South Lakeland

South Lakeland

Why not escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the beautiful landscapes of South Lakeland?

South Lakeland is a wonderful part of Cumbria, with peaceful lakes, rolling fells, historic towns, traditional villages and a fascinating coastline.

It is an area that I know particularly well.

I have lived in the South Lakes for over 45 years and, despite knowing the area so well, I have never tired of its beauty or its wealth of history.

There always seems to be something new to discover, whether it is an ancient building, a quiet country lane, a wonderful viewpoint or another story about the people who have shaped this part of Cumbria.

In this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite places to visit in South Lakeland, along with a few personal recommendations for making the most of your stay.

Discover this beautiful area

South Lakeland covers a large and varied area, stretching from Ambleside in the north to Ulverston in the south, and from Sedbergh in the east across towards Millom in the west.

The landscape changes considerably as you travel through the area.

The famous lakes and mountains of the Lake District gradually give way to quieter countryside and the coastline around Morecambe Bay.

South Lakeland is a wonderful area for walking, cycling and simply enjoying the scenery.

We walk in the Lake District almost every week, and I also cycle regularly.

For me, cycling is a great way to keep fit, but it is also a chance to explore the countryside and find inspiration for the places and stories I share with our guests.

Lake Windermere

One of the best-known attractions in South Lakeland is Lake Windermere, England‘s largest natural lake.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Windermere. You can take a boat cruise, walk beside the water, visit one of the lakeside attractions or simply find a quiet spot and enjoy the views.

One of my favourite viewpoints overlooking Windermere is Gummer’s How.

On a clear day, the view is spectacular, with Windermere stretching away below you and Morecambe Bay visible to the south. It is a wonderful reminder of just how varied the landscape of South Lakeland is.

Discover more about Windermere – England’s Largest Lake

For an enjoyable day out, I also recommend Fell Foot Park, around eight miles from our holiday cottage.

Situated at the southern end of Windermere, it is a lovely place to enjoy the lake, have a walk and take in the surrounding scenery.

Another great option is the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.

You can enjoy a journey on the heritage railway before continuing to Lakeside and taking a cruise on Windermere. Combining the steam railway with a lake cruise makes for a memorable day out and is something I would happily recommend to our guests.

Orrest Head

If you want a relatively easy walk with an excellent reward, Orrest Head above Windermere is well worth visiting.

The walk is manageable for most reasonably active visitors and leads to wonderful views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.

It is one of the classic viewpoints in the Lake District and a great introduction to the area’s landscape.

For experienced walkers looking for something considerably more challenging, the ascent of Scafell Pike offers the chance to climb England’s highest mountain.

Charming villages of South Lakeland

South Lakeland is home to some beautiful villages, each with its own character and history.

Cartmel is one of my personal favourites. It is close to our holiday cottage and somewhere I visit regularly.

At the heart of the village stands the magnificent Cartmel Priory, which has watched over the village for centuries.

Cartmel is much more than its famous food and racecourse.

Take time to wander through the village, visit the priory and appreciate the old buildings and narrow streets.

It is somewhere I never seem to tire of visiting.

Other places I would recommend to our guests include Grasmere, Hawkshead, Coniston and the Langdale Valley.

Hawkshead is particularly interesting for anyone who enjoys history and literature.

The village has a wonderful collection of traditional buildings and strong connections with William Wordsworth.

It is also at the heart of what is often described as Beatrix Potter country.

History and culture

South Lakeland isn’t just about mountains and lakes. Its history is one of the things I find most fascinating about living here.

From ancient churches and historic houses to ruined abbeys and traditional Lakeland buildings, reminders of the past can be found throughout the area.

Kendal is an excellent place to explore if you are interested in history, art and culture.

The town has museums, galleries, independent shops and the Lakeland Arts collection.

There are also several impressive historic houses nearby, including Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall, both well worth visiting.

Further south, the Furness Peninsula has its own fascinating industrial and religious history.

Furness Abbey, near Barrow-in-Furness, is one of the most impressive monastic ruins in northern England, with its distinctive red sandstone remains giving an insight into the importance of the abbey during the medieval period.

There is also plenty of history around Penrith, including historic buildings, castles and houses that are sometimes overlooked by visitors concentrating on the central Lake District.

Don’t overlook the South Lakeland coast

One of my recommendations is to explore the quieter areas south of the A590.

Many visitors come to the Lake District for the mountains and lakes and never discover the fascinating coastline around Morecambe Bay.