The area does boast some major settlements such as Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick all of which are within the boundaries of the national park. Outside the national park are assorted towns, villages, hamlets and even many isolated farmstead, all of which play an important role as a component of the tourist economy of the area. Many of the smaller communities are served by a very intricate network of minor roads, but road growth is certainly not in the best interest of the Lake District. After all, its main attraction is to commune with nature.

Seasonal passenger ferries are available in Ullswater, Derwent Water and Coniston Water. All together, there are 92 different lakes to be found in the Lake District. There are plenty of Lake district hotels as well as bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodations.

How the Area was Formed

The major valleys and lakes are said to have been formed by repeated glaciations. Geologists speak of approximately 2 million years for the Lake District to become what it is today. The higher fells in the Lake District ordinarily have rocky ground, but when a lower altitude is encountered, the ground may be in the form of moorland or even boggy. There is a lot of rainfall in the lower areas, but even when the higher slopes receive rain, the native oaks as well as the conifers allow the rainwater to be driven below.

Lakeland Fells and Valleys

There are a number of valleys known specifically by their names. For instance there is Borrowdale, Derwent, Buttermere, Lorton Vale, Ennerdale, Wasdale, Eskdale and Dunnerdale valleys, moving counterclockwise from the North. Other valleys are known as Kentmere, Longsleddale, Haweswater, and finally Ullswater. The high fells, going from the lowest to the highest are named Skiddaw, Helvellyn, Scafell and finally Skafell Pike which has a 3,210 ft. elevation.

What to Do In Lake District

Whether you are a child or an adult, Mother Nature calls to you from here. Gardens are everywhere, blossoming with magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, euphorbia, and azaleas. The lakes themselves abound with fish, and everywhere you turn are awe-inspiring vistas. Swifts, martins and swallows build nests and give song, while badgers, rabbits, foxes and deer move through the forests. There are boats of all kinds, some large and some that only fit one human being on the lakes. Swimming is everywhere, as are bicycles and horseback riding.

Bank View Cottage is immaculately presented and comprises: Cosy open plan lounge/kitchen with Lakeland slate under floor heating, an electric stove effect fire, TV, CD, hi-fi cassette player, co-ordinating fabrics and furnishings together with a recessed window seat, make this a true cottage retreat. The kitchen houses a fridge, dishwasher, microwave and electric oven and hob. First floor: Luxurious double bedroom with vaulted beamed ceiling, feature roll top bath and a recessed window seat to enjoy the views to the Langdale Fells. En-suite shower room with hand basin and WC.

For more information call 017687 74060 or visit www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk.

A wide selection of tea rooms, restaurants and traditional village inns and a range of local shops including the world famous gingerbread shop and Heaton Cooper Art Gallery help to make this a popular destination at any time of the year.

Old Bakers Cottage is a cosy characterful cottage tucked away just off the centre of Grasmere. It was once a bakery serving the village, but is now an ideal honeymoon cottage. Situated on the ground floor below Bakers Rest, the cottage is ideal for families or couples looking for accommodation on one level.

Lounge/dining room with colour TV, DVD, feature fireplace with electric stove effect fire and views towards Helm Cragg. Kitchen equipped with dishwasher, oven and hob, fridge and microwave. Utility room with freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and coat and boot storage. Twin bedroom with co-ordinated fabrics and luxury en-suite bathroom with bath, separate shower cubicle, hand basin and WC. Double bedroom with en-suite shower room with hand basin and WC.

For more information call 017687 74060 or visit www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk.

It is one of the most iconic and most photographed and painted buildings in the Lake District, it originally belonged to the 3rd Duke of Portland in the 18th Century.

So striking is the design it has been featured in the Cumbria Life Magazine.

The property has magnificent cruick beams and velux windows throw an abundance of light into the building. The lounge with sandstone fireplace and wood burning stove, oak floor with under floor heating, plasma TV with sky (bring your own card) DVD and Hi-Fi linked to speakers inside and also on the balcony, sumptuous soft leather and hide sofa and armchair and a dining table for two. The kitchen with hand made teak units and granite worktops, gas hob, combination microwave oven with grill and fridge. The bathroom has a bespoke Japanese style teak bath and basin; The extra deep tub ensures the water stays warm for long soaks. The bedroom has fabulous views down the lake. Double doors open to a wooden balcony with table and chairs and an amazing place to have breakfast or just sit and enjoy the scenery.

For more information call 017687 74060 or visit www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk.

This refurbished, 3 storey, stone cottage has been thoughtfully designed, tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. The views through the lounge windows take you over the garden to the fells directly behind. After a day enjoying the many fells and attractions in the area, relax on the patio watching the sun set over the fells with a glass of wine, the perfect way to end your day.

For more information call 017687 74060 or visit www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk.

A wide selection of tea rooms, restaurants and traditional village inns and a range of local shops including the world famous gingerbread shop and Heaton Cooper Art Gallery help to make this a popular destination at any time of the year.

Location, location, location; Hollens Farmhouse has it all. Nestled into the lower slopes of Rydal Fell, above the idyllic village of Grasmere, the property enjoys superb views towards Helm Crag (The Lion and The Lamb) and Silver Howe. The tastefully refurbished, 17th Century farmhouse is situated almost mid-way between Keswick and Ambleside with an abundance of outdoor pursuits available from the door. Hollens Farmhouse has been furnished and equipped to a very high standard with much attention to detail that has made this a much sort after addition to our range of properties. All four bedrooms have en-suite facilities and the cottage retains many traditional features with a wealth of exposed oak beams and an oak cupboard dating from 1687.

To book ring 017687 74060 or visit www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk

Visit Birkerthwaite Farmhouse website

01768 483 616

Visit Mains Cottage website

Oakville Cottages consist of two self-catering cottages which have been recently refurbished and equipped to a high standard. The decor is a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. The cottages share a cottage garden with patio, BBQ and pleasant rural outlook.

07738 172036

Visit Oakville Cottages website