Where would you go if you wanted to see the classic Lakeland view, the one that sums up everything about the English Lakes?

Or if you were buying outdoor gear, where would you go for great personal service and advice - from experts who really know what they're talking about? What about eating out? Who's in and who's out of fashion? Where can you go for the best pub food? Or an exquisite gourmet treat? And how can you find the most comfortable and enjoyable accommodation - the place to stay that exactly suits you and your needs? You'd like a romantic weekend away or you just have to have king-size beds? No problem!

We have the answers to these and all your other questions - saving you hours looking around, avoiding disappointment, and simply giving you the best holiday experience you can have!

The Lakes attracts many thousands of people every year, yet the region retains its beauty, charm and tranquillity. You can easily find yourself alone among some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe, or you can explore the beautiful valleys and little towns with a host of exciting restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries.

Whether you want to trek the high passes of the Lakeland mountains, take a weekend break, or plan a fun day out, we can give you the ideas you need to make any Lakeland trip a rip-roaring success!

You can choose where to go in the Lakes - and, of course, on this website - by clicking on one of the links in the left hand column, or you can take a short cut to see our favourite Lake District places and pastimes in our exciting, handy and time-saving "Top Ten" feature to the right of this page.

So which of the Lakes will you visit first? The bustling little towns of Bowness, Ambleside and Windermere offer shops, restaurants, cinemas, and just about everything that everyone in the family could want. You could cruise slowly and sedately down the length of Windermere in a vintage steamer, stride out from Ambleside on a 20 km (14 mile) trek across 7 high peaks, or sit and watch the swans feeding at Bowness Bay.

Or maybe you'd prefer to visit Coniston, a beautiful and tranquil village with walks through the ancient copper mining districts to the top of Coniston Old Man, where you're rewarded with truly amazing views down to the Lake. Once you're back at lake level, you can visit the home of John Ruskin, anthropologist and social reformer, at Brantwood, and feel the tranquillity of his ancient lake-side home.

Esthwaite Water offers you the chance of some trout fishing and a visit to the enchanting village of Hawkshead, with its tiny streets, charming pubs and delicious Lakeland treats from the local delicatessen.

On the other hand, Keswick is the archetypal Lakes' market town, much unchanged for hundreds of years, and it's the perfect base for seeing the sheer, unsurpassed wild beauty of the Northern Lake District. And Bassenthwaite Lake, Crummock Water, and Derwentwater may be just about the most beautiful places in England.

We'd like to hear and read about your experiences. Email us and tell us what you enjoyed and what you didn't - we especially want to hear about your experiences in hotels and restaurants. 

We truly hope you find as much happiness and pleasure in the Lakes as we've had over the years, and perhaps we'll meet at the top of the Langdale Pikes one day.......or wherever. Meanwhile, the Lakes are yours to enjoy!

Your guides,

Rod & Helen

PS: We list many hotels in every price range, with personal recommendations and observations. If you find a hotel that deserves to be on the list, please let us know! Wanting to stay in a Lakes cottage?

The finest selection of cottages to rent is provided by Lake District Cottages - they have properties for all sizes of groups in all areas of the Lakes. 

One of our good friends, Candy Verney, offers superb singing holidays in the UK. Over the course of a week or longer, she builds community, offers a relaxing and friendly experience, and provides the opportunity to find your voice on singing holidays in Scotland, staying in some of the most wild and beautiful places in Britain.

An email: Hi Rod, please see photo I recently took on top of great gable on the 19th May. Overlooking Kirk Fell and Pillar in the background. Could this be used on your website? It was taken during a very windy wild camp last week. As I haven't sent any of my pictures off before, it would be a good confidence boost towards my photography! Cheers, Chris.

Happy to post such an inspiring picture....(click to see the full size version!)