Cumbria (Lake District)

The Lake District concentrates more scenery into one national park than almost anywhere in England, layering mirror-still lakes, high fells, tumbling waterfalls and hidden tarns across the county of Cumbria. It is a walker's and wild swimmer's paradise, with everything from gentle valley strolls to serious mountain days, plus plunge pools and cascades made for cooling off. Our guides span the region's best walks, waterfalls and wild swimming spots alongside quieter hidden gems, whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family day out or a summer dip.

Best Hidden Gems in Cumbria (Lake District)

Beyond the crowds at Windermere, the Lake District hides quiet tarns and old packhorse bridges, from Easedale Tarn and Crummock Water to Slater's Bridge.

Best Places to Visit in Cumbria (Lake District)

Cumbria and the Lake District mix soaring fells with old slate country and quiet ruins, from Rydal Cave and Hodge Close Quarry to Slater's Bridge and Langdale.

Best Walks in Cumbria (Lake District)

The Lake District holds England's finest walking, from Cat Bells and the Old Man of Coniston to Blencathra: fell tops, deep valleys and clear lakes in Cumbria.

Best Waterfalls in Cumbria (Lake District)

Cumbria and the Lake District are laced with fellside becks and gills, their finest waterfalls from Stockghyll Force to Aira Beck, clear off the high fells.

Best Wild Swimming Spots in Cumbria (Lake District)

Cumbria and the Lake District are the home of English wild swimming, its becks and tarns cold and clear off the fells at Black Moss Pot and Sprinkling Tarn.

Best Wild Swimming Spots in Cumbria (Lake District) in Summer

Cool off across Cumbria and the Lake District on a warm day, from Wastwater to Burnmoor Tarn and Sour Milk Ghyll, clean fell water after every summer climb.

Couples Waterfalls in Cumbria (Lake District)

Cumbria and the Lake District hide quiet waterfalls made for two, from Skelwith Force and Birker Force to Aisgill Falls, a fine gentle outing away from crowds.

Family Waterfalls in Cumbria (Lake District)

The Lake District has family waterfalls for every day out, from Dungeon Ghyll and Scale Force to Ashgill Force, though the best sit out on open Cumbrian fell.

Where are the best wild swimming spots in the Lake District?

The Lake District offers superb wild swimming, from clear tarns high in the fells to river pools and quieter stretches of the larger lakes. Summer brings the warmest water, though always check depth and currents. Our wild swimming guides map the safest, most scenic spots.

Are there family-friendly waterfalls in the Lake District?

Yes. Several Lake District waterfalls suit families, with short, well-marked walks and safe viewing points rather than long mountain treks. Our family waterfalls guide picks out the most accessible cascades, while a separate couples guide highlights the more romantic, secluded falls for a quieter visit.

When is the best time to visit the Lake District?

Late spring and summer bring the warmest weather and the best conditions for walking and wild swimming, though also the biggest crowds. Autumn offers spectacular colour and fuller waterfalls after rain, while winter delivers dramatic, quieter fells for well-prepared walkers.