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A strong contender for the most beautiful lake in England is Ullswater, a glittering jewel between Pooley Bridge to the north and Glenridding to the south carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by some of the Lake District’s most eye-catching fells. In the 18th-century, the lake attracted artists and poets looking for creative inspiration – those same views are yours to enjoy, whether descending from the lofty heights of Kirkstone, climbing Hallin Fell on the eastern side or tagging the western edge to reach the stunning Aira Force waterfall.
The lake itself is a focal point of recreational activities, from sailing and boating to canoeing and windsurfing – and then there’s the pleasure of just cruising on the lake aboard an Ullswater steamer. For climbers, there’s the challenge of Helvellyn fell via Striding Edge, St Sunday Crag or the Fairfield Horseshoe.
The high ground around Ullswater is rich in prehistoric remains. Stone circles from the Neolithic period (2500-1500BC) have been found on Barton Fell (the so-called Cockpit), Moor Divock and Swarth Fell – the last of these made up of 65 stones of which only one remains upright. Several routes across the fells converge here, suggesting that this was an ancient trade route and settlement site.
The Romans also left their mark, building a paved route known as High Street to link their forts at Brougham (Brocavum) and Ambleside (Galava). There were ancient British settlements at Bannerdale and Deepdale near Glencoyne Farm and Hartsop Hall, while a fort atop Dunmallard Hill offers pretty stunning views of the lake below. There’s another fort 2 miles (3.2km) west of here at Maiden Castle. Collectively, all of these settlements and forts suggest that this was a pretty busy spot and that there was plenty of food to go around, including fish from the lake and deer and wild boar in the extensive woodlands.
Skip forward a thousand years or so and you might have seen William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy walking in the area: in April 1802 a profusion of daffodils at Gowbarrow Park inspired the poet to write one of the English language’s most famous poems.
This pastoral idyll was interrupted a few decades later by the establishment of the Greenside Lead Mine at Glenridding, which was open for 140 years and was one of the most profitable mines in all of northern England: more than 3 million tons of ore were extracted from this exceptionally rich lead vein before the mine finally closed in 1962. Huge spoil heaps overshadow a complex of mine buildings while, further down the valley, are the gaunt rows of slate terraced houses where the miners once lived. The Ullswater Steamers first began operating in 1859 – originally to bring food and provisions to the miners at Glenridding, but a ride on the lake soon became a popular tourist attraction.
Aira Force - Escape the ordinary at Aira Force. Let your imagination run wild as you weave your way through woodland glades from the waters edge to fell top. You'll find champion trees, cheeky red squirrels, waterfalls, perfect picnic spots, a café, pebble beaches, beautiful views and much more.
Glenridding - Glenridding can be found at the foot of the famous Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake and it is the main centre for the Ullswater area. The classic mountain Helvellyn at 3,116ft (950m) is a popular and high terrain walk that starts from the village.
Helvellyn - England's third highest peak at 3,120 ft, it is very popular with walkers all year round. 2 of the 3 approaches, Striding and Swirral edge have become something of a walkers trophy with high and difficult traversing required. Red Tarn is set in the mountain's basin.
Patterdale - This small village is based at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass and the first port of call for those approaching the Eden Valley from the South. Surrounded by dominant fells such as Place Fell and St. Sunday Crag, the little village is dwarfed by the mountains around it.
Pooley Bridge - This pretty little village situated at the Northern end of Ullswater is a great tourist hotspot. It is the Gateway to the magnificant Eden Valley if approaching from Penrith as you are greeted by sweeping views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn range at the southern tip of the lake.
Did you know?
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
A slight twist as we introduce a NEW foodie option in 2024. Our Pie, chips, and gravy evening…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
At the Ullswater caravan park, we specialise in a friendly welcome, practical family facilities and…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
Offering beautiful mountain views from a welcoming pub and a spectacular beer garden, this pub with…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including…
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip…
Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 87
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviewsPENRITH
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…
Penrith
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
Penrith
The Honeybee Pod is our new glamping pod, sleeping a max of 2 people and has a built-in double bed & sofa / chaise longue.
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip supper two-hour evening cruise with musical entertainment from Pete Lashley. Departs Glenridding pier at 7 pm, returning at 9pm.
Pooley Bridge
Friday night and it's time to welcome back Chestnut House on board a two-hour evening gin tasting cruise with entertainment provided by Fiona Hanlon. Dogs not permitted on this event.
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Penrith
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed with us from the old basic camping field to the state-of-the-art, sustainable glamping park we are now. In a nutshell, we offer quality glamping,…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1132 reviewsPenrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Penrith
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Penrith
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.
Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
LOVE the landscape. Capture the dawn and Autumn colours through the lens on board a 2/3-hour cruise. This is a unique and very special memory making experience for early bird enthusiasts plus it's a great opportunity to meet local photographers,…
Pooley Bridge
Our firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip supper two-hour evening cruise with musical entertainment from Pete Lashley. Departs Pooley Bridge pier at 7 pm, returning at 9pm.
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Dalemain, Penrith
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
PENRITH
Pay and display car park with 40 spaces.
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