We’ve been to the Lake District almost every year for the last 20 years, so it’s an area in England we can safely say we know pretty well. Our guide covers each of the main regions, with suggestions for where to base yourself.
By: Mark Barnes | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions
The 2,300 square kilometres of the Lake District National Park is our favourite slice of England.
Every year, we head up to the lakes to walk in rugged scenery, swim in beautiful ribbon lakes and admire charming country villages.
One thing we’ve come to appreciate from our annual trips north is the diversity.
Each of the different regions in the Lake District offers specific experiences.
Some have plenty of facilities; others are remote landscapes with natural beauty and rugged outdoor experiences.
This guide includes a summary of each region to help you decide where to stay and hotel recommendations for different budgets.

IN THIS GUIDE
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT (BY REGION)
BEST OF THE LAKES
If you are looking for a specific type of stay, rather than a particular area, here are some recommendations. The Lake District is a great destination for everything from an old-world pub through to a splurge.
Here is the best of the Lake District:
BEST FOR | PLACE | WHERE |
---|---|---|
Best old-world pub | Pheasant Inn (££) | Keswick area |
Best spa & wellness hotel | The Langdale (££) | Elterwater |
Best self-catering family stay | Scafell View (£) | Wasdale |
Best hot tub stay | Applegarth Villa (££) | Windermere |
Best glamping | Hobbit Holes (£) | Ullswater |
Best dog-friendly stay | Buttermere Court Hotel (££) | Buttermere |

LAKE DISTRICT REGION MAP
All the properties we’ve listed in this guide are on the map below.
Before you decide where to stay, read our guide to the best things to do in the Lake District. This will help you find the activities that interest you, giving you a good idea of where you might like to base yourself.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
1. KESWICK & AROUND
Best for adventurous activities centred around a charming market town.
Nestled on the edge of Derwentwater in the north of the Lake District, Keswick is a lively market town with lots of facilities, bars, restaurants and cafes.
It’s located in the northern section of the Lake District, surrounded by some of the most craggy mountains in the area. From here, you could try the hike up Blencathra via Sharp Edge or the more sedate but beautiful Latrigg.
There are also plenty of activities in addition to walking that you can keep yourself occupied with. Keswick Adventures offers canyoning, paragliding, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
The waterfront at Keswick is a lovely spot to stroll, and staying here is the perfect way to blend town and country activities.
We have more information in our guide to visiting Keswick.

THRELKELD | £
BUNGALOWS GUEST HOUSE
Just a few miles out of Keswick in Threlkeld, The Bungalows Guesthouse is an excellent budget option in the area. The location at the foot of Blencathra is superb.
KESWICK | £££
KESWICK COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL
This beautiful old hotel situated on a large, well-maintained garden is located 5 minutes from the centre of town. Most rooms have excellent views.
KESWICK | ££
LAKESIDE HOUSE
Set in the centre of Keswick, Lakeside House is contemporary luxury accommodation with all the modern amenities you could ask for. Breakfast is served in front of a stunning view.
OUR PICK
KESWICK | ££
ROYAL OAK
Located in the centre of town, the Royal Oak has a country house feel with stylish modern amenities. The food is excellent and dogs are cared for as well as regular human guests.


2. BORROWDALE & BUTTERMERE
Best for rugged scenery and dramatic craggy mountains
Borrowdale and Buttermere are a short 30-minute drive from Keswick.
With two dark and moody valleys overlooked by high craggy mountains, this remote region has some of the most stunning views in the Lake District.
There are no towns here, just a splattering of villages and the odd rustic, hiker’s hotel.
Borrowdale and Buttermere are the heart of hiking country. Many of the best walks in the Lake District leave from here, including our favourite, Haystacks. It’s also a great base to try one of the different routes up Scafell Pike.
This is the perfect Lake District region for getting away from it all, where you can head into the highest mountains and finish in a rustic pub.

