Where To Stay In The Lake District (Best Areas & Towns)

I’ve been visiting the Lake District since I was a child, and over the years I’ve come to appreciate just how varied it is. Each corner of the national park has its own distinct character, meaning a stay in Keswick, for example, feels like an entirely different experience to a stay in Windermere.

Some areas are lively and well connected, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and public transport links. Others feel much more remote, where a village might consist of little more than a pub and a handful of cottages.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to stay in the Lake District, what makes each one different, who they’re best suited to, and a few accommodation recommendations for each. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, want somewhere quiet and scenic, or want to do lots of hiking, I’ve got you covered.

Quick overview: best areas at a glance

Area	Best for	Vibe
Keswick	Hiking	Lively, outdoorsy
Ambleside	Central location	Busy, convenient
Grasmere	Pretty village base	Quiet
Windermere & Bowness	Non-hikers	Lively, touristy
Borrowdale	Hiking, scenery	Quiet, beautiful
Buttermere	Postcard views	Remote, beautiful

Note: Accommodation prices in the Lake District vary significantly depending on the season. If you’re visiting during school holidays or on summer weekends, it’s worth booking several months in advance, especially in popular bases like Keswick or Ambleside.

Keswick

Best for: Hiking, outdoor activities, families, car-free visits, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a lively base with plenty going on.

Keswick is the place I usually choose to stay when I visit the Lake District. Childhood nostalgia runs deep here, which might make me biased, but it’s also just a fantastic all-around base. It feels lively without being overwhelmingly touristy, with an outdoorsy atmosphere thanks to the myriad gear shops and pubs full of walkers. It can get busy in peak season, though it’s hardly surprising given how much it has going for it.

Not only is it practical, but it’s also very scenic. Keswick sits on the northern edge of Derwentwater, with fells rising in almost every direction. The lakefront is only a short stroll from the centre, and you can leave town on foot and be climbing into the hills within minutes. Skiddaw rises directly above it, Catbells is a short hop away, and Borrowdale is right on your doorstep. For variety and ease, it’s hard to beat.

It also works well if you want more than just hiking. Keswick is one of the best bases in the Lake District for outdoor activities, with options like kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning, and even paragliding nearby. If your legs need a day off, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes, plus a theatre, nice parks, independent shops, and a weekly market. It’s also home to the, er, *checks notes* pencil museum.

Things to do in Keswick

➼ Walk around Derwentwater: The circular walk around Derwentwater is roughly 10 miles in total, but you can shorten it by hopping on the launch boat between jetties. It’s mostly flat, easy underfoot, and consistently scenic.

➼ Take on Latrigg, Catbells, or Skiddaw: There are plenty of great walks right on Keswick’s doorstep, hence why I suggested it as a base for hiking in the northern fells. Latrigg is an easy one, Catbells is medium difficulty, and Skiddaw is more challenging.

➼ Enjoy the view at Friar’s Crag: This is a personal one for me, because my grandparents on my father’s side have their ashes scattered here. It’s a beautiful viewpoint, with views across Derwentwater.

➼ Enjoy the many cafes and pubs: There are plenty of independent cafes where you can grab a coffee and something sweet, as well as traditional pubs where you can settle in with a pint and a decent meal.

➼ Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle: Just outside Keswick sits Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the oldest stone circles in Britain. It’s small, exposed, and beautifully positioned, with mountains rising behind it. It doesn’t take long to visit, but it’s worth a look.

Where to stay in Keswick

➼ Chaucer’s Nook: If you prefer having your own space, Chaucer’s Nook is a cosy self-catering apartment right in the heart of Keswick. I think this would suit anyone planning a longer stay. I usually opt for self-catering apartments personally.

➼ Cragside B&B: This adults-only B&B is a great option for couples wanting a quieter stay. It’s within easy walking distance of both Keswick town centre and Derwentwater.

