The National Park, established in 1951, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and covers an area of 912 square miles in Cumbria. It’s an unspoiled paradise for tourists, residents and wildlife plus there’s a wonderful choice of holiday cottages in the Lake District. With its stunning landscape of rolling fells, deep valleys and magnificent lakes we know it has something for everyone, a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history and culture buffs and those just wanting to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The variety of cottages rentals in the Lake District is as diverse as the beautiful countryside with farmhouses, townhouses, converted barns, modern lakeside apartments and much more. By using our extensive feature list you can easily find your perfect one such as rural but a pub within walking distance, an enclosed garden if taking young children or dogs, private hot tub, or part of our heritage collection, the choice really is yours.

Many tourists are attracted to the Lakes for the walking and with everything from gentle ambles to rocky scrambles there’s one for you regardless of your ability. Why not start with a gentle walk from Hawkshead and around Tarn Hows or a more strenuous hike up The Old Man of Coniston or Scafell Pike from the Langdales, England’s highest peak. You’ll never be far from water so take the opportunity to jump aboard a boat cruise on Lake Windermere, a nostalgic ride on the Gondola a classic Coniston steamer yacht, or hire a rowing boat or canoe.

Literary heroes from the Lakes include Wordsworth, Ruskin and Wainwright, and in the region you can see what inspired them to produce their classic works. There are several tributes to the poets of The Lakes in the region and Wainwright’s legacy is commemorated at the church in Buttermere and at the top of what he liked to call ‘true fell tops’. There are over 200 ‘Wainwrights’ in the region, so fans and lovers of glorious walking and stunning views will be kept busy.

If you prefer your characters to be on the cuddly side then a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter attraction at Bowness might be more your cup of tea. After playing in Peter Rabbit’s garden you can then visit the famous author’s house at the top of Claife Heights – it’s a fantastic family activity and a lovely way of capturing the author’s Lake District inspiration.

The Lake District plays host to a number of fantastic eateries, from cosy pubs to Michelin starred restaurants, offering delightful dishes made from fantastic locally sourced ingredients in some of the region’s most beautiful locations. If you prefer more lively locales then the towns of Keswick, Windermere and Ambleside offer boutique shops, markets and a host of seasonal events.