person looking out onto a winter landscape

Plan your winter visit to the Lake District

This winter, we’re asking visitors to be prepared while enjoying the Lake District. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned visitor, please be #LakeDistrictKind and help us look after the landscape you love. On this page you’ll find ways to make your visit memorable, while also keeping it a safe and beautiful place to be.

Be Lake District Kind and take care of yourself in winter:

Take care of the Lake District all year round:

More questions about visiting the Lake District?

What can you do? Where can you camp? Where can you take your paddleboard? Where do you park? Our frequently asked questions are great for first time visitors to the Lake District.

Winter walking in the Lakes - take tips from mountain walkers

We asked outdoor enthusiasts at the the Kendal Mountain Festival for their top tips to enjoy the Lakes in the winter.

Know your limits, pack the essentials and being prepared for changes in weather were common themes from these seasoned hikers.

These videos have some great tips on how to really enjoy winter walking in the Lake District.

A hand holding a paper map and plastic compass

Map reading for beginners with OS Maps

Learn the basics of how to read a map and you'll be able to plan routes, keep track of where you are and keep safe.

Digital OS Maps lets you view your position on your phone, and our Mountain Rescue teams always advise having a paper map and compass, so you can find your way on something that will never run out of battery!

Learn how to read a map

  • Our mountains have been here for years, they'll be here tomorrow. Check the forecast before you head out, remember if conditions are bad you can always head back.

    Our mountains have been here for years, they'll be here tomorrow. Check the forecast before you head out, remember if conditions are bad you can always head back.

  • Sturdy boots have the best adventures. If you're heading out onto the fells, make sure you're kitted out properly.

    Sturdy boots have the best adventures. If you're heading out onto the fells, make sure you're kitted out properly.

  • Whatever the weather prepare for every eventuality. If you're heading out on a winter walk, know your limits and pack the essentials.

    Whatever the weather prepare for every eventuality. If you're heading out on a winter walk, know your limits and pack the essentials.

  • Looking for that perfect shot for your socials? Stay safe and know your limits this winter.

    Looking for that perfect shot for your socials? Stay safe and know your limits this winter.

  • Be winter weather wise. Conditions in the lakes can change quickly, check the forecast before you head out.

    Be winter weather wise. Conditions in the lakes can change quickly, check the forecast before you head out.

We all love the Lake District and we want to keep it looking stunningly beautiful.

Let’s all do our bit to help by parking sensibly, taking our litter home, avoiding crowded areas and knowing our limits on the hills and in our lakes.

Guides to areas of the Lake District

Beginners taster map of the Lake District

  1. Explore Coniston Water - surrounded by mountains and woodland
  2. Explore Derwentwater and Keswick - the nearest lake to the town of Keswick
  3. Explore Grasmere and Rydal - and Rydal Water
  4. Explore Langdale Valley - running west of Ambleside
  5. Explore Northern Lakes - including Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater and Bassenthwaite.
  6. Explore Ullswater and Glenridding - including Helvelyn
  7. Explore Wastwater and the West coast - England's deepest lake and explore the western coastline
  8. Explore Windermere and Ambleside - England's largest lake with bustling tourist towns Bowness and Ambleside
A blue bus with Keswick 555 displayed on a rual road

Travel and transport

Find out about getting here, driving and facilities once you've arrived in the Lake District.

Full list of car parks across the Lake District with status updates on how busy they are.

Vanlife - guide for campervans and motorhomes to plan ahead, book ahead, routes, facilities and advice

Walker taking in the Kentmere valley view copyright Helen Reynolds

Things to do

paddle board on lake windermere

Get on the water

Respect. Protect. Enjoy.

Respect. Protect. Enjoy

Tips on how to be a caring visitor to the Lake District, from be prepared, to taking your litter home.

The Countryside Code in the Lake District

Lake District online shop products, coffee cups, water bottles and shopping bags.

Shopping here, supports here

Every penny you spend in our online shop goes back into protecting the Lake District National Park.

From re-usable water bottles and coffee cups, to bags, t-shirts and even Lake District Monopoly, its a great way to take a bit of the Lake District with you everywhere.

Lake District online shop


The latest on Instagram

Share your pictures on Instagram and #lakedistrict and we could feature your photos on our site!