Ennerdale (top right photos) is one of England's wildest valleys. It is one of the most remote lakes, offering a place to escape even in the high season. Yet it is only a 20 minute drive from a variety of towns and areas, some of which are listed below. Ennerdale lake is a deep glacial lake, 2.5 miles long, ¾ mile wide and 148 deep. The water is exceptionally clear and contains a variety of fish. It is the only lake that does not have a road running alongside it. Around Ennerdale, there are plenty of activities:

• Walks - from gentle strolls to energetic mountain hikes
• Rock climbing
• Mountain biking in Ennerdale Forest
• Fishing in the lake (permit required)
• Pony trekking
• Quad biking

The nearest village, Ennerdale Bridge, has a Post Office and General Store, a church and two public houses (both serving good food and a variety of beers, including real ale).

Nearby Cockermouth is perhaps best known as the birthplace of William Wordsworth, one of the most famous poets England has produced. At Cockermouth you can visit:

• Wordsworth House (pictured centre right) - birthplace of William Wordsworth
• The ruins of Cockermouth Castle - built in the 13th Century and destroyed by Robert the Bruce
• Jennings Brewery - fine ales and stout and brewery tour
• Museums including the Mineral Museum, the Toy and Model Museum and the Museum of Printing
• Sheep and Wool Centre - with it's live sheep show
• Sports centre and swimming pool, Golf course
• The Kirkgate Centre showing non-blockbuster films
• Pubs, Restaurants, cafes, shops, supermarket

In another direction, the harbour town of Whitehaven was one of the first planned towns in England. The Georgian town was based on the grid design of Sir Christopher Wren and built by the Lowther family (with around 250 listed buildings). In the mid 18th Century, Whitehaven was a larger port than Liverpool, being the third largest in Britain and exporting coal and tobacco to America, and importing rum and sugar from the West Indies. Whitehaven offers the following:

• Strolls around the pleasant and extensive harbour
• The Rum Story Museum - the Dark Spirit of Whitehaven
• The Beacon - award winning attraction where the history of John Paul Jones & the last attempt to invade the English mainland during the American War of Independence is brought to life.
• Haig Pit mining museum
• Visit the 40m Crow's Nest on the harbour
• The Park - for those who like dancing the night away

The historic village of St Bees is also close at hand with a long pebble and sand beach and its famous cliffs with thousands of nesting sea birds.

Ennerdale is also an ideal starting point to visit much of the rest of the Lake District and surrounding area. We provide leaflets in the house to help you get the most from your holiday.

View the links page for a list of activity websites