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Places to visit and areas of the Lake District National Park

A taste of the lakes.

England's largest National Park is a gem of a place to visit. There are breathtaking lakes, soaring mountains - known locally as 'fells', picturesque valleys and even sandy coastline. Each lake and valley has a distinct character of its own. We would love you to share your experiences, pictures and videos with us through Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

Popular regions in the Lake District

There are many attractions and places to visit in the Lake District, covering a wide area which is just waiting for you to explore! To make it easier to find the best attractions in the Lake District National Park, we have split them up into the most popular sections. This way you can easily plan out your visit and make the most of your stay.

Enjoy the stunning mountain views around England's largest lake, Windermere and the bustling town of Ambleside. Visit things to do around Windermere. Windermere and the surrounding area is arguably the most famous and popular area in the Lake District.

Explore Coniston

Coniston water is the third longest lake in the Lake District. Get onto the water with boat tours, motor boats, rowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards to hire. Its also a great place for walking and hiking, with guided walks to help show you the way.

Explore Keswick and Derwentwater

Visit Keswick, a bustling market town at the north end of Derwent lake, correctly named Derwentwater. Or explore the quiet valley of Borrowdale at the southern end.

Grasmere and Rydal just north of Ambleside, are two of the smaller more peaceful lakes to visit. Grasmere village is full of charm, places to stay and eat and the famous Grasmere gingerbread shop! You can also visit Wordsworth's grave in the churchyard and buy the legendary Grasmere Gingerbread. With no motor boats, this quieter lake is great for swimming and rowing.

Explore Ullswater and Glenridding

Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Ullswater is a popular starting point for walkers and climbers. This lovely lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery to its south, softening to the gentle hills of the north. The lake is the second largest in England at seven and a half miles long, but is less than a mile across.

Explore the Langdale Valley

Home to a breathtaking valley, countless walking and camping hotspots, Langdale Valley is perfect for those that love the outdoors. The Langdale area runs west of Ambleside up to the Langdale Pikes. It splits into two valleys, Great Langdale and Little Langdale. It includes the lovely village of Elterwater and Chapel Stile.

Explore the Northern Lakes

Visit Buttermere, Crummock, Loweswater and Bassenthwaite lakes, the North Lakes is possibly the most peaceful part of the district with many features of historical interest to be explored. With no motor boats, they are great choice to go for a swim, a kayak, a canoe, a paddleboard, or just a peaceful lake shore walk.

Explore Wastwater

Surrounded by mountains, Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, Wastwater is the deepest and perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all the lakes, - in Wasdale - to the west of the National Park. The view from the south-western end of the lake near the youth hostel was voted Britain’s favourite view in 2007.

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10 breathtaking hidden gems in the Lake District

I have so much to say about the Lake District and all the natural beauty it holds. Each spot in the region has its own magic and offers a unique experience.

However, I want to cover the places that reflect the true charm and energy of the district – the secret spots that are a bit off the beaten track.

So, here’s a top 10 list of the best hidden gems in the Lake District.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Map of hidden gems in the Lake District

Use my map to see where all my favourite secret Lake District spots are located:

1. Whorneyside Force

Only a few places reflect the epic beauty of the region like the Whorneyside Force. It’s one of my favourite waterfalls in the Lake District and it really is impressive.

From the crystal-clear pond and tall flowing water stream to the vibrant greenery, everything about this place is magical.

You can take a swim there, and I really recommend that you do. You’ll feel like you’re in Bali, not the UK!

Even the walk to the valley is full of stunning views. It’s a fair bit of a trek, but it’s absolutely worth it.

If you love going on hikes, I can’t think of a better destination than Whorneyside Force. 

2. Cathedral Cave

The Cathedral Cave is an unconventional spot to visit, and here you’ll find a beautifully haunting atmosphere.

The cave actually gets plenty of light from a gaping gap in the walls where the sunshine floods through.

So, even if you’re not a fan of the dark, you can still enjoy this behemoth rocky structure. 

As with many of these hidden gems in the Lake District, part of the beauty lies in the hike to get there.

3. Thirlmere Infinity Pool

The road to Thirlmere Pool is a bit of a challenge – it’s full of steep inclines and bumpy terrain that needs caution while crossing. But the journey is definitely worth it! 

