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With the summer slowly but surely coming to an end, a weekend getaway is an ideal way to make the most of what’s left of the sunshine.

World-famous for its beauty, the Lake District is the ideal place for a last-minute break with plenty of locations to cater to your needs, whether you’re looking to just get away and relax or a more active break.

Ullswater

If you’re after an adventurous last-minute break, then Ullswater will be your destination of choice in the Lake District. The second largest body of water in Lakeland, Ullswater will be a big hit with anyone who enjoys water sports as there are plenty on offer. Keen hikers and fell-walkers can look forward to ticking off popular hotspots like Helvellyn, Place Fell, and Dollywagon Pike. For those wanting to take things easy with a more relaxing break, there are lake cruises and easy walks on offer here too.

Buttermere

The village of Buttermere will be the ideal destination if you’re looking for a short break where you can switch off and get away from the world. With no shops around but miles of hiking routes and picturesque shoreline, take a stroll in famous fell-walker, Alfred Wainwright’s, final resting place.

Grasmere

A popular tourist destination in the Lake District, Grasmere easily lives up to William Wordsworth’s observation of being “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” The village is also famously associated with the Lake Poets, making it an unmissable destination for any literary fan looking for a last-minute getaway.

Keswick

A bustling market town, Keswick’s charm has been attracting visitors since the late 18th century. The poet Thomas Gray published an account of his stay in Keswick in 1769. Having been widely read, it sparked the influx of tourism to Keswick that would continue to this day.  For lovers of interesting venues and destinations, Keswick is proudly the home of one of Britain’s oldest continuously running cinemas, the Alhambra – built in 1913. Enjoy a stay in Keswick for the best of both worlds, with a number of hiking trails a short drive away, and plenty to do in the town itself.

Windermere

Unsure about what you want from your last-minute Lake District break? Windermere has a wide selection of things to do that will please everyone from sports enthusiasts to literary fans. Offering everything from canoeing and rowing for sport fans, to literary hotspots like Beatrix Potter’s former house, it gives you the chance of trying a little bit of everything while you’re there. Thanks to its central location, England’s largest lake is an easily accessible destination in the Lake District.

Coniston

Home to the third largest lake in the Lake District, Coniston is famous as the setting for Arthur Ransome’s adventure book, “Swallows and Amazons”. The lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, with a number of good launch and recovery sites available. If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy the water, you can also take a trip across the lake in a Victorian steam yacht.

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