With hills blanketed in every shade of green and waterfalls tumbling from the mountains, the Lake District is a jewel in the UK’s crown and a favourite with walking and hiking fans everywhere.

Home to Lake Windermere, which at 10.5 miles is the longest in the county, the Lake District is perhaps the most striking example of the country’s natural beauty.

Lovely lakes

Water is what the area is best known for, with 16 lakes of different shapes and sizes emphasising the majesty of the terrain.

Lake Windermere is perhaps the most famous expanse of water in the region.

Drawing thousands of visitors every year, it offers something for everyone, including water sports for the adventurous, a wonderful scene for artists to capture and the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely cruise.

In fact, cruises are one of the most popular activities to take place on the lake, with trips ranging from 45 minutes to three hours.

While Lake Windermere holds the title of the country’s longest lake, it is not regarded as the most scenic.

That accolade belongs to Wastwater, which lies at the foot of England’s highest mountain –Scafell Pike.

It has been voted Britain’s Favourite View, with the roads alongside it offering breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains, of which there are plenty.

Majestic mountains

The aforementioned Scafell Pike is the most famous.

At 978m tall, it is considered the most challenging mountain to climb in the UK, however, reaching the top is worth it for the spectacular views of Langdale Pikes and Wastwater it provides.

Blencathra is another of the region’s most-renowned peaks, with Sharp Edhe widely regarded as one of the most difficult of all ridges in the mountaineering world.

Get back to nature

While many come to the Lake District to scale the mountains and boat on the lakes, just as many come with their paintbrushes and pastels to capture the area’s natural beauty on paper.

There are several sites which are popular with artists, including the Packhorse bridge at Wasdale Head, Castlerigg Stone Circle in Keswick and Yew Tree Yarn near Consiton.

The various private and public gardens are also popular spots with visitors.

Brantwood garden, set in a 250-acre wood estate with spectacular views, is one of the most impressive and is considered a paradise for hill walkers.

Holker Hall, home of Lady and Lord Cavendish, is another green expanse open to visitors, who can enjoy its flowers, terraces and walking routes.

While the natural environment is the major factor which attracts visitors to the Lake District, it is not all the region has to offer.

Explore the area

Dotted around the countryside are quaint villages boasting white cottages and country inns serving the finest pub food.

The George and Dragon in Penrith is one place where visitors can sit down to a hearty meal.

This beautiful country estate pub serves seasonal produce from the nearby Lowther estate, with organically-reared chicken, beef and lamb all served with fresh vegetables.

Another watering hole popular with visitors is the award-winning Tweedies Bar in Grasmere, with a rich and varied menu and quaint surroundings making this a favourite place to enjoy a relaxing pint.

Rest and relaxation

With so much to see and do, it is unlikely that visitors will see all they need to in one day.

Thankfully, there a number of places to stay, from the four-star Low Wood Hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere to the iconic Midland Hotel, which was a favourite of Coco Chanel and Lawrence Olivier.

Others choose to enjoy the great outdoors 24/7 and decide to camp, with various sites and lodges dotted around the countryside.

The Lake District has something to offer everyone, with its rugged terrain just waiting to be explored.

With such variation in the terrain, it is essential that walkers bring the correct walking or hiking boots with them and invest in a map for peace of mind.

Follow these tips and prepare for a truly wonderful walking holiday.