Find things to see and do, and places to stay, in England.

England

This is the summit of Helvellyn, which is part of the Lake District 3 Peaks Hiking Challenge.

Summit

Helvellyn (Summit Hiking Challenge)

For most people, Cumbria means the Lake District, which is one of the most impressive ranges of hills in England.

There's no shortage of walks and views.

But it's not all up. As the name suggests, there's a lot of water to explore too, with boat trips and boat hire. We've hired canoes on Windermere, for example.

Head out to the coast, and there's more to see too, with old railways, castles, and plenty of other attractions to visit.

Camping is extremely popular here too but can get busy and expensive in peak season, so it's best to book early. However, we've found that camping just outside the heart of the Lakes, and driving in can be easier and cheaper, so don't forget to check out those places too.

*<TextLight>Photo: Boats we saw for hire on the shores of Ullswater in Cumbria. This boat hire was by a campsite we stayed at on the shores of the lake.</TextLight>*

For most people, Cumbria means the Lake District, which is one of the most impressive ranges of hills in England.

There's no shortage of walks and views.

But it's not all up. As the name suggests, there's a lot of water to explore too, with boat trips and boat hire. We've hired canoes on Windermere, for example.

Head out to the coast, and there's more to see too, with old railways, castles, and plenty of other attractions to visit.

Camping is extremely popular here too but can get busy and expensive in peak season, so it's best to book early. However, we've found that camping just outside the heart of the Lakes, and driving in can be easier and cheaper, so don't forget to check out those places too.

<em><span style="color: #999999;">Photo: Boats we saw for hire on the shores of Ullswater in Cumbria. This boat hire was by a campsite we stayed at on the shores of the lake.</span> </em>

Cumbria

Welcome to The Lakes Escape, your number one choice for luxury Lake District holiday cottages. 

We specialize in providing gorgeous cottages and lodges that are the ideal combination of comfort and design. 

From last-minute Lake District cottages to peaceful holiday houses, our diverse selection has something for every tourist. 

Enjoy our self-catering accommodations, which have been thoughtfully built to complement the stunning scenery that surrounds us. 

Whether you're looking for a Grasmere holiday cottage or a luxury lodge, each property offer guarantees an unforgettable holiday experience. 

Our dedication to providing a wonderful stay, whether for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, is steadfast. 

The Lakes Escape is the pinnacle of luxury.

The Lakes Escape

Just 6 miles from Keswick, a historic market town of the Lake District, is Stonethwait Farm Campsite.
This campsite is right next to the fells, in the shadow of Scafell Pike, and is very picturesque. It even has Stonethwait Beck running through it.

Note that this campsite is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI area) and so no campfires are allowed.

If you don't fancy camping, there's a cottage that you can rent.

Stonethwaite Farm Campsite

A wheel friendly walk encompassing Friar’s Crag viewpoint. It starts in the large car park just on the outskirts of Keswick. It then leads you along a flat path that follows the lakeside edge, you can either choose to use the pavement or walk on the shingle.

A Family Friars Crag Walk

Real Family Holidays offer all-inclusive family breaks during school holidays, with heaps of outdoor activities.

- Comfortable accommodation.
- All meals included, with unlimited hot or cold drinks.
- One free activity for all the family per night stayed.
- Advice and guidance if you want to explore the area yourself.

The location for your stay is FSC Blencathra, which is 300m up the side of a Blencathra with views across to Keswick, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw areas.

Accommodation is with meals included, with catering for special diets. Packed lunches can be made too.
Bed linen is provided as well as private and ensuite family rooms. 
If you need additional outdoor clothing, it can be hired at the centre.



Example Activities:

*Orienteering*
Try your hand at navigating around the centre grounds to seek out the markers and gain bonus points. It’s all against the clock so you had better be quick! Age 5+

*Team Building*
Test your communication and problem-solving skills with team challenges around the centre grounds; how far, how fast, how many; you have to work together! Age 5+ 

*Blindfold Trail*
Test your senses and trust your teammates by being lead blind around our roped woodland trail. Watch out for those obstacles along the way, hold on and step carefully. Age 5+

*Minibeast Hunt*
Get your hands dirty by searching around in our woodland and undergrowth for all manner of mini creatures that are hiding there; what can you find and can you identify it? All ages.
 	
*Scavenger Hunt*
Go on a hunt around the centre grounds to answer a list of riddles; is it soft is it prickly? See how many items you can find within the time. All ages.

*Compass Bearing Course*
Age 5+

*Ghyll Scramble* (Additional Fee)
Utilise coordination, resilience and teamwork to splash your way up a classic Lake District ghyll before taking the plunge! There are lots of options on this ghyll scramble and it can be made as easy or as challenging as you like. Age 8+

*Canoeing on Derwent Water* (Additional Fee)
Take to the waters of our local lake Derwent Water in Canadian canoes. Led by experienced instructors with our external provider Live4Adventure, you will explore the lake and its islands while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding fells. You will be provided with a buoyancy aid.

*Half Day Mountain Walk* (Additional Fee)
Gain a sense of achievement from scaling one the Lake District’s most popular mini-mountains, Cat Bells. At 451m it is a challenge for all the family, located just outside Keswick with stunning views overlooking Derwent Water and the surrounding fells. Age 6+

Please note that some activities have an additional charge.

Photo Credit: The western tops of Blencathra, By Andrew - Autumn Afternoon, CC BY 2.0

Real Family Holidays in the Lake District

Set on the shores of Ullswater, Waterside House Campsite provides great views of this magnificent and classic Lake District scene.
You can either bring your own tent, bring a motorhome, or stay in one of the Tipis by the lake sure. (Sorry, no caravans). 

Waterside House is still a working farm. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may see lamps, sheep being dipped, or young calves in the barn near the campsite shop.

As well as camping, you can also take advantage of being next to Ullswater, and hire rowing boats or Canadian Canoes.

Waterside House Campsite

This is the summit of Scafell Pike, which is part of the Cumbria 3 Peaks Hiking Challenge.
The summit is marked, so an easy one to find...once you've climbed up there of course ;-)

Scafell Pike (Summit bagging hiking challenge)

This is the summit of Symonds Knott, which is part of the Cumbria 3 Peaks Hiking Challenge

Symonds Knott

This is the summit of Scafell, which is part of the Cumbria 3 Peaks Hiking Challenge

Scafell

Go Ape in Whinlatter Forest Park (near Keswick) is at 360 metres above sea level, the highest Go Ape location in the UK, and on a good day, you can see Scotland.

The total length of this course is a massive 601 metres, climbing up to 14 metres, and 39 crossings (with the longest being 24 metres).

As well as the TreeTop Challenge, you can also go on a Segway trail.

While at Whinlatter Forest Park, you can take on some of the many walking routes and cycle trails. Don't have your bikes? You can hire bikes there.

Go Ape at Whinlatter Forest Park

This has one of the highest jump-off platforms at 18 metres! You’ll also soar for 200 metres over the top of Grizedale Beck, and the longest zip wire is 275 metres.

If all that height is not your thing, you can try the Forest Segways, and stay firmly on the ground.

While you are at Grizedale, try some of the walking or cycle trails. 
If you've not brought your bikes, you can hire some there.

Helvellyn (Summit Hiking Challenge)

To The Top

Take Care!

Our Review

Helvellyn Walking Routes

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Striding Ridge Route Map

Facilities

Facilities Details

On The Map

Address