➼ Fellpack House: Situated in a great location between Keswick and Derwentwater, Fellpack House is a fabulous place to stay. The rooms are beautiful, the staff are friendly, and the breakfast is superb.

📍 Like the sound of Keswick? Check out my four-day Keswick itinerary.

Ambleside

Best for: First-time visitors, walkers, foodies, short breaks, lively town atmosphere, and visitors who want a convenient central location.

Ambleside is one of the most convenient places you can base yourself in the Lake District. It sits right at the northern tip of Windermere and feels firmly in the heart of the national park, with fells rising on all sides. If you want a central location that gives you options in every direction, this is it.

It’s busier than some of the smaller villages, especially in summer, and traffic can build up through the centre. But that popularity comes from practicality. There’s a wide range of accommodation, strong public transport links, and plenty of places to eat. It feels more like a “working town” than a postcard-perfect village, but that makes it easy to settle into for a few days.

From Ambleside, you can walk straight onto the fells without moving the car. Loughrigg Fell rises just behind town, the Fairfield Horseshoe starts almost from your doorstep, and shorter scenic options like Rydal Cave are only a short distance away. For access and flexibility, it’s probably the best base in the central Lakes.

Things to do in Ambleside

➼ Climb Loughrigg Fell: One of the best “effort versus reward” walks in the area. It’s relatively short, but the views across Windermere, Rydal Water, and the surrounding fells are brilliant.

➼ Explore Rydal Cave and Rydal Water: An easy, scenic walk that’s perfect as a half-day outing. The cave itself is small but photogenic, and the surrounding paths are gentle and accessible.

➼ Walk the Fairfield Horseshoe: A full-day walk if you want something more challenging. It’s a classic ridge walk with sustained climbing and expansive summit views.

➼ Head down to Lake Windermere: You can wander down to the lakeshore or take a boat trip if you want a slower-paced day. It’s an easy way to balance out the bigger hikes.

➼ Enjoy the cafes and restaurants: Ambleside has a broad mix of casual cafes, bakeries, and traditional pubs, along with a few smarter restaurants. It’s a good place to refuel after a long day on the fells without having to search too hard.

Where to stay in Ambleside

➼ Ambleside Townhouse: If you want to be right in the heart of Ambleside, this is a great choice. It’s just a short walk from the town’s cafes, pubs, restaurants, and outdoor shops, making it a convenient base for exploring without needing to drive everywhere.

➼ The Waterhead Inn: Sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere, this is the sort of place I’d choose for a special trip. The lakeside setting is beautiful, and you can walk straight from the hotel along the waterfront into Ambleside.

➼ Redbanks Apartment: For longer stays or anyone who prefers having their own space, Redbanks Apartment is a great self-catering choice. Having a kitchen is really handy after a long day in the hills, especially if you don’t want to eat out every night.

Grasmere

Best for: Couples, scenic village stays, quieter trips, relaxed walking, and classic Lake District charm.

Grasmere feels quieter than somewhere like Ambleside, but still perfectly placed for exploring the central Lakes. It’s smaller, prettier, and more village-like, with stone cottages, narrow lanes, and fells rising behind it. If Ambleside feels practical, Grasmere feels peaceful.

It can still get busy in peak season — nowhere in the Lake District is immune to that — but it doesn’t have the bustle of some of the larger towns. There are fewer shops and restaurants, and evenings are generally calmer. You’re here for scenery, slower mornings, and walks that start almost from your front door.

From the village, you can head straight up onto Helm Crag, known for its distinctive summit rocks, or wander up Silver How for wide views across the valley. Grasmere itself offers a gentler circuit if you want something more relaxed. You’re also well positioned between Keswick and Ambleside, which makes it easy to explore further afield without long drives.

Things to do in Grasmere

➼ Climb Helm Crag: A short but rewarding hike with brilliant views and a distinctive rocky summit. It’s steeper than it looks from below, but manageable for most walkers.

