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Our guide to luxury holidays in the Lake District

Yes, the Lake District is home to mountain passes, ancient tarns and storied fells – but it also lays claim to the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside of London, and a thriving creative scene that draws a bevy of bright young chefs, artists and independent makers. This is our Unique guide to luxury holidays in the Lake District.

The wild expanse of the Lake District is Britain's answer to the Alps. Just a two-and-a-half-hour train journey from London, this is a region where days are spent seeking summits and nights are for fine dining on the land’s natural larder. With boots laced, maps at the ready, and pockets full of Grasmere gingerbread, its hills can make a mountaineer of any city-dweller. A land of first prizes, the Lake District is England’s largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to both its highest mountain and deepest lake. It also has a rich literary and artistic heritage, having inspired the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

With the sheer scale of the region in mind, mapping out your ideal Lakeland escape might feel somewhat mystifying – which is why we’ve covered the best places to eat, shop and explore in our guide to luxury holidays in the Lake District. First, though, you’ll need a base. Whether it’s a modernist lake house set by a glittering shoreline or a 17th-century farmhouse reimagined in riotous colour and texture, these hideaways combine comfort with serious style. There’s never been a chicer place to hang up your walking boots, simmer a Herdwick lamb stew, and plan your next route by a crackling woodburner. This is the Lake District – but not as you know it.

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Inspiration on where to stay

Where to eat & drink

Where to explore

Where to shop

Locations in the Lake District

Whether it´s the long-poeticised shores of Windermere, whisper-quiet Cumbrian fells, or Ullswater´s olde-worlde corners that called you here, one thing´s for sure; the gentle ebb-and-flow of Lakeland living won´t disappoint.

Collections in the Lake District

Escape to the wilderness – where the lull of the lake drifts littles to sleep – or spend Christmas in a country house with a private chef to handle the spuds and gravy; these collections cover all the Cumbrian bases.

Journals about the Lake District

We´ve taken the lead on the Lake District´s best dog walks, plus travellers tales of a long-overdue digital detox in the form of books, board games, and sunrise stomps to Scale Force. The mountains are calling, and you must go.

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Lake District FAQ´s

Looking for tips on train travel in the Lake District? Want to know which waters are safe for wild swimming? If you have a Lake District-specific query, you might find the answer here. For everything else, visit our general FAQs.

How many lakes are there in the Lake District?

Although the Lake District is home to 16 major lakes – including popular ones like Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater – only Bassenthwaite can be technically classed as a lake. Why? The others include alternative names for water body within their title; for example, ‘-mere,’ (a lake that is wider than it is deep) ‘-water,’ or ‘-thwaite’ (which is an old Norse word for clearing or meadow). Keep that one up your sleeve for Christmas trivia.

Can you swim in the lakes of the Lake District?

Yes, swimming is permitted in many of the lakes and tarns in the Lake District, with the exception of privately owned reservoirs. It’s also important to note that not all lakes are suitable or safe for beginners to wild swimming, and larger lakes (such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater) have designated swimming areas or beaches where you can swim. If dipping your toe, be sure to follow any safety guidelines or signage provided, as well as be aware of any potential hazards such as cold water temperatures and underwater currents.

What is the best time to visit the Lake District?

The Lake District can be visited year-round, but the summer months (June to August) are the most popular as warmer weather and longer daylight hours mean more time for outdoor activities and exploration. Spring and autumn offer beautiful landscapes for photography – verdant banks of wild garlic and flowers in spring, and auburn leaves by autumn – with fewer crowds on the trails.

Like elsewhere in the UK, winter in the Lake District brings colder, wetter spells, but you also have the chance of spotting snow-peaked mountains and frozen streams, before warming through with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

Is there a train station in the Lake District?

Yes, the Lake District has several train stations that provide access to the region from across the UK. Some of the key train stations include:

Windermere: Windermere station is the most popular gateway to the Lake District, offering regular train services from major cities like Manchester, London, and Glasgow.

Kendal: Situated just outside the Lake District National Park, Kendal station provides convenient access to the southern part of the region. It has direct train connections to major cities, including Manchester, Leeds, and London.

Penrith: Located on the northern edge of the Lake District, Penrith station is well-connected and offers frequent train services from major cities such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

Oxenholme Lake District: Often referred to as the "gateway to the Lake District," Oxenholme serves as a major interchange; from here, you can transfer to local train services to continue your journey to other Lakeland destinations.

Ravenglass: Situated on the western coast of the Lake District, Ravenglass station is the starting point for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a scenic narrow-gauge steam railway that takes you into the heart of the Eskdale Valley.

Are there any famous literary connections to the Lake District?

The Lake District has inspired many writers and poets, most notably William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Beatrix Potter, and Arthur Ransome. You can visit their former Lakeland homes and learn about their literary contributions during your stay.

Perhaps the most famous poet associated with the Lake District, Wordsworth (1770-1850) lived in the region for much of his life. His poetry, including works such as "Daffodils" and "The Prelude," often celebrated the beauty of the lakes and mountains.

Coleridge (1772-1834), a renowned English poet and a friend of Wordsworth, also spent time in the Lake District. Together with Wordsworth, he published the collection Lyrical Ballads, which marked the beginning of the Romantic movement in English literature.

Though primarily known for her beloved children's books featuring characters like Peter Rabbit, Potter (1866-1943) had a deep connection to the Lake District. She owned Hill Top, a farm in Near Sawrey, and many of her stories were inspired by the local flora, fauna, and landscapes.

Ransome (1884-1967) was an English author famed for his series of children's books, Swallows and Amazons. He lived in the Lake District and set many of his stories in the region, drawing on his own experiences sailing on the lakes of Coniston and Windermere.

Own a property in the Lake District?

Are you the keeper of a mountain hut? Or the custodian of a lake house with a view? From Buttermere to Ambleside to sleepy Hawkshead, we´re seeking the Lake District´s most unique homes to join our growing portfolio.

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