The Lake District National Park is England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Measuring around 885 square miles, the national park is known for its picturesque lakes, rugged mountains, quaint villages, deep lakes, and welcoming cultural heritage.
This enchanting national park is also considered one of the most popular spots in the UK for a romantic getaway. Visit this year to enjoy some peace and quiet, or take a wild adventure with your loved ones. Just remember, if you’re venturing into the great outdoors, it’s always smart to pack essentials like a battery power station to keep your devices charged while you explore. In any case, you will be making memories that last a lifetime! Here are some of the top Lake District National Park things to do during your stay:
Stargazing & Romantic Camping Under the Stars
When looking for Lake District National Park things to do at night, stargazing tops the list. On an added note, did you know that the Lake District is considered one of the best spots for stargazing across the UK? With minimal light pollution in its vicinity, you will get much clearer views of the night sky. You will even be able to view the Milky Way stretching above, which is impossible in 80% of the UK!
Why It’s Romantic?
It is no secret that humans have always been captivated by the stars. With a loved one, the experience can be highly romantic. People love to share beautiful views with the people they hold near and dear. The Lake District offers you the chance to escape the city lights and cuddle up under a vast starry night. Some lucky visitors can even view the Aurora Borealis at certain times of the year!
Find a Dark Sky Discovery Site
The Lake District National Park offers the most beautiful night skies for stargazing, and the following are the sites that you must not miss:
- Grizedale Forest: Located between Coniston Water and Windermere, Grizedale Forest offers some of the most accessible dark sky viewing in the Lake District. This 6,000-hectare forest includes several clear areas even amidst its dense canopies, where you will find clear, unobstructed views of the sky. Note that this park also offers specific stargazing events in collaboration with local astronomers, where you are provided with telescopes to view the distant stars and beautiful nebulae.
- Wasdale Head: Wasdale Head is an isolated valley in the shadow of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Its isolated natural architecture makes it perfect for viewing the late-night skies, so much so that it has been designated a Dark Sky Discovery Site. There is also a nearby pub and a fully equipped campsite where you can spend the night. Make sure that you are there during moonless nights to get the best views!
- Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre: Located near Ennerdale Water, the Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre offers some of the best night sky views in all of the Lake District. It is an outdoor education centre, located at a slight elevation above the Ennerdale Valley, offering you stellar views of the stars. This is also recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site and an excellent destination for stargazing. Remote, quiet, and least inhabited, you'll be able to enjoy the stars with only each other as company.
Hiking Hand-in-Hand on Breathtaking Trails
If you are looking for Lake District National Park things to do in the morning while the sun is still out, we recommend going on a hiking trip. The good thing is that the Lake District National Park offers several beautiful trails where you can go hiking.
Why It’s Romantic?
While Lake District National Park hiking is not for everyone, those who enjoy it will agree that the shared experience of exploring nature is unlike any other. You can bond over completing a particularly challenging trail, or you can enjoy the reward of discovering a stunning viewpoint together. It's not just about exploring breathtaking landscapes, but sharing this experience that makes it romantic. You'll be surprised at how many meaningful conversations can pop up when you are headed along these trails.
Top Romantic Walks for Every Couple
- Tarn Hows Circular Walk: If you are looking for Lake District National Park things to do outdoors that are easy and yet iconic enough to make a memorable experience, we recommend heading to the Tarn Hows Circular Walk. It is a circular 3 km trail that offers you stunning views of the district terrain. The best part is that it is accessible all year round. Colossal spot. Plenty of wildlife during the hike if you’re lucky. Above all, this is a generally easy trail to hike with gentler paths, so you can enjoy the sights as you stroll hand in hand.
- Rydal Water and Grasmere: If you truly want perfect, picturesque views as you seek Lake District National Park things to do, we recommend the Rydal Water and Grasmere trail. This is a circular trail measuring around 8.7 km that starts at Rydal and ends at Grasmere. In case you want to impress your partner as you take the guided walks Lake District National Park, let them know about the famous romantic poet, William Wordsworth. The trail will take you around Rydal Mount, where the poet was in residence for some time. Additionally, we recommend that you explore Rydal Cave, a large cavern above Rydal Water with a shallow lake right at the entrance.
- Catbells: In case you want something much more challenging, we recommend the Catbells trail—a short but sharp and steep climb. This is a trail measuring approximately 3.5 km that takes you around some generally rocky sections, so you’ll have no real choice but to scramble. Note that it takes you through an elevation of nearly 451 m, so it kind of feels like you are climbing a mountain. However, the views at the top are entirely worth it. At the very top, you can get 360° views of the entire Northwest Lake District, including views of Derwent Water, Newlands Valley, and Skiddaw.
Enjoy a Picturesque Lake Cruise
If you want to experience Lake District National Park things to do that are more easy-going, we recommend enjoying a picturesque lake cruise.
Why It’s Romantic?
The Lake District National Park houses several bodies of water, including Bassenthwaite Lake. You’ll find several iconic lake voyages that take you through serene waters and beautiful views. The gentle motions of the boat as you see the world drifting by will allow you to truly relax in each other’s company, creating an intimate moment for you to share.
Iconic Lake Voyages
- Windermere Lake Cruises: Amongst the iconic lake voyages you can explore, number one is the Windermere Lake Cruises. Windermere is one of England's largest lakes, located in the heart of the Lake District. It offers several cruises, often spanning from 45 minutes to 3 hours. You can join a cruise, or you can even get a private charter for a truly special moment to share.
- Ullswater Steamers: One of England’s most beautiful lakes is Ullswater, a large glacial lake in Cumbria, part of the Lake District National Park. It is also the second-largest lake in the area. Here, the Ullswater “steamers” have been offering scenic lake cruises for over 160 years. They are available all year round and allow you to view the surrounding scenic views from the iconic mountains to sprawling landscapes.