Not many spots in the Lake District can compete with the incredible view and glistening clear water this pool offers. 

It’s got some recognition these past couple of years, which may drive some crowds. However, if you time your trip perfectly, you’ll have it all to yourself.

Remember to bring your swimsuit so you can bathe in the natural infinity pool yourself!

4. Rannerdale Knotts

I love visiting the Rannerdale Knotts in late April to enjoy the breathtaking bluebells. They cover the entire landscape with a vibrant purple hue.

Legend has it that the famous flowers grew from the blood of the fallen Norman warriors who fought the Britons in that valley.

If you want the best spot to see the bluebells, head toward Crummock Water and walk down the trail there to the Bluebell valley.

Even if you visit outside of bluebell season, this is still a wonderful place to visit in the Lake District .

5. Ennerdale Water

Ennerdale Lake is a masterpiece of natural beauty, offering a breathtaking view with vibrant water, plenty of greenery, and staggering mountains.

It’s perfect for those who hate crowded sites, as it’s deep within the western flanks of the Lake District. 

It’s also the only road-free lake in the area. So, even at peak season, you won’t find a lot of people there.

6. St. Sunday Crag

As beautiful as it is, I admit St. Sunday Crag isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who would love to break a little bit of sweat to explore the gorgeous lands of the Patterdale Skyline.

The St. Sunday Crag is all about walking, appreciating nature, and enjoying the view. It stretches for about 2 miles, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and stick to the ridges.

Climbing down the flanks could potentially be dangerous, so you should be well-equipped with your hiking gear.

7. Hardknott Roman Fort

The Roman Fort is one of the most isolated spots in the UK, and you’ll see why once you start driving to it, as the roads are narrow, steep, and winding.  

It’s no wonder a lot of people don’t know this place exists. At first glance, the fort appears to be a simple stone perimeter in the middle of nowhere. There’s more to it than that, though.

It’s a crucial piece of Roman history. Hardknott was one of the forts that helped the Roman army take control of the Lake District.

It wasn’t until the second century that the fort was abandoned and left as ruins for passing travellers to take shelter in.

8. Holker Hall and Gardens

The moment you set foot in the Holker Hall, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the Victorian Era in all its elegance, warmth, and romantic atmosphere.

With stunning landscapes and masterful architecture, the Holker Hall will sweep you off your feet and take you on a trip of history and culture.

The garden is as beautiful and well-preserved as the mansion, with Its rich, diverse, vibrant, and colourful greenery.

9. Duddon Valley

The Duddon Valley has some of the most soothing scenery in the Lake District. 

If you’re more of an adventurous type, you can always go for a climb. The valley has several spots you can visit, like “Trinity Slaps” and “Thomas.”

After you get tired from all the walking and climbing, I’d recommend renting a cosy cottage to rest in. You can easily find one that offers you an incredible view of the district.

10. Eskdale Valley

The Eskdale Valley is a paradise for nature lovers. Full of magnificent waterfalls, magical rivers, and scenic woodland walks, it won’t fail to take your breath away. 

The main attraction of this valley is the Stanley Ghyll Force. The 60-foot-tall waterfall combines all the beauty elements in one place, including luscious greenery, dazzling water, and natural wildlife.

You can’t go to the Eskdale Valley without visiting the atmospheric Blea Tarn – the views are incredible.

Do you have any favourite hidden gems in the Lake District? Let me know in the comments below!

If you’re planning a visit to the Lake District, have a read of my guides before you go:

• 20 luxury hotels in the Lake District
• 20 pretty Lake District towns and villages to visit
• 20 Michelin restaurants in the Lake District
• 21 lovely afternoon tea spots in the Lake District
• Lake District or Peak District: which to visit?

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Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

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The 10 best hotels in the Lake District, for lakeside views, spa breaks and Michelin-starred meals

Breathtaking landscapes meet amazing places to stay in this national park, whether you’re after charming countryside retreats, luxury hideaways or peaceful havens – here’s where you’ll find adventure and relaxation, article bookmarked.

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Majestic fells, glittering lakes, craggy valleys and comely white-washed villages - you’d need a heart of stone not to be beguiled by the Lake District . With England ’s highest mountain , longest lake and deepest waters, not surprisingly it’s the country’s second-most popular national park.

