Travel guide to the Lake District National Park
Find your perfect group stay in the Lakes
Group getaways to the Lake District
Looking for a group holiday where breathtaking scenery meets endless adventure? Head to the Lake District National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cumbria is a playground of shimmering lakes, towering fells, and postcard-perfect villages. From mountain hikes to lake cruises, from traditional pubs to luxury dining, there’s something here for every member of your group — whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or your other half.
In this guide, we’ll touch on the best things to see and do, popular walks, where to eat and drink, and the top places to stay. So read on for our ultimate lowdown on the Lakes.
At-a-glance info
- Sparkling lakes and dramatic mountains
- Charming towns with cosy pubs
- Endless adventure activities
Things to do in the Lake District
- Cruise on Lake Windermere – Hop on a boat trip for stunning views of England’s largest lake.
- Climb Scafell Pike – Take on England’s highest mountain together, with routes for both steady walkers and serious hikers.
- Explore Grasmere Village – Sample the famous gingerbread, visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, and enjoy pretty riverside strolls.
- Go Wild Swimming or Paddleboarding – Try Derwentwater or Coniston Water for a refreshing dip or group watersports session.
- Cycle the Trails – Hire bikes and explore Whinlatter Forest or the family-friendly paths around Grizedale.
Popular towns in the Lake District
Nature takes centre stage in the Lakes, but the bustling market towns are also perfect for an afternoon explore.
- Keswick– A lively market town with access to Derwentwater, great pubs and outdoor gear shops.
- Ambleside – A hub for walkers, with cosy cafés, great dining and easy access to Windermere.
- Grasmere– Picture-perfect village known for poetry, gingerbread and lovely walks.
- Bowness-on-Windermere – A busy lakeside town with boat trips, attractions and family activities.
- Coniston – Gateway to Coniston Water, great for watersports and hiking the Old Man of Coniston.
- Ullswater (Pooley Bridge & Glenridding) – Charming lakeside villages with access to one of the most scenic lakes.
Popular walks in the Lake District
From gentle strolls to England’s highest peak, you’ll find walks for every kind of rambler in the Lakes. Here are some of the top-rated ones:
Catbells (Keswick)
A short but rewarding fell walk, perfect for families and groups who want a big view without too much effort.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge
A thrilling ridge walk for adventurous groups — one of the UK’s most iconic hikes.
Tarn Hows Circular
An easy, family-friendly 2-mile circular walk around a beautiful tarn near Coniston.
Grasmere to Rydal Water
A gentle riverside and lakeside walk, ideal for couples or relaxed group strolls.
Scafell Pike (from Wasdale)
The ultimate group challenge: climb England’s highest peak and enjoy panoramic views across the Lakes.
Eat and drink around the Lake District
Traditional pubs are a dime a dozen in the Lake District. But you’ve also got fine-dining spots and cute cafés to try…
- The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside – Stylish gastropub with award-winning food and craft ales.
- The Dog and Gun, Keswick – Famous for its hearty Hungarian goulash and cosy pub vibes.
- L’Enclume, Cartmel – A Michelin-starred spot, perfect for luxury dining with friends.
- The Angel Inn, Bowness-on-Windermere – Lakeside dining with fantastic views.
- Rattle Ghyll Café, Ambleside – Vegetarian-friendly café, perfect for group brunches.
- The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, Grasmere – A must-visit for a sweet group treat.
Top tips for visiting the Lake District
- With its walks, cruises and pubs, the Lake District makes for a great group getaway. Stick to these top tips for a stress-free break for the whole brood.
- Book your accommodation early – Large group stays in popular spots like Windermere and Keswick sell out quickly, especially in summer.
- Pack for every season – The Lake District’s weather is famously changeable; always bring waterproofs and extra layers.
- Mix walks with downtime – Plan a balance between big fell hikes and easier days exploring towns or cruising lakes.
- Go off the beaten track – Try quieter gems like Buttermere, Ennerdale, or Eskdale for a more peaceful group experience.
- Book activities in advance – Watersports, adventure activities, and top restaurants often need pre-booking.
The Lakes are calling – book your group cottage today!
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