The Lake District is a rural region with beautiful sights widespread across the area. If you’re on a tight schedule, you can still experience the wonders of the Lakes by making the most out of your time. Here’s our recommendation on how to do just that:
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Explore the local cuisine
Although best well-known for its beautiful scenery, rugged fell mountains, and breathtaking waters, the region has it all when it comes to dining. Home to famous products such as the Cumberland sausage, Grasmere Gingerbread, sticky toffee pudding and Kendal mint cake, you can purchase most of these products in local delis (bar Grasmere Gingerbread, but buying this in Grasmere is an experience in itself!). When it comes to a sit-down meal, cosy pubs, eccentric cafes and fine-dining restaurants are readily available across the Lakes. Whatever your style of dining, you’ll have no struggle finding the perfect place to fill up.
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See the most famous sights of the Lakes
The Lake District is famous for its scenery, but behind the beauty also lies historic tales and many literary associations. These are some of the most famous, and in our opinion, the best places to visit in the Lakes:
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Castlerigg stone circle- This 4000-year-old Stone Circle is set high on the fells with panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat.
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Keswick- This quaint scenic market town is surrounded by mountains with a lively market square filled with shops and cafes. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a Thursday or Saturday, you can’t miss the market with a great variety of local stalls.
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Explore Windermere by cruise- said to be the heart of the Lake District, Windermere homes England’s largest lake which gives magnificent views of mountains, secluded bays, islands, and neighbouring villages.
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Beautiful valleys- The Lake District is full of breathtaking valleys, with Borrowdale and Buttermere being amongst them. These two valleys are connected by Honister Pass, one of Cumbria’s highest passes with stunning views.
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Grasmere- A picture-perfect Lakeland village, nestled between mountains and spectacular scenery, this traditional village is a highlight of the Lake District. It is also home to the only place you can buy the famous Grasmere Gingerbread, a local delicacy. Grasmere is also famed for its strong connection to William Wordsworth, one of Britain's most famous poets.
The Lake District is a rural area with widespread attractions; thankfully, Mountain Goat offer tours that visit all of these famous sights with the most efficient routes to squeeze in all of the region's beauty. Additionally, the driver guides are extremely knowledgeable and offer half and full-day tours to suit your schedule.
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Enjoy dark skies and stargazing
With some of the darkest skies in the country, the Lake District’s rurality makes it the perfect place for stargazing. With secluded valleys and uninterrupted waters, a night under the stars can be an unforgettable experience. Some of the best stargazing spots include Langdale Valley, Wasdale, and Ennerdale.
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Venture into the night
Whilst the Lake District is known for being tranquil and calm, there is much more to it than that. The nightlife has something for everyone, so whether you’re into fun cocktail bars or live performances, you’re in for a great night. We recommend the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal which offers everything from live bands to family entertainment and stand-up comedy. Bowness-on-Windermere is home to sophisticated bars such as The Fizzy Tarte and the nautical Boaters bar which sits on the shore of Lake Windermere.
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Go for a wander
The Lake District is great for hiking trails and climbing mountainous landscapes, but it is also the ideal place for morning strolls before you head home. There are so many hidden gems along the shores of the lakes or around the many quaint, charming villages. Discover the literary history of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth around the region, snap an iconic photo in front of the famous landscapes or get yourself a gift to commemorate your trip.