➼ Walk up Silver How: Slightly gentler than Helm Crag and often quieter. The views across Grasmere village and the surrounding fells are excellent.

➼ Stroll around Grasmere Lake: An easy, scenic option. The full circuit isn’t long and gives you lovely low-level views of the surrounding landscape.

➼ Visit Dove Cottage: Once home to William Wordsworth, it’s a small but significant literary site if you’re interested in the area’s history. It doesn’t take long to visit and adds a different layer to the village.

➼ Enjoy a slower evening: Grasmere has a handful of cosy pubs and cafes where you can settle in after a walk and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Where to stay in Grasmere

➼ Victorian House: If you’re looking for somewhere that captures the charm of Grasmere itself, I’d start here. This characterful hotel sits right in the centre of the village, within easy walking distance of the pubs, cafes, and walking trails.

➼ The Swan: For a slightly more indulgent stay, The Swan is a great option. Set just outside the village centre, it has a gorgeous, traditional Lake District feel. If you’re visiting as a couple or celebrating a special occasion, this is one of the nicest places to stay in the area.

➼ YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe: If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, don’t overlook the YHA. It’s set in a beautiful old house surrounded by gardens and fell views, and the location is excellent for walkers. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, making it a great base for solo travellers.

Windermere & Bowness

Best for: First-time visitors, non-hikers, people arriving by train, families, and those who want easy access to attractions, restaurants, and boat trips.

Windermere and Bowness are often grouped together, and for most visitors they function as one base. Windermere is the slightly quieter town where the train station is, while Bowness sits right on the shores of Windermere itself. They’re just a 25-minute walk from each other. If it’s your first time in the Lake District and you want somewhere easy, accessible, and well set up for visitors, this area makes a lot of sense.

I personally am not a huge fan of Windermere and Bowness. They feel quite touristy, with more hotels, more attractions, and more people. If you love that energy, then Windermere could work well for you. I think it would make a great base for people who want to visit the Lake District but aren’t too keen on hiking.

You won’t have big mountain walks starting quite as immediately from your doorstep as you would in somewhere like Keswick, but you’re still well positioned. You can head up Orrest Head for an easy viewpoint, drive or bus to nearby fells, or spend time on the lake itself. For convenience and transport links, it’s one of the easiest bases in the Lakes.

Things to do in Windermere & Bowness

➼ Walk up Orrest Head: A short, straightforward climb from Windermere town with panoramic views across Lake Windermere. It’s ideal if you want something quick but rewarding.

➼ Take a boat trip on Lake Windermere: Cruises run regularly between different points along the lake. It’s a relaxed way to see the scenery without lacing up your boots.

➼ Watersports on Lake Windermere: You can hire kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowing boats, and small motorboats along the lakeshore in Bowness.

➼ Visit The World of Beatrix Potter: A family-friendly stop dedicated to Beatrix Potter and her characters. Not essential for everyone, but popular.

➼ Enjoy the restaurants and bars: This area has some of the widest dining options in the Lake District, from casual cafes to smart evening spots. If you like having choice, you’ll appreciate it here.

Where to stay in Windermere & Bowness

➼ The White House: If it’s your first visit to the Lake District, this is a great base. Located in Bowness, you’re within easy walking distance of the lake, boat trips, restaurants, bars, and shops.

➼ Linthwaite House: If you’re looking for somewhere a little more special, Linthwaite House is hard to beat. Set in beautiful grounds overlooking Lake Windermere, it feels peaceful and secluded despite being only a short drive from Bowness.

➼ Shamrock Apartment: For those who prefer having their own space, this stunning apartment offers all the convenience of staying in Bowness with the added benefit of self-catering facilities.

Borrowdale

Best for: Serious hikers, remote location, dramatic scenery, and anyone wanting to stay right in the heart of the fells.

Borrowdale is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District, and that isn’t said lightly. The road winds between craggy slopes, rivers, and patches of woodland, and even the drive in is remarkably scenic. Accommodation is more limited than in places like Keswick or Ambleside, but what you lose in choice you gain in peace and quiet.

