Lake District guide: Where to eat, drink, walk and stay in the National Park

The surprise of the Lake District is how quickly the surroundings can change. One moment you’re driving through a twisty-laned, whitewashed village, the next you’re gasping at the wide expanse of a mirror-calm lake. You might be rasping for breath at the top of a craggy fell in the morning and dining on Michelin-starred food come nightfall. And it packs this beautiful variety – lakes and fells, cruise-rides and museums, Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, giftshop-packed towns and lonely farms, gastropubs and cake-filled cafes – into an astonishingly modest 30 by 40 miles.

Best time to travel for price, weather and crowds

Whatever the weather, school holidays mean the main centres around Bowness, Ambleside, Keswick, Grasmere and Coniston will be busy, with slow-moving traffic, packed car parks and peak accommodation prices.

Having said that, these months are likely to have the warmest weather – Easter can be positively balmy – though always, always, pack to expect rain. Autumn rewards with fiery colours and fewer crowds while November to March, though usually the wettest and coldest months, can also give crisp blue skies, snow-covered fells and bargain offers. Snow can last until April and always needs to be respected if venturing onto the fells.

Where to stay

Read more on the best Lake District Hotels:

With show-stopping views over Windermere, understated, luxurious bedrooms, smart or casual dining, and a staggering wine cellar, The Samling is a place to lie back and luxuriate – possibly in the hot tub.