Lake District hotels: Travel advice for booking Lake District holidays

Do you need a hotel in the Lake District?

There are plenty of accommodation options available in the Lake District. Larger settlements, like Keswick, Coniston and Bowness-on-Windermere, offer something for everyone. You can book a hotel in the Lake District at such locations, as well as holiday homes. Both get booked up quite quickly. Because hoteliers expect to sell out all of their rooms during the British school holidays, there are very few instances of last-minute reductions. If you want a bargain, look for last-minute Lake District lodge holidays. Lodges, like Lake District hotels, tend to be fully booked, but you can sometimes benefit from late cancellations.

Guesthouses are another option. These are basically small hotels in the Lake District with four or five guest rooms at most. You'll usually get breakfast in a Lake District guesthouse but no evening meals. Some establishments also run as pubs, though, so you can obtain an evening meal if you book one of those. Don't expect room service or a dedicated reception desk in these sorts of places, though.

Family activities for Lake District holidays

Lake District holidays are synonymous with the children's author Beatrix Potter among many who visit. She was inspired by the area, and there's a visitor centre devoted to her at Bowness-on-Windermere. Ideal for younger children, especially on a rainy day, it has a one-of-a-kind English charm.

Brockhole on Windermere is a good place to head to if you have active youngsters. Close to the town of Windermere, it features an adventure playground, mini-golf and ascendable treetop netting. You can hire boats to head out onto the lake here, too. At the Rheged Centre in Penrith, families will find another good bolthole on a rainy day. The centre offers workshops, soft play, a cinema and indoor climbing.

FAQs about Lake District holidays

Q: Which part of the Lake District is the best to stay?

A: If you are new to the Lake District, then Windermere or Keswick are both fine options with plenty of amenities. The area around Ullswater enjoys fewer crowds, which is ideal for seasoned holidaymakers. Ambleside is a top destination for families.

Q: What month is best to visit the Lake District?

A: The cheapest month to book a hotel in the Lake District is January. So long as you avoid New Year, Lake District hotels have their lowest occupancy rates. If you want to visit when the weather is best, then choose June. You get long daylight hours and the best chance of avoiding the occasional showers this mountainous region is known for.

Q: How many days do you need for the Lake District?

A: For a first-time visit, three or four days will be sufficient to find out what Lake District holidays can offer. However, you could spend a lifetime here and still find something new. Many people book a hotel in the Lake District for two or three weeks and still come back for more.