Borrowdale is an excellent base for bigger mountain days. You’re perfectly positioned for walks like Great Gable, the classic route via Sty Head Pass, or climbs up Dale Head and beyond. Shorter options like Castle Crag are also right on your doorstep. For serious hiking in dramatic scenery, it’s hard to beat.

Public transport does run down the valley from Keswick, but staying here is much easier with a car. It’s more remote, and that’s part of its appeal.

Things to do in Borrowdale

➼ Climb Great Gable: A proper mountain day with big views and a real sense of scale. One of the most iconic peaks in the Lake District.

➼ Walk up Castle Crag: A shorter, more manageable option with fantastic views back down the valley.

➼ Hike the Scafell Pike Corridor Route: A scenic but challenging way to climb England’s tallest mountain, starting from Seathwaite.

➼ Drive or cycle over Honister Pass: A steep, dramatic mountain pass that connects Borrowdale to Buttermere. The views alone are worth it.

➼ Explore the valley floor: There are gentler riverside walks through woodland and open fields if you want something less intense than a full summit day.

Where to stay in Borrowdale

Borrowdale has limited accommodation options due to its remoteness, but here are a few options:

➼ The Langstrath Country Inn: If I were choosing somewhere to stay in Borrowdale, this would probably be my pick. Set deep within the valley, surrounded by fells and walking routes, it feels wonderfully removed from the busier parts of the Lake District.

➼ The Royal Oak: Located in the small village of Rosthwaite, the Royal Oak is one of the most popular places to stay in Borrowdale. It has the classic Lake District inn feel, with comfortable rooms, hearty food, and some of the valley’s best walking routes right on the doorstep.

➼ The Smithy: If you’d rather have your own space, The Smithy offers a cosy self-catering stay in the heart of Borrowdale. The peaceful setting only adds to the appeal.

Buttermere

Best for: Stunning scenery, quieter stays, hiking, and visitors who don’t mind sacrificing convenience for a more remote setting.

Buttermere is a tiny village tucked at the head of Buttermere Lake, surrounded by deep, dramatic fells on all sides. There are only a handful of places to stay, a couple of pubs, and not much else. That’s very much the point. Once the day visitors leave, it’s very quiet.

It’s a gorgeous place to be, but also a good base for walking. Haystacks rises just above the valley, Rannerdale Knotts offers a shorter but scenic climb, and routes up Red Pike and the surrounding ridge lines provide bigger days out. You’re slightly cut off compared to Keswick or Ambleside, but in return you get immediate access to some of the most striking scenery in the western Lakes.

You’ll realistically want a car if you stay here. Public transport exists but is limited, and the roads over the passes are narrow and winding.

Things to do in Buttermere

➼ Walk around Buttermere Lake: The full circuit is relatively flat and manageable, with consistently beautiful views. It’s one of the most scenic low-level walks in the Lake District.

➼ Climb Haystacks: A classic Wainwright with rocky outcrops and lovely summit views back down to the lake.

➼ Hike Rannerdale Knotts: Shorter and less intense than some of the surrounding fells, but with excellent views across the valley.

➼ Take on the Red Pike ridge: A more challenging option linking multiple summits for a full-day mountain walk.

Where to stay in Buttermere

One of the things I love about Buttermere is how small and unspoilt it feels. Unlike Keswick or Ambleside, there aren’t dozens of guest houses and holiday rentals to choose from. In fact, there are really only a few obvious places to stay in the village itself.

➼ Buttermere Court Hotel: If you want to stay right in the heart of Buttermere village, this is the obvious choice. The location couldn’t be much better, with the lake and walking trails all within easy reach. It’s a great base for tackling walks like Haystacks, Rannerdale Knotts, and the High Stile ridge.

