Remote UK destination has amazing starry skies, great pubs and a pencil museum

28 May 2024 , 10:29

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The Lake District has been announced as the UK's best remote luxury destination (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The Lake District has been named the best remote luxury destination in the UK.

Known for its scenic landscapes filled with mountains and lakes, the Lake District in Cumbria offers the best remote luxury destination in Great Britain. With a population of just over 40,000 across the entire area, this National Park is for adventure-goers who wish to seek out the natural British landscape. There are over 32 highly rated walks over woods and waters to discover and 23 National Trust locations to see including Grasmere, Fell Foot and Wray Castle.

The Lake District also has more than 16 lakes, and features a stretch of coastline. Each lake has a wealth of activities on offer including boat hire, kayaking, fishing and even lake ecology lessons. For those who like to stargaze, locations such as Ennerdale, Wasdale, Grizedale Forest, Borrowdale Valley and The Langdale Valley, all offer great spots.

The third longest lake in the district, Coniston Water, sits below the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston and is approximately half a mile from the village. Coniston Boating Centre offers boat and bike hire, and the village offers a range of guest houses, B&Bs, holiday cottages and pubs. There is even a rebuilt Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola ran by The National Trust which journeys through the Coniston Fells.

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Lake District secured the top spot, known for its scenic landscapes and lakes (Getty Images)

Climbers can enjoy the highest point in England, Scafell Pike, which stands at 978m. A hike to the peak is not for the light-hearted, but does offer incredible views across the National Park, once at the summit.

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For those who aren't fond of hiking or cycling, there are multiple tours across the district via mini tour buses. One specific tour travels to Windermere for a half-day Beatrix Potter tour and experience. The town was home to the popular children's author in the early 1900s, and her cottage has been left as she would have known it. The tour also visits the nearby village of Hawkshead, where poet William Wordsworth attended school.

The National Park is also home to The Lakes Distillery, which produces gin, whiskey and vodka using local produce. Having opened in 2014, it is fast becoming a favourite attraction in Cumbria. Tours and tastings run daily and at the weekend you can also visit their resident alpacas.

Like quirky things? Then head to the Derwent Pencil Museum. While being home to one of the more mundane objects in life but one we all use at some point, the building sits in the shadow of the old Cumberland Pencils factory and is home the world's very first pencil! The museum also houses spy pencils from World War Two and an 8m colouring pencil — after visiting, you will definitely have a newfound love and appreciation of pencils.

When it comes to accommodation, it depends on where you stay in the district. One particularly special place to stay is The Tranquil Otter, which offers an array of log cabins that featured private hot tubs overlooking a nature reserve.

The Lake District featured as the number one remote luxury destination on Land Rover Defender's 'Defender Destination Index'. Results were found by analysing the number of five-star hotels, Michelin Guide restaurants, five-star golf clubs, exceptional spa and wellness centres, excellent hiking trails and National Trust locations in each area.

The index' top 20 locations are below:

1. Lake District

2. New Forest National Park

3. The Cotswolds

4. Peak District National Park