Where to stay in the Lake District Surrounded by one of the UK's largest National Parks with mountains, lakes and thriving communities, the Lake District remains one of the country's most popular places to escape and in no small part that's because of the exemplary hospitality at its hotels. With its lakes, fells and mountains, the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in Britain. Japanese visitors love it because of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter lived in the area) and cream teas. The main bases are Keswick in the north, Windermere and Bowness in the south. Cockermouth and Coniston are less touristy. Hotel accommodation ranges from luxurious and expensive to simple if sometimes quite basic and there are lots of youth hostels. Much of this national park is administered by the National Trust. Visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and museum in Ambleside, and the family's graves at St Oswald's church in Grasmere.