- Hiring a private motorboat or a classic wooden rowing boat: In case you desire something much more private, you can always hire a private motorboat or take out a classic wooden rowing boat. You will easily find smaller bodies of water across the Lake District National Park, where you can rent a private boat. Everything from self-driving motorboats to canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards is available even in larger lakes such as Windermere.
Indulge in a Pampering Spa Retreat
For those who might not desire to go outdoors, there are always plenty of Lake District National Park things to do indoors. In particular, you can indulge in a pampering spa retreat instead!
Why It’s Romantic?
Several spas, especially in tourist-friendly sites such as the Lake District, offer dedicated spa treatments that couples can enjoy in one another's company. These shared moments of relaxation and indulgence provide opportunities for you to share conversation and connect with one another. You'll be surprised to know that numerous spas and spa hotels offer a range of amenities and treatments all year round, from saunas to pools and relaxation areas.
Luxurious Spas with a View
When you are choosing a spa, it is essential to keep in mind several factors. After all, this is a shared moment for you and your partner, so you want the experience to be memorable.
- For one, consider the location; always choose a spot with beautiful views to make the most of your vacation.
- Next, you should ensure that the facilities offer treatments tailored to both partners. So not only you, but your partner can truly unwind.
- Finally, when looking for Lake District National Park things to do in spa, you should ensure that it offers a minimum degree of privacy, such as private couple suites, where you can comfortably enjoy your experience.
What to Book?
Many people may be unsure about what they can book, especially when travelling with a partner. The good news is that there are several treatments that you can enjoy as a couple. Couple massage treatments, couple facials, private spas with refreshments are all experiences you can enjoy! The Brimstone Hotel & Spa, for instance, offers curated spaces for treatments that you can enjoy with your partner. Similarly, the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a dedicated couples spa offering luxury treatments in private rooms.
Capture Your Love with Photography & Art Exploration
Photography is listed among romantic Lake District National Park things to do. The Lake District offers plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy romantic experiences, but to preserve them in time, they need to be photographed. Make sure to bring a camera to capture photos of your team working together while hiking, relaxing at spas, or visiting lakes.
Why It’s Romantic?
Many couples will agree that photography provides a perfect excuse to create a shared moment during the many Lake District National Park things to do. This is where you pause and allow yourselves to find the perfect shot of each other. The process itself is deeply romantic, as are the results.
Unforgettable Photography Hotspots
- Ashness Bridge: Ashness Bridge is a traditional stone pack bridge located in the English Lake District area. It offers several picturesque views of Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake. This is one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District for good reason.
- The view from Surprise View over Derwentwater: Surprise View is a scenic spot located in Borrowdale, also offering panoramic 360° views of the sprawling landscapes. From the clifftop, you can see the sprawling landscape below and the seasonal skies. You can take a picture to keep as memorabilia for a lifetime.
- The “lone tree” at Buttermere: This is a popular photography spot located in the Lake District, known for its striking solitary presence. A singular tree rises against the Lake District scenery at the southern end of Lake Buttermere. You can take a shot in the morning or during sunset to capture light falling on its solitary figure. It’s one of the lesser-known Lake District National Park things to do.
- Aira Force Waterfall: Finally, if you want to search for Lake District Park things to do near water, we recommend the Aira Force Waterfall. This is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the area. The water plummets about 20 m from a woodland gorge. You can take a small walk to its foot to capture memorable photos from your trip.
Practical Tips for Couples
You should be aware that the Lake District weather is not always consistent, and you may encounter rugged terrain. That’s why it is more necessary than ever to be practically prepared for the Lake District National Park things to do.
Tip 1: Pack Smart
Keep all your essentials with you as you pack for the Lake District National Park things to do. This means essential clothing such as boots, waterproof jackets, and protective equipment. You can also bring thin layers in case the weather tends to warm up during your stay. And since you want to make this a romantic trip, pack the essentials accordingly. For instance, it's a good idea to bring a waterproof case for your camera, so your couple shots aren't ruined!
Tip 2: Book Ahead
When planning your trip, make sure to book ahead. Certain iconic attractions are open all year round, but can become quite busy at certain times of the year. This is why you need to book things in advance. For example, a couple's spa treatment should be booked at least a week in advance. Similarly, the lake cruise can be set up remotely early on. The same applies to accommodations in District hotels that may offer couple packages.
Tip 3: Plan Route
Finally, when planning Lake District National Park things to do, you should plan the route you will take. You can't just head in without a plan. You should ensure that the itinerary is well thought out. Activities should be spaced apart to ensure there is enough time to relax. Furthermore, you should consider seasonal variations. You might prefer not to go hiking in the winter, but you may enjoy photography in the summer. However, it also depends on your spouse's particular expectations, so be sure to factor that in!
Tip 4: Stay Connected
Don’t forget bring a battery power station. It makes sense to ensure that you are connected even as you are exploring the terrain. You will definitely head into remote areas, so be sure to bring a portable power station such as the Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station—a 518 Wh device, sufficient to power your cameras, mobiles and other essentials. Whether you need to keep your camera or communication equipment charged, a small, portable, and quiet generator can make a big difference when electricity is not readily available.
Final Thoughts
The Lake District is one of the most popular destinations for couples, and for good reason. Its picturesque beauty and breathtaking scenery offer the perfect backdrop to share a romantic moment. There are plenty of Lake District National Park things to do that couples, in particular, can enjoy with one another during their vacation, from Lake District National Park camping to elegant lake cruises and romantic hiking trails. As long as you are prepared with the essentials, including your handy battery power station, you’ll have a truly romantic experience!
