Take a trip to Cumbria this summer, home of England’s largest National Park, and fall in love with the Lake District. Famous for its many lakes, rugged mountains and fantastic walking opportunities, we're sure if you pack up and head to the hills, you'll have a holiday to remember.

1 Watersports on Windermere

The Lake District offers a huge variety of watersports and where better to dip your toes in the water than on England's longest lake - Windermere. Various companies run activities on the lake with plenty of choice whatever your skill and adventure level. Choose from adrenaline-pumping waterskiing, wakeboarding and flyboarding, to something more genteel such as paddling along in a canoe or kayak. For those who simply want to relax and enjoy the views why not hire a sail boat and let the wind do all the hard work for you ...

The companies based at Windermere all offer tuition and supply life jackets and wetsuits, so all you need to do is book a place, turn up and be prepared to have a whale of time.

2 The World of Beatrix Potter

The Lake District's natural beauty and varied wildlife inspired author Beatrix Potter to write her much-loved stories of little Peter Rabbit and friends. At this enchanting attraction at Bowness-on-Windermere all Beatrix's tales are brought to life. Attractions include The Peter Rabbit Garden, Mrs Tiggy-winkle's Kitchen and Mr McGregor's Greenhouse - all brought to life with models, sights, sounds and smells. You can also take home some animal-inpsired goodies from the shop and enjoy tasty treats in the tearoom.

3 Lakeland Motor Museum

A motoring-enthusiast's dream, the Lakeland Motor Museum is situated near Ulverston, close to the southern end of Windermere. The museum houses a diverse road transport collection of some 30,000 exhibits assembled over a period of 50 years. The collection includes classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedal cars along with motoring related items. There's also an exhibition dedicated to the land and water speed record activities of Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald who captured 21 world speed records for Great Britain.

With free parking, a gift shop and cafe, this is an interesting day out for all. You can also get discounted combined tickets for the museum, a lake cruise and a trip on the steam railway.

4 Grizedale Forest

This wooded wonderland is located near Hawkshead between lakes Windermere and Coniston. What sets it apart is the wonderful sculptures located throughout the forest, which when they were first created in 1977 was the first of its kind for a forest in the UK. A unique experience for visitors, there are eight waymarked walking trails of varying length and difficulty with 40 sculptures across the forest to discover. The Forest is also a great place for biking with forest roads and bridleways, along with a singletrack route for the experienced rider. The forest also has a cafe, bike hire, and a Go Ape high ropes course for the truly adventurous!

5 Ullswater

The Lake District is renowned for its glorious views that reward the dedicated walker who climbs hills or takes the path less trodden. However, you can still get fabulous views of the Lakes with relative ease - with Ullswater Steamers. This attraction has been running cruises around Ullswater for over 150 years. The boats run year-round and have both an open deck and covered seating areas. You can hop-off at various points including Glenridding, where you can walk to the National Trust’s Aira Force. What could be better than cruising leisurely around the water enjoying views of the hills and fells.
 

WHERE TO STAY:

Why not try one of our top-rated, hand-picked Premier Parks in Cumbria. These high quality sites guarantee you a great holiday experience.

Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park, Keswick

An award-winning park just 1.5 miles from the centre of Keswick with stunning scenic views thanks to the elevated position of the site.

The Quiet Site, Ullswater

This site sits in a secluded position among the fells that overlook Ullswater. Facilities are housed in old converted farm buildings including the rustic bar with open fire.

Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate, Windermere

Perfect for any activities or attractions based around Lake Windermere, Park Cliffe is set in 25 acres of countryside close to Bowness.