One Minute Guides

As the highest and most prominent mountain in England, it’s no surprise Scafell Pike offers some fantastic views of the Lake District. Standing 978 meters high, the mountain towers over the surrounding area. 

A number of hiking routes lead to the summit of Scafell Pike, with all providing sweeping panoramic views on the way. If you don’t have the time or energy to climb the peak yourself, you can explore these views from home with a virtual walk up the mountain.  

The village of Martindale is located just a stone's throw from Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District. From St Peter’s Church in Martindale you can walk a loop along the hills to this spectacular viewpoint and see much of the lake below. 

Standing on this lofty viewpoint gives you a good idea of the vastness of the region and of the breathtaking natural beauty of the lakes. 

Arguably the most famous body of water in the Lake District, Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. The lake is around 18km long and just 1.6km at its widest point. Like much of the region, it was formed during the retreat of the British and Irish ice sheet around 17,000 years ago.  

If you ever get the chance to fly above Lake Windermere, these are the kinds of sensational panoramic views you can enjoy. This shot shows the lake from the skies above Windermere Marina Village, close to the crossing point of the Windermere Ferry. 

 Located just to the west of the village of Coniston, the Old Man of Coniston is one of the highest points in the region. Standing more than 800m high, the Old Man is on a number of popular hiking routes and makes a great destination for anyone who wants to enjoy sweeping views of the region. 

From the Old Man, you can see nearby Coniston Water, a large lake famous as the site of several water speed records in the 1930s and 1950s. One of the most popular routes to the Old Man starts in the village of Coniston itself. Alternatively, take a digital tour and enjoy these sensational vistas from the comfort of your own home.
 

If you don’t have a head for heights, pop down to Coniston Water and take in the beautiful views from the lake’s picturesque jetty. 

Not only is the Lake District one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, it’s also one of the most spectacular places on Earth. So it’s no surprise that, over the years, the region has inspired a large number of poets, artists and musicians. This painting of Lake Windermere was made by J.M.W. Turner around 1821.

Turner was a regular visitor to Cockermouth Castle throughout the 1800s and painted a number of other views of the region.