The Lake District is one of the most beautiful areas of England, most of it being a National Park. The area is famous for walking, and if you are not too tired from your walk up the highest peak, or indeed, want to get in some practice, there are numerous attractive walks - some on flatter ground, or you could tackle some of the other peaks!
On this page:
Wrynose and Hardknott Passes
Muncaster Castle
Honister Slate Mine
Ambleside and Windermere
National Trust Properties
Buttermere
Wrynose and Hardknott Passes
Muncaster Castle
Honister Slate Mine
Ambleside and Windermere
National Trust Properties
Buttermere
Wrynose and Hardknott Passes
Muncaster Castle
This castle has it all - a haunted room (a picture threw itself off a table when we visited!), Birds of Prey displays, feeding of wild herons, Meadow Vole Maze (great for kids), Wild Owl Centre, plant centre, gardens and walks and a good cafe. The castle is open every day except Saturday, and offers something for everyone.
Honister Slate Mine
Just a mile or so on from Seathwaite, in the lovely Honister Pass is this working slate mine. You have a choice of two tours - 'The Edge' tour is not for the faint hearted, and takes you high up the hill and into the top levels of the old mine. As well as mine tours you can see how roofing slates are made, and even give it a try for yourself!
Ambleside and Windermere
These are two of the main tourist centres. Apart from the quaint Bridge House (pictured left) and other lovely buildings, you can relax on a Windermere Lake Cruise or stock up on those hiking boots, and other walking equipment in one of the many outdoor stores in Ambleside. Gift shops abound!
The National Trust Properties
A walk round Buttermere
If your legs can stand it, the 4 mile walk round Buttermere is undemanding, but a lovely stroll all around this beautiful lake. It is a fairly flat walk, and suitable for those who don't like the more strenous hill climbs. The lake changes character as it is viewed from different angles, and the light effects of sun and cloud are striking!
Holidays in the Lake District
Much of the Lake District is owned by the National Trust - if you are a member you can save a fortune in car parking fees, and have a wealth of places to visit in wet weather. The home of Beatrix Potter, Hill Top (pictured left) is great for adults and kids - spot the real life models for many of her pictures in her books!
If your legs are too tired to walk, test your driving skills over the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes. This is a beautifully scenic route, with many places to stop off and stroll. The Roman fort at Hardknott is a great place to visit.
Don't expect to be able to speed over this road though, and make sure you have a good clutch! Not for the faint hearted!
Don't expect to be able to speed over this road though, and make sure you have a good clutch! Not for the faint hearted!
Have you climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon or Scafell Pike? Or taken part in the Three Peaks Challenge? We'd love to here from you! Join us on or Send us an email.
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Lake District National Park
There are also many other places to visit when the weather is wet! Just a few are described below. Local Tourist Information offices are in every town, and you can pick up lots of good information on local attractions to suit your taste, from homes of poets and writers, castles and stately homes to wildlife parks and zoos!