➼ Bridge Hotel: Sitting beside the River Cocker at the entrance to the village, the Bridge Hotel is full of character. The setting is beautiful, and after a long day of walking, settling in here with a meal and a drink feels pretty hard to beat.

➼ YHA Buttermere: If you’re travelling on a budget, YHA Buttermere is hard to beat. The location is fantastic, with some of the Lake District’s most beautiful scenery right on the doorstep.

Best campsites in the Lake District

You’ll probably have noticed that all of my accommodation recommendations so far have been hotels, guest houses, and apartments. But the Lake District also has some fantastic campsites, and many of my favourite childhood memories here were from camping. These are three of the best campsites in the Lake District.

➼ Castlerigg Hall (Keswick): Perched on a hillside above Keswick, Castlerigg Hall is one of the most popular campsites in the Lake District, and it’s easy to see why. The views are incredible, with a panorama of surrounding fells stretching in almost every direction. It’s also perfectly positioned for exploring Derwentwater, Catbells, Skiddaw, and the many other walks around Keswick.

➼ Great Langdale Campsite (Great Langdale): If hiking is your main priority, Great Langdale is hard to beat. The campsite sits right in the heart of one of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys, with famous routes like the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, and Crinkle Crags starting nearby. You can leave the car behind and spend several days exploring directly from the campsite.

➼ Syke Farm Campsite (Buttermere): For scenery alone, Syke Farm is one of my favourite campsites in the Lake District. Located just outside Buttermere village, it’s surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the national park. You can walk around Buttermere Lake straight from your tent, tackle Haystacks or Fleetwith Pike, and enjoy the sort of peaceful atmosphere that’s becoming increasingly hard to find elsewhere in the Lakes.

Where to stay if you’re visiting without a car?

If you’re visiting the Lake District without a car, where you stay becomes even more important. Some areas are well connected by train and bus, while others are beautiful but annoying to reach using public transport alone.

Keswick is my personal recommendation for hikers. The bus connections are excellent, and many of the area’s best walks can be started directly from town. If your main reason for visiting the Lake District is to get out onto the fells, Keswick strikes the best balance between accessibility and scenery.

Windermere & Bowness is probably the easiest option. Windermere has its own train station, with direct connections to Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line, and frequent buses run throughout the central Lakes. If convenience is your top priority, this is the obvious choice.

Ambleside is another excellent base, and what I’d recommend for first-time visitors who want a mix of things to do. It’s centrally located with some of the best transport links in the national park, meaning you can get out and explore a lot of the Lake District from here. You can easily reach places like Grasmere, Windermere, Keswick, Coniston, and Langdale without needing a car.

I would generally avoid staying in Borrowdale or Buttermere without a car. Both are beautiful, but accommodation is limited and public transport services are far less convenient than in the main towns.

👉 For a full breakdown of buses, trains, and how to explore the national park using public transport, check out my guide to visiting the Lake District without a car.

Final thoughts

If you’re still unsure where to stay in the Lake District, my advice would be to choose Keswick if hiking is your main priority, Ambleside if you want a central base for exploring, or Grasmere if you’re looking for somewhere quieter. If you’re not much of a hiker and prefer things like boat trips, attractions, and places to eat, go for Bowness-on-Windermere.

Buttermere and Borrowdale are great if you have a car and want to be somewhere remote with good hiking.

Personally, I nearly always end up in Keswick. It strikes the best balance between scenery, walking access, places to eat, and things to do on a rainy day. But there isn’t really a wrong choice here. Each area has its own character, and the best place to stay in the Lake District ultimately depends on the kind of trip you’re hoping to have.

More Lake District inspiration

• Check out my roundup of the very best walks in the Lake District.
• Discover the best time to visit the Lake District.
• Check out my four-day Northern Lakes hiking itinerary.
• My guide on visiting the Lake District without a car.
• How to get started with Wainwright Bagging.

⛰️ Want even more? Visit my Lake District Hub to browse all my walking guides and planning tips.

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