The Lake District
The most beautiful part of England
The Lake District
The most beautiful part of England
The Lake District
England’s best loved National Park
The Lake District is England’s best loved National Park. The stunning landscape of its fells and lakes has enchanted visitors for centuries. Authors have written about this area, artists have painted it, and musicians been inspired by its beauty.
World Heritage Site status means this is a place recognised internationally as being of outstanding universal value. The official designation says “Its narrow, glaciated valleys radiating from the central massif with their steep hillsides and slender lakes exhibit an extraordinary beauty and harmony.”
National Geographic Traveller Magazine said the Lake District was one of the top 50 destinations in the world and, on every glossy magazine’s ‘must see’ list, the mountains and lakes always feature. And why not? This is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
At 912 square miles, it’s the largest National Park in England and attracts more visitors than any other – nearly 16 million people a year. UNESCO awarded World Heritage Site status to the Lake District in 2018 and you can see the plaque commemorating the designation in Crow Park in Keswick, right here in Allerdale.
Fancy hitting the beach? The Solway Coast is the place to be. Bit of wild swimming? Just pick a lake. And walking? You never need to cover the same route twice. Love to eat and drink? You will be spoilt for choice (though we can personally recommend grazing your way around the Taste Cumbria food festivals).
Searching for a maximum adrenaline experience in the mountains or on the water? Yep, we can do that. Get your heart racing with some cycling on the roads or on the fells, try ghyll scrambling or rock climbing, or strap yourself in for some high-wire excitement. You’re craving the perfect spa treatment and a swim in an outdoor pool with a stunning view? That’s an easy one, take your pick at our luxury hotels.
You want culture and heritage to broaden the mind and inspire? All sorted. We have museums, historic houses, theatres and cinemas galore. Need joyous days and laughs with the kids? Not a problem – free child-friendly fun in the great outdoors is an Allerdale speciality. Try beachcombing, bug hunting, adventure playgrounds and more.
Just what are you going to experience first?
Fells and lakes
There’s space for you in Allerdale. Whether that’s adventure, gentle walks, culture and heritage, exploring new places or just relaxing. You’ll find Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater and Thirlmere here. Mighty fells are in abundance too including Skiddaw, Helvellyn, Catbells and Dale Head.
Lakeland villages
Timeless villages fit perfectly into the landscape. Discover Caldbeck, Heswket Newmarket and Ireby in the northren fells, Lorton, Bassenthwaite and Portinscale are close to Keswick. Don’t forget the charming town of Cockermouth on the edge of the park.
Special festivals
Discover the real character of the Lakes at our unique festivals. Don’t miss the Keswick Mountain Festival held every May. Glorious food and drink takes centre stage at Taste Cockermouth every September and December. Books and the spoken word are celebrated at Words by the Water in Keswick each March.
Food and drink
Food and drink is at the heart of Lake District life. The increase in the use of local , seasonal ingredients is there for you to see and enjoy when you eat out. It’s really evident in the craft ales produced by artisan brewers. Visit the Castle Brewery in Cockermouth where Jennings have been brewing fine ales since Queen Victoria’s time. The acclaimed Lake District Distillery at Bassenthwaite is not to be missed.
Keswick makes a great base for exploring the Lake District:
Start Exploring
Allerdale, the capital of doing, is open for your next amazing experience. High energy, low energy or total relaxation. We have something new for you. High adrenaline mountain experiences, yes, unique spa treatments in the heart of the UK’s most beautiful national park, tick, culture and heritage to inspire, definitely, joyous fun with the kids, it’s a yes too. Add in the amazing range of accommodation and food and we have everything in place ready for you.