The Lake District in Cumbria, England, is renowned for its picturesque villages, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. From the literary heritage of Grasmere to the outdoor activities in Keswick, these villages are a must-visit for any Lakes Touring Enthusiast.
1. Ambleside: Gateway to Tranquility
Ambleside is a great starting point for a Lake District holiday, known for its stunning trails, panoramic views, and quaint streets. Visitors can explore the Armitt Museum and Library, Bridge House, and St Mary’s Church, and enjoy the scenic trails and Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
2. Grasmere: Literary Heritage
This village is famous for its connection to William Wordsworth, who called it the “loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” Visitors can visit Dove Cottage, the Wordsworth Museum, and enjoy the beautiful countryside, including Grasmere Lake and Easedale Tarn.
3. Hawkshead: Old English Charm
Hawkshead is steeped in history and was once home to Beatrix Potter. Its narrow ginnels, cobbled courtyards, and whitewashed buildings evoke an “olde-worlde” atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Beatrix Potter Gallery and enjoy the quaint shops and cafes.
4. Bowness-on-Windermere: Lake Windermere
This former fishing village is surrounded by Lake Windermere and offers a range of activities, including ferries to Hawkshead and the Windermere Way walking path. Visitors can visit the World of Beatrix Potter and enjoy the art galleries, antique stores, and boutique shops.
5. Keswick: Outdoor Activities
Keswick is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Derwent Pencil Museum and a variety of walking trails. It is also known for its cultural attractions, including the Theatre by the Lake and the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery.
6. Windermere: Scenic Village
This village is situated on the shores of Lake Windermere and offers stunning views. Visitors can visit the Windermere Jetty Museum and enjoy the scenic walks and boat trips on the lake.
7. Coniston: Lake Coniston
This village is famous for its connections to Donald Campbell, who attempted to break the world water speed record on Lake Coniston. Visitors can visit the Ruskin Museum and enjoy the scenic walks and boat trips on the lake.
8. Troutbeck: Surrounded by Peaks
This village is surrounded by the peaks of Froswick, Yoke, III Bell, and Thornwaite Crag. Visitors can enjoy the scenic walks and visit the Troutbeck Bridge and the nearby village of Rydal.
9. Cartmel: Foodie Paradise
This village is known for its racecourse and delicious sticky toffee pudding. Visitors can visit the Cartmel Priory and enjoy the fine dining restaurants, cheese delicatessen, and lovely pubs and cafes.
10. Caldbeck: Mining History
This village has a rich mining history and is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Visitors can visit the church and enjoy the riverside walks and traditional pubs.
11. Ravenglass: Scenic Railway
This village is home to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a scenic railway that runs through the Eskdale Valley. Visitors can enjoy the scenic walks and visit the Muncaster Castle.
12. Bassenthwaite: Lake District Animal Park
This village is home to the Lake District Animal Park and offers scenic walks and boat trips on Bassenthwaite Lake.
13. Pooley Bridge: Boutiques and Teashops
This village is known for its boutique shops and teashops. Visitors can visit the Pooley Bridge Inn and enjoy the scenic walks and boat trips on Ullswater Lake.
14. Threlkeld: Castlerigg Stone Circle
This village is home to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, a Neolithic stone circle. Visitors can enjoy the scenic walks and visit the nearby village of Grange-in-Borrowdale.
15. Newby Bridge: Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
This village is home to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and offers scenic walks and boat trips on Windermere Lake.
16. Grange-in-Borrowdale: Walking Trails
This village is known for its walking trails and scenic views. Visitors can visit the nearby village of Threlkeld and enjoy the Castlerigg Stone Circle.
17. Elterwater: Holiday Cottages
This village is mostly composed of holiday cottages and offers scenic walks and a small river flowing through to the nearby lake.
18. Askham: Historical Interest
This village has medieval origins and is home to Askham Hall, a Grade 1 listed building. Visitors can enjoy the scenic walks and visit the nearby village of Pooley Bridge.
19. Kendal: Southern Gateway
This town is known as the southern gateway to the Lake District and is famous for its mint cake. Visitors can visit the Kendal Castle and enjoy the scenic walks and cultural attractions.
20. Dent: Stone Cottages
This village is known for its stone cottages and cobblestone streets. Visitors can visit the Dent Heritage Centre and enjoy the scenic walks and nearby village of Sedbergh.
21. Sedbergh: Book Town
This town is known as the “Book Town” of the Lake District and is home to many bookshops and literary attractions. Visitors can visit the Sedbergh School and enjoy the scenic walks and nearby village of Dent.
22. Kirkby Lonsdale: Historic Market Town
This town is a historic market town with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can visit the Kirkby Lonsdale Church and enjoy the scenic walks and nearby village of Sedbergh.
23. Appleby-in-Westmorland: Medieval Castle
This town is home to Appleby Castle, a medieval castle. Visitors can visit the Appleby Horse Fair and enjoy the scenic walks and nearby village of Kirkby Stephen.
24. Ulverston: Furness Abbey
This town is home to Furness Abbey, a historic abbey. Visitors can visit the Ulverston Canal and enjoy the scenic walks and nearby village of Coniston.
These villages offer a range of experiences, from literary heritage to outdoor activities, and are a must-visit for anyone exploring the Lake District.
References:
– https://uktravelplanning.com/villages-in-the-lake-district/
– https://www.sallyscottages.co.uk/guides/lake-districts-prettiest-villages
– https://luxurylakeshotels.co.uk/12-beautiful-villages-to-visit-in-the-lake-district/
– https://www.visitcumbria.com/towns/
– https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/blog/5-charming-villages-and-towns-visit-lake-district