Top Villages to visit in the Lake District

The Lake District is renowned for its beautiful rolling hills and magical bodies of water, but nestled in-between those are lovely villages that we often get to visit here at Cardtoons.

We've compiled our favourites below that we think are the best for accessibility, with great lunch spots and amenities.

Hawkshead

This bustling village has a real traditional feel with its beautiful, original cottage buildings. You can go back in time and visit the Old Grammar School and Beatrix Potter's house in Near Sawrey. There are also plenty of tourist shops and local pubs and cafes.

Coniston

The village's most notable feature is the Old Man of Coniston which can be hiked in the morning, then in the afternoon you can explore the village and it's many pubs, cafes and local shops. You can enjoy a wild swim in Coniston water or if that's too adventurous, relax and enjoy the views on the Steam Yacht Gondola.

Windermere

One of the most well known villages in the Lake District, Windermere is also great for brunching, lunching and shopping. If you are car-less, it's no trouble because there is a central train station with good connecting buses to other areas of the Lake District. Don't be fooled, the village isn't on the shore of the famous lake, you'll have to visit Bowness-on-Windermere for that.

Staveley

On the entrance into the Lake District National Park is the little village of Staveley. The Mill Yard is a popular stop off point for bikers and hikers with cool cafes and a local brewery. There are great hikes along the river following the Dales Way or you can access Kentmere from Staveley where you get stunning views of the valley.

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