Central & Southern Lakes

At the heart of the National Park and a place for all seasons

Bowness on Windermere

Enjoying a bike ride near Ambleside

The Bridge House

Windermere

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This area has so much to offer; majestic fells, sparkling lakes, busy thriving Lakeland villages, lots of visitor attractions and places to visit. You can choose to stay right next to all the amenities or find your own rural retreat close by.

Much of this famous South Lakeland landscape falls within the Lake District National Park and where ever you decide to stay beautiful scenery will surround you.

At the heart of this region are the well known holiday destinations of Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Hawkshead, with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and family attractions all close at hand.

A little further north is the charming village and lake at Grasmere and Rydal Water set in a beautiful location surrounded by fells. To the south there are a host of pretty villages waiting to be discovered in lovely rural locations but close enough to the central lakes ‘Hot Spots’ if required.

The central and southern lakes are well placed for touring the Lake District and are ideal for family holidays and couples alike.

Destinations in Central & Southern Lakes

Grasmere & Langdale

Grasmere is a charming village in the heart of the Lake District National Park, situated in a valley surrounded by the lush green slopes of the Lakeland hills.

Cottages in Grasmere & Langdale

Ambleside & Area

Located right in the centre of the Lake District at the head of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Cottages in Ambleside & Area

Coniston, Hawkshead & Sawrey

The delightful village of Coniston nestles at the foot of the famous Coniston Old Man fell and is nearby to the Grizedale Forest.

Cottages in Coniston, Hawkshead & Sawrey

Windermere, Staveley and Troutbeck Bridge

Lake Windermere is perhaps the best know area in the Lake District and Windermere village itself is about 1km from the lake.

Cottages in Windermere, Staveley and Troutbeck Bridge

Bowness on Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most popular locations in the Lake District. Situated midway down Lake Windermere, a long promenade skirts the lake with views over a busy harbour.

Cottages in Bowness on Windermere

Kirkby Lonsdale and South East Cumbria

A superb location for those wanting to explore Cumbria and Yorkshire

Cottages in Kirkby Lonsdale and South East Cumbria

Kendal and Area

Situated to the South of the Lake District, and only a short drive from the sea, Kendal is especially well placed to cater for everyone’s holiday needs.

Cottages in Kendal and Area

Cartmel and Peninsula

Offering stunning views of the South Lakeland District fells and countryside, Cartmel is easily accessible, with its winding streets, pretty cottages and medieval buildings.

Cottages in Cartmel and Peninsula

Things to do in Central & Southern Lakes

White Scar Caves

The area around Ingleton contains some of the deepest and longest cave systems in the British Isles. The White Scar Caves in Chapel le Dale can be easily explored as they are both fully illuminated throughout the show cave routes.

Read more about White Scar Caves (External)

Pennine Bridleway - Horse Riding

The Pennine Bridleway is a new 350 mile long National Trail in the North of England.

Read more about Pennine Bridleway - Horse Riding

River Ure - Day Tickets

Great fishing venues include Bainbridge, Hawes and Aysgarth. Day tickets available

Pennine Bridleway - Cycling

The Pennine Bridleway is a new 350 mile long National Trail in the north of England.

Read more about Pennine Bridleway - Cycling

Malhamdale - Cycling

The countryside around Malham is beautiful; there is no other word for it. There are over 800 km of bridleways, byways and green lanes on the doorstep. Perfect for mountain biking!

Read more about Malhamdale - Cycling (External)

Ashness Bridge

The idyllic setting is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Lake District, with an amazing view over the lake of Derwentwater towards Keswick and the surrounding fells.

Read more about Ashness Bridge

Borrowdale Valley

South of Keswick you can find the stunning valley of Borrowdale where you will discover the three valleys known as Watendlath, Stonethwaite and Seathwaite.

Read more about Borrowdale Valley

Bowder Stone

Located in the Borrowdale valley near the Grange village is a 2000 ton boulder. It is most unusually placed, balanced on a strange angle.

Read more about Bowder Stone

Honister Slate Mine

First recordings of mining at the Honister Slate Mine dates back to the 1700’s, but it is believed it may have started in the Roman or even Pre-Historic era.