Brant Fell

We'll start close to home, on the doorstep of our Windermere cottages. You are guaranteed some spectacular views of Lake Windermere and the Lakeland fells from Brant Fell. Come sun, rain, wind or snow, the photo opportunities are endless. The sunsets are particularly impressive.

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a must-visit for anyone staying near Windermere. A short but rewarding hike offers panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.  The view from Orrest Head was the first ever sight of the Lake District for Alfred Wainwright, inspiring his lifelong passion for the area.

Claife Heights

For a unique perspective of Windermere, head to this wooded area on the western shore. And make sure you go to the the Claife Viewing Station for framed views through coloured glass.

Ullswater and Aira Force

For those staying in our Ullswater cottages, you will not be disappointed. Widely considered the most beautiful of the Lake District lakes, Ullswater throws up photo opportunities galore. Climbing the likes of Hallinn Fell, Gowbarrow Fell or Silver Crag will give you great views of the area, but with rocky outcrops, trees and stumps on the lake shore, there are some fantastic compositions to be found at the water's edge.

Or you could venture to one of the best known waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force, where the waterfall cascades twenty metres through a narrow gorge below a stone arch bridge. And unlike so many walks, the more rain, the better the results. Catch it when the sun is shining and at its highest and you may even be lucky enough to capture an Aira Force rainbow!

Tarn Hows

Located between Coniston and Hawkshead, Tarn Hows is a firm favourite for visitors to the Lake District. Not only is it a relatively easy walk for all ages - it takes about an hour to walk around the tarns - it also offers stunning views. Arguably, the best view is from the east side (near the Scott memorial), where the tarns are laid out before you with the Lake District mountains providing a stunning backdrop.

Elterwater and Blea Tarn

The path from Elterwater to Skelwith Force is another relatively easy walk and one packed with photo opportunities along the river. The view towards the Langdale Pikes is nothing short of spectacular.

A little further on from Elterwater is Blea Tarn, in the heart of the Langdales, which has become an iconic viewpoint. We can't guarantee calm, still water, but if you're lucky enough to visit when there is very little breeze, the reflected views towards the Langdale Pikes are breathtaking.

Wastwater and Buttermere     

While a little further afield, Wastwater and Buttermere are undeniably worth the journey.

The view down Wastwater has been voted the UK's best view several times and it's easy to see why. Whether you're looking up towards Great Gable and Scafell Pike, or down the lake from the lower slopes of the aforementioned, the views are as dramatic as they are stunning.

We'll finish the round-up with Buttermere. If you were to look up iconic Lake District images, the row of shoreline pines reflected in the tranquil waters of Buttermere would be right up there, as would the lone, spindly tree at the village end of the lake.

Whatever the weather, if you're heading to Wastwater or Buttermere for the day, make sure you take your camera.

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