Autumn in the Lake District - my 5 favourite places and best time to go to the Lake District

The English Lake District is spectacular all year round - but in Autumn it is very special with the dramatic fall colours everywhere you look. Read on to learn about my favourite 5 places in the Lakes to visit in the Autumn

When is the best time to visit the Lake District for Autumn colours?

First things first - the Lake District is at it's most autumnal best usually in the last week of October and first week or two of November. Some autumns are better than others for colour - it all depends on the weather, how cold or mild it's been in the lead up to these weeks - and rather more importantly how windy it has been. The less windy the more chance of the rusting leaves staying on the trees longer! If you can plan a trip in the end of October/beginning of November - and you get decent weather - you will see some of the best Autumnal scenery you'll see anywhere in Britain!

My 5 favourite Lake District places to visit in Autumn

You are spoilt for choice for places to visit in the Lake District in Autumn, and it's very hard to pick 5 places, but here are my favourites I've managed to photograph, let me know yours in the comments!

#1. Ullswater in the Autumn

Ullswater walks Gowbarrow Fell Aira Force best Lake District views Lakes Cumbria England

This is one of my best views in the Lake District looking over Ullswater from near Hind Crag below Gowbarrow Fell, which isn't too far from Aira Force. When the tree's and bracken are golden and the sun is shining it's very impressive. You can discover the exact spot of this particular Ullswater view in this blog post: www.hikingphotographer.uk

#2. Blea Tarn in Langdale

Blea Tarn has got to be one of my favourite spots in the Lakes - it's paradise and a photographers dream., any time of year - but in Autumn it's very special

Blea Tarn, Langdale Pikes, Autumn, Ambleside, Windermere, Langdale Chase, Hotel, Lake District, Lakes, Best Views

Sitting down and soaking in the stunning autumnal views above Blea Tarn and looking towards the Langdale Pikes. Stunning views can be found all around Blea Tarn in the Lake District. In the distance you can see the Langdale Pikes. Check out my blog post on Blea Tarn for more info here: www.hikingphotographer.uk/blea-tarn-langdale-pikes-lake-district.html

#3. Loughrigg Fell & Tarn in Lake District, near Windermere

I always get drawn to Loughrigg Tarn in the autumn - as there is quite a bit of tree and bracken coverage around here so the Autumn colours are magical. Here I'm looking over Loughrigg Tarn enroute to the summit of Loughrigg Fell

This shot is looking over Loughrigg Tarn up to the vantage point in the photo above - just look at those colours - amazing!

If you walk around to the spot near the house in the photo above this one - you'll get some superb views over Loughrigg Tarn towards the Langdale Pikes, which are shrouded in cloud on this visit

#4. Rydal Grotto, near Ambleside

Rydal Grotto is an idyllic spot to visit in the Lakes in Autumn and it's very easy to get to, literally a stones throw and 5 min walk from Rydal Hall. This vantage point is from the stone bridge - and you can even drop down and go inside the grotto

#5. Friars Crag, Derwent Water, near Keswick

Another accessible spot to admire the autumn views is at Friars Crag, looking over Decent Water towards the wooded valley of Borrowdale. John Ruskin, the leading art critic of the 19th century, said Friars Crag is "one of the three or four most beautiful in Europe" and it's unchanged since his day - so make sure you visit this spot in Autumn

And finally - anywhere in the Lakes :-)

Autumn is a magical time of year and everywhere you look in the Lake District in Autumn you'll be rewarded with magnificent views, even just walking through a woodland. If you can pay the Lakes a visit at the end of October and beginning of November and you won't be disappointed

Happy Hiking!

Post by Stuart Hodgson
'The Hiking Photographer'

I share my adventures as I love the outdoors and it's spectacular natural landscapes. Being outside can also bring many benefits to us, including improvements to our physical & mental health and I want to help others reap these benefits too. I hope you enjoy the blog and it inspires you to plan a trip or two!

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