And it’s not just for adrenaline junkies. The area’s beauty can be enjoyed from lake cruises . There are grand houses with grand gardens, plus the homes of writers, poets and artists to explore (poet William Wordsworth, arguably, put the region on the map). What’s more, there is an astonishing food and drink scene, with 13 Michelin-starred restaurants, and numerous craft breweries and distilleries.

To match the variety of things to see and do, there’s a variety of places to stay: swanky hotels for the spa-lovers, restaurants-with-rooms for the foodies, country inns that welcome walkers, keenly priced B&Bs with brilliant breakfasts, town-centre pubs with buzzing atmospheres, and glorious one-offs with funky designs and a proud Lakeland character.

Best hotels in the Lake District

At a glance.

• Best boutique hotel: The Yan
• Best spa hotel: Brimstone
• Best luxury hotel: Gilpin Hotel
• Best family hotel: The Swan
• Best budget hotel: Ambleside Townhouse
• Best dog-friendly hotel: The Inn on The Square

Gilpin Hotel

Crook, near windermere.

This is indulgence with a capital I. A modern country-house hotel, 10 minutes from Windermere’s lakeshore, it has expanded from the original Edwardian house at its core to offer a variety of rooms and suites across its 21 acres. These vary from the lavishly cossetting (bright colours, thick fabrics, plump cushions, plants and books; most with hot tubs) to apartment-sized, stand-alone chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows, and personal spas including sunken hot tubs. A separate six-bedroom ‘Lake House’, a mile away and wrapped in woodland and with an indoor pool as well as a lake, offers a more homely – though still grand – style.

Both the main hotel and Lake House have small spas: the former with a roof-top garden; the latter overlooking the lake. Service levels are very much ‘your wish is my command’ and there’s a choice of Michelin-starred dining at SOURCE or pan-Asian tapas – in fun-coloured surrounds – at the well-named, Spice.

Address: Crook Road, Windermere LA23 3NE

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Read more: Lake District guide – where to eat, drink, walk and stay on the ultimate trip

This dog-friendly bistro-with-rooms, in converted farm buildings a 15-minute walk from pretty Grasmere, is both smart and fun. Its relaxed atmosphere is in no small part due to the fact it’s a family affair; kicked off by mum and dad, and now largely run by daughters Jess and Georgina and their husbands, all of whom have excellent knowledge of the area.

At its heart is the bistro (with Jess’s husband Will at the helm) with its tangy take on Lakeland food – slow-cooked Herdwick lamb with pea mash and ratatouille, for example – and in rustic surrounds of slate floors, exposed rafters and recycled timber tables. On warmer days, eat outdoors on the terraces with their views to the fells. Each of the five bedrooms offers a fell view, too. Sleek, minimalist rooms in pale greys and whites, with oak doors, wool fabrics and timber headboards, they’re carefully designed to make the most of the spaces. Compact bathrooms are bright and modern with decent showers; all you need after a day on the hills.

Address: Broadrayne Farm, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9RU

Read more: The best walks in the Lake District

Kirkstile Inn

This whitewashed 17th-century inn, tucked away from the mainstream crowds near quiet Loweswater, requires a little persistence to find – though plenty do. It has all you’d expect of a traditional Lakeland inn: low beams, flagstone floors, toasty fire and a series of little snugs. There’s smart and robust food on the menu – it’s important to leave room for the home-made fruit crumble – and their own-brew beers at the bar.

A long grassy terrace beside the beck at the rear looks up at the magnificent Melbreak fell, one of several walks that are possible from the front door. Many of the neat, country-fresh bedrooms (some in a separate building) share the same view. With black-painted beams, pine or oak furniture, colourful fabrics and creaking floorboards, they have a simple yet smart style. Sensibly, only the outside rooms have televisions.

Address: Loweswater, Cockermouth CA13 0RU

Read more: The best mountains to climb in the UK

Chapel Stile, Langdale

This hotel proves that you don’t have to give up your luxuries to enjoy an outdoors-adventures break (although the latter activities are not compulsory). The modern, chalet-style building of slate, timber and glass, and on the edge of a forested estate in the Langdale valley, has just 16 suites. Each comes with a ‘host’ who acts as a modern-day butler, and can kit guests out in walking gear, provide walking and cycling routes, offer a drop-off and pick-up service, and even the loan of an electric BMW car. All provided free, subject to availability. If that’s all too much, guests can totter across to a swanky spa, plus a leisure centre with 20-metre pool.

