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Boutique Hotels and the Best Lakes in the Lake District

By: Adrian Vultur Click author's name for more of his/her articles

The 10 best lakes to see in the Lake District
Windermere, in the Lake District, offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do, and some of the best boutique hotels in the country. Every lake in the Lake District is unique and offers visitors something different. Below are the top ten lakes to visit in the Lake District.

1. Bassenthwaite Lake the Lake District
Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the major lakes in the Lake District and is situated between Keswick and Cockermouth. If you take the minor road from Braithwaite village to the Whinlatter Pass, you can enjoy some of the most incredible views of the Lake District. If you go to Bassenthwaite Lake, make sure you enjoy the RSPB sanctuary and Mirehouse on the eastern shore of the lake.

2. Brother´s Water the Lake District
One of the smallest lakes in the Lake District is Brother´s Water, between Ullswater and Ambleside. Take a trip to the bottom of Kirkstone Pass where you will see the shallow water and lily pads of Brother´s Water, which seem to create a green carpet over the water.

3. Buttermere the Lake District
One of the most spectacular lakes in the Lake District is Buttermere, which is set below Grasmoor. Here you will find picnic areas and trails leading to nearby hills. The stunning Honister Pass is also closeby.

4. Coniston Water the Lake District
Almost parallel to Lake Windermere in the Lake District is the famous Coniston Water, where Donald Campbell broke several world speed records in The Bluebird, and also where he met his untimely death. Take a steam gondola trip over Coniston Water to Brantwood, home of Victorian author, John Ruskin, and take advantage of a good range of accommodation in and around Coniston.

5. Crummock Water the Lake District
Crummock Water is situated just north of Buttermere at the foot of Grasmoor Peak. You can enjoy stunning views from the shores of the lake of the surrounding hills. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region is Scale Force, which is situated just to the west of Crummock Water.

6. Derwentwater the Lake District
If you want to enjoy water sports and boating in the Lake District, there is no better place to visit than Derwentwater. Numerous marinas offer boats for hire, and Keswick is the main town in this beautiful region of the Lake District. Visit the Bowder Stone, on the eastern side of the lake, where a huge boulder balances precariously, and take the Watendlath road to enjoy fabulous views over the lake. Some of the best hiking and hill walking routes can be found nearby in Borrowdale.

7. Ennerdale Water the Lake District
Ennerdale Water is located at the western edge of the Lake District National Park, and is one of the most remote and picturesque lakes in the area. Ennerdale head is a great start point for walks around the region.

8. Grasmere the Lake District
Grasmere is a small lake in the Lake District which attracts visitors from all over England. Grasmere village is home to the 17th century house of Beatrix Potter, where the famous authoress wrote most of her children´s stories. Park at the eastern end of the lake, and enjoy a wonderful walk along the shores of Grasmere.

9. Rydal Water the Lake District
Rydal Water may be one of the smaller lakes in the Lake District but it is one of the most beautiful regions in Cumbria. Situated just outside Grasmere, at the foot of Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Mount was the family home of poet, William Wordsworth.

10. Ullswater the Lake District
Ullswater is the major lake in the north east of the National Park, and is the gateway to the region for visitors leaving Penrith. You will find several places to park near Ullswater, and you can cross the river by steam boat. Glenridding is home to most of the attractions around Ullswater and you will find plenty of boutique hotels and luxury accommodation just a short distance away.