We are hoping to return to the Lake District in 2026 and would like to avoid the busiest times if we possibly can. I assume that these busiest times would include school holidays but I can't seem to find reliable information about when these are. I'd value any advice about key times to avoid between mid April and the end of May (or, put a bit more positively, the best times to visit the Lake District between these times). We are primarily interested in walking (hiking).

As long as you avoid the first and last weekends of the month I'd probably choose May. The first and last weekends are Bank Holidays and the Lakes will be jammed. But mid month there will be almost no crowds

Easter 2026 is 3rd April (Good Friday) to 6th April (Easter Monday). The two Bank Holiday weekends in May are the 4th and the 25th. If you avoid the two weekends with these dates you should be fine.

Thank you both very much!

We walked through the Lake District in May, 2023. Other than a brief shower, we hiked in good weather. I appreciate that this has no value in predicting what you will encounter, but just take it as an encouraging data point. We walked for days and met few people on the trails. Our itinerary included a May weekend in Keswick, and while there were many more people about, it certainly wasn't rammed.

I think you will be delighted with the walking in the Lake District. There are easy trails (Rosthwaite to Keswick, for example), and challenging hills (Stake Pass comes to mind). Many trailheads can be reached by bus or taxi.

Just to give you a taste of what you might see, here is our trip report, including photos. The Lake District starts as the Cumbria Way, post 11:

Better Lost Than Duffers: Walking Offa's Dyke Path and the Cumbria Way

Thank you very much, AnselmAdorne! My apologies for not replying earlier, but I do really appreciate the advice and the trip report.