Those who have never been to Cumbria before may be surprised at the local dialect. There are many vocabulary words and pronunciations with Norse and Celtic influences that may seem foreign to English speakers.

Despite the fact that this is called the Lake District, there is only one body of water with the word ‘Lake’ in its title, Bassenthwaite Lake. Even the largest, Windermere, is denoted by a different form of ‘water’ or ‘lake’ ie a 'mere'. For example RydalWATER, GrasMERE, LilyTARN, TARNHows, ConistonWATER and so on.

The town of Windermere is probably the main tourist destination, as this is the hub of rail and bus travel in the region.  Windermere rail station has a link  train to Manchester International Airport, the closest to the Lake District, and connects at Oxenholme to the West Coast Main Line. However, it may be worthwhile to set up camp in one of the other villages, especially during the popular summer season. Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick are all popular towns with sports equipment shops, inns, restaurants and other tourist amenities. Ambleside at the head of  Windermere is a short boat trip from Bowness-on- Windermere which in its turn is about a mile from Windermere town.

While in the Lake District, make sure to visit Ullswater, reputed to be the most beautiful lake in England and often compared to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. This whole area inspired the Lake District native William Wordsworth, whose house in Grasmere, Dove Cottage, has been converted into a museum honoring the poet’s life. You can also see the former home of beloved children’s storybook author Beatrix Potter at Hill Top, near Hawskhead and there is also the World of Beatix Potter attraction at the aforementioned Bowness-on-Windermere, well worth a visit. This IS a beautiful corner of England and like William Wordsworth you should really get out on to the hillsides and take in the scenery.

For a first time visitor without transport taking a tour from Windermere is the best way to see some of the best scenery in England. It is a fatal mistake to think that you have seen the Lake District  from only Windermere and Bowness, there is much more to see. Castlerigg stone circle near Keswick is popular and the high mountain passes of Wrynose and Hardknott are the steepest roads in England - the mountain scenery is spectacular. Tour companies such as Lake District Tours can take you to these places. The other way to really experience the Lake District is to take a hike and the information centre in Windermere can help with suggested routes for those without transport.