ROSTHWAITE | £
YHA BORROWDALE
This clean and spacious hostel is right on the coast-to-coast trail, making it an excellent choice for hikers. The communal areas are warm and comfy.
STONETHWAITE | ££
LANGSTRATH COUNTRY INN
The Langstrath Inn has 8 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms in a cosy old pub. The location in a secluded valley is an ideal way to get away from it all.
OUR PICK
SEATOLLER | ££
GLARAMARA
If you would like all the facilities of a business hotel in an excellent location, Glaramara is a good choice. The hearty breakfast is great.
ROSTHWAITE | £££
HAZEL BANK COUNTRY HOUSE
This family-run guesthouse is in a perfect location in the Lake District to enjoy the remote spectacular scenery. Service is warm and welcoming.


3. WINDERMERE & BOWNESS
Best for fancy hotels, lakeside strolls, tea shops & boat cruises.
Windermere has a gentler landscape than the craggy area around Keswick which has paved the way for larger towns with more facilities.
Windermere is the main tourist centre of the Lake District with the crowds that go with it. The upside, however, is that there is plenty to do, even for non-walkers.
There are popular cruises on the river, quaint tea shops in the town and Beatrix Potter’s cottage is only a short ferry ride away. You’ll also find many of the top hotels in the Lake District dotted along the shores of Lake Windermere.
Windermere/Bowness is great for enjoying the towns, but it’s not the best for exploring the rugged side of the Lake District.
The other thing we should point out is that traffic on the lake’s east side can be oppressive.

WINDERMERE | £
HOLLY LODGE GUEST HOUSE
For an affordable stay bang in the centre of Windermere, The Holly Lodge is a great choice. The individually styled rooms give it a boutique hotel feel.
OUR PICK
WINDERMERE | ££
CRAGWOOD COUNTRY HOUSE
This imposing manor house on the banks of the lake set among landscaped gardens is full of guest-friendly facilities. It’s a 5-minute drive from the centre of town.
WINDERMERE | ££££
THE SAMLING HOTEL
If you love the idea of being looked after in luxury, the Sampling Hotel is for you. The beautifully appointed rooms have lake or mountain views.
WINDERMERE | ££
WHEATLANDS LODGE
This classic Victorian property just a few minutes from the centre of Windermere is an adults-only stay with all the right attention to detail.


4. CONISTON, AMBLESIDE & GRASMERE
Best for beautifully set villages in a central location.
We always stay in this part of the Lake District because it’s the most central area and it’s convenient to all the things we love about the lakes.
Within a 40-minute drive, we can be hiking Helvellyn, canyoning in Coniston, mountain biking in Keswick, or driving Wrynose Pass. (For our full list read: what to do in the Lake District.)
These three charming small towns are the perfect base to explore the whole area.
Grasmere is one of the most beautiful villages in the Lake District with quality hotels and independent restaurants.
Coniston is little more than a village, but it retains a local and lived-in feel with pubs spilling onto the street and handy village stores.
Ambleside is a larger, busier town with a wider selection of restaurants and independent shops. Despite having good facilities and a great location, it has maintained a charm that Windermere and Bowness have lost.
Read more about what you can do in Ambleside.


OUR PICK
AMBLESIDE | ££
LAKE HOUSE AT THE WATERHEAD INN
The freshly cooked breakfast is just what you need after enjoying the hiking trails near the Ambleside Lake House. There’s free parking and it’s just a 10-minute walk to the town centre.
CONISTON | ££
SELF-CONTAINED HOME
This 3-bedroom home in the centre of Coniston has been renovated to a high standard, making it a great self-contained stay in the lakes. The view from the garden is lovely.
GRASMERE | £££
FOREST SIDE HOTEL
This traditional home in a wooded estate in Grasmere still exudes the elegant style of its heyday. The restaurant is quality fine dining and the staff are extremely attentive.
CONISTON | £££
LUXURY PROPERTY
This 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom house near Coniston has everything you need for a quality family stay, complete with a games room and panoramic views.


5. ELTERWATER & LANGDALE
Best for dramatic and atmospheric landscapes.
We recommend Elterwater and Langdale as great areas for anyone interested in photography. This is some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Lake District.
The mountain reflections in Coniston Water are sublime; the Langdale Valley is striking and sadly under-visited; the misty waters of the River Brathay are mesmerizing as it meanders along the valley.
Elterwater Village itself is a charming hamlet with a couple of great pubs which we have featured below.
This is a great place to stay to feel like you’re getting away from it all in lovely surroundings.