Suites are ridiculously large, and furnished in an understatedly luxurious way with pale-oak floorboards, wool-covered sofas, real fires and soft countryside colours. Everything is on a grand scale from beds to sofas to bathrooms – some have freestanding baths in the rooms, all but one have balconies. There’s a jolly bistro on the estate (shared with another hotel plus chalet-style lodges), plus 24-hour complimentary drinks and snacks.

Address: Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JD

Read more: How to do the Lake District car-free

The Inn on The Square

Plum in the centre of the jolly market town of Keswick, this smart townhouse hotel has all-round appeal whether for weekend-breakers here to stroll the shops and cruise on Derwentwater, walkers keen to climb Skiddaw, or families and dog-lovers wanting to do a bit of everything. There’s a cocktail bar at the front, a family-friendly pub at the rear (serving food until early evening) and a bright and breezy steakhouse restaurant with an open kitchen.

The 34 bedrooms have a light and fresh Scandi design – pale grey palette, retro-patterned fabrics, neat fitted furniture - that makes the most of sometimes small spaces. The wall-sized photographs of the local Herdwick sheep as a bedhead feature is a fun touch. Views are either over rooftops to the fells or to the market place.

Address: Market Square, Keswick CA12 5JF

Read more: The most scenic walks in the UK

Newby Bridge

Away from the crowds, in a riverside setting close to the southern end of Lake Windermere, this family-friendly hotel ticks plenty of boxes: it offers something for the kids, something for the grown-ups, something for couples – and all wrapped up in a breezy, modern style.

It’s a big hotel – originally a 17th-century coaching inn but considerably extended to 84 rooms – and goes big on colour, too. Expect to find clashing pinks and hot oranges, dazzling floral wallpapers and slate walls in the public areas while bedrooms have cottage-garden colours and bright-patterned wallpapers. Larger rooms might have white-painted floorboards and freestanding baths, and most rooms have views either over gardens or river.

There’s a swanky inside-outside spa with outdoor Finnish spa, plus a pool and gym and, for the children, an adventure playground, nature trail and games room. With a choice of pub food and smarter dining, everyone should be happy.

Address: Newby Bridge, Ulverston LA12 8NB

Read more: Best budget hotels in the Lake District

The Royal Oak Hotel

Rosthwaite, borrowdale.

In the centre of Rothswaite village, in the heart of Borrowdale – arguably, the area’s most scenic valley – this landmark 18th-century inn has been carefully updated without losing its much-loved, traditional character. There’s a fire in one of the low-beamed snugs, a tree trunk holds up a beam in the dining room, slate floor in the cosy bar, and a warm welcome to dogs and walkers. The latter have a smart drying room for boots and clothing.

Bedrooms, which are spread between the main building and converted barn and cottages across the rear courtyard, have a contemporary cottage style with chunky wooden furniture, panelled headboards and soft countryside colours. Some can be compact but all have surprisingly large and modern bathrooms. The short-choice, daily changing menu mixes classics and more sophisticated dishes. Cooked-to-order breakfasts provide fuel for a day on the hills, and there are home-baked scones every afternoon.

Address: Keswick CA12 5XB

Read more: The best Christmas breaks in the Lake District

The Drunken Duck Inn

Barngates, near ambleside.

This legendary inn, at a lonely cross-roads high above Windermere, was one of the first gastropubs in the area, and very much goes its own way. You’ll find locals drinking in the bar (the pub has its own microbrewery) while dining guests enjoy eclectic dishes such as wood pigeon with spicy pumpkin seed sauce, venison loin with sour cabbage, and salt-baked celeriac with miso gratin.

The style is a contemporary take on a country inn – faded rugs on oak floors, white-washed rafters and polished-plaster walls, pictures and prints crammed joyfully – that never falls into rustic-chic. Bedrooms – some across the courtyard – are smart but homely with a mix of vintage and mid-century furniture, deep-hued feature walls and cottagey curtains. Most are modest in size but often have clawfoot baths as well as showers. A rear courtyard plus front veranda are lovely spots after a long walk.

