Boating on the Lakes

Explore the shores of Derwentwater – Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake – with a hop-on, hop-off Walkers’ Ticket, or just sit back and enjoy the views of the fells. Complete tours of the Lake take 50 minutes, or you can disembark at one of the eight jetties en-route.

Cruise Lake Coniston in serious style on a 19th century steam yacht, complete with saloons, leather sofas and a viewing deck. A full lake cruise takes 1 hour 40 minutes, or there are shortert cruises around the north or south sections of the lake.

Arguably the most atmospheric of all the Lakeland cruises, this fleet of period vessels mostly dates from the 19th century, and offers incredible vistas over Ullswater and the Helvellyn range. Tours run all year round; a one-way trip across the lake from Glenridding Pier to Pooley Bridge Pier takes an hour.

Boat-lovers and history buffs should head to Lake Windermere’s excellent new boat museum dedicated to the history of boating on the lakes. It’s home to a collection of historical boats, and they run trips out onto Lake Windermere on one of two heritage vessels, MV Penelope II and SL Osprey.

Imposing mountains, wild landscapes, tranquil lakes and picturesque towns combine to make the Lake District uniquely beautiful, and one of the best places in Britain for walking, climbing, boating and biking.

Beatrix Potter’s cottage is every bit as pretty (and popular) as you’d expect – and, for fans of her books, offers the chance to see some of the places that inspired her illustrations.

The Lake District’s many hills – or ‘fells’ as they’re known in Cumbria – offer some of the best hiking in England, from short walks to full-day multi-summit treks. There’s nowhere better to appreciate the best of the British landscape.

Spectacular scenery and a tranquil waterside location combine on this 4.5-mile circular walk around Buttermere Lake.

The most dramatic stone circle in all of England, standing on a lonely hilltop near Keswick for the last 3,000 years, and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre fells.

This small gallery in Hawkshead is located in the old office of Beatrix Potter’s husband, solicitor William Heelis. It holds regular exhibitions of her work, including her beautiful botanical paintings.

The region’s most picturesque and charming village. Grasmere is set on the shores of its eponymous lake and cradled by green fields and fells. William Wordsworth is buried in the churchyard of St Oswald’s – you can see the poet’s tombstone.

The best-known of some fantastic craft breweries in the region. It has a brilliant beer hall at its main site in Staveley, where you can also take a guided tour to learn more about the brewing process

Surrounded by acres of gardens, deer park and woodlands, this impressive stately home is home to Lord and Lady Cavendish. It is worth visiting for its ornate architecture and antiques, including original Chippendale furniture, as well as for its extensive grounds. There is also an excellent farm shop and restaurant.