Are you heading to the Lake District soon and want to discover some cute small towns and villages? You’ve come to the perfect place!
The Lake District is full of quaint villages with cobblestone streets and local markets so you can be sure of one thing, you’ll get the ultimate quintessential British experience here!
While it’s true that there are a lot of activities that can be done in the Lake District, exploring the small towns and villages is a great one in itself.
You will find below 7 cute small towns and villages you should visit in the Lake District.
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1. Ambleside
Located at the northern end of Windermere lake, Ambleside is the perfect base for your holidays in the Lake District.
It’s very central, there is everything you may need and it’s as cute as it gets!
You will find loads of pubs and cafes, cobblestone streets and the beautiful house bridge. It’s also a walkers paradise since there are a lot of walking trails that start from there.
If you are into history, you should also make sure to visit Wray castle. It’s one of the best National Trust properties in the area.
2. Keswick
Located in the northern part of the Lake District, Keswick is a cute market town on the shores of Derwentwater.
It’s a great place to spend a day or a weekend since there is loads to do.
You will love roaming around the town and the market. There are many local cafes and bakeries where you can grab a bite.
On a sunny day, make sure to go to Derwentwater for a walk. You can also go kayaking or paddle boarding there.
Finally, if you are visiting with children, make sure to go to the pencil museum.
3. Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere is arguably the most famous town in the Lake District. It’s located near the largest lake in the national park, lake Windermere.
This is the ideal base in the lakes since there are so many things you can do around.
If you are into hiking, make sure to go up to Orrest Head. It boasts fantastic views of the lake and surrounding area.
You can also walk all the way down to Bowness-on-Windermere and the lake.
From there, you can go on a cruise on Lake Windermere and visit The World of Beatrix Potter where you’ll discover the tales of Peter Rabbit.
4. Elterwater
Located near Grasmere, Elterwater is the perfect place to visit if you like to stay away from the crowds.
The village is near the lake of the same name, Elter Water, which is as beautiful as the others, only smaller and less busy.
There are a lot of hiking opportunities in this area including the beautiful Skelwith Force waterfall.
5. Hawkshead
Located just north of Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead is the perfect destination if you want to discover a quaint village with stone houses and cobblestone streets.
There are also many hiking and cycling opportunities around this area. If you want to experience the outdoors, make sure to head to Grizedale Forest.
Literary lovers will also love this area since it used to be where Beatrix Potter lived. You can actually visit her former house, Hill Top. It’s a National Trust property which means it’s free for members.
Wray Castle is also worth a visit while you are in this area.
6. Pooley Bridge
Heading a bit more north with this one. Pooley Bridge is located on the shores of Ullswater. This is a true paradise for water lovers. Ullswater is one of the best lakes for paddleboarding and kayaking and Pooley Bridge is an excellent place to launch.
There are also a lot of hiking trails in this area including Arthur’s Pike and the beautiful Aira Force waterfall nearby.
7. Grasmere
Grasmere is one of the most popular villages in the Lake District. It was put on the map by the English poet William Wordsworth since that’s where he used to live.
As soon as you get there, you will understand why the Lake District has attracted so many poets and writers throughout history. It’s simply beautiful and feels like a holiday.
Grasmere is a quaint village where you can truly relax.
I highly recommend going to the gingerbread shop, Dove Cottage, Wordsworth Museum and hiring a boat on the lake.
I hope this article has been helpful, now it’s time to pack your bag and go explore the Lake District.
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