Address: Barngates, Ambleside LA22 0NG

Read more: Best dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District

Ambleside Townhouse

Outside Ambleside’s busy town centre, and a 15-minute stroll from Lake Windermere, this smart townhouse B&B offers well-priced rooms in a handy location. And there’s free parking, too; a rarity in Ambleside. The handsome Victorian villa, with its bay windows and high ceilings, has been given a light and modern makeover while keeping things fresh and simple. Guests step straight into a ground-floor dining room, which doubles as reception and lounge (help-yourself hot drinks are available all day), and is neat with pale-grey walls, stripped-wood floors and bright teal and burnt orange dining chairs.

The 15 rooms are similarly neat and simple, and with bright modern bathrooms, most with bath as well as shower. Lower ground-floor rooms have restricted views but are larger and with bold wall-size local landscape photographs. With private entrances, these rooms are useful for families and groups of friends.

Address: Lake Road, Ambleside LA22 0DB

Read more: The best UK vineyards to visit during harvest season

Forest Side

Despite the grand size of this Victorian-Gothic building, with tall chimneys and castellated parapets, it’s easy to drive past the hotel’s entrance. Set back from the main road, on the outskirts of Grasmere, it doesn’t shout its presence. But the vast kitchen garden above the car park very much does wave the flag that food is the thing here.

With its Michelin-starred restaurant, Forest Side is a foodie destination set in a sleekly modernised country house hotel. Grand Victorian features of high ceilings and ornate fireplaces have been married with pale-grey colours, oak flooring and Lincrusta wallpapers. Bedrooms have softly shimmering wallpapers, crushed velvet fabrics and sleek bathrooms.

The tasting menu dishes are similarly understated in presentation but this belies clever food combinations that deliver unexpected taste sensations: smokily poached monkfish, for example, or jammy-tasting beetroot with iced goats’ cheese. Always make time for one of their whacky-sounding cocktails beforehand: plum-infused gin, perhaps, or a Douglas Fir negroni.

Address: Keswick Road, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9RN

Read more: The best UK holiday destinations for families

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Where to see red squirrels in the Lake District

The red squirrel is an icon of the British Isles. Its particular link with the Lake District is partly thanks to the national park being one of the last reserves of the elusive creature, and partly thanks to Beatrix Potter’s immortalisation in her children’s book, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.

Though in sharp decline across the UK due to the introduction of invasive grey squirrels, red squirrels can still be found across the Lake District and Cumbria. You’ll have to keep a sharp eye, though, as the shy animal is fond of leafy canopies and shady woodland. That, and the limited numbers, mean they can be hard to spot. To improve your chances, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District. For more animal inspiration, read our guide to the wildlife that can be spotted around the Lake District . 

If you simply can’t get enough of sightings, red squirrels can be spotted in and around a number of our holiday cottages. Browse our full range of Lake District cottages and enjoy sitting in the garden while looking out for a visitor or two.

• The 10 best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District

More locations of red squirrels in Cumbria

Red squirrel faqs.

• Map of where to see red squirrels

The best 10 places to see red squirrels in the Lake District

We have compiled the top ten Lake District locations to head to if you want to see red squirrels thriving in their natural environment.

Whinlatter Forest

Whinlatter Forest has always been one of the top places to spot red squirrels in the Lake District, and you’re more likely to see them here than in almost any other location in Cumbria. Covering over 1,000 hectares, there’s plenty of space for groups of squirrels to live and play, but they’re often kind enough to frolic around the visitor centre, so are reasonably easy to spot. Look out for special Wow Trail guided walks, which guide you around the forest and highlight the best places to catch a glimpse of a squirrel or two.

Good to know:

• Address: Whinlatter Pass, Keswick CA12 5TW
• Opening hours: Main car park and toilets open 8.30am to 8.30pm
• Facilities: Car park, visitor centre, picnic area, refreshments, toilets, play area, mobility scooter hire
• Stay nearby:  Thornwaite Elm | sleeps 2 + 1 dog

Across the lake from Whinlatter is another, smaller woodland: Dodd Wood. At the foot of Skiddaw, this pine tree forest is known for some excellent wildlife spotting, including rare ospreys and, of course, the elusive red squirrel. In fact, they’re not as elusive here as they are in other locations! Head up to the viewing point and, while admiring the panorama, you’re likely to see a flash of red as squirrels make use of the handy feeders close by.

