Standing proud in the North-West of England is the glorious Lake District, known for its glistening lakes, dramatic mountains and towering forests. Many a poet and artist have been inspired by its vast wealth of natural beauty, so it’s no surprise that the region is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. We’ve put together a guide for five of the most exciting things to do here in the Lake District, so you can make the most of your magical Cumbrian retreat.
1) Wild Swimming in the Lake District
The Lake District is home to some of the most incredible naturally occurring bodies of water in the country. Visitors often sail on them, picnic by them, and dip their toes in for a paddle. Those brave enough can even submerge their entire body in the glistening waters and enjoy a wild swim. Having increased in popularity in recent years, the Lake District is a fantastic place to take part in a spot of wild swimming.
One of our favourite places to go wild swimming in the district is Rydal Falls, a spectacular area featuring stunning plunge pools and waterfalls. Hidden away amongst enchanting woodland next to Rydal Hall, swimming here is a truly magical experience. The water is initially easy to access, but there are also further views to explore if you’re up for some climbing.
We’d always recommend going wild swimming with a companion, wearing the right gear, and slowly easing yourself in, especially if you’re a first timer. Keeping yourself and your companion safe while embarking on these exhilarating swims is paramount! You can find out more about staying safe while you’re wild swimming here.
2) Awe-Inspiring Views in the Lake District
As one of the most remarkable landscapes of natural beauty in the UK, the Lake District is famous for its picturesque views and sensational scenery. Visitors can venture around vast lakes, across rugged mountains and through green forests during their spectacular staycation in the Lakes.
If you only have a few days to explore the district and want to take in the best views possible, we highly recommend visiting Wastwater, the deepest lake in the district which is situated in the Wasdale Valley. Having been voted the ‘Best View in the UK’ on multiple occasions, it’s a truly unmissable sight. Surrounded by Red Pike, Kirk Fell and Great Gable, Wastwater boasts an epic backdrop of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
The area is popular with walkers, cyclists and canoers, so you can choose how you’d like to take in the views; whether it’s by foot, wheel, or boat.
3) Mountain Climbing in the Lake District
The Lake District is home to the ten highest peaks in England, making it the perfect location for keen walkers and climbers to tick off their list. Treks up these astonishing mountains are not only unparalleled walks, but they’re also one of the best ways to see the unbelievable views the district has to offer.
One of our favourite mountain walks in the district is across Skiddaw, where millions of people have adventured to take in the stunning patchwork colours of its slopes (created by carpets of bracken, grass, heather and scree) and the unrivalled view from the summit.
There are a few different routes visitors can take when ascending Skiddaw, the most popular of which will take you across the Jenkin Hill Path. Bursting with history, the trail was forged by Victorian tourists as a route for ponies to travel safely.
4) Incredible Outdoor Activities in the Lake District
If you’re searching for an adrenaline rush, look no further than the Lake District. There’s a whole host of fantastic outdoor adventure activities to take part in around the Lakes. One of the best places to visit is the Honister Slate Mine, which produces some of the most thrilling, interesting, and memorable outdoor adventures in the Lake District.
One of their most exhilarating activities is the Via Ferrata Xtreme, a three-hour adrenaline-fuelled adventure where visitors will face all manner of challenges, from mountain edges, vertical ladder climbs, overhanging descents to Burma bridges, and sky ladders.
No climbing experience is necessary to take part in the Via Ferrate Xtreme, but it’s an adventure not for the faint hearted. Completing the final scramble will see visitors rewarded with some of the most spectacular views that the Lake District has to offer. Standing tall above Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater, the sense of accomplishment is matched by the abundance of sensational natural beauty.
5) Relax and Unwind in the Lake District
The Lake District may be a place renowned for its exciting adventures and exhilarating trails, but it’s also a fantastic place to clear your mind, find peace, and reconnect with nature.
One of the best places to visit for a relaxing experience is Ennerdale Water, the westernmost lake in the district. Owing to its location, it sees fewer visitors than other areas of the district, and it has a totally different atmosphere too. It contains no settlements at all, and it’s part of the Wild Ennerdale project, whereby the landowners aim to let natural processes shape the landscape, creating a remote, wild area.
Surrounded by extensive woodland, visitors can go for a leisurely stroll through the woods, indulge in some ‘forest bathing’ (engaging all of your senses as you mindfully wander around the forest), and breathe in the fragrance and freshness of the country air. Fauna lovers will be able to spot red squirrel, roe deer, and farmed Galloway cattle in the area too.
Make the Most of Your Lake District Retreat with Long Valley Yurts
Make your trip to the Lake District truly unforgettable with a stay at Long Valley Yurts. Our unique yurts are cosy, comfortable, and guaranteed to give you a relaxing base to retreat to after a day of exciting adventuring. Furnished with woollen rugs, bright colourful throws, twinkling fairy lights and a skylight, our yurts create the perfect atmosphere for you to enjoy a night under the stars in the stunning Lake District. Book your Cumbrian retreat with Long Valley Yurts today.