The All-Time Top 10 Best Places in the Lake District to Visit
If you’re looking for the best places in the Lake District to visit, we’ve narrowed it down to our all-time top 10 locations to help you plan your trip itinerary.
From mesmerising viewpoints to historical attractions, the Lakes is full of amazing attractions, breathtaking scenery, and picturesque villages and towns — some that you won't find anywhere else in the UK.
We've got a diverse list of our favourite Lake District locations, some well-known, some only locals rave about.
So, if you're planning a trip to the famed National Park, make sure to get some of these recommendations on your schedule, and make some fantastic memories!
10 Best Lake District Attractions & Locations
1) Orrest Head, Eastern Shores of Windermere
2) Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall, Ambleside
5) Claife Viewing Station, Windermere West Shore
8) Hodge Close Quarry, Coniston
10) Kentmere Valley
1) Orrest Head, Eastern Shores of Windermere
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This short, yet extremely rewarding walk to the summit of Orrest Head should be on your list if you can appreciate and admire a spectacular view while enjoying the scenic journey to the top.
The route is only 3.5km, making it perfect for those with little legs and satisfying for those who see hikes as a challenge.
You'll make your way through Elleray Wood, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the sights and sounds of the woodland area, before reaching the top, where you'll experience panoramic views of the massive Lake Windermere.
See Our List of the 7 Best Lakes in the Lake District!
When you're done, you can explore the town. Find plenty of lake cruises, paddleboarding, cafes, and shops. The perfect way to end a short hike.
Nearby Must-See Spots
2) Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall, Ambleside
@sarah_walking_ Perfect easy walk out of Ambleside in the Lake District! 🚘 Rydal Rd Car Park, 1-3 Rydal Rd, Ambleside LA22 9AN ⏰ 1.5 miles | 1 hr 🥾 Easy 👥 Family and Dog Friendly #lakedistrictnationalpark #ambleside #lakedistrictwalks #hiking #familydayout #outdoors #free #lakedistrict_uk #stockghyllforce #waterfall #walking #regatta #labelpr @RegattaOutdoors ♬ original sound - A - 🌃
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A short walk from Ambleside will lead you to a 70-foot cascading waterfall that is not to be missed on your trip to the lakes.
The walk to the site is only 1.4km, and it takes you along a woodland path so you can take in the tranquillity of the location.
If you're looking for a picture-perfect view that requires minimal effort, Stock Ghyll Force is the perfect activity for you if you're in Ambleside.
When you're done, you can head into the town centre, which is a charming base at the head of Windermere with independent shops, cosy pubs, and outdoor gear shops.
Nearby Must-See Spots
3) Rydal Caves & Rydal Water
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A dramatic man-made cavern (as a result of slate quarrying) on the hillside, Rydal Cave, features stepping stones over a still pool with reflections of the rugged rock walls.
Fan of The Witcher on Netflix? The cave actually features in season 2. Even if you're not a fan, we suggest heading up there. The views are stunning, and the cave is magical.
The route along Loughrigg Terrace above Rydal Water offers one of the most picturesque lake views in the district, too. If you're looking for a day of beauty, Rydal is the location for you.
Rydal was one of William Wordsworth's favourite locations, so once you've explored the caves, check out some of the famed spots, like Rydal Mount (where he lived).
Nearby Must-See Spots
4) Wray Castle, Ambleside
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This Gothic Revival castle sits right on Windermere’s western shore, with turrets, towers, and family-friendly grounds. It’s also a fantastic base for lakeside walking and cycling trails through woodland and along the shore.
This is one of our favourite Lake District locations. Beatrix Potter's family even stayed here on their holiday in 1882.
Read: A Local’s Guide to the Top Family Activities in the Lake District
Thanks to the National Trust, Wray Castle is kept beautifully, making it the perfect place to walk and explore the historical grounds.
Once you finish, grab something to eat in the cafe on the grounds or take a peek in the shop!
Nearby Must-See Spots
Looking for accommodation during your trip, but only finding overpriced Lake District lodges and crowded hotels? Let us introduce you to Newlands Farm Stables.
Situated just outside Kendal, a gateway town to the Lake District, we offer luxury glamping accommodation for your family and friends.
Stay in one of our modern converted barns or stables and experience the beauty of the countryside without giving up home comforts like a private bathroom, a fully functioning kitchenette, and a comfortable living space.
You'll even have a private terrace with your own gas BBQ for relaxing nights after your day at the lakes.
For more information on our site, head to our booking section! We hope to see you very soon.
