Staycation in the Lake District: Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss

30 July 2020

The Lake District has many things to offer and, as most people are looking to book a holiday in the country instead of flying abroad, we're going into more detail about this stunning area in this article.

So, take a look below at the many attractions you don’t want to miss out on.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

The most visited stone circle in Cumbria, Castlerigg is also one of the country’s most impressive prehistoric monuments. It can be found on a low hill, surrounded by the dramatic Helvellyn and High Seat mountains.

This stunning circle was built around 3,000 BC, during the Neolithic period. It's easy to see why thousands of people gravitate towards this site every year – the 38 stones form a circle of, approximately, 30 metres in diameter and, inside the circle, there are another 10 standing stones. The tallest measures 2.3 metres in height.

It’s believed the site was used for ceremonial purposes and the stones follow astronomical alignments.

Tarn Hows

This beautiful route is perfect for all hikers who wish to enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Tarn Hows is a 3km circular walk that starts and ends at the main car park. If you prefer, there is also a shorter (only 0.75km in length) linear route above the tarns.

You'll be privy to spectacular views of the wooded hills and there are also plenty of benches and places to sit down, so that you can better take in the beauty around you.

Aira Force

This magnificent waterfall – which can be found on Gowbarrow Park – is one of the most famous of the Lake District. Lose yourself in the gorgeous woodland around you, from green ferns to open glades. The scenery is truly unique, and you have the opportunity to see it up close by following a network of trails, footpaths and bridges.

Aira Force falls, approximately, 22 metres from below a stone bridge and the land is owned by the National Trust, which purchased the 750-acre Gowbarrow Park in 1906.

Hardknott Fort

Another point of interest in the Lake District is Hardknott Roman Fort. The remote ruins were once a Roman fort built in the 2nd century, under Hadrian’s rule. If you love history, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic site, especially as you can still see the remains of the parade ground, the headquarters building, the commandant's house and the bath house.

Surprise View

Actually called Surprise View, this is an unmissable location when you holiday in the Lake District. This is the point where the Watendlath valley was cut off by the main glacier that carved out Borrowdale, and you can see the spectacular effects when you stand on top of the cliff.

The views across Derwent Water are expansive and dramatic, so we’re confident the whole family will love the walk and the ‘surprise’ at the end!

Ullswater Lake

Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District at 12km long. Its maximum depth is 63 metres, at Howtown, and the water is crystalline – perfect to enjoy the breath-taking mountain scenery to the south or the beautiful hills to the north.

There are many towns and villages around Ullswater, such as Penrith, Glenridding, Patterdale and Dacre. You can cruise the lake if you want, and many people windsurf or sail there as well.

Honister Slate Mine

If you’re looking for something completely different, why not explore Honister Slate Mine with its 450-million-year-old volcanic green slate? This is a still-functional 18th-century mine and, apart from visiting the shop, you have the chance to tour the mine and to climb the vertical rock up to great heights.

You'll be safe with cables and ladders, but, if you’re afraid of heights, this may not be for you! You can also undertake the Via Ferrata, which uses the original miners’ track up the steep incline. You'll be greeted by spectacular views of the Lake District if you choose this activity.

The slate mine is an amazing experience that will thrill visitors of all ages, so give it a try and see for yourself.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District has many beautiful places to visit and many points of interest that you’ll love to explore. For your next staycation, consider this stunning area and you won’t be disappointed!

Our luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District provide the perfect base to discover the best the area has to offer, so contact us today on 03301 137 627 to learn more about them. We’ll be happy to chat with you about the amazing features and amenities they offer.

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