ELTERWATER | £
THE BRITANNIA INN
This traditional Inn has all the right trimmings: oak beams, open fires, real ales and home-cooked food. Guests also get access to the pool and spa next door.
OUR PICK
ELTERWATER | £
ELTERMERE INN
With views over Lake Eltermere, this property has elegant rooms in bold designs. Quality food is the icing on the cake.
GREAT LANGDALE | ££
LANGDALE HOTEL & SPA
Indulge in luxury at the Langdale Hotel & Spa, set in 4 acres of lovely woodland. With top service inside and stunning surroundings outside it’s a perfect stay.
ELTERWATER | ££££
TOWNFOOT COTTAGE
This great value cottage sleeps 4 in the heart of the Langdale Valley. It has all the amenities you need for a Lakeland stay and it’s very dog-friendly.


6. WASDALE & ESKDALE
Best for great walks in remote valleys
Wasdale and Eskdale are the most remote valleys in the Lake District and they offer some of the most magnificent scenery.
Apart from a stream of day-trippers hiking up Scafell Pike, Wasdale and Eskdale are often blissfully quiet. You can also come here to find some of our favourite wild swimming places in the Lake District.
There are no towns, just the odd village, a few country pubs, and some of the finest scenery in the area.
To get here, most routes involve driving over the high passes including Wrynose, Hardknott, and Whinlatter; some of the most scenic drives in the Lake District.

HOLMROOK | £
YHA ESKDALE
The Eskdale hostel is located in a picturesque setting, ideal for exploring the valley. The shared kitchen is well set up for self-catering.
NETHER WASDALE | ££
WINDSOR COTTAGES SCAFELL
With a private garden, excellent views and access to a fully equipped kitchen, Windsor Cottages Scafell is a great option in Wasdale.
OUR PICK
SEASCALE | ££
1692 WASDALE
The stylish contemporary design of the 1692 Wasdale, blends in with the rugged remote surroundings. A number of great walks leave from the hotel.
WASDALE | £
SCAFELL VIEW APARTMENT
A recently renovated property overlooking the Scafell Range, this 2-bedroom apartment sleeps 4. It’s perfectly located for great walks and great pubs.


7. CARTMEL & HAWKSHEAD
Best for great food and craft beer.
Wedged between the sea and the Lake District National Park, Cartmel and Hawkshead make up the southern section of the lakes.
Cartmel is a small village with a big foodie reputation. It has 2 Michelin-starred restaurants, L’Enclume and Rogan & Company, with stylish accommodation good enough for a splurge.
Hawkshead is a beautiful little village that has retained its local charm. It’s often overlooked by tourists, making it a great destination for a quiet, relaxed stay.
The grand counter houses of Holker Hall and Levens Hall are just a short drive away, and there are several easy walks spread out over the banks of Coniston Water.


CARTMEL | £
THE CAVENDISH ARMS
The rooms at the Cavendish Arms with their oak beans retain the charm of its 450-year history. Enjoy home-cooked food by the open fire.
OUR PICK
HAWKSHEAD | ££
QUEEN’S HEAD INN
Despite the 17th century beginning, the Queen’s Head has contemporary fittings with a retro touch. The wine and beer list is impressive.
NEWBY BRIDGE | £££
SWAN HOTEL & SPA
The quirky colourful interiors of the Swan Hotel will brighten up any gloomy Lake District weekend. Their self-contained cottages, The Nests, are like mini resorts.
CARTMEL | £££
WEAVER’S COTTAGE
Luxury accommodation in the heart of Cartmel with 4 good-sized bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a well-appointed kitchen for entertaining.



