There’s no denying the national park is beautiful at any time of year, however, autumn is a particularly special time to visit. On autumn walks in the Lake District you’ll see the landscapes ablaze with vibrant shades of yellow and fiery oranges and reds. So, get wrapped up, don your boots and immerse yourself in nature’s fall colours and incredible wildlife.
Ullswater
Along the meandering bends of Ullswater, undulating fells plunge into the water and tall pines tower over the shore. Kissed by the autumn light, reflections ripple on the lake, creating a mirror image of the spectacular landscape. With several places to stop along the lakeside, every perspective is unique.
The Ullswater Way lets you take in different views along its fabulous 20-mile route, which can be walked in shorter sections if you don’t want to complete the entire route in one go. In October, burnt orange hues start to drift across the fells making the perfect backdrop for autumn walks. If you love being among nature and spending your evenings stargazing, experience a back to basics adventure at The Bothy at Troutbeck (near Ullswater).
Where to Stay? – Leeming House
Phone: 0344 879 9142
Website: Leeming House Ullswater
Flaunting one of the most stunning locations in the Lake District, Leeming House rests on the shores of Ullswater. Surrounded by beautiful gardens that tumble down to the water’s edge and a golden canopy of mature trees, this is the ultimate setting for an autumn escape. Nearby you’ll find endless hiking trails that wind along the lakeshore, through pretty woodlands to cascading waterfalls or to the iconic peaks of Helvellyn.
A ride on the Ullswater Steamer lets you enjoy a different perspective of the landscape as you immerse yourself in the autumn colours that wash over the fells. After a day of exploring, the hotel’s cosy lounges and Regency Restaurant provide relaxing spaces for indulging in a traditional afternoon tea or fresh, seasonal dishes from the autumn menu. In the evening, you can slope upstairs to one of the luxurious bedrooms and fall into a deep slumber as you gaze out at the panoramic lake and fell views.
Best for Riverside Dining? – The Secret Garden, Pooley Bridge
Phone: 017684 86266
Website: The Secret Garden
Tucked away in a scenic riverside location in the village of Pooley Bridge, just moments from Ullswater, The Secret Garden is the kind of special find you’d be proud of showing off to your friends. Inside, the restaurant is cool and sultry with a laid-back atmosphere, where you feel as though you’ve entered a secret hideaway. Step outside onto the terrace for drinks and alfresco dining by the water’s edge in a vibrant setting. After a lakeside walk along the shores of Ullswater, this is the perfect spot for sharing a meze platter or tucking into some delicious pasta or a juicy steak.
Which Tearoom? – Granny Dowbekins, Pooley Bridge
Phone: 017864 86453
Website: Granny Dowbekins
Whether it’s morning, noon or afternoon, it’s always a good time to pop into Granny Dowbekins.
This charming tearoom sits right on the banks of the River Eamont, just a stone’s throw from Ullswater. After a brisk autumn walk, grab a spot in the outdoor seating area overlooking the river to indulge in one of their legendary cream teas with freshly baked scones. As well as baking homemade cakes and savoury pies, they rustle up delicious sandwiches and all-day breakfasts that showcase local Cumbrian produce. If the weather’s not playing ball, the inside seating areas feel like a cosy home-from-home, but only better because the lovely team are on hand to let you relax.
Derwentwater, Keswick
Just moments from the Lakeside Car Park near the market town of Keswick, Hope Park is a pretty oasis filled with shrubs and trees surrounded by a fell backdrop. In autumn, the maple trees paint the scenery in vibrant yellows and reds. Walk through Hope Park down to the shore of Derwentwater to witness the tree-fringed islands that sit below Catbells. The 10-mile circular Derwentwater Walk guides you through ancient woodland, along the lakeshore and the Cumbria Way.
Orrest Head, Windermere
Starting from Bowness-on-Windermere, this autumn walk up to Orrest Head leads you through enchanting woodlands along the lakeshore. As the woodland transforms into shades of amber, copper and gold, this trail offers one of the most rewarding strolls for your efforts. Follow the well-graded nature trail through Elleray Wood and up to Orrest Head, keeping an eye out for deer, red squirrels and woodpeckers. In less than thirty minutes, you emerge at the summit viewpoint, where you’re treated to a panoramic view over Windermere and beyond.
