The Lake District is a breathtaking region of the UK that attracts more than 15 million visitors every year. It's really no wonder why. Home to some truly wonderful attractions and a seemingly endless array of stunning views. The Lake District is the perfect place for a weekend getaway for families, couples or even for solo trips.
Here are just some of the things you absolutely must do on your next break to the Lakes.
The Lake District encompasses some truly amazing National Trust properties. If you’re a fan of literature you shouldn’t miss The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. A 17th century building that houses an annually changing exhibition of Beatrix Potter’s original drawings and illustrations.
For the more adventurous, there is Brimham Rocks; a mixture of rocks, moorland and woodland that is known as ‘nature’s natural playground’. For even more nature-based activities you should try the Footprint building, just a short walk from Windermere. The meadows, woodland and grazed parkland around St Catherine’s Estate are teeming with wildlife, making it the perfect place to get away from it all. At the Footprint you can explore the great outdoors through activities and workshops, such as green woodworking, hammock camps and bushcraft clubs.
National Trust properties are dotted all over the Lake District, and many of them are free. If you’re taking a break in the Lakes you should definitely find out which National Trust properties are close to where you’ll be and pay them a visit.
One of the key attractions of the Lakes is the sheer number of different walks you can take. Fromfells to dense forests, the Lake District is perfect for keen hikers and fans of picturesque views. We have already covered four amazing fell walks that you can take in the Lake District, from Scafell Pike to Skiddaw.
The Lake District is completely covered in wonderful hikes for people of all walking abilities. Whether you fancy a stroll near quaint villages, towns or around the edges of magnificent lakes, the Lakes will never fail to disappoint.
For the history buffs amongst you, the Lake District is home to some truly remarkable castles and historic houses to see and visit. Among others is Sizergh Castle, an incredible 14th century, four-story structure that has been home to the Strickland family for more than 750 years – and they still live there to this day.
The castle can be explored from the inside, and you’ll find the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels in the country, as well as a collection of English and French furniture and family portraits. Sizergh is surrounded by a gorgeous garden full of enchanting wildlife and features the National Trust’s largest limestone rock garden.
Other castles, such as Kendal, Waitby, Brough and Dalton, are also in the Lakes available for visitors. There are also wonderful historical houses like Levens Hall, Dove cottage, Dalemain and Holker Hall. No matter where you stay in the Lakes, you will be able to find fantastic castles and houses to explore nearby.
The Lakes is home to some truly spectacular wildlife. You can find wildlife at every turn no matter where you are in the Lakes. You can see one of the country’s most beloved species – the red squirrel – all year round in a number of woodlands.
Whilst you're exploring the lakes, you'll see birds of prey flying over head such as buzzards, kestrels, golden eagles and osprey. If you like, you can visit the Wildlife Park near Keswick and see a number of spectacular non-native animals, such as lemurs, gibbons, meercats, lynxes and wildebeests.
If you’re a person who loves to watch wildlife, a trip to the Lakes cannot be beat.
After a day of exploring nature or historical buildings sometimes the best way to unwind is by checking out some live music or a play. The Lakes is full of culture and boasts a host of theatres, art centres and cinemas for people to enjoy. Such as Theatre by the Lake, which has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of plays on its two stages and has won multi-starred reviews. It also holds festivals of literature, jazz and film.
When it comes to weekend breaks, the Lake District really is the place to be. At Mill House Cottages we have an amazing range of luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District. If you’re thinking of taking advantage of some of these must-dos, take a look at our romantic cottages for two in the Lake District, our family accommodation or for that reunion with family and friends; our group accommodation.