8. ULLSWATER & PATTERDALE
Best for adventurous ridge walks and lakeside activities.
Ullswater and Patterdale combines the two defining features of the Lake District: excellent mountain walks and fun water activities on lovely lakes.
The mountains in this area contain some of the finest ridge walks in the Lakes. Some are razor-sharp and only for the adventurous like Sharp Edge Blencathra and Striding Edge Helvellyn. Others are rounded tops upon which you could stroll for days.
Besides excellent walking, there are also plenty of fun water activities. You could rent a canoe or motorboat or take a ride on a steamer.
The town of Glenridding has a gentle sloping beach, excellent for picnics and a swim. Nearby Aira Force is the best waterfall in the Lake District and a great family-friendly walk.

PATTERDALE | ££
OLD WATER VIEWS
The Old Water View is a comfy, basic guesthouse with charm & character. The continental breakfast will put you in good stead for hiking Hellvelyn.
OUR PICK
WATERMILLOCK | ££
ULLSWATER VIEW GUESTHOUSE
If you like all the modern stylings with superb views, then the Ullswater View Guesthouse is for you. The staff are helpful and attentive.
POOLEY BRIDGE | ££££
DUKE OF PORTLAND BOAT HOUSE
For a stay with a difference, hire the Duke of Portland Boathouse. Perched on Ullswater it’s ideal for a romantic getaway.
POOLEY BRIDGE | ££
THE CROWN INN
Well-appointed pub on the shores of Ullswater with a well-positioned deck. The hearty breakfast will set you up for the day.


MORE LAKE DISTRICT GUIDES
- Find your perfect area with our guide to the best places to stay in the Lake District.
- Use our detailed guide to see the Lake District without a car.
- Enjoy a scenic swim in Black Moss Pot.
- Tackle one of our favourite hikes in the Lake District.
- Try one of these amazing wild swimming locations in the Lake District.
- There’s more than hiking, find more great things to do in the Lake District.
- Find one of our top photography spots in the Lake District

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- Paul & Mark.
Mark Barnes
Mark is an accomplished travel writer, specializing in crafting road trips, outdoor adventures, and global hiking itineraries.
His work has been recognized by Lonely Planet, and he has received several awards for his travel writing, including Blogger of the Year at the Travel Media Awards in London.
Great looking website. I could lose hours here…
Thank you.
I would say Elderwater and Langdale are the best out of the 5 that you’ve mentioned for me. Great view! and for an artist like me it’s a good spot to sit and paint while enjoying the fresh air and stare at the very relaxing scenery of it. Great post thank you!
Thanks, Hannah. They’re both great areas. Must be a great spot to sit and paint if you have that talent! Thanks for stopping by.
What a truly fantastic website. Desperate to visit the Lakes, but had no idea where to start. Thank you for this wonderful insight!
Thank you very much, glad you found us. Have a great time in the Lake District.
Nice article! I am very confused about where to stay in Lake District and found it very useful! However, I have read Ennerdale was the best place to appreciate the night sky and the article don’t mention that place. Is that not good?
Hi Danielle, Ennerdale is indeed good for the night sky, but it’s remote (with very few facilities or accommodation) and quite a long drive to get to other areas. If you want to get away from it all, Ennerdale can be a good destination, but it’s a hard place to see the rest of the Lake District from. Hope that helps. Mark.
This was so helpful. Is it possible to do a few of these things over a couple of days without a car?
Hi Rob, Yes there is a decent bus service throughout the lakes. They don’t run that regularly so you need to do a bit of planning, but they do cover an extensive part of the Lake District. Thanks, Mark
So glad I found this site! I was totally overwhelmed before I found this page but now have a clear plan of what I want to do and where to stay! Thank you!
Hi Hannah,
Glad you found us as well and very happy to hear you have a plan for the Lake District. It’s a stunning part of the UK, you’ll love it.
Paul.
Hello! Thank you for this guide! We will be visiting the Lakes in late November.. I know the weather will not be ideal for hiking/outdoor activities, but still hoping to enjoy nice views and cozy towns. Any specific locations you would or wouldn’t recommend staying at that time of year?
Hi Karly,
In winter we’d generally stay away from the more remote areas such as Wasdale, Eskdale or Borrowdale. But, the more central locations have good options for more wintery things. I’d look at places like Hawkshead, Cartmel and Grasmere which have great food options etc.
Hope this helps and have a great trip.
Paul.