Best attractions and places to see around Patterdale, a village in the Ullswater Valley of the eastern Lake District, offers a range of natural features and historic sites. The area is known for its access to prominent fells and its proximity to Ullswater Lake. It serves as a base for exploring the national park's landscape, providing a quieter alternative to busier towns.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Highlight • Cave
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Helm Crag summit is quite a unique Wainwright top. It forms the southeastern section of a nice rambling ridge that includes a trio of Wainwrights, including Calf Crag and Gibson Knott. Whilst not very high, it has a dramatic rocky summit area known as 'The Lion and the Lamb' and a slabbed shark-fin slab of rock called 'The Howitzer', which is the true summit of Helm Crag. The Howitzer can be a real scrambling test, but it is not for the faint-hearted. There are fantastic views to be had from here looking down over Grasmere village and lake.
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Take your time visiting Rydal Cave. It is a large cave on the north side of Loughrigg Fell, above Rydal Water. This cave is actually man-made, as a result of slate mining. Take the stepping stones through the shallow water at the entrance to the drier part of the cave. A torch is not really necessary.
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Tough ascent on loose shale under trees. Would be tricky in the wet.
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Lovely walk, not too long from ambleside and short from loughrigg tarn
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Patterdale is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You can ascend Helvellyn Summit, England's third-highest mountain, known for its challenging Striding Edge route and panoramic views. Another prominent fell is Loughrigg Fell summit, offering unrivaled panoramas despite not being the tallest. Ullswater Lake is easily accessible for activities like walking, kayaking, or scenic cruises. You can also visit Rydal Cave, a man-made cave with stepping stones through shallow water at its entrance.
While Patterdale is primarily known for its natural beauty, you can visit St. Patrick's Church, a historic local church featuring stained glass windows and a peaceful churchyard. It's reputed to be the first church in England lit by electricity. Patterdale Hall, originally the home of the Mounsey family, is another notable historic building, now an outdoor education center.
Patterdale is a renowned hub for fell walking. You can tackle the iconic Helvellyn Summit via Striding Edge for a thrilling experience. For extensive views, consider Wansfell Pike summit or Loughrigg Fell summit. There are also many routes leading to peaks in the Helvellyn range, Fairfield, St Sunday Crag, and Red Screes. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Patterdale guide.
Yes, Patterdale offers several family-friendly options. Rydal Cave is an accessible and interesting spot for families, with stepping stones at its entrance. Gentle lakeside walks along Ullswater are also suitable for all ages. For an easy ascent with rewarding views, Orrest Head is a great choice, offering panoramic views of Windermere.
Beyond hiking, Ullswater Lake provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic cruises aboard the Ullswater Steamers. The region is also popular for running, with various running trails around Patterdale, and road cycling, with road cycling routes around Patterdale that offer scenic rides.
The Lake District, including Patterdale, is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, ideal for hiking and exploring. Summer is popular but can be crowded. Winter provides a different, often dramatic, landscape, but requires appropriate gear and experience for fell walking due to potentially challenging weather conditions.
Absolutely. Loughrigg Fell summit provides an unrivaled panorama due to its prominent position at the junction of five major valley systems, and it's considered an intermediate climb. Orrest Head is another excellent option, offering sublime views of the Lakeland skyline and Windermere for relatively little effort, making it very accessible.
Visitors frequently praise the magnificent views from summits like Helvellyn and Wansfell Pike, often describing them as 'staggering' and 'worthwhile'. The unique experience of Rydal Cave, with its stepping stones, is also a highlight. The overall appeal lies in the combination of challenging fell walks, accessible natural beauty, and the tranquil, remote feel of the area.
Yes, Patterdale is an ideal base for exploring the eastern Lake District. Its location in the Ullswater Valley provides easy access to Ullswater Lake and serves as a starting point for ascents of Helvellyn and other prominent fells. It also offers a quieter experience compared to some of the more bustling Lake District towns, allowing for immersion in nature.
Yes, Patterdale offers several easy walking trails. You can enjoy gentle lakeside walks along Ullswater. The ascent to Orrest Head is considered an easy walk with a rewarding view. Additionally, the easy hikes around Patterdale guide includes routes like the Lanty's Tarn & Grisedale Beck loop and the Brothers Water loop, which are suitable for less strenuous outings.
Yes, running enthusiasts will find a variety of routes. The running trails around Patterdale guide features options ranging from moderate to difficult, including the Ullswater eastern shore loop and the challenging Helvellyn via Striding Edge & St Sunday Crag loop for experienced runners.


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