5) Claife Viewing Station, Windermere West Shore
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Visit this unique location on Windermere's west shore. Claife Viewing Station is a restored Victorian platform with coloured glass panels framing different moods of the surrounding lakes and fells.
Admire the panoramic views of Lake Windermere while learning about the building's heritage. Then, once your senses are filled with your serene surroundings, you can relax in the courtyard, which has a small cafe.
This spot is less than a 5-minute walk from the ferry, so we recommend it if you have little time or want to squeeze one last activity into your trip.
But, if you want to extend the day, you can take on the 4-mile walk to Wray Castle, where you'll walk along the flat shoreline. There are plenty of great spots for a picnic along here, too.
Nearby Must-See Spots
6) Gummer's How, Windermere
@samrculley Gummers How, short hike with epic views in the Lake District! Enjoy 🥾
♬ original sound - Sam Culley
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A short, steep climb from the southern end of Windermere rewards you with huge views over the lake and surrounding fells. This is one of the best effort-to-reward walks in the lakes.
You can choose to walk from the shore of Windermere; this route will take you on a bit more of a climb, or you can start at the Gummer's How picnic area, which removes a lot of the steepness.
The walk from the picnic area is just over 1km, making it the perfect stretch of the legs if you've been travelling most of the day, or if you fancy doing something slower-paced.
After a relatively steep climb from the picnic area, you'll be met with phenomenal views spanning for miles. For the low effort you put in, the reward is truly something else.
Nearby Must-See Spots
7) High Dam, Finsthwaite
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Tucked in quiet woodland above Finsthwaite, High Dam is a peaceful tarn with a circular path, perfect for a picnic or leisurely walk.
We'd actually say this is one of the Lake District's most beautiful small walks, and is considered a bit of a hidden gem. If you can squeeze this location in, it's well worth it.
Below High Dam is Low Dam, which is a smaller body of water, it's worth a look, but the real deal is further up.
The walk up to High Dam will take you through meandering woodland with beautiful tall trees, chirping wildlife, and gorgeous colours. It's a real feast for the senses and rather quiet if you're looking for some alone time.
Nearby Must-See Spots
8) Hodge Close Quarry, Coniston
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Hodge Close Quarry is a striking slate quarry with sheer cliffs and deep green water. This dramatic stop is ideal for keen photographers or those with an appreciation for unique geological features.
Viewed from the right angle, the quarry walls and reflection of the water form a skull shape, only adding to the eerie atmosphere. That's what this spot is famed for, so hopefully you'll spot it when you're there!
This is also a great spot for experienced divers and climbers, since the water is so deep and the rocks are easily accessible.
The woodland surrounding the quarry is worth taking in, too. The cliffs and trees make for a great trail with much to behold.
Nearby Must-See Spots
9) Skelwith Force, Ambleside
@hikeswithchris perfect for a rainy day in the lakes #hike #hiker #outdoors #uk #explore #adventure #waterfall #thelakedistrict ♬ Dream - Alex Lustig
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Skelwith Force is a small but powerful waterfall, perfect for visiting on a rainy day, when the scenery is even more impressive.
If you start your trail from Elterwater, which most do, you'll start in the pretty village and walk along a riverside path. The route is flat, accessible, and offers beautiful views over meadows and fells.
Once you reach the falls, you'll be amazed by how mesmerising it is, watching it cascade and flow, creating a huge volume of white water.
If you want to meander along the 4km route, you won't regret it.
Nearby Must-See Spots
10) Kentmere Valley
@theroamingwriter Replying to @Evelyn ✈️🇪🇺 ♬ Northern Attitude - Noah Kahan & Hozier
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Last but not least is one of the quietest corners of the Lake District — Kentmere Valley.
Kentmere is a hidden valley of stone barns, rolling farmland, and high fells. It’s perfect for walkers seeking solitude and unspoilt scenery.
To the north of Kendal, Kentmere Valley is home to the famous horseshoe walk around the head of the valley, which provides stunning views of the reservoir.
If you're looking for more challenging hikes, though, you'll find a range of trails throughout the valley, catering to all manner of abilities.
Lake District holidays are made for admiring natural beauty while enjoying the great outdoors, and Kentmere Valley helps you do exactly that.
Nearby Must-See Spots
Final Words: Make Memories at These Top Lake District Attractions
And there you have it! As difficult as it is to choose just 10 top Lake District locations, as locals, these have to be some of our favourites.
With a mix of popular towns and hidden gems, we hope we've given you everything you need for an epic Lake District getaway.
But if you need more, head to our blog, where you'll find lots of info on the National Park and its surrounding areas.
Have an amazing time at the Lakes!