Good to know

• Address: Dodd Wood, Keswick CA12 4QE
• Opening hours: No restrictions
• Facilities: Car park, picnic area, refreshments, toilets
• Stay nearby:  Rose Cottage – Underskiddaw | sleeps 5 + 3 dogs

The wooded valley that surrounds Loweswater is the perfect home for red squirrels. A Miles without Stiles route through Holme Wood provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy the ancient woodland setting whilst looking out for squirrels. If you can manage it, steeper paths up the fell open up more woodland to explore, and therefore offer more opportunity for squirrel spotting. 

• Address: Maggie's Bridge Car Park, Loweswater, Cockermouth CA13 0RU
• Facilities: Car park
• Stay nearby : Wilkinsyke Farm Cottage | sleeps 2

There are several woodlands around Buttermere , so opportunities abound to see red squirrels on the popular circular route around the lake . Park at the National Trust car park and look around at the surrounding trees while you tie your boots – squirrels can often be seen jumping through nearby trees. When you start the walk from Buttermere, you’ll pass under a number of canopies where squirrels are known to play. 

• Address: National Trust – Buttermere Car Park
• Facilities: Car park, toilets (in village), refreshments (in village), dog friendly
• Stay nearby:  Croft House Farm – Buttermere | sleeps 6

Grizedale Forest

As the largest woodland in Cumbria, Grizedale Forest offers a wonderful opportunity for seeing the Lake District’s beloved red squirrels. Though you may be distracted by the many art installations that are dotted around this forest, cast your eyes slightly higher and look to the treetops for a flash of a bushy red tail. Visitors are encouraged to report any red squirrel sightings at the Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre and while you are there you can stop for refreshments at Café Ambio. 

• Address: Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead LA22 0QJ
• Opening hours: From dawn till dusk every day
• Facilities: Car park, visitor centre, picnic area, refreshments, toilets, play area, mobility scooter hire, dog friendly
• Stay nearby:  The Kennels – Hawkshead | sleeps 5 + 2 dogs 

Lowther Castle and Gardens

The Lowther Estate is vast, and includes 1,700 acres of woodland, so you’ll have to pick the right place to spot squirrels. If you head to the main attraction of the Lowther Estate – the castle and gardens – you can enjoy a very pleasant day at a popular attraction while also hoping to see some activity. There are lots of tall, mature trees where red squirrels love to hide so bring some squirrel feed with you to try and coax them out. After you’ve been on a wildlife walk, treat the kids to some time at the brilliant adventure playground at Lowther Castle which is one of the biggest and best in the UK.

• Address: Lowther Castle and Gardens, Lowther, Penrith CA10 2HH
• Opening hours: 10am – 5pm in summer, 10am – 4pm in winter
• Facilities: Car park, picnic area, refreshments, play area, dog friendly
• Stay nearby:  18 Lowther Village | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Great Wood, Keswick

If your first introduction to red squirrels was through Beatrix Potter’s wonderful tale of a cheeky chap, then it will be extra special for you to catch a glimpse at Great Wood in Keswick. Those who remember the story of Squirrel Nutkin may recollect the characters sailing across a lake on little rafts. The lake in the story was Derwentwater and Great Wood sits on its shores. Though we don’t think you’ll see any sailing squirrels, there’s a good chance you’ll notice them in their more natural habitat in the trees. The Keswick Red Squirrel Group monitors red squirrels in the area so please help out by reporting any that you see to them. 

• Address: Great Wood National Trust car park, Keswick CA12 5UP
• Opening hours: No restrictions 
• Facilities: Car park only, lots of facilities in Keswick which is around 2 miles away
• Stay nearby:  Walla Yat | sleeps 6

Thirlmere is often overlooked because it sits between some of the most popular lakes in the national park – Derwentwater, Grasmere and Windermere. But squirrel-seekers may want to take a moment to explore the woods around this wild reservoir, which are home to a multitude of wildlife. Find a quiet spot on the shore or enjoy a walk in the hillside woodland. If you’re driving by, watch your speed and look out for squirrels crossing the road.

