Covering an area of 2,362 km² and taking in some of the most sensational scenery in the UK, the Lake District is one of the most popular national parks in the country. From the silvery expanse of Lake Windermere to the peak of Scafell Pike, the region is home to a fantastic variety of landscapes, walking trails, activities, and wildlife.
If you’re considering a journey to the lakes for your next campervan trip, you may well be struggling to come up with a shortlist of places to visit. To help ensure you see the very best the region has to offer, we’ve put together a list of some of our very favourite spots.
1. Wastwater
Located at the foot of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, you’ll find Wastwater, the country’s deepest lake. An incredible 79m at its deepest point, the lake is 4.8km long and 500m wide. The view from the southwestern end of the lake was voted the nation’s favourite in 2007. So, if you’re looking for the most beautiful places to visit in the Lake District, this should come right at the top of your wish list.
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2. Rydal Cave
Created as the result of slate quarrying, Rydal Cave is a vast, man-made cavern on the north side of Loughrigg Fell. Abandoned for decades, it’s now open to the public and can be accessed from a choice of picturesque walking routes from Grasmere Village, Rydal Village, Ambleside, White Moss Car Park, and Loughrigg Fell.
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3. Leighton Moss
If you want to reconnect with nature and enjoy England’s outstanding natural beauty, Leighton Moss is one of the best places to visit in the Lakes. This RSPB nature reserve near Carnforth is an important habitat for a variety of birds. Climb its 9m observation tower to take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and learn all about the species that rely on this unique landscape.
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4. Grizedale Forest
Separating Coniston Water from Windermere, Grizedale Forest is one of the most picturesque spots in the National Park. There are ten walking routes crisscrossing the forest (you can pick up a map in the visitor centre) allowing you to get a real feel for the landscape and its flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for badgers, squirrels, grouse, woodcock, and woodpeckers as well as a number of sculptures that dot the forest.
5. Aira Forces Fall
Walk the Gowbarrow Trail to the stunning Aira Forces waterfall and you’ll pass right through the countryside that inspired William Wordsworth’s most famous works. Though the waterfall is just 30 minutes from the car park on foot, some sections of the walk are steep, so it’s more suitable for advanced walkers. Once there, you can admire the thundering falls from the bottom of the 21m drop or climb up to one of the pretty stone bridges spanning the cascade.
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6. Buttermere Lake
Famous for its stunning setting amongst the northern fells, Buttermere is 2 km long, 570m wide, and 23m deep. Very accessible and offering a choice of walking routes, it’s one of the best dog-friendly places to visit in the Lake District.
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7. Ambleside
One of the most famous towns in the Lake District, Ambleside sits at the northern end of Lake Windermere. Located in the heart of the National Park, it makes a great base for exploring the area. The market town is home to a fantastic selection of shops and eateries, as well as an art gallery, cinema, and Rydal Mount and Gardens, the home of William Wordsworth for nearly 40 years.
Because it’s so close to Windermere, Ambleside is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts. Try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, wake surfing, or paddleboarding. Alternatively, take a relaxing cruise across this famous body of water.
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8. Gummer’s How
Though not one of the highest peaks in the Lakes, Gummer’s How is one of the most spectacular. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views across three counties and, on clear days, even see out to the Irish Sea. Sandwiched between the Whitbarrow Nature Reserve and the southern tip of Windermere, Gummer’s How is a great place to enjoy some fresh air and stunning scenery.
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9. Sandscale Haws
When you think of what's in the Lake District, you probably imagine hills, valleys, forests and, well, lakes. What you may not think of are beaches. However, as the national park stretches all the way to the coast, it’s home to some stunning stretches of sand. Of these, Sandscale Haws is arguably the most beautiful.
Thanks to strong currents, the beach is not suitable for swimming. So, why not strap on a pair of walking boots and explore the area on foot? Known locally as Roanhead, the beach is home to a wide selection of wildflowers, rare plants, butterflies, and amphibians, including 15% of the UK's natterjack toad population.
Get Your Camper Ready For The Lakes
If you’re looking for unforgettable destinations for UK campervan holidays, Lake District beauty spots are just what you’re searching for. To get more campervan ideas and inspiration, and learn how we can help you make the most of your van, get in touch and speak to one of the expert members of our team today.
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