From Cornwall to Edinburgh and the Cotswolds, the UK certainly isn’t short of picturesque locations.
But there are a few spots dotted around that are so beautiful, even Brits struggle to believe they actually exist in this country.
One such place that’s been hailed as ‘breathtaking’, ‘magical’, and ‘heavenly’ by those who’ve been there is Buttermere in the Lake District.
Buttermere Lake, and the nearby Buttermere village, have captured people’s attention on social media of late, as people think the area ‘looks straight out of a movie’ and just ‘like a painting’.
And they’re not wrong, get an eyeful of that…
Located in the Cumbria district, Buttermere village is oh so tiny, made up of just a few farms, houses, a church, two hotels (The Bridge Hotel and Buttermere Court Hotel) and a youth hostel.
It’s an isolated spot, nestled between two impressive lakes – Crummock Water and Buttermere.
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And it’s the latter that’s the star of the show here, with Buttermere Lake often said to offer one of the ‘best’ walks in the UK.
The lake is surrounded by dramatic mountains and peaks, and you can walk all the way around the water in a circular route.
It’s described as a ‘relatively easy’ walk, which takes between two and three hours to complete and has a great ‘reward for effort’ ratio, according to The National Trust.
For those interested in taking on the route, they add: ‘The lakeshore path circles the lake for 4.5 miles (7km) with one very short stretch on the road and one “rock step” (short scramble) where you may have to use your hands.’
The only other thing to note is that part of the footpath closes each year between April and June to provide a sanctuary for nesting sandpipers.
How to get to Buttermere
The easiest way to get from London to Buttermere is to drive; however, if this isn’t an option, you’ll have to take a train from King’s Cross or Euston to Penrith. Prices for this journey start from £23.50 on Trainline.
From Penrith, it’s about an hour by car to Buttermere. Those who need to rely on public transport would have to get a bus from Penrith to Keswick, then change and get one of the Honister Rambler 77 or 77A services by Stagecoach to Buttermere.
However, you’d have to plan this trip carefully, as this bus service only operates between Easter and October. It’s a great scenic bus route, though, as you’ll also be able to enjoy locations such as Seatoller, Whinlatter Forest and Catbells.
What to do in Buttermere
If you’re heading to Buttermere, or really any part of the Lake District, you’re going to want to get outside and enjoy being in nature – so pack your hiking boots!
The walk around Buttermere Lake is the real highlight here, as it has ‘one of the best views in Britain’, according to holiday home company, Sally’s Cottages.
And if you needed any further convincing, on TikTok, people have claimed it’s so stunning that you’ll forget you’re in the UK. Izzy Collingridge shared snaps of the scenery, claiming it ‘doesn’t feel real’, while @rebecca.photography hailed it as ‘absolutely breathtaking’.
Similarly, @hattooist_ said: ‘How is this even real, mad beautiful.’
And @shireseekers wrote: ‘It’s honestly just unreal how beautiful the Lake District is.’
@starseed888: ‘Literally thought this was another dreamy Canadian post, but wow, it’s in the UK. Must go!’
‘I always forget how beautiful parts of the UK actually are,’ added @matts.deals1.
Along the way, you might also get lucky and spot some Highland Cows, as these cute creatures are known to graze along the path.
Once you’re done walking around Buttermere Lake, you could always continue around nearby Crummock Water. On the eastern side, you’ll pass through hills and woodlands and enjoy more gorgeous views.
Between the two lakes, in Mid-May, you’ll also be able to enjoy Rannerdale Bluebells, which is a dense carpet of the deep violet-coloured flowers.
If walking isn’t for you, you could always cycle the route, go on a boat ride across the lake, or go in search of the Buttermere Infinity Pools, where you can enjoy a spot of wild swimming in crystal clear waters with an unforgettable view over the valley.
There’s not a lot to do in Buttermere village itself except sleep and eat, but you could check out St James’ Church, which was built on a rocky knoll in 1840 at the entrance of the village.
When you get peckish, head to Skye Farm Tearoom for cake, pie or some ice cream, or there’s the Croft House Farm Cafe that’s serving up soup, paninis, jacket potatoes and more.
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