The Lake District’s most beautiful villages
The Lake District became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, and it’s easy to see why. England’s largest national park is a patchwork of fells, lakes and stone villages, each with its own character. Here are four of the most beautiful, and a little of what makes each one special.
Grasmere: Wordsworth and gingerbread
Grasmere sits beside a small lake ringed by fells, and it’s the village most associated with William Wordsworth, who lived at Dove Cottage and is buried in St Oswald’s churchyard. Don’t leave without Grasmere Gingerbread, made to Sarah Nelson’s recipe since 1854.
Don’t miss: the walk around Grasmere and Rydal Water, one of the loveliest low-level walks in the Lakes.
Ambleside: the walkers’ base camp
At the northern tip of Windermere, Ambleside is packed with outdoor shops, cafes and walking routes. Its most photographed building is tiny Bridge House, a 17th-century cottage built over Stock Beck. A short climb from the town centre brings you to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
Don’t miss: a sunset at Waterhead, where the boats come in.
See our Ambleside travel print
Hawkshead: Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth’s desk
Hawkshead is a maze of whitewashed cottages, archways and little squares, largely car-free in its centre. Wordsworth went to school at Hawkshead Grammar School, where you can still see the desk he carved his name into, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery is housed in the former office of her husband.
Don’t miss: Tarn Hows, a short drive away, for one of the most famous views in the Lakes.
See our Hawkshead travel print
Windermere and Bowness: England’s largest lake
At about 11 miles long, Windermere is England’s largest natural lake. The twin villages of Windermere and Bowness are the busiest in the Lakes, with steamers, rowing boats and lakeside paths. Windermere and Coniston helped inspire Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.
Don’t miss: a lake cruise to Wray Castle or Lakeside.
See our Windermere travel print
A Lake District fact to impress your friends
Only one body of water in the Lake District is officially called a lake: Bassenthwaite Lake. The rest are meres, waters and tarns.
Bring the Lakes home
Our new Lake District designs hang beautifully as a set. Combine Grasmere, Ambleside, Hawkshead and Windermere with our Lake District illustrated map for a five-piece gallery wall, or browse the full Lake District gallery wall collection. Every print can be personalised for free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prettiest village in the Lake District? It’s personal, but Grasmere and Hawkshead top most lists for their setting and history.
Which Lake District village is best for walking? Ambleside, thanks to its central location and routes straight from the town.
What’s the largest lake in the Lake District? Windermere, at about 11 miles long.
