The lake District is a large area of unspoilt countryside that is an ideal holiday destination for those who are not especially keen on lying on the beach all day. There is though, a wild and spectacular coastline in addition to the hills, valleys, and lakes. The ubiquitous element of water is what gives the landscape its special charm. There is an abundance of wildlife, but also many natural and man-made sights to see and recreational facilities.
A Lake District self catering holiday can provide something for everybody as well as giving them the freedom to come and go as they please without being restricted by hotel rules,fixed meal-times or having to dress for dinner in the evenings.
In the Lake District area the mixture of lakes, farmland, open fell, woodland, and the occasional reminder of human activity such as the remains of a castle, give each valley a distinctive visual appeal of its own. If you have never thought of taking up painting or photograpphy, you might be moved to! The many quiet stretches of water are home to many species of birds and fish, offering as they do, a wide variety of habitats. The ancient woodlands in some parts are an endearing feature and contribute to the feeling of being close to nature. The woodlands of the National Park are rich in mosses, ferns, and liverworts, some of which are uncommon elsewhere.
There is also a wide variety of accomodation to suit all tastes and budgets.A modern apartment can be had for about £300 per week, depending on the season, whilst for the well-heeled who might prefer a house to themselves, there are plenty to rent with all the space and luxury you could wish for, including splendid views.
It is the lack of modern development that gives the Lake District much of its charm, and if you choose a self-catering holiday, you are free to wander where and when you like.
Places to visit include Muncaster with its historic haunted castle with beautiful gardens and dramatic views of the mountains and fells. It also has a fascinating owl centre, as well as a lovely church, a maze, gift shops, playground, plant centre, and much more.
Ambleside is the quintessential Victorian town at the head of Lake Windermere and the foot of Kirkstone Pass. Ambleside is right in the heart of the Lake District and a splendid centre to tour from. There are excellent cruises across some of the lakes, especially Windermere, that operate most days, and the Visitors' Centre at Brockhole has a comprehensive information centre as well as a range of attractions including interactive exhibitions.
Other places worth a mention are Keswick, Grasmere, Penrith, Kendall, Coniston,and Grange over Sands, but you would need some time to visit them all.The Lake District is one of those places as yet unspoiled by tourism and is indeed a breath of fresh air!
