1. Get out on the water

No visit to the Lake District is complete without a ride on the water. It’s an unrivalled place for watersports, with kayak, canoe and paddleboard unlocking the beautiful surroundings. If you want to keep dry, go on a river cruise or ride the historic Ullswater Steamers.

Stay at: Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite on the shores of Coniston Water

2. Hike Scafell Pike

Tackle the tallest of them all, the iconic Scafell Pike and tick a key Lake District bucket list item. A challenging ascent is rewarded with incredible panoramic views on a clear day at the 978 metre summit, which is the tallest in England.

Stay at: Borrowdale Club Campsite - 5 miles away from the Seathwaite starting point

3. Explore literary homes

Head to the picturesque village of Grasmere to see the former home of William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage, or explore Hill Top, the charming farmhouse of the iconic children’s author Beatrix Potter. It’s easy to see how the surrounding landscape inspired these writers.

Stay at: Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite - 12 miles away

1. Windermere

As the largest natural lake in England, Windermere stretches for over 10 miles and is really at the heart of all that’s great about the Lake District National Park. There’s watersports galore to enjoy from the picturesque towns that dot its shores.

Stay at: Meathop Fell Club Campsite - 8 miles from the southern end

2. Ullswater

Ullswater perfectly winds through the mountainous landscape of the Lake District, with its dog leg shape occupying some of the National Park’s most idyllic spots. It’s also worth checking out the spectacular Aira Force waterfall nearby.

Stay at: Troutbeck Head Club Campsite - 5 miles from the north shore

3. Derwentwater

Nestled beside Keswick, Derwentwater is often called the ‘Queen of the Lakes’, characterised by its tranquil waters and island-studded surface. You can explore the 10-mile shoreline via the Derwentwater walk or combine this with a scenic cruise.

Stay at: Borrowdale Club Campsite - less than 1 mile from the south shore

Best walks in the Lake District

A stroll is one of the best ways to admire the beauty of the Lake District. Getting out amongst the elements allows you to appreciate the scenery in all its glory. We take you through our favourite walks in this blog.

Best castles in the Lake District

Beauty steeped in history, the castles of the Lake District stand as a throwback to turbulent times. Discover the stories behind these fortifications that dot the hilly landscape when you visit one on our shortlist.

Our guide to the Three Peaks challenge

Here’s our quintessential guide to tackling some of Britain’s highest peaks. England’s Scafell Pike in the Lake District, Scotland’s Ben Nevis in the Highlands and Wales’ Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.

1. Kendal

A quaint town that moulds perfectly into the Lake District National Park landscape, with distinctive limestone buildings and the ruined Kendal Castle amongst its highlights. Boutique shopping, museums and the Brewery Arts Centre add to its allure.

Stay at: Kendal Club Campsite - 3 miles away

2. Ambleside

A bustling town at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a major stop off point for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the region. A load of fell-walking routes start from here, making it a great base to start your Lake District journey.

Stay at: Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite - 9 miles away

3. Keswick

A short walk from the shores of Derwentwater, Keswick gives visitors great access to boat cruises and popular fells. The streets are lined with independent shops, local eateries and quirky attractions like the Derwent Pencil Museum.

Stay at: Borrowdale Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Parkrun

Parkrun in the Lake District transforms the traditional 5k into an ultra-scenic challenge, held in some of the UK's most dramatic landscapes every Saturday morning. These free events are a great start to the weekend amongst the Lakeland fells.

Our top pick: Carlisle parkrun

Stay at: Englethwaite Hall Club Campsite - 8 miles away

Farmers markets

There’s a thriving network of markets in the vast rural area of the National Park, offering punters high-quality local produce. ‘Buy local, eat local’ is a key mantra with the majority of farmers travelling very short distances to set up their stalls.

Our top pick: Keswick Outdoor Market

Stay at: Borrowdale Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Theatre shows

The Lake District offers unique, locally produced shows in a diverse range of venues. From homegrown drama and comedy to music and film, there’s an all-weather cultural scene across the whole National Park.

Our top pick: Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Stay at: Borrowdale Club Campsite - 5 miles away