Discover the Lake District’s Legendary Connections to Film and Fiction
The Lake District is no stranger to drama. Towering fells, shimmering waters, and timeless landscapes provide a natural stage for stories — both real and imagined. It’s no wonder this spectacular corner of England has become a favourite backdrop for filmmakers, novelists, poets, and storytellers throughout history.
Whether you’re a film buff, a literature lover, or just curious about the magic woven into the hills and lakes, the Lake District invites you to step into the story.
Blockbuster Action in a Peaceful Paradise
You may recognise parts of the Lake District from the big screen — even if you didn’t realise it at the time.
Outer-galactic battleships roared over Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, turning our quiet lakes into dramatic scenes of rebellion and resistance.
Just a few valleys away, Tom Cruise soared over Buttermere for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, performing high-octane stunts in the shadow of ancient fells — and even stopping for selfies with astonished walkers.
Stories for Young and Old
The Lake District has long inspired stories for children and families — the kind that stay with you for life.
Swallows and Amazons, the much-loved adventure novel by Arthur Ransome, was brought to life on the shores of Coniston Water, with scenes also filmed on Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater. You can even hire a boat and set off for Peel Island, thought to be the real-life Wild Cat Island in the book.
Of course, no literary visit to the Lakes would be complete without meeting Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, and Squirrel Nutkin — the beloved creations of Beatrix Potter. Hill Top Farm, where Beatrix lived and wrote, remains just as she left it, with her garden and farmhouse windows looking out across the same views that inspired her timeless tales.
The Land That Inspired Poetry
The Lakes are also the spiritual home of William Wordsworth, whose romantic verse helped shape how we see the English countryside today. Born in Cockermouth and later living in Grasmere, Wordsworth drew daily inspiration from the landscapes around him. His famous ‘host of golden daffodils’ was discovered beside the shores of Ullswater, and every spring you can still witness that same vibrant bloom dancing in the breeze.
Legends of Everyday Life
Not all stories from the Lake District are found in fiction. Some are grounded in the real, rugged life of the fells.
John Peel, the famous huntsman celebrated in the song D’ye ken John Peel, lived in the village of Uldale, roaming the surrounding fells with his hounds. And while the postman in Greendale may be fictional, his world isn’t. Postman Pat was inspired by the Longsleddale Valley near Kendal — a picturesque stretch of countryside that still carries that charming, old-world feel.
Step Into the Story This Summer
There’s something timeless about the Lake District. The landscapes that stirred the imagination of poets and painters still sparkle in the summer sun. The places that inspired children’s books and action movies alike are open for you to explore.
You can:
- Follow Wordsworth’s footsteps along the shores of Ullswater.
- Visit Hill Top Farm and meet Beatrix Potter’s characters in their native setting.
- Row across Coniston Water to your own Wild Cat Island adventure.
- Hike the same fells that hosted Hollywood heroes and galactic battles.
Book Your Cottage Stay and Write Your Own Chapter
Why just read about the Lakes when you can live them? Stay in a charming self-catering cottage with Cumbrian Cottage Holidays — whether tucked in the hills, beside the lakes, or in a quiet village full of character.
Make your summer escape more than just a holiday. Come and step into the stories of the Lake District — and create a few of your own.
