Where would you go if you wanted to see the classic Lakeland view, the one that sums up everything about the English Lakes?

Or if you were buying outdoor gear, where would you go for great personal service and advice - from experts who really know what they're talking about?

What about eating out? Who's in and who's out of fashion? Where can you go for the best pub food? Or an exquisite gourmet treat?

And how can you find the most comfortable and enjoyable accommodation - the place to stay that exactly suits you and your needs? You'd like a romantic weekend away or you just have to have king-size beds? No problem!

We have the answers to these and all your other questions - saving you hours looking around, avoiding disappointment, and simply giving you the best holiday experience you can have!

The Lakes attracts many thousands of people every year, yet the region retains its beauty, charm and tranquillity.

You can easily find yourself alone among some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe, or you can explore the beautiful valleys and little towns with a host of exciting restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries.

Whether you want to trek the high passes of the Lakeland mountains, take a weekend break, or plan a fun day out, we can give you the ideas you need to make any Lakeland trip a rip-roaring success!

You can choose where to go in the Lakes - and, of course, on this website - by clicking on one of the links in the left hand column, or you can take a short cut to see our favourite Lake District places and pastimes in our exciting, handy and time-saving "Top Ten" feature to the right of this page.

Tourist Information Centres

If you're looking for information about travelling in the Lake District, there's a network of really helpful Tourist Information Centres. They really will help you make the most of your holiday in the Lake District. Accommodation may be booked over the counter and credit card holders can take advantage of the Advance Accommodation Booking Service, available at the centres marked * in the list below.

O = open all year, W = reduced winter opening hours, S = seasonal

As many walkers know, better views can often be obtained from a low peak, with lakes, tarns and higher peaks close by, rather than on the higher peaks themselves. Some fairly low tops, in alphabetical order, worth visiting are:

Travel Information

For full details of bus, rail & ferry services to and within Cumbria, please telephone traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Lines open daily 07.00 - 20.00 hours. www.traveline.org.uk

Shopmobility

For visitors with mobility problems, Shopmobility provides a range of wheelchairs and scooters in Kendal at the Westmorland Shopping Centre car park and a scooter in each of the following locations: Arnside, Milnthorpe, Bowness, Grange-over-Sands, Levens Hall (near Kendal), Holker Hall (near Cartmel), Quaker Tapestry exhibition (Kendal). Charges: Free to members, £2 per hour to visitors. ID with name & address required, weight restrictions apply. For more information: Tel. 01539 740933 http://onevoicekendal.weebly.com/

Internet Cafes & Access in the Lakes

If you want to get online, here are some suggestions. Please phone first to check opening hours and availability. If you see any errors in this listing, or you'd like something to be added, email rod @ lake-district-guides.co.uk

Bowness: The Elephant and Camel Cafe in Bowness
Great food and coffee, many options for vegetarian with a skilled chef.
4 Windermere Bank, Bowness, LA23 2JJ
Phone: 015394 88707

Cyberquest @ Laserquest
Bush Brow, Victoria Viaduct, Carlisle CA3 8AN
Tel: 01228 511155

Barrow - The Custom House at Abbey Road
This Grade 2 listed building dates from the 1860's and contains a modern chic restaurant and bar, internet café, function rooms and family activities. The restaurant provides a fine dining opportunity as well as lunch time snacks and quality coffee all through the day. Everything is freshly prepared to order, and there's a great choice, with a family friendly atmosphere. Internet access is provided in the NetZone, and if you want to eat and surf, WiFi connectivity is provided without charge if you dine in the restaurant and cellar lounge.
1 Abbey Street, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 5UF
Phone: 01229 823823 Web: www.1abbeyroad.co.uk

Carlisle - The Source Café
This whole food, organic cyber cafe, with a licensed bar and a live music venue is conveniently situated near Carlisle town centre. You can take in the view from the rooftops while you enjoy some of the delicious food or drink on offer. And you might like to check out the gallery after eating or surfing the web!
Atlas Works, Denton Holme, Carlisle CA2 5NB
Phone: 01228 595535 Web: www.source-cafe.com

Glenridding Hotel, Ullswater

www.bw-glenriddinghotel.co.uk

Maryport - The Port of Call
52 Senhouse St, Maryport CA15 6BS
Phone: 01900 810128

Maryport - Time Out
23 John Street, Maryport CA15 6JT
Phone: 01900 814866

Penrith - Giga Bites Internet Cafe
Relax in this informal cafe with Fairtrade tea and coffee and excellent, affordable food, while you go online at cheap rates. Located in the town centre with helpful support.
Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, Cumbria
Phone: 01768 861650

Windermere - The Purple Chilli
4 Windermere Bank, Lake Road, Windermere LA23 2JJ
Phone: 015394 45657 Web: www.purplechilli-bowness.co.uk

Libraries

Cumbria Libraries website will give you more information on locations of these libraries: they have internet facilities.

Internet and email

Barrow-in-Furness - Ramsden Square
Keswick - Heads Lane
Penrith - St Andrews Churchyard
Ulverston - Kings Road
Workington - Vulcans Lane

Internet only

Carlisle - Globe Lane
Grange-over-Sands - Grange Fell Road
Kendal - Stricklandgate
Maryport - Lawson Street
Silloth - Liddell Street
Whitehaven - Lowther Street
Windermere - Ellerthwaite

Great Gable on the 19th May, overlooking Kirk Fell and Pillar in the background.

Click on the picture to see the full size version!