Lake District

Home of Beatrix Potter, fascinating history, dramatic landscapes and – of course – plenty of lakes. Cycle, walk or sail through the unforgettable Lake District and discover its many delights.

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Bridge over Aira Force waterfall, Ullswater, Lake District, Cumbria

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Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park

Aira Force is a showcase for the power and beauty of nature; it’s a place to escape the ordinary.

The cream exterior of Allan Bank house on a sunny day

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Allan Bank and Grasmere

The loveliest spot that man hath ever found

View of Sizergh's grey stone manor house, outbuildings, garden and surrounding estate from above. It's a sunny spring day, and the grass is green.

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Sizergh

Beautiful medieval house with rich gardens and estate

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Wray

Parkland and castle on the west shore of Windermere.

The Boathouse Cafe at Fell Foot, Cumbria from Lake Windermere

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Fell Foot

Lakeshore park with stunning mountain views, Boathouse cafe, watersports hire and play area

Spring bulbs emerge in front of the remains of Haig pit on the Whitehaven Coast on a bright sunny day.

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Whitehaven Coast

There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along this post-industrial coastline

A family and their dog walking through the woodlands at Great Wood

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Borrowdale and Derwent Water

Spectacular and varied lakeland landscape around Derwent Water

A spring view of Ennerdale water with yellow daffodils in the foreground

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Ennerdale

Home of the Wild Ennerdale project with 30 miles of traffic-free paths

View up the garden path at Hill Top, Cumbria, in spring.

Planning your visit to the Lake District

Tools, tips and guidance to help you make the most out of your trip to the Lake District and help us look after it.

Cyclist riding their bike on the road alongside Wastwater with mountain views in the background

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Places you can visit in the Lake District without a car

Whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot, there are many places in the Lake District that you can visit without a car - here's the info to help you plan a car-free day out.

A man sitting on the back of his car in a car park to put his walking boots on to go for a walk in Borrowdale, Cumbria

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Countryside car parks in the Lake District

Discover the National Trust's countryside car parks in the Lake District.

Alongside our tenant farmers, the National Trust looks after 20% of the Lake District National Park, including England's deepest lake and highest mountain. We work to restore habitats for nature and to conserve the cultural heritage within a dozen historic buildings. Find out more about what the teams have been up to here.

Two Herdwick sheep stand together on Lingmell in Wasdale during winter

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Farming in the Lake District

Learn about the traditional farming practices in the Lake District and how the National Trust works with farm tenants to restore vital habitats, protect wildlife and support quality local produce.

A view of Watendlath Beck Borrowdale, Lake District

Riverlands projects

Rivers are life forces. They’ve helped sustain ecosystems, cultures and communities for millennia, their quiet power steadily shaping everything from landscapes to place names. Find out more about the work the National Trust is doing with local partners, tenant farmers and other landowners in the area to help restore the Lake District's rivers and improve the water quality in lakes and tarns.

Five people in coats and scarves walking beside placid lake with bare trees dotted around

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Windermere Gateway

The Windermere Gateway programme is a unique opportunity for the National Trust to make a difference in Windermere and support the Lake District National Park Local Plan ambitions.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in our work across the Lakes

Search volunteering opportunities in the Lake District

Visitors on a volunteer-led guided tour around Wray Castle in Ambleside with the castle and blue sky in the background

Volunteering in the Lake District

Find out more about volunteering for the National Trust in the Lake District. You could work indoors or outside, welcoming and guiding visitors, growing crops or managing woodland or building paths.

Wasdale Campsite

A mile from Wastwater, close to challenging bike trails and Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.

Volunteers sitting on a bench with Cat Bells in the background at Borrowdale and Derwentwater in Cumbria

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Romantic places to stay in the Lakes

A dog with a view of Wastwater at Wasdale in Cumbria

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Dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District

Eskdale Campsite

Low in the valley, with trails by the river and up through the fells to small mountain lakes. Village pubs are a short stroll away.

Low Wray Campsite

By Windermere, England’s largest lake, surrounded by things to do and places to visit.

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Conservation in Action

Hill Top, Cumbria

Have you ever wondered how our team cares for Hill Top and the objects Beatrix Potter left to the National Trust?

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Easter at Townend

Townend, Windermere, Cumbria

Step back in time and learn about traditional foods and greetings cards.

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Letters from London

Townend, Windermere, Cumbria

Delve into the Townend archive collection through these fascinating personal letters.

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Taste of Townend

Townend, Windermere, Cumbria

Experience living history and learn about food recreated from the 17th century family recipe book.

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Easter Adventures at Wray 2025

Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Enjoy an Easter treat at the end!

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Easter Egg hunt at Sizergh

Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Sizergh on a bird-themed Easter trail.

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Mischief in Miniature

Hill Top, Cumbria

The Tale of Two Bad Mice comes to life at Hill Top, with little needle-felted mice in various mischievous scenes around the property for you to try and spot.