The spectacular Lake District contains some of the most beautiful waters, surrounding landscapes and historical sights you can find in England. It’s sights, sounds and sensations create a sense of paradise. It’s awards reflect this, with the Lake District winning the UNESCO award for ‘the world heritage site status’ 2017, ‘visit England for excellence silver award’ 2025 and the Trip Advisor ‘travellers choice award’ 2025.
The home of Grasmere Gingerbread (£)
If you love a sweet treat, Home of Grasmere Gingerbread is the perfect place. From the minute you enter, to taking that first bite of warm and sweet goodness, it is a unique experience. The treat is distinctive in texture through its chewy, dense inside paired with a crumbly surface.
The price ranges depending on quantity. You could buy a six pack (£5.25) or a twelve pack (£9.50). Alternatively, you could try gingerbread crumbs (£3.95) or traditional Cumberland rum butter (£3.95).
In 1854, Grasmere was home to Gingerbread connoisseur, Sarah Nelson. Nelson sold her concoction to fellow villagers, and her creation skyrocketed as the newly developed steam-railway allowed tourists to try her invention. Nelson’s tale is beloved by visitors and locals and the shop’s website explains it at length. As of 2024 the shop has been successfully open for a whopping 170 years!
Keswick Stone Circle (Free)
Keswick stone circle, otherwise called Castlerigg stone circle, allows you to indulge in rich English heritage. If you love history and want a way to spend part of your day for free, this neolithic, proto-pagan monument is for you.
Keswick Stone Circle is a standing creation that was built for the purposes of religious ceremonies, social gatherings or possibly astro-nomical observations. The brilliant stone circle has information posts dotted around the site, giving you a chance to learn about it’s origins. You can then walk up to the stones, touch them (stone circles like StoneHenge don’t offer this) and get a fabulous photograph amongst the mesmerising landscape ahead.
The large field on which it was built, provides areas to sit and admire the views. Castlerigg stone circle is located 1.5 miles southeast of Keswick and on the nearby roadside, free limited parking is available.
Wild Swimming in Windermere Lake (Free)
Wild swimming is a perfect activity for a sunny day in the Lake District. Windermere is popular for a reason. It’s great fun for the family, and provides some of the best landscapes in the country. The lake is accessible for all ages, as children can remain close to the shore while plodging.
Swimming is both physically and mentally stimulating. If you’re wanting to improve your mood and sleep or build strength and endurance, swimming in the Lake District is a great option. Statistics show the reduction in symptoms for depression and anxiety for 1.4 million adults in England is significantly impacted by swimming.
A great way to boost this splendid activity is to bring a dinghy or inflatable. Alternatively you could hire a boat around the lake. For example: self-driven boats (£50 an hour), canoes (£25/ 2 hours) and paddle boards (£25/ 2 hours) are available at Brockhole lakeshore. You are immediately met with an incredible view once you reach the lake. The clear, fresh water alongside a remarkable countryside ensures your Windermere experience is better than no other.
Ullswater Steamer and Putt putts (£)
A visit to Ullswater is a must: the putt putt boats are a great way to spend time on the lake. The boats are small but safe and provide an unforgettable experience as you venture along the water, circling small islands and passing by canoers and paddle boarders.
The scenery ranges from magnificent mountains to lush greenery that elevates this experience. Tickets are easy to buy upon arrival as there are large numbers of boats so the waiting time is brief. The prices range depending on the selected time and amount of people. For example, 1-2 people for an hour costs £35. This activity is pricey but definitely worth the money. You can drive the boat yourself and explore the lake at your own leisure with just your family and friends.
Still on the Ullswater Lake, the steamers can be found which take you to Howtown or Pooley Bridge. The tickets per person vary from £15-25 depending on age and your stop, so pre-booking on the Ullswater steamer website is best. This is advisable for summer months when ticket demand increases. This option is more reasonably priced than the putt putts, and the steamers are a brilliant option for both transport and family fun.
You can sit under the deck where views of the landscapes are available plus a selection of refreshments can be bought. Alternatively, you can sit on the deck where the breeze and views combined creates the ultimate water steamer experience.
Walk Around Buttermere Lake (Free)
The lesser known Buttermere offers a fantastic range of walks, wild swimming and naturistic scenery. You can walk around the lake or jump in the water if you please. Buttermere provides a 4.5 mile walk around the lake, with flat paths which are pushchair and cycle friendly. The central area has cafes like Croft House Farm Cafe which offers a range of food and drinks to please your taste buds. Also the Syke Farm Tearoom where similar items can be bought plus a refreshing ice cream after an outing around the lake. The flexibility of the walk allows you to go at your own pace.
Picturesque waterfalls are dotted along the walk, some close enough to touch. One thing that captivates visitors once they have experienced Buttermere is the stunning highland cows. These beautiful animals roam free through the grassy fields and if you’re lucky, you may spot them. Their long shaggy hair is pretty hard to miss! If you and your friends or family are in need of an adventure, Buttermere is the perfect place.
Words by Alice Pattison
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