its natural beauty and traditional ways of life. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the region began attracting the attention of poets, writers, and artists drawn to its picturesque landscapes and tranquil atmosphere.

One of the most famous figures associated with the Lake District is the poet William Wordsworth. Born in Cockermouth in 1770, Wordsworth spent much of his life in the region, and the natural beauty of the Lakes deeply inspired his poetry. His works, along with those of other Romantic poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to popularise the Lake District as a destination for those seeking inspiration and solace in nature.

Lake District in the United Kingdom

Let’s start our tour of the Lake District by learning more about four of its famous lakes.

Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is famous for its natural beauty. It is the largest natural lake in England, with an area of 14.8 square kilometres. It is considered a tourist hotspot and the summer home of residents. It was formed due to retreating ice leaving behind an ice trough at the beginning of the current interglacial period. The lake is now located in the county of Cambria and is part of the Lakes National Park.

The water of the River Windermere can be seen clearly against the backdrop of the Lake District’s foothills. The area is excellent for nature lovers and offers many activities, such as boating and fishing.

Ullswater Lake

It is another large lake in the Lake District, south of Ullswater, with an area of 8.9 square kilometres, similar to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. The lake is a lagoon formed during glacier retreat.

Mountain climbers can start climbing England’s third-highest mountain and other peaks from Ullswater village. Long ago, Ullswater Lake served as a recreational spot for the locals. It also offers excellent conditions for sailing, canoeing, and diving motorboat facilities at the lake site. The Era Force Waterfall is another major attraction in the Ullswater area.

Derwent Lake

Lake Derwent is the third-largest lake in the district, covering an area of 5.4 square kilometres. It is located in the town of Cambria, south of Keswick, and several islands surround it. The Derwentwater Hills, which have wooded slopes facing the lake, surround the lake. Boats can take tourists on a lake tour from one spot to another.

There are seven moorings on the banks of the lake, from which tourists can hire a boat for a tour. You can also enjoy a lovely walk on the hill and in the park that surrounds the lake.

Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake is considered the fourth-largest lake in the district. It is 5.3 square kilometres and 70 feet deep. It is a beautiful place for photographers and bird watchers to explore. The lake is also fertile and home to crops, wild flora, fauna, and fish.

Outdoor Activities

The Lake District is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering various activities to suit all interests and abilities.

• Walking and Hiking: With over 2,000 miles of footpaths, the Lake District is a walker’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll along the shores of a lake or a challenging climb up a mountain, there is a walk for everyone. Popular trails include the Coast to Coast Walk, the Cumbria Way, and the Eskdale Trail.
• Cycling: The Lake District offers some of the best cycling routes in the UK, with a mix of on-road and off-road options. The challenging passes of Honister, Kirkstone, and Wrynose attract serious cyclists. At the same time, the family-friendly trails in Grizedale Forest and along the shores of Derwentwater are perfect for a more leisurely ride.
• Water Sports: The Lake District has many lakes and rivers and is excellent for water sports. Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular activities, and several lakes offer boat hire and lessons. Windermere, Derwentwater, and Ullswater are particularly popular.
• Climbing and Scrambling: For those seeking a thrill, the Lake District offers some of the best climbing and scrambling in the UK. From the towering cliffs of Scafell to the rugged ridges of Helvellyn, there are plenty of routes to challenge even the most experienced climbers. The district also offers guided climbing and scrambling courses for beginners.
• Wild Swimming: The lakes and rivers of the Lake District are perfect for wild swimming, offering a refreshing and invigorating way to experience the region’s natural beauty. Popular spots include Buttermere, Crummock Water, and Rydal Water, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by stunning scenery.
• Fishing: The Lake District is a haven for anglers, with its many lakes and rivers offering excellent fishing opportunities. Trout, salmon, and pike are among the species that can be caught in the district’s waters. Popular fishing spots include Windermere, Ullswater, and the River Eden.

Attractions in the Lake District

Tourists can roam the Lake District on foot, by cycling, or by using motorboats, and there are many attractions near the lakes that you can visit, such as:

• Coniston Boat Centre: This centre is located on the edge of Lake Windermere and offers motorboats, sailboats, bicycles, and electric bikes for rent. It is open seven days a week during the summer.
• Scientific Discovery Centre: It is perfect for young children to enjoy short films and various beautiful stories; it presents documentaries and various entertainment programmes.
• Honester mine is one of Britain’s traditional mines, 900 years old. The visitor reviews the mine’s history, how to work in it, and how to extract slate rocks. Slate is produced here and is considered one of the most critical raw materials used in house construction.
• Southlake Zoo was built in 1994 and contains many animals from all over the world. It is a lovely area for relaxing, watching various animals, and trying exceptional food.
• Blackwell Arts and Crafts Fair: This fair offers many art and handicraft products. The exhibition caters to families, allows children to enter for free, and provides snacks and drinks in an attached cafeteria.  

Getting There and Getting Around

The Lake District is easily accessible by car, train, and bus, making it a convenient destination for domestic and international travellers.

• By Car: The most convenient way to explore the Lake District is by car, allowing you to reach even the region’s most remote areas. The M6 motorway runs along the eastern edge of the Lake District, providing easy access from major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Once in the district, a network of scenic roads connects the main towns and attractions.
• By Train: The West Coast Main Line runs along the western edge of the Lake District, with the central station being Oxenholme Lake District. You can catch a connecting train to Windermere, the gateway to the central lakes. Other nearby stations include Penrith and Carlisle, which provide access to the northern and western parts of the district.
• By Bus: The Lake District is well-served by buses, with regular services connecting the main towns and villages. The Stagecoach Bus Company operates several routes within the district, making it easy to explore the area without a car. The open-top buses between Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere are particularly popular with tourists.
• By Bike: Cycling is a popular way to get around the Lake District, with many dedicated cycle routes and bike-friendly roads. Several towns in the district have bike hire shops, making it easy to rent a bike for a day or longer.

Popular hotels in the UK’s Lake District

The presence of many places of residence and many hotels characterises it. There are dozens of hotels with three stars, four stars and five stars, and prices vary according to the furniture quality, the distance’s proximity, and the hotel’s services in terms of entertainment and meals.

• The Belsfield Hotel: It gives its visitors the best accommodation experience in classic English style.
• The Swan Hotel is one of the most prominent hotels in the Lake District, giving it the best experience of diversity in accommodation.
• Armathwaite Hall Hotel is a hotel for lovers of mixing with wild animals and the best hotel in the area for deer hunting enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Lake District is a place of unparalleled beauty, where towering mountains meet tranquil lakes, and history and culture are intertwined with nature. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or inspiration, the Lake District has something to offer. From its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities to its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, this remarkable region is truly a jewel in the crown of the United Kingdom. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a week, or longer, the Lake District will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.