1. Meet the stars at Low Gillerthwaite
Low Gillerthwaite Field Center in the Ennerdale Valley is an accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site and is probably the best place in England to see the night sky. Its isolated, mountainous location means it is largely free of light pollution; in fact, the northern lights were sighted there.
In winter, coinciding with the new moon phases, the center organizes Dark Sky Discovery weekends. Experts will help you make the most of the spectacular night sky above you. They also organize a cozy room with a roaring fire when the weather doesn’t cooperate and a hostel where you can sleep for the night.
2. Explore the UK’s most haunted castle – Muncaster
Discover the history of the area within the walls and grounds of Muncaster Castle. What is referred to here as the UK’s most haunted castle is only for the brave! Explore the 70 hectares of forest gardens, which date back to the 18th century and are bursting with color every spring and autumn.
Enjoy beautiful views over Ravenglass – the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park – and across the Esk Valley to towering Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.
3. Try Grasmere gingerbread cookies
Forget everything you think you know about gingerbread. Grasmere gingerbread, invented by Sarah Nelson in 1854, is unlike anything you’ve tried before. A sweet and spicy mixture of cake and biscuit, sticky in the middle and crumbly on the top. People travel from all over the world just to try it out.
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is located in Sarah Nelson’s original home, a quaint cottage between St. Oswald’s Churchyard and the Wordsworth Hotel. The scent of gingerbread is irresistible and part of the whole experience. Grasmere itself is a great place to move around and stroll; it is a real chocolate village in the lakes.
4. Stroll around Lake Buttermere
When you think of buttermere, you think of creamy scones or cupcakes with a thin butter icing, right? You couldn’t be further from the truth …
Buttermere is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Lake District, with a two-hour, 6.4 km walking tour that reveals the region’s rugged peaks and fells.
Recharge your batteries in the nearby Syke Farm tea room, for homemade ice cream or a good, strong pot of tea.
5. Climb a mountain
You can’t go to the Lake District or climb a mountain.
If you’re looking for a good starter – or if you’re trying to convince someone who isn’t overly keen – Orrest Head, above Windermere, is the best place to start. It’s a short walk and shouldn’t take more than an hour.
It was the first waterfall that Alfred Wainwright, the guide’s author, climbed and he fell in love with the lakes.
6. Follow Wordsworth’s footsteps at Dove Cottage
It is a must for literature lovers. Dove Cottage was the home of William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808. Tour the quaint cottage where the world-famous poet once lived and see the rooms where he wrote his greatest writings. Visit the adjacent museum – packed with manuscripts and whimsical memorabilia.
The quaint cottage is close to the village of Grasmere and it’s not hard to see how the poet was inspired, with sublime landscapes all around.
7. See the sights by electric bike
There is an e-bike network in the Lake District that is growing all the time. It’s a really great way to see a lot of villages really quickly and get to all of the honeypot locations, but with a slightly greener conscience.
There are many charging stations along the way. Most of them are in pubs and cafes, so it’s a good excuse to have a drink and “recharge”. Lots of energy for you and the bike.
The lakes are hilly so having the electric motor to help if you are not a hardcore cyclist is a blessing.
They can be rented from several locations including the dramatic Lowther Castle, which has its own walking trails at lowthercastle.org
8. Hike the trails in Whinlatter Forest Park
On your trip to the Lake District, take the time to explore the UK’s only true mountain forest: Whinlatter Forest Park. The park is perfect for the adventurous and outdoor enthusiast, and has an abundance of hiking trails, bike rentals, and even a high ropes course. Different lengths make it the perfect setting for all abilities and families are welcome.
From April to September, visit and check out the Osprey Webcam – streaming footage of the local Osprey population from their nest.
9. Make your way to the coast
It’s easy to get caught up in the Lake District’s interior and forget about exploring the Cumbrian coast. OK. It’s not technically part of the Lake District National Park, but it would be a shame to be so close and not try it out.
Everywhere near the South and West Lakes, a detour is worthwhile. It feels completely different from the rest of the Lake District. Here the fells are behind you when you look out over the sea and you don’t see the crowds.
The Solway Plain is also worth a visit. The smugglers’ route, which starts in Mayport, takes you through Allonby to Mealsgate. Make sure you stop at the Twentymans General Store and try one of their Monster Ice Creams.
10. Check out the Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg is one of the oldest British circles, dating back an estimated 5,000 years, and is impressive. Historians and archaeologists are unsure why this site was created or what it stands for. Enjoy the panoramic views and the surrounding mountains while you are at the top.
Those who have energy can walk to the site from the nearby town of Keswick via a well-marked path along an old railway line. Those who stayed behind can park upstairs.
11. Go for a walk with a pack pony
Native fur ponies are unfortunately critically endangered, although the queen’s favorite mount is one. Fell Pony Adventures offers a range of experiences from short hikes to 4-day camping adventures where the beautiful and sturdy black ponies carry your gear for you. Fellpony.de.
12. Riding with a difference
Gallop on a beach or climb a Lakeland peak on a glorious Shire or Clydesdale horse. Cumbrian Heavy Horses offers experiences for all levels including carriage rides for those who prefer not to climb aboard the UK’s largest horses. www.cumbrianheavyhorses.com
13. Go for a walk with wolves
The last wild wolf in England was killed in Lakeland in the 14th century. Just a few miles from the spot, the Predator Experience offers hour-long walks with your wolf hybrid pack through the Lake District countryside while learning about the evolution, social structure and conservation of wolves. www.predatorexperience.co.uk
14. Get in the water
There are many ways to get out on the water, but Ullswater Steamers is one of the oldest and most popular. Cruises combine some of Lakeland’s most famous walking routes, making a trip both functional and enjoyable while taking in the beautiful views of the Ullswater Valley. www.ullswatersteamers.co.uk
15. A man (or woman) and his dog
Have you been fascinated by working with German Shepherds for a long time? You too can herd sheep. The Lake District Sheepdog Experience has a team of working dogs trained to work with amateurs like us. www.lakedistriktsheepdogexperience.co.uk
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