The Lake District is known for its picturesque landscapes, whether of tranquil lakes and dramatic hilltops or peaceful woodland. For centuries, the allure of the beautiful Lake District National Park has captivated and inspired the creative minds of poets, artists and photographers alike. Today, the natural beauty of the landscape continues to inspire a new generation of creatives looking to capture epic, double-tap worthy shots in the splendour of the great outdoors.
From serene lakes to dramatic peaks, this region offers endless backdrops for your Instagram feed. But you don’t need to climb up the highest mountains to capture the charm of the Lake District. Strolling through the streets of quaint Cumbrian villages and towns, you will stumble upon beautiful shop windows and picturesque cottages that are a dream for photographers. And, if foodie shots are more to your taste, the Lake District has got that covered too!
Below we’ve listed the 10 most Instagrammable destinations in the Lake District to inspire your inner photographer and share with your friends, family and followers online.
1. Bowness Bay and The Glebe – Bowness on Windermere
Not only is Bowness on Windermere one of the best places to stay in the Lake District, it’s also one of the most picturesque. Ok, we might be biased but really it is! Lined with a fascinating blend of quaint cottages and charming shops as well as some of the best pubs in the Lake District, the network of streets and alleyways in Bowness makes for perfect photo opportunities. Strike a pose in front of one of the many tastefully decorated shop windows or head down to Glebe Park along the lake shore during golden hour where docked rowing boats make for lovely photograph subjects.
2. Windermere Lake Cruises – Windermere
Taking a cruise on Windermere, England’s largest lake, on a historic vessel with indoor and outdoor seating offers a totally new perspective of the landscape. Starting your journey from Ambleside, Brockhole, Bowness or Lakeside Pier, spot the hidden coves and beaches you can only see from out on the water and look up at the surrounding fells. You’ll be able to take an amazing selfie from just about anywhere on your cruise but the area around Ambleside pier is particularly impressive.
3. The Little Ice Cream Shop – Windermere
We said the Lake District has got you covered for Insta-worthy food – and that it does. With one shop located in Hawkshead and another in Windermere, The Little Ice Cream Shop is a must-visit when in the Lake District. Don’t be discouraged by the word ‘little’ though because their scoops are no joke. The Little Ice Cream Shop make over 40 flavours of delicious small batch gelato as well as some sorbets and dairy free flavours. With delicious waffle cones, an array of toppings and sauces, and a branded wafer wedged on top, their ice creams make for totally tasty Instagram pics. What’s more, they even have a doggy ice cream option so your pup can get in on the Insta-action too.
4. Homeground Coffee and Kitchen – Windermere
Homeground Coffee and Kitchen is a super charming brekkie, brunch and lunch spot in the village of Windermere. On a weekend you’ll find it packed with couples, groups of friends and families, young and old, all with ridiculously good-looking plates of all your favourite brunch items and towering slabs of homemade cakes. While you’re here be sure to snap some photos of your plate and ever-so-carefully-crafted latte art as this venue is sure to impress. Coffee fans will love this spot!
5. Cathedral Cave – Little Langdale
Located just over 20 minutes from Bowness by car, the circular Cathedral Cave walk from the Three Shires Pub in Little Langdale takes approximately 45 minutes. Along the route you will come across Slater’s Bridge, providing an excellent picture opportunity with a backdrop of the Langdale Valley. The main event is of course Cathedral Cave, or Cathedral Quarry – a 40ft chamber that forms part of a network of caverns interlinked by tunnels. This underground spectacle was formerly known as the Little Langdale Quarry and was once used to extract slate for nearby towns and villages. Today, it is open to the public and a fantastic spot to bag some epic Instagram shots.
6. Rydal Cave – Rydal
Hidden away in the side of Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Cave is one of the best easy walks in the Lake District with gentle terrain, impressive views over Rydal Water and a cave to explore. Around 200 years ago, Rydal Cave was used to quarry slate for houses in the surrounding towns and villages but today it is a popular attraction among locals and visitors alike. Inside Rydal caves you are met with curious darkness, mystifying shadows and glimmering reflections that are cast across the still pool of water on the cave floor. You can enter the cave via a series of stepping stones, but its important that you remain cautious. Looking back to the entrance of Rydal Cave from the inside provides the perfect framing for dramatic Lake District Photography shots.
7. The Bridge House – Ambleside
The Bridge House in Ambleside, at the head of lake Windermere, is perhaps the most photographed building in the Lake District. The tiny building, originally an apple store for nearby Ambleside Hall, was built over Stock Beck to escape land tax. It is also said that at some time a family with 6 children lived here in the two rooms. In 1926, it was purchased by a group of local people who passed it into the care of the National Trust. It has become an icon of the Lake District and a quirky reminder of the town’s past. The building is fascinating and one of the best spots for photography in the Lake District.
8. Aira Force Waterfall – Ullswater
Aira Force is a 65-metre waterfall, accessed via wooded trails which weave their way up from the shores of Ullswater. This photo opportunity is too good to miss and experiencing the thunderous roar of the waterfalls is exhilarating – stand back and snap away. Following the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park trail, you weave through woodland with lush green ferns and evergreen specimen conifers then, emerge from the gorge to enjoy expansive views over Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow.
9. Cat Bells Summit – Keswick
Cat Bells is one of the Lake Districts most popular fells because its easily accessible and easy to navigate though the route up is quite steep with some scrambling near the top meaning you’ll definitely need a good pair of walking boots for this Lake District photography location. At 451m above sea level, though not one of the highest peaks in the Lake District, Cat Bells summit rewards you with glorious views over Derwentwater and Borrowdale on a clear day. The cairn that marks the highest point of the peak offers the perfect summit selfie location. After all, if you didn’t touch the cairn, did you even climb the mountain? What better way to share the accomplishment with your friends than with photo evidence!
10. Ashness Launch – Derwentwater
When visiting the Lake District, you surely have to return with a classic shot of one of the lake’s many iconic jetties? These rustic looking wooden launches are hugely photogenic and shoot particularly well when you stand centrally on the launch and look down the structures length. One of the best-known jetties on Derwentwater is Ashness Launch near Barrow Bay. It is a particularly good sunset location, and calm conditions will produce stunning, mirror like images that will look pleasing on any Instagram feed.
With breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, stunning lakes and quirky eateries, Lake District photography locations are endless. From the iconic viewpoint of the summit of Cat Bells to the picturesque village of Ambleside, every corner of this region is a photographer’s dream. So, while you’re exploring the beautiful Lake District National Park, don’t forget to capture those picture-perfect moments that will make your Instagram feed come alive.