For a true sense of the Lake District nothing can beat the Victorian splendour of a hotel on the shore of a lake. Inn on the Lake fills the brief perfectly. Set in 15 acres right on the shores of Ullswater the genteel elegance and sympathetic design make this a stand out hotel.

The Lowthwaite B&B has the honour of being the only occupied dwelling in this tiny hamlet near to Penrith. This traditional farmhouse building with only 4 available rooms is decorated in a traditional yet modern feeling and simplistic way. The breakfast is locally sourced and good quality home made food, the family feel and welcome shine through.

For a holiday with amazing views it is hard to beat Grove cottages on Grove Farm, 700 feet up into the hills this working farm overlooks Ambleside. The 160 acres of open farmland make this self catering barn conversion an absolute haven of peace and tranquillity surrounded by fields of native cattle.

Treat yourself to a special meal at L’Enclume in Cartmel. Simon Rogan’s award winning restaurant is organic in the true sense of the word. The menu changes hour by hour depending on the local produce that is available or can be foraged. No two tables of diners have any guarantee of being served exact same meal. L’Enclume serves unusual and exceptional food that will please the most discerning of diners.

For another special meal of a different kind try the critically acclaimed Drunken Duck in Ambleside, originally a ramblers pub set in the hills the Drunken Duck prides itself on it’s range of local produce and beers. This is a pub with a difference, a culinary extravaganza usually found only in the most exclusive of restaurants. The signature dish of whole cherry glazed duck is just one reason why this restaurant remains a firm favourite with the critics.For something a little less budget busting The Jumble Inn at Grasmere serves a selection of high quality dishes at exceptionally low prices. Serving only six changing dishes at lunchtimes on three days a week this restaurant offers brilliant value against a fabulously eccentric backdrop.

The beautiful Eskdale valley with the backdrop of Scafell Pike is the home of the popular Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway. Known locally as ‘The Ratty’ this steam railway was originally built to carry iron ore from the mines to the mainline station at Ravenglass. Now a journey through 7 miles of beautiful countryside this is one tourist attraction that you shouldn’t miss.

Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England at over 10 miles long. Well positioned sitting on the lake is the resort of Bowness-on-Windermere probably the inland boating centre of the country Bowness offers all the sailing activities that you could imagine.

Take a trip along the lake in a traditional steamer marvelling at the enormous Victorian houses that dominate the shoreline.

Visit the popular attraction The World of Beatrix Potter. One of the worlds most beloved children’s authoresses this attraction makes her books come alive. Visit the Peter Rabbit garden or walk through the woodland to see Squirrel Nutkin. Young or old alike will fall in love with the sympathetic way that her books have been brought to life.

The British climate can be unpredictable. Longer days with a high chance of sunshine during the months of July and August are a good time to visit but they can be very busy. With freezing conditions the winter months of December and January can be particularly beautiful but travel can be difficult with many of the attractions closed.

As long as you don’t visit just for the weather any time can be a good time to see the magnificence of the Lake District but no matter when you visit be sure to pack an umbrella.