We have compiled a list of the 10 most commonly asked questions from our guests when planning a Lake District Holiday.
Can I get a train to the Lake District?
Being just off the main west line, change at Oxenholme for Kendal and Windermere. Penrith is the gateway to the northern lakes and Ullswater, continue your journey by bus or taxi. Holidaying by the Solway Coast? No problem, change at Carlisle for the coast line train. Stagecoach services most of the Lake District apart from the most remote corners with excellent bus routes ensuring you easily get to your holiday cottage.
Where is the best places to stay in the Lake District?
This is subjective and varies depending upon what you want out of your holiday. The main towns of Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick offer a variety of shops, visitor attractions, pubs and places to eat. These towns, especially during school holidays, can be extremely busy with visitors, restaurants and pubs fill up quickly so making reservations is always recommended. But equally, if visiting at quieter times of year, such as January and February, they are the perfect base to enjoy all of the delights the Lake District has to offer.
The smaller villages and hamlets offer peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle and are perfect for those wanting to pull on their walking boots and start their days adventure right from the door.
No matter where you choose to holiday in the Lake District you are only minutes away from breathtaking scenery, mountains for hiking and lakes for water based activities.
Is the Lake District dog friendly?
Absolutely! We all know our four legged furbabies enjoy nothing more than a good walk and with an abundance of walks right from the door, they and you, will be spoiled for choice. Many of the shops, attractions, pubs and cafes have an open door policy when it comes to dogs ensuring both you and your dog get to enjoy everything the Lake District has to offer.
Where can I hire a boat in the Lake District?
The 4 main lakes each have marinas hiring everything from luxury skippered yachts to rowing boats for two.
Derwentwater: Keswick Launch offer lake cruises along with rowing boat hire.
Ullswater: Wake & Surf hire rowing boats along with other activities including wakesurf, paddleboard, kneeboard, kayak and canoe hire.
Windermere: Brockhole Visitor Centre hire rowing boats and is a great day out for visitors to the area with lots of activities to keep young and old alike entertained.
Stoked Watersports are based on the southern shores of Windermere based at Fell Foot and also offer other watersport activities.
Windermere Lake Cruises offer a choice between a lake cruise aboard their fleet of cruise ships or hire a rowing boat and explore at your own pace.
Coniston: Coniston Boating Centre hires boats, along with other water based activities including kayaking and paddle boarding.
Can you wild swim in the Lake District?
The term wild swim simply means swimming in any natural body of water such as lakes, tarns and rivers. There are numerous places in the Lake District perfect for wild swimming. We recommend always swimming with someone else, wearing a tow float in larger bodies of water, wearing water shoes, and if wintery conditions a wet suit. The water can be cold, even in summer, so take a flask filled with your favorite hot drink to help warm you through.
Can you fish in the Lake District?
Subject to the correct license there are endless opportunities for fishing in the Lake District. Brown trout, salmon and sea trout can be found in many of the rivers. The larger lakes are good for pike and coarse fishing. Local Angling Associations control most of the fishing within the Lake District and they offer a good range of day and weekly permits. However, visitors can fish for free on Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston Water.
See here for links to Angling Associations
Do I need equipment to go walking in the Lake District?
The biggest draw to the Lake District is the abundance of walks with stunning scenery at every turn. Whilst you do not need a lot of equipment to go walking there are a few mosts before you set off on your adventures. Firstly, check the weather forecast for the day, whilst warm and sunny at the bottom, weather conditions can be dramatically different at the summits, so ensure you are prepared with adequate clothing for both the start and end of your walk. Sturdy footwear is a must, especially if parts of the path require some scrambling.
A full list of essentials can be found here.
Can I get my groceries delivered when staying in the Lake District?
There are a number of supermarkets offering delivery services in the Lake District. For the northern Lakes, Sainsburys and Morrisons both based in Penrith offer delivery service. Kendal based Sainsburys and ASDA both make deliveries throughout the south Lakes. There is also a Booths supermarkets conveniently located in Keswick and Windermere for all your grocery needs.
When ordering a delivery for your stay please remember to arrange a time after your planned arrival as there may be no one at the cottage to accept the delivery.
What is there to do if it rains in the Lake District?
We are both cursed and blessed by the rain in the Lake District. It is because of the rain the Lake District is as beautiful as it is, but it could be said we get more than our fair share of it. There are numerous indoor visitor attractions, the perfect escape for a wet day. Rheged Discovery Centre has something for everyone including art galleries, shops, cafes, play areas and cinema. Bring the outdoors in at one of the many indoor climbing walls and conquer the summits. Visit stately homes and Castles including Muncaster Castle, Carlisle Castle, Lowther Castle, Dove Cottage and Hill Top, to name a few. Visit an aquarium at Windermere or Maryport. Visit one of the many attractions such as the Pencil Museum, The World of Beatrix Potter and the Puzzling Place. Plan a Spa day, treat yourself to afternoon tea or enjoy a lazy day in front of the TV.
Where can I buy logs in the Lake District?
A lot of the cottages have wood burning stoves or wood fired hot tubs. Not all supply logs for the duration of your stay but provide an initial supply of logs as a starter for your arrival. The majority of petrol stations throughout the Lake District supply bags of logs and kindling.