• Address: Swirls car park, Thirlmere CA12 4TW
• Opening hours: Car park is open from 7am–9pm
• Facilities: Car park, toilets, picnic area
• Stay nearby:  Elm How   | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Ennerdale Forest

Ennerdale Forest  is a haven of peace and tranquillity and the perfect place to enjoy the natural Cumbrian landscape at its best. As one of the most remote valleys in Cumbria, it’s no surprise that the Ennerdale Valley is a real red squirrel sanctuary, with up to 150 estimated to live there. They’re most prolific at the western end of the valley so look out for stripped pinecones – a sure sign that some sharp teeth have been working on them recently! There are four different walking trails around the forest and regular foraging courses are also available.

• Address: Bowness Knott Car Park, Ennerdale CA23 3AU
• Opening hours : No restrictions
• Facilities: Car park, picnic area
• Stay nearby:  Poppy Cottage - Ennerdale | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Aira Force has always been one of the most popular places in the Lake District thanks to the stunning waterfalls that tumble down into Ullswater. But the river is also surrounded by spectacular woodland where – you guessed it – red squirrels can often be seen freely roaming or even hopping across the water. Aire Force is also easy to get to as there is a National Trust car park at the bottom and Ullswater Steamers sailing to the waterfall from Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.

• Address: Aira Force, near Watermillock, Penrith CA11 0JS
• Opening hours : Car park is open from dawn to dusk
• Stay nearby:  Mell Fell View | sleeps 4 + 3 dogs

Although we’ve described some of the best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District, there are lots more Cumbrian locations where you can see them in the wild. Red squirrel populations are low, but there are a surprising number of places where you might spot a bushy tale flicking between the leaves or hear the gentle click-click of scuttling up a tree trunk. 

Enjoy red squirrel walks in these locations:

• Bowder Stone Wood, Borrowdale Road, Keswick CA12 5XA
• Brundholme Wood, Keswick CA12 4NN
• Argill Woods, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4EX   
• Augill Pasture, North Stainmore, Brough CA17 4DX
• Bowber Head Farm, Low Ln, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4LJ 
• Quarry Banks, Wetheral, Carlisle CA4 8FG
• Wreay Woods, Carlisle CA4 0BU 

What is the difference between red and grey squirrels?

Despite the name, red and grey squirrels aren’t always those colours and so you can’t rely on hue alone to identify them. Red squirrels are smaller and have tufts of hair on top of their ears. The bigger grey squirrel has rounded ears and a white halo around its tail.

What do red squirrels eat?

Pine seeds are a particular favourite, which is why you will often find these creatures living in conifer forests. They will also eat hazelnuts, larch and spruce seeds, fruit, tree shoots, bark, lichen and funghi. On very rare occasions, they have been known to eat young birds and bird eggs. 

Why are red squirrels endangered?

Grey squirrels have caused a severe reduction in red squirrel populations over the years since they were introduced to the UK from America. Not only do they outcompete reds for food, they also carry squirrel pox, which doesn’t affect them but which is deadly to the native reds. 

When is the best time to see red squirrels?

Though active all year round, squirrels are more easily seen during the evening and early morning through autumn, when there is less leaf cover for them to hide behind.

Do red squirrels hibernate?

Red squirrels don’t hibernate and are active all year round, though less so during winter. They store food throughout the summer in underground caches, which they use in the colder months. Because of the cold, squirrels may spend several days in their dreys to keep warm.

Where do red squirrels live?

Red squirrels tend to live in coniferous forests and deciduous woodland across Europe and Northern Asia. In the UK, it is estimated that 75% of the population is found in Scotland, with pockets in areas such as the Lake District and Isle of Wight.  

Why are red squirrels important?

Apart from being adorable to look at, red squirrels play an important role in the regeneration of pine woodlands. Due to their habit of burying caches of seeds and sometimes forgetting about them, they help with the growth of new plants.

Map of where to see red squirrels in the Lake District

This handy map shows you all the best places to see red squirrels in the Lake District

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Plan your Lake District getaway

Armed with all this handy information and a good pair of binoculars, it’s time to plan your Lake District trip to see some red squirrels. You might even be lucky enough to spot them from your garden, as can be the case at Red Squirrel Den in Ullswater!

Take a look at our cottages in the Lake District to find your perfect place to stay for a holiday full of walking, wildlife and native red squirrels.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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