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Where to stay in the Lake District by Sawday's

The Lake District dispels the myth you have to cross the globe to see spectacular mountain scenery. For hundreds of years, the area’s staggering natural beauty has inspired countless artists and writers, but England’s largest National Park is much more than stunning views. 

Explore majestic fells and massive skies reflected in endless water, theatre shows in the streets of Keswick, steam gondolas on Coniston water, and dramatic descents into old slate mines. Lively village pubs serve craft pies and their own dark ales, a wealth of local produce draws top chefs, and Kendal’s famous mint cake powers hikers through high passes and to surging waterfalls.

Choosing where to stay in the Lake District couldn’t be easier with us. Discover ancient farmhouses, homely cottages, friendly pubs, and stylish hotels in all the best areas of the region – we look for places and people that will introduce you areas beyond and between the hills and dales.

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Places to stay in the Lake District

Choose from self-catering cottages set high up in the mountains, hotels right on the lakeside, cosy bed and breakfasts overlooking fells, and friendly inns perfect for a delicious feast after a day of hiking.

Self-catering

Self-catering

Hotels

Hotels

Inns

Inns

Bed & Breakfast

Bed & Breakfast

Our favourite holidays in the Lake District

Dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District

These places welcome your four-legged friend, and there’s no better place to bring them than the Lake District. Some places provide blankets and bowls, others offer a welcome hamper, treats and even chewy toys – check the booking information of the place for details.

Romantic breaks in the Lake District

Head to the hills and spend quality time with your loved one in the great outdoors. Spend days hiking mountains or take a boat ride across the lakes, then cosy up in front of the fire or in an outdoor bath tub. Find your perfect place for two from our collection!

Family-friendly places in the Lake District

Bring the whole family for a memorable holiday of walking, exploring and quality time in nature. There’s plenty to do in the area to keep everyone entertained! Choose somewhere from our collection of special places and book your perfect family break!

Why we love the Lake District

  • The landscape offers everything from the white cap of England’s highest peak to sparkling blue water at sea level, changing with every season and every step
  • The range of hikes, from pub-to-pub strolls (try the two hour walk from The Punch Bowl Inn to The Derby Arms) to wild camping in the remote corners of the park
  • The history among the hills – the earliest railway in Britain was built on Caldbeck Fells to carry workers and materials to mines
  • Timeless stone villages on the shores of the lakes, such as Grasmere, Ambleside and Cartmel
  • The tradition of unfussy, superb food and fantastic local beer served up from over 40 local breweries.

Things to do in the Lake District

  • Travel by steam (boat or train) and enjoy views across to Lakeside and Lake Windermere
  • Climb Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain sitting at 978m, or take on the 12 mile trek of the Kentmere Horseshoe
  • Join festivals of beer, music and street theatre in Keswick throughout the summer months
  • Visit Honister Slate Mine, to see a traditional craft almost unchanged in 300 years
  • Try watersports on the huge Derwentwater or ghyll scrambling through the riverbeds.

Where to stay in the Lake District

This picturesque part of the country is known for incredible walking trails, beautiful lakes for water activities,
and larger, community hubs like Keswick and Windermere. Choose from our most popular destinations to find your perfect place.

Keswick

Keswick

Penrith

Penrith

Ambleside

Ambleside

Windermere

Windermere

More Lake District holiday inspiration

Daniel Casson in Cumbria

We sent photographer Daniel Casson into the heart of Cumbria during a snow storm, check out his stunning photography and guide to three days in the region.

Our favourite lake and mountain destinations

This is our guide to the best lake and mountain destinations, including Derwent Water in Cumbria with its impressive scenery and dramatic mountains.

Slow Guide to the Lake District

We visited the Lake District mid-week to roam the hills and dales in search of mini adventures. This our guide to a beautiful region well worth discovering in the UK!

 

Featured places