Why the UK’s Lake District Is Perfect for a Fall Family Getaway

Now that summer’s come and gone, it’s time to look ahead to the fall, toward those fall family getaways that are less about sunshine and beaches, and more about discovering a new place and immersing yourself and your family in an adventure that’ll create lifelong memories. That is, unless you’d still rather go to the beach and I wouldn’t blame you if you did.

But for those of us looking for a change of scenery for our families, I think I have the perfect setting where those orange, brown, and red leaves look their best. 

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The Lake District isn’t just a chunk of the English countryside, where you can find rolling hills, wildlife, and some Great British rain. It’s also home to some of the most beautifully dramatic scenery you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Here, the rolling hills are dominated by mountains that reach heights of over 3000 ft.

But that doesn’t mean that a trip to the Lake District needs to be filled with blood-pumping, adrenaline-fuelled action. Your getaway to the Lake District can be as active or as relaxed as you and your family want it to be. You can spend your days hiking up one of the many accessible mountains, or enjoying boat trips and exploring some of the region’s quaintest hamlets.

With plenty of attractions for the whole family, not to mention countless places to explore the great outdoors, autumn is a wonderful time to discover the Lake District.

Most US visitors to the UK stick to a familiar route: spending a few days in London, maybe Edinburgh, perhaps a day trip to Stonehenge. The Lake District, tucked into the northwest corner of England near the Scottish border, tends to fly under the radar for US travelers, even though it’s one of the most visited national parks in the UK by British standards. That relative obscurity to American audiences is part of its appeal: you won’t be fighting the same crowds you’d find in more famous UK tourist stops, and the towns still feel lived in rather than built for tourism.

If you want a frame of reference, think of the New England charm of a place like Vermont crossed with the scale of a national park like the Smokies, then add centuries of stone cottages, sheep dotted hillsides, and literary history (this is Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth country). It’s a region that rewards families willing to venture beyond the postcard version of England.

Find Family-Friendly Walks

Walking, or hiking, is one of the easiest and best ways to explore the Lake District as a family. As someone who has done it both as a child and as an adult, I can vouch for the fact that there are dozens of walks out there, up peaks large and small, that are suited to people of all ages and abilities. 

This means that your family will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a walk that matches your child’s or children’s energy levels and experience. For complete beginners, I would personally recommend the Loughrig Terrace walk, which you can find near Grasmere. It’s a particularly fun walk to do with children, as you’ll find an enormous cave at the end of the walk, complete with stepping stones and easy-to-scramble rocks. 

If your children are older and want a bit more of a challenge, I’d recommend a walk up Silver How, a modestly sized peak that’s also near Grasmere. The full ascent and descent should take 2-3 hours overall, while still offering enough in the way of a challenge, as well as stunning views at the summit.

But if your family are fully-fledged footsloggers, then you can embrace some of the Lake District’s 3000ft monsters, like Helvellyn and Skiddaw, or the highest peak in England: Scafell Pike.

Attractions for a Rainy Day

Because Britain’s known for being wet, no matter when you visit, it’s always prudent to have a wet weather contingency tucked away in your back pocket. 

Luckily, the Lake District has museums, historic attractions, and galleries, not to mention a boatload of local shops in one of the region’s towns or villages. There, you’ll also find plenty of cafés and lunch spots that offer local favourites, like Lancashire hotpot, pies, and full English breakfasts; all with locally-sourced ingredients. As a child, I remember enjoying the Lakeside Railway, which is a 1950’s steam-powered train that hauls its carriages through the countryside every day.

Make the Most of the Lakes

Don’t forget what puts the ‘Lake’ in ‘Lake District’. The lakes themselves are another incredible way to explore this idyllic corner of the British Countryside; in fact, you would be hard-pressed to find any other lakes at this scale in the UK. 

Being out on the water can also provide a much-needed break from walking, as well as being an exciting experience in its own right, especially for younger children. It’s a great opportunity for both parents to relax and take in the spectacular views, seeing the Lake District from a completely new perspective. 

It’s also worth mentioning that there are a few specific lakes and surrounding areas that also offer their own activities, like kayaking and Go Ape, as just a couple of examples. Some of these lakes are pretty hard to get to and might even require specific off-road vehicles to access. Unless you’ve already done HGV training, I’d recommend sticking to areas that are easy to access. 

Find a Cosy Place to Stay

Finding the right hotel or accommodation is an essential part of any getaway, and the same remains true here. In the Lake District, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels, traditional inns, and bed and breakfasts that’ll welcome your family and wrap them up warm, with a wood-burning stove and a hot chocolate.

If you want something a bit more private, then I’d recommend hiring out a cottage; it’ll feel like you’re living in your very own quintessentially English bubble. For families with younger children, this will also be helpful as it allows you to travel with confidence, gives you your own space to prepare simple meals and settle down into an evening routine. 

Closing Thoughts

Overall, the Lake District has everything that a family could ask for from an autumnal escape. Landscapes brimming with fall colours, scenic walks, and family-friendly attractions, not to mention the cosy accommodation on offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re hungry for an active weekend or just need somewhere peaceful to relax. The Lake District has you covered. 

For more family getaways, learn more about:

• Sheltering with a Pirate Queen: When Irish Adventure Gets Real
• Beginner Guide to UK Family Road Trips
• 7 Most Scenic Scottish Walking Vacations To Take With Family This Year
• Plan Unforgettable Trip to Italy With Kids – 52 Top-Rated Attractions Worth Seeing
• Europe Cruise with Teens: Why Fall and Winter Beat Summer Every Time