Your Burning Questions About the Lake District: Answered!

This picturesque area of the UK is also a hit on social media, with the hashtag #LakeDistrict racking up over four million tags on Instagram. The Lakes have been recognised as the best place in the country for a family staycation this year, with increasing demand for hotels, cafés and activities.

With its gorgeous landscapes and endless activities, the Lake District should definitely be at the top of your UK travel list. But whether you’re a seasoned visitor to the area, or it’s your first time exploring, you’ll likely have some burning questions about how best to spend your time there.

Luxury Lake District hotel, Armathwaite Hall, has utilised Google search data to identify some of the most frequently asked questions about the area and give you all the best information before your break.

5. What are the best places to see in the Lake District? – 2,400 MSV

The Lake District is full of beautiful scenery, charming towns and historical landmarks. Of course, the region’s stunning lakes are what give it its iconic name. Standouts include Windermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater, all of which can be enjoyed on a lake cruise – a good option to ensure you see several of these beautiful bodies of water in one trip.

Aira Force near Ullswater is another must-see when you’re visiting the Lake District. Surrounded by woodland trails, the waterfall is perfect for a scenic stroll, with plenty of spots to pause and take in the view.

If you’re a history buff, take a trip to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, a must-see piece of history that will look storybook-perfect in the frost of winter. With incredible views of the imposing Helvellyn and High Seat in the background, this unusual circle of stones dates back to the Neolithic period.

It’s one of the earliest British stone circles that historians are aware of and features an unusual rectangle of standing stones within the circle itself. The only other stone circle featuring this addition is at Askham Fell, near Ullswater.

4. Which National Trust locations should I visit in the Lake District? – 2,900 MSV

There are plenty of gorgeous National Trust locations scattered throughout the Lake District. But with many popular choices, such as Beatrix Potter’s home, Hill Top (now closed for the season), which ones should you make your priority this winter?

The beautiful Sizergh estate remains partially open during the colder months. The house itself remains closed from the end of December until mid-March, but the stunning garden, park, shop and café are open at pre-approved times.

Take in the gorgeous mirror lake, take a stroll through the apple orchard and enjoy the limestone rock garden before heading to the café for a well-deserved hot meal, made using seasonal produce from Sizergh’s own kitchen garden. Head to the shop before you leave to treat yourself to some locally-made home accessories as a token of remembrance for your trip.

If you love history and you’re heading to Windermere in December, then you’re in luck! Exclusively on the 12, 13, 19 and 20 December, the National Trust’s Townend farmhouse is hosting a special Victorian Christmas.

Experience this 400-year-old house by candlelight and discover how it would have looked in the late 1800s. Enjoy a Victorian cooking demonstration and immerse yourself in the history of the area. Perfect for history buffs and young families alike!

If you’re planning on taking a stroll through the grounds of a National Trust property this winter, remember to wrap up warm and treat yourself to a nice, warm drink afterwards.

3. What’s the best area to stay in the Lake District? – 4,400 MSV

If you’re looking for a picturesque winter escape, Keswick is the perfect place to stay. Located in the heart of the Lake District, this lively market town offers scenic walking routes, cosy cafés and an abundance of locally-run shops, making it ideal for those looking for both relaxation and adventure.

Once a small farming settlement, Keswick is now one of the Lakes’ most popular towns, brimming with history, outdoor activities and excellent restaurants. For those who love nature, Derwentwater offers breathtaking lakeside walks and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. It’s also a fantastic spot for wild swimming, if you fancy something more adventurous!

To learn more about the area’s fascinating heritage, you can visit the Keswick Museum. During the festive season, Keswick sparkles with twinkling lights, local markets and seasonal events, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere.

2. Where are the best walks in the Lake District? – 5,400 MSV

There are hundreds of miles of walking trails to choose from within the 912 square miles of the Lake District National Park. But some of them require more hiking experience and specialist walking equipment than others.

If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stick to the flatter, easier trails at first. The Tarn Hows walking route is a great one to start with and it only takes around an hour and a half to complete. The tarn itself is a stunning sight in the winter, with its glossy, almost black water, while the surrounding woodland provides a suitably atmospheric backdrop. Snow is common in this area during the colder months, making for some gorgeous photographs if you time your walk right!

The main walking route is fully accessible for those with less mobility and those who use a wheelchair. All-terrain scooters are available to book 48 hours in advance. The route is also suitable for children and buggies, so you can bring the whole family with you!

If you have more experience with hiking and mountain climbing, don’t miss Scafell Pike. With multiple routes to the top, this hike normally takes around four hours and features some truly challenging moments. With stunning views from the peak, especially under the sugar-dusting of snow commonly seen during the winter months, it’s clear why this trail is so popular.

The highest mountain in England at 3,209 feet, Scafell Pike demands respect. Only attempt this trail if you feel well-equipped and experienced. If you manage to make it to the peak, you’ll be rewarded with some truly incredible views stretching right across to the Isle of Man. Less daunting but still challenging alternatives in the Lake District include Helvellyn and Catbells.

Remember to wear warm clothes and proper walking shoes, especially if you’re tackling one of the harder routes. Always bring your waterproofs as you can never predict the British weather!

1. What are the best things to do in the Lake District? – 14,800 MSV

With an overwhelming number of monthly searches for ‘things to do in the Lake District’, it’s obvious many of us are excited about our upcoming trips to the area – and the Lakes don’t disappoint!

Even during the colder months, there’s plenty to do for couples, families and solo travellers. If hiking and wildlife spotting isn’t really your thing, make sure to head to Grasmere. This gorgeous little village is best known as the location of Dove Cottage, home of famous poet William Wordsworth.

Visit the Wordsworth Museum to learn more about the poet’s life and his inspiration. Take a gallery tour, enjoy some live poetry from the museum’s dramatic performers and try your hand at some poetry of your own.

Before leaving the area, make sure to stop in at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. The sweet treat is still made using the recipe invented by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson in 1854 and is truly delicious! The shop also sells award-winning rum butter, toffee, fudge and more.

If you’re a whisky drinker, The Lakes Distillery is the place for you. Book a tour of this working distillery to discover the process of making a perfectly smooth, award-winning whisky. Make sure you taste test the latest batch to warm you through this winter!

If you’re more of the outdoors activity type, the Lake District Wildlife Park is a great option, offering the chance to get up close to a variety of animals. The park is home to over 100 species, from lemurs and red pandas to birds of prey, reptiles and meerkats.

Throughout the day, you can attend keeper talks and demonstrations (check the park’s website for the current schedule). This is a fun way to learn about the animals, their behaviour and conservation while enjoying the outdoors – perfect for a family day out.

However you choose to spend your break in the Lakes, you’ll never be stuck for brilliant activities and fantastic accommodation.