Is the Lake District Worth Visiting?

Find out what makes the Lake District a worthwhile destination, from stunning landscapes to rich cultural experiences.

Yes, of course The Lake District is worth visiting! And we aren’t just saying that because we’re biased!

The Lake District is hands down one of the most beautiful places to visit and I'm sure the millions of visitors who flock to the area each year will agree. So what is it about this place that has inspired and thrilled so many tourists for centuries?

The fells and hills that majestically fill the area are like no others, the lakes that make the area so unique from the likes of Coniston to Derwentwater, or is it the fact that one can escape, truly escape, into the landscape and find peace and quiet.

5 Reasons Why the Lake District is a Great Place to Visit

1 - The Lake District is a Unesco World Heritage Site

The Lake District's beauty and importance was acknowledged in 2017 when the area was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, acknowledging the natural beauty that fills the area.

This celebrates the area’s unique cultural landscape which has been shaped by centuries of farming and the picturesque lakes and mountains that have inspired numerous artists and writers.

The designation acknowledges both the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of the Lake District, highlighting its importance as a site of international cultural significance.

2 - The Lake District is Great to Visit Anytime of the Year

In pouring rain or in brilliant sunshine, the Lakes is still a stunning place to visit. On crisp autumn mornings when the leaves are brown and red, and the smell of winter hangs in the air, or in the spring time when the daffodils are in full flow and the fields are a sea of newborn lambs.

Or in the dead of winter when the trees are bare, there remains a magic about the place, there's nothing better than a winter walk and ending up in a lakeland pub with a roaring fire and pint of local.

3 - The Lakes are Accessible

The Lake District is well-connected by road and rail, making it easily accessible from major cities like Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. You can get from London to the Lake District in less than 3 hours.

The Lake District National Park has become more accessible for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters, the lakes are for everyone  and for those with limited mobility should be able to enjoy the shore of the lakes, or admire the views from the top of a hill.

Some of the best accessible locations we recommend are:

1. Tarn Hows
2. Orrest Head
3. Broughton Railway
4. Buttermere Lakeshore

4- The Food & Drink

So, not only is the Lake District bursting at the seams with quaint pubs filled with character, we have some incredible restaurants, bars and we know how to put on an afternoon tea. But when you’re here you need to try locally produced food, that has a rich history.

For example Grasmere Gingerbread, this sweet treat has been produced in the village of Grasmere since 1854, it was invented by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson and has become an iconic brand in Cumbria. Try it at the famous shop in Grasmere or in the little shop recently opened in Hawkshead.

Here are five of the most delicious local foods for you to enjoy:

1. Grasmere Gingerbread
2. Hawkshead Relish
3. Kendal Mint Cake
4. Cumberland Sausage
5. Sticky Toffee Pudding (Cartmel)  

5- The History and Heritage

For centuries the beauty of the Lake District has inspired artists, authors and poets alike. Most recently Taylor Swift, but the likes of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter have all taken inspiration from the dramatic landscape. Farming is one of the most important ways of living in the lakes, for centuries the land has been farmed and that tradition continues.

Mining was a huge industry and many locals relied on the land to make a living. Today only Honister Slate Mine remains, a great place for those in search of adventure (we recommend their Infinity Bridge) but you can wander into the mines yourself and get a sense of  the conditions these miners would have worked in.

Here are five great ways to explore the history and hertiage of The Lake District:

1. Dove Cottage
2. Hill Top (farm talks available throughout the year)
3. Honister Slate Mine
4. Castlerigg Stone Circle
5. Historic Steam Yacht Gondola (Coniston)

What is the Best Way to See the Lake District?

1. Mountain Goat Tours

Firstly, you can leave the car behind and not worry about the roads, traffic or finding somewhere to park. You can sit back and enjoy the views. Our driver guides are so full of knowledge they’ll keep you entertained with fascinating tales of Cumbria’s past.

Secondly, you can enjoy a drink on your lunch stop at one of the lakeland pubs you’ll pass, or a glass of wine by the waters edge.

Thirdly, we’ll pick you up and drop you off. Oh and we can guarantee you’ll see more of the lakes in a day with us than you would by yourself.

Click here to find out more about our daily Lake District tours...

2. Lake Cruise

Whether that is Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater or Derwentwater, a cruise on the lake is a great way to see the views and experience the lake district. Even in the pouring rain!

3. Walking

Sometimes a simple walk can be the best medicine, getting your coats on and heading out the door, there are thousands of walks from your doorstep.

Whether you're climbing a fell, challenging yourself with the likes of Old Man of Consiton or Scafell Pike. Or a gentle walk along the lake shore, walking about can be one of the best ways of discovering the Lake District for sure.

Final Notes On if The Lake District is Worth Visiting

So, to conclude I hope this blog has inspired you to book that train ticket or pack up your tent or look for that last minute deal for a hotel/B&B and get yourself to the lakes.

We can guarantee even if you have been before there is always something new to discover and explore, and Mountain Goat will always be here to show you something special.

If you would like to find our more about The Mountain Lake District Tours please feel free to get in touch.