With being one of the largest hotel groups in the Lake District, we get asked a series of weird and wonderful questions by many of our guests. Of course, we’re always happy to help and the stranger, the better in our opinion!
We understand that many people like to be prepared for their countryside break to the Lakes, especially when many haven’t been to the area beforehand. And even if you have been beforehand, there’s nothing wrong with recapping!
We chatted to members of staff across all our hotels, from receptionists and reservationists, to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions about the Lake District we receive. To help you out with your next mini break, we’ve put together this list of Lake District FAQs below so you can be fully prepared for your next adventure.
1) Where is the Lake District?
The Lake District is based in the north west of England in the county of Cumbria, which is just below the Scottish border. The Lake District National Park makes up most of the region and is not only England’s largest National Park, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2) What is there to do in the Lake District?
Although the Lake District is known for its scenic walking routes and magnificent fells, you may be surprised to find out that there are lots of activities to do when you visit! Your Lake District retreat is what you make of it, however we’ve listed just some activities to suit your lifestyle of choice.
Active:
- Fell walking
- Rock climbing
- Paddle boarding
- Cycling
- GoApe
- Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine
Relaxing:
- Spa days
- Afternoon tea
- Fine-dining
- Hot air balloon rides
- Boat rides
Historic:
- Wordsworth House
- Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse home
- Castlerigg Stone Cricle
- Dove Cottage & the Wordsworth Museum
- Laurel & Hardy Museum
3) What’s the weather like in the Lake District?
We would be lying if we said it didn’t rain in the Lake District… but if it didn’t, we wouldn’t have the beautiful scenery that we do. But that’s not to say that it always rains here! We also get lots of sunshine, even well into the Winter months. Plus, even when it’s not glorious sunshine, we get plenty of dry days.
Whatever the weather is, we promise that you’ll still be blown away by the picturesque landscape, as nothing can spoil our views.
4) When is the driest time to visit the Lake District?
Historically, the month with the least recorded rain fall is May. In fact, this is generally the month that we experience our ‘summer’, as the clouds tend to part and the sun beams down on the land. This is also a good time to visit because the spring flowers are all in full bloom.
5) Can you fly to the Lake District?
Getting to the Lake District has never been easier since the opening of Carlisle Lake District Airport in July 2019. You can now fly to the Cumbrian city of Carlisle from London, Dublin & Belfast which is approximately a 40-minute drive to the northern Lake District.
If you don’t wish to drive, you can also get a train from Carlisle to the market town of Penrith, considered the gateway to the Lakes. There is a bus stop directly outside the station where you can catch the X4/X5 bus that takes you directly to Keswick.
6) How many lakes are in the Lake District?
There are 16 lakes in the Lake District as such, however what many people don’t know is that there is only one official lake in the area by name – Bassenthwaite Lake. The remaining 15 lakes are meres or waters (e.g. Derwentwater & Windermere).
7) Can you swim in the lakes?
Swimming is permitted in the majority of lakes across the Lake District. The only exceptions to this are reservoirs or privately owned bodies of water. There are also mountain tarns for the more adventurous of guests.
If you do decide to swim in Derwentwater, Windermere, Ullswater or Coniston, please be cautious of the public lake cruisers.
8) Is there public transport in the Lake District?
There are public buses in the Lake District which will take you from town to town, and there are 4 lake cruises that can take you to different ports around each of the major lakes mentioned previously (Derwentwater, Windermere, Ullswater & Conniston).
There are also certain train stations in the Lake District.
Notable stations include:
- Penrith
- Oxenholme
- Windermere
9) How do you get to the Lake District from London?
It is surprisingly very easy to get to the Lake District from London.
- As discussed previously, you can fly to Carlisle Lake District Airport from London Southend. Carlisle airport provides a shuttle bus to the city train station which is pre-bookable. From Carlisle city, you can then catch the 554 bus direct to Keswick, or get a 10 minute train to Penrith (North Lakes) then hop aboard an X4/X5 bus which also takes you to Keswick.
- If you don’t wish to fly, you can get a direct train from London Euston straight to Penrith (North Lakes). From here, you then catch the X4/X5 bus direct to Keswick.
You can also rent a car when you arrive so you can simply drive to the lakes once you alight your plane or train.
10) Is the Lake District wheelchair accessible?
The Lake District is a place for all, and there are plenty of wheelchair accessible hotels, restaurants, transport and so on. We have various accessible rooms across many of our hotels that are fully equipped for disabled access. Please call a member of our team to discuss them on 0800 840 1240.
There are also certain scenic walking routes that are completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, push chairs or buggies. You can actually hire an all-terrain motorised wheelchair in the Lake District so you can make the most of your visit.
11) Are there any job vacancies in the Lake District?
If you would like to work for an excellent Lake District company with the opportunity to relocate to this beautiful area, you can check our careers page for any available job vacancies. We offer you the chance to develop your skills as well as work in one of the most beautiful and friendly regions in the country.
