The Telegraph recently declared that now is the 'perfect time' to visit the Lake District, and we agree.

While Cumbria's crown jewel is never empty of visitors, in autumn there are certainly fewer, which means fewer people to dodge.

Some of the fell-tops may be dusted with snow, too - if lucky. Yes, it often rains, but that can lend a romantic mistiness.

So, need an excuse to visit the Lake District this autumn? Here is everything The Telegraph had to say:

See their full review here.

'Why now is the time to visit the Lake District'

1. Autumnal scenery

"It’s like a model that doesn’t have a bad side; everywhere seems to fix you with a come-hither look from burnished bracken to trees that spin through the colour palette from acid yellow and honey-gold to copper and hot-pepper red."

2. Exceptional dining  

"Food is increasingly a reason to visit the Lakes at any time of year with its flush of Michelin-starred restaurants and rich offering of gastropubs and bistros. Come autumn, their kitchens make the most of local produce."

3. Exhilarating walks

"Walking in the Lake District on a cold autumn day gives an unbeatable buzz of endorphins – yes, even when it’s raining. The bonus is that there are fewer people on the fells clogging up the routes."

4. Cosy pubs

"After your walk the only sensible thing to do is head to the pub which, preferably, has a blazing fire. The legendary Wasdale Head Inn is an obvious choice if you’ve been tackling some of the heavyweights – including Scafell Pike and Great Gable – from Wasdale."

5. Fewer crowds

"Always been put off by the crowds at the area’s popular attractions? Now is the time to visit".

6. Accommodation for less

"Autumn is when you can pick up tempting offers from hotels and inns keen to attract guests after the summer crowds have disappeared. The quality, the service, the views remain the same, they just cost less."

7. Wild swimming

"Wild swimming takes on a fresh appeal in autumn. Not only are many lakes fringed by autumnal-coloured trees but, as water takes longer to heat up (and cool down) than land, lakes are often at their warmest by the end of the summer."

8. Spot the stars

"Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (25 October-24 November) offers intriguing ways to embrace the magic of the night skies, from an 'auditory' forest walk – listen out for owls – with hot drinks and marshmallows, to a night-time run and yoga session. There are also night-time walks and 'have a go' sessions with keen astronomers."

9. Festival time

"Festivals are not only for the summer. And Kendal Mountain Festival (21-24 November) is about more than mountains, offering music, films, activities and talk shows, all with an undercurrent of the big outdoors."

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10. Autumn magic

"If you’re quick, you can witness the extraordinary spectacle of the deer rutting season when stags let out their haunting bellows and grunts, and engage in antler jousting to show who’s top stag.

"Red deer might also be seen around Haweswater where autumn is also a good time to spot buzzards and peregrines."

11. Creative pursuits

"Autumn would be a good time to unleash your inner craftiness and hand-make some one-off gifts."