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England’s best-known and most popular national park is a postcard landscape of shimmering lakes, craggy hilltops and ancient forests that has enchanted poets and painters since the late 18th century, when the Romantics first had their imaginations stirred by the panoramas that have remained unchanged to this day.
And what panoramas they are. There’s the classic Lakeland setting of Windermere, England’s largest lake and the primary destination for millions of tourists since the railroad was first built in the middle of the 19th century. On it is busy Bowness and the charming villages of Grasmere and Hawkshead, surrounded on all sides by beautiful mountains.
The north lakes – Ullswater, Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Loweswater – are quieter and wilder, in the shadow of the rugged Skiddaw range and with handsome Keswick at the heart of it. The lush Borrowdale Valley leads to the dramatic Honister mountain pass and into the natural lakes of Buttermere & Crummock.
Adventure seekers go west, to the higher ground of Great Langdale and the region’s major summits of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the biggest mountain of all, Scafell Pike.
The Lake District is an outdoor activities paradise, but its literary connections draw as many visitors as its walks do. William Wordsworth lived virtually all of his life here, drawing inspiration from the surrounding countryside to write some of the English language’s most enduring poetry. The landscape also proved a creative spark for the likes of Sameul Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter – who dedicated much of her life to protecting the Lake District’s beauty and heritage.
In all its beauty and diversity the Lake District remains as it has been for millennia, which is one of the reasons why in 2017 the national park was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site – its river valleys, lakes and mountains home to an unique hill-farming culture and ancient heritage that has been carefully preserved. Here in the Lake District we know how to take good care of you; we’ve had plenty of practice.
Explore
If you fancy a challenge, why not Canoe the length of Windermere with us? We do this over 2 days…
Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own timeless round basket with a handle. A course for…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast…
As part of Windermere Science Festival enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and…
An outdoor exhibition based on the award-winning book, Forty Farms by Lakeland Photographer of the…
On the 31st May we're looking forward to welcoming Rambling Rob Young – A singer-songwriter…
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and…
Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
We'll be hosting the wonderful Chuck Fish on the 17th of May. Hailing from Washington State, Chuck…
Ambleside Roman Fort is set in one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in Britain and yet two…
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and…
Broadoaks is the fairytale Lake District wedding venue to host your special day. Steeped in…
On 14 December 2017, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, affectionately dubbed 'O2', set off in the world's…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience. Our bushcraft experiences are relaxed, fun and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
331 reviewsWindermere
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
Ambleside
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and our menus feature the finest fresh produce from the region.
Ullswater
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including an incredible spiral stair case, bespoke furnishings and living room with woodburner and fabulous views. The perfect romantic retreat.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
Keswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
441 reviewsGraythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and kayak hire. Journeying…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
331 reviewsConiston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsPenrith
A stunning grade I listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique & contemporary stylish retreat. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home awaits.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
218 reviewsSeascale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can help you plan the perfect route to the summit based on where you’re staying and your previous experience.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Seascale
A small family-run boutique bed & breakfast in an enviable location. Superb views and a great base from which to explore the quieter part of the Lake District - its mountains, valleys & coastline.
Our contemporary interiors are designed to offer…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
272 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL