The Lake District lies to the west of the Pennines with England's largest National Park that includes Scafell Pike - its highest mountain, Wastwater - its deepest lake and thriving communities like Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere. With more than 3,500 kilometres of rights of way and 12 of the largest lakes in England, there's something for everyone, whether it be walking, cycling, climbing, canoeing or just relaxing. On its western edge, rivers flow down from the fells to enter the sea. Along their banks stand the remains of ancient castles and monasteries.
The landscape inspired poet William Wordsworth, Grasmere he described as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found". He is buried in St. Oswald's Church alongside his wife and sister. A number of fantastic walks begin in the village of Grasmere including the ascent of Helm Crag and a longer route up to Fairfield. The village is also on the route of Alfred Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk.
Beatrix Potter lived in Hill Top Farm near the village of Hawkshead and is credited with preserving much of the land that now comprises the Lake District National Park. The National Trust now owns Hill Top Farm which is open to the public and remains in the same state as when Potter lived there. A great place to visit with your children or grandchildren.
The last thing most of us want to do on holiday is to wash dishes by hand, especially where large groups are concerned. The following cottages in the Lake District all have a dishwasher to make life easy and pleasant.