10 ways to enjoy Summer in the Lake District

With the warmer months just around the corner, you’ll want to turn your attention to what there is to see and do if you have plans to visit the Lake District this Summer. Here I’ve compiled 10 ideas to help you get the most from this breathtaking corner of England.

If you’re physically active, chances are you’ll want to scale Scafell Pike. As England’s highest peak, it’s a pilgrimmage for walkers and a testament to the raw beauty of the fells. The views from the summit are a reward in themselves, offering a panorama of rolling hills and shimmering lakes, and an endless sky. Make sure you are suitably dressed for the fells (bearing in mind that the weather can change), have adequate food and water and that you carry a physical map, rather than relying solely on digital navigation.

Wild swimming has really taken off in recent years and this is particularly the case in the Lake District. Even a short plunge into colder waters is said to have a number of health benefits. Locations such as Miller Ground at Windermere and the shores of Rydal Water are examples that are popular with wild swimmers. There are many more secret locations, too, where you can swim with a little more solitude – it can upset people if these are shared online but do a little research and I’m sure you will locate some special, more ‘hidden’ spots for yourself. Wherever you choose take a dip, be sure to take adequate precautions to ensure you are safe.

Whether it’s Wordsworth’s Grasmere, famed also for its gingerbread, or the charming cobbled streets of Hawkshead, each town and village in the Lake District tells its own story. Wander through Ambleside, with its iconic Bridge House, or discover the tranquil allure of Elterwater, nestled beneath the dramatic Langdale Pikes. These settlements and many others are perfect for a leisurely stroll, or perhaps a spot of retail therapy in independent boutiques.

Unbeknown to many, the Lake District actually has its fair share of gourmet restaurants. In fact, you’ll find more Michelin stars in Cumbria than in any other UK location outside of London. From Simon Rogan’s acclaimed 3 Michelin-starred L’Enclume in Cartmel, to the elegant one-starred Forest Side near Grasmere, the region is a gourmand’s delight. Beyond the stars, you’ll also find a wealth of gastropubs and farm-to-table eateries showcasing the best of Cumbrian produce.

No trip to the Lake District is complete without some time on the water. Windermere Steamers, which takes people up and down Windermere between Bowness, Lakeside and Ambleside is in fact the region’s most popular tourist attraction, but there are others too, including Ullswater Steamers and Coniston Launch on their respective lakes, and Keswick Launch on Derwentwater. Or why not hire a rowing boat or try your hand at sailing for the day? The Lakes is the perfect playground for watersports enthusiasts.

The Lake District has multiple literary associations. Follow in the footsteps of William Wordsworth as you wander lonely as a cloud or visit the home of Beatrix Potter, the famed children’s author behind characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher and Mrs. Tiggywinkle. Or, if walking is your thing, get your hands on the pictorial Wainwright guides and start planning your adventures. Wainwright-bagging has become a revered pastime, providing a deep connection to a land that inspired one of Britain’s most beloved fell walkers.

Feel the wind in your hair and the grit beneath your wheels by riding through some of England’s most spectacular scenery. The Lake District offers a plethora of mountain biking trails, catering to all abilities. There are gentle lakeside routes such as the Aira Force loop that are perfect for families or, for adrenaline junkies, challenging technical descents for seasoned riders in Grizedale Forest. Bike hire is readily available at many locations across the county, and some centres offer guided tours to help you get the most from exploring the fells.

Summer in the Lake District is also accompanied by a packed programme of events. For almost 40 years, Lake District Summer Music has brought the world’s finest musicians to the Lake District and supported the next generation of exciting young talent. Meanwhile, a series of traditional agricultural shows showcase the best of rural life, where there’s ssomething for everyone, and Grasmere Sports Show has now been running for over 170 years. Don’t miss larger-scale events such as Kendal Calling (originally hosted in Kendal but now at Lowther) which has become a renowned music festival, attracting some well-known names and transforming a usually tranquil estate into a pulsating hub of sound and revelry.

Summer can be a busy time in the Lake District, so it’s a good idea to take yourself off the beaten path and to seek out some less well-known spots. Venture away from the main tourist hubs and you’ll be rewarded with hidden discoveries, away from the crowds. The Lake District is littered with secret gems that offer a chance for quiet contemplation and a deeper connection with the wild heart of the Lakes.

It’s not only London where you should sample afternoon tea! Indulge in this quintessential British tradition against the backdrop of some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery. Many hotels and tearooms across the Lake District offer delightful afternoon teas, complete with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delectable cakes (some even looking like sheep!).