Lake District villages are a great base to explore the region, which entices visitors from across the world, drawn by the promise of pretty lakes backed by brooding fells.
Nestled among them are some delightful places well worth checking out. If you’re tempted, here are our picks for the 20 best villages in the Lake District.
20 Great Lake District Villages
Grasmere
Grasmere is one of the Lake District’s prettiest villages. Poet William Wordsworth fell in love with the place and it’s possible to visit Dove Cottage, his former home, as well as his grave at St Oswald’s Church. Another Grasmere must-see is Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread shop. You won’t need to ask for directions, just follow your nose.
Ambleside
Though technically a town, with a population of little more than 8000 people, Ambleside has the feel of a large village. Located beside Lake Windermere, it’s best known for the Bridge House, a 17th century structure spanning Stone Beck that has been a home, a counting house for the Rattle Ghyll mills, a cobbler’s, a weaver’s shop, a tearoom and a chair maker’s.
Dent
An attractive village boasting cobbled streets and painted cottages, Dent dates from the 10th century. Check out the fountain hewn from pink granite. It was erected in honour of Adam Sedgwick. He was a geologist whose research led to the definition of the Cambrian and Devonian periods of history.
Cartmel
Foodies will be pleased to learn that this is the spiritual home of the sticky toffee pudding – from here, this yummy dessert is sent all over the world. For a pilgrimage of a different kind, you’ll also find the Cartmel Priory, which has provided refuge and a place of serenity since the 12th century.
Ravenglass
To the south west, the Lake District tumbles down to the sea and it’s there you’ll find the seaside village of Ravenglass. Quaint cobbled streets lead to the water, but Ravenglass is also well known for its railway, the oldest narrow gauge line in the country, originally used to transport iron ore, copper and granite from the mines.
Hawkshead
Originally owned by the monks of Furness Abbey, centuries ago, Hawkshead was an important market centre for the wool trade. More recently the village has been associated with Beatrix Potter. Original illustrations by the popular children’s author can be seen at the Hawkshead Gallery.
Kentmere
Fewer than a hundred residents call Kentmere home, but visitors are attracted to the place thanks to the surrounding landscape. The Kentmere Horseshoe walk rewards hikers with views over the Kentmere Reservoir. A stroll past the church takes you to the picturesque Kentmere Tarn.
Nether Wasdale
Nether Wasdale is located at the southern end of Wastwater, not far from the River Irt. It clusters around a village green. The village is dominated by the church of St Michael & All Angels and also has a maypole, erected to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Seatoller
Climbers flock to Seatoller to commence their ascent of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. Fells, woodland and pasture surround the village. Farming and mining have long been employers in the area, and the Honister Slate Mine, dating from 1643, is now a popular visitor attraction.
Caldbeck
Cold Beck once provided water for corn mills, woollen mills, bobbin mills, a paper mill and a brewery. It gives its name to Caldbeck, the village that grew up around it. This charming fell village boasts a church dating from the 12th century. Behind it you’ll find St Mungo’s well, a holy spring.
Pooley Bridge
Pooley Bridge takes its name from a large pool in the River Eamont and was originally known as ”The Hill by the Pool”. Before 1800, the village was just known as Pooley. These days, due to its accessible location beside Ullswater, it’s a popular stop-off for tourists visiting the Lake District National Park.