Where to Stay? – The Old England Hotel & Spa, Bowness-on-Windermere
Phone: 0344 879 9144
Website: The Old England Hotel & Spa
Discover the timeless charm of the Old England Hotel & Spa at Bowness-on-Windermere. Nestled right on the water’s edge, you’ll wake to spectacular scenery from the Lake View rooms, where the misty autumn morning unfolds over Windermere right outside your window.
Step outside and explore enchanting woodlands with nearby autumn walks along the shore and up to Brant Fell or Orrest Head. Dining at the hotel is equally as impressive with vibrant dishes inspired by the seasons. You can relax in the Terrace Lounge overlooking Windermere with a drink before heading to the elegant Lakeview restaurant. Whether you’re savouring the delicious local flavours or letting your stresses melt away in the spa with a luxurious ELEMIS or ishga Spa treatment, this is the perfect autumnal retreat.
Buttermere
One of the most magical backdrops to autumn walks in the Lake District, Buttermere Valley is enchanting, as yellows, oranges and reds mingle across the landscape like paints on an artist’s palette. From every angle around the lake, there’s an explosion of colour from the trees and fells, made twice as eye-catching from the reflections on the water. The 4.7-mile walk around Buttermere is one to savour as you take in the endless autumnal beauty. For a different perspective over the water, climb one of the fells or head up to Warnscale Bothy.
Sizergh Castle and Garden
Owned by the National Trust, Sizergh Castle and gardens is a must for autumn walks in the Lake District. The gardens are meticulously maintained, with Japanese maples, rock garden and herbaceous borders filling the space with rich bursts of colour. Branching off from the castle garden you’ll find various walking trails where fallen leaves from oak, birch and chestnut trees colour the path. In mid-October, you might even be lucky enough to spot salmon leaping from the River Kent.
Wastwater, Wasdale
Wherever you visit, autumn in the Lake District will command your attention, but there’s something about Wastwater that just doesn’t let up on your heartstrings. Shadows of the moody screes and imposing fells – some of the most iconic in the country – ripple across the water to create immensely photo-worthy reflections. If you can tear yourself away, stroll through the colourful, leafy carpet on an autumnal woodland walk.
Whinlatter Forest
1000ft above sea level, this sprawling mountain forest is a favourite for autumn walks in the Lake District. Its huge pines cast a yellow and green glow and rise high above Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and nearby fells. There are nine exciting forest trails to choose from at Whinlatter Forest, each offering something different. Abundant with rare wildlife, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for osprey, red squirrels and deer during your walk. This is a great place for family walks with young children.
Rydal Mount and Gardens
Once home to poet William Wordsworth, Rydal Mount and Garden is a wonderful place to visit all year round. It’s even more vibrant and beautiful in the autumn months when the fiery red maple leaves cover the ground and the steps up onto the terrace walk. You’ll also find stunning views from the lower-tier garden that look out between the trees and across to Rydal Water. If you want to walk a little further, cross the road to Rydal Hall to explore the 30 acres of gardens and woodland waterfalls.
Where to Stay? – The Grasmere Hotel
Phone: 01539 435277
Website: The Grasmere Hotel
After an invigorating day on the fells or exploring Rydal Hall gardens, imagine stepping into the warm embrace of The Grasmere Hotel. If you’re looking for autumn breaks in the Lakes with amazing food, “Taste of Grasmere” restaurant is the perfect place to warm up from the crisp Lakeland air.
The autumn menu at The Grasmere Hotel is a celebration of local produce and takes you on a culinary journey, where the very essence of the season is captured on your plate. Think tender game paired with earthy root vegetables and drizzled in a rich red wine sauce or savour the delicate flavours of wild sea bass complemented by a velvety artichoke puree.
“Taste of Grasmere” is designed to inspire, telling a story of local heritage and reflecting the landscapes of Grasmere itself.
8. Coniston
Looming over the village, The Old Man of Coniston is an imposing fell that flaunts deep orange hues during the autumn months, adding some serious drama to the backdrop. There are various walks around Coniston Water, including a loop from Lake Road which takes you along accessible paths and across the water by ferry. Alternatively, you can park on the eastern side of the lake and venture into Grizedale Forest.
