#1 Kendal
If you are driving from the South it’s very likely Kendal will be your first point starting your journey through the Lake District and getting that mint cake you heard about from Cumbrians.
We didn’t spent here long, but it had a lovey feeling of an old school market town inviting to stroll down it’s picturesque streets and sit down to have a beer in one of the chocolate box pubs.
#2 Lake Windermere
The largest lake in England met us with a downpour, but we saw potential here to do a bit of everything.
In a shitty weather like we got it’s perfect to drive around little towns situated alongside Lake Windermere.
If you are lucky to get some dry weather or even some sunshine – it’s perfect for water sports from anything like paddle boarding to hiring a boat. Or just chilling reading a book with a cup of coffee.
#3 Ambleside
Small idyllic town with independent shops to explore or stop for a cuppa. Bridge house must be the most photographed landmark here. This tiny crooked house over the river was built around 17th century and still standing. During the years it was used for multiple purposes from apple storage room, tea room, workshop, antique shop and even as a residence for family of 8.
10 min walk from town you reach Ambleside waterfront to admire Lake Windermere once again strolling by the water.
#4 Castlerigg Stone Circle
We all heard and most likely visited Stonehenge, but not many ever heard of Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Purpose of The Castlerigg Circle is not clear – it was build around 4,500 years ago and might have served as a meeting place to trade.
It’s close to English-Scottish border in the heart of Lake District. Surrounding hills and fells makes this place mysterious and quite enjoyable experience to walk around.
Best thing it’s free to enter and staying as long as you want.
#5 Honister Pass
It’s a road passing the mountains and you may thing what’s so special about it. But we totally fell for it.
It might be the spirit of enjoying road trips driving through spectacular roads stepping out to soak up the views.
The surrounding mountains look pretty amazing anywhere you look from with a stream of water going both ways down the road towards the lake Buttermere.
We couldn’t resist to immerse our tired feet in ice cold water whilst our baby slept in a campervan.
#6 Moss Force Waterfall
Waterfalls tend to appear and show their true beauty after some raining is involved and that is not an issue here in England.
Moss Waterfall felt a bit like somewhere in India rather than central Lake District.
The best thing about it is that you can walk right into it and have a dip if you like.
It’s close to the road and you can see it driving past so naturally attracts a lot of spectators, but not many go down slippery stones to get closer, so you may get a private view for as long as you want if you are lucky or come early.
#7 Hiking
How can you not to if you are in Lake District. Hiking opportunities are endless here.
I have listed 3 Great Lake District Hikes doable with a toddler in a backpack here. Have a read if you plan one crazy adventure with your little humans.
#8 Buttermere village
We were on a lookout where to spend yet another rainy day and happened to come to Buttermere Village where tracks start to go loops round Buttermere Lake.
Parked close by to the small picturesque Church of St James we took the stroller out of the camper and went to look around. There are only two hotels here serving food.
We didn’t do our homework in advance but found Syke Farm tea room serving home made ice cream from their own farm and had a lovely coffee – it was nice to properly sit down even for a coffee and cake after all meals previous days we cooked in our WV campervan – felt like a cheat day.
#9 Friar’s Crag
This place had a Swiss feeling about it and must be my personal favourite place for serenity. To come up here we have walked somewhat a forest road, but with the views over Derwent Water peaking all along the way.
Local legend says monks used to come here on their way to solitude in nearby monastery. And we definitely get why. That mirror glaze view from Friar’s Crag felt like looking at the postcard.
One of those places you want to hang out for just a little bit longer (though your toddler might have a different plan).
#10 Just Chill
Have a day off from hiking and exploring or make at least half day to sit back and enjoy the view.
We had slow coffee mornings, time sitting still in nature and a few wine evenings watching over the sunset.
#11 Derwentwater
There are 16 lakes in Lake District, but our time on this adventure was circulating around Lake Derwent and Keswick so it deserves to be in this list.
It has uncountable trails for hiking and walking on the hills watching over it or by the edge of water.
There are several beautiful islands spread though the lake that are home for wildlife.
You can also get a boat ride on one of the little piers by the water and enjoy the views of Derwentwater by a different angle.
#12 Camping/staying in a Campervan
If you are the person choosing to stay in local Bed & Breakfast and are intrigued to try something different – camping or staying in a campervan like we did are great options to try!
Camping – because you can pop out a tent and sleep under the stars if you guess the weather right, or even try wild camping. Though is not legal to wild camp for longer than one night in same spot in Lake Disrict – do a research before.
Campervan is as great option as you basically have your home on wheels with everything you may need by the reach of hand, but it has it’s own challenges. Read here how we managed to stay for a full week in VW campervan on our roadtrip through the Lake District.