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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.

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On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20…
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child! (Adults go free!) Step into the magic of…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
Get in the festive spirit at Grizedale with our Christmas cinema! We'll be showing the Gruffalo's…
We're thrilled to welcome Helen Miller to The Swan on 27th December for a soulful evening of live…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey Step aboard our magical…
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
We will gather to honour the longest night and welcome the rebirth of the sun. Join in a…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.
Ambleside
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and E-Bike hire all year round. Our shop stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories and new and ex-hire bikes.
Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
Ravenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
Windermere
The Wild Boar is a special venue for any occasion, whether it be a romantic or adventurous break, family get-together, business meeting or as one of our very valued frequent diners.
Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Ambleside
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a fantastic collection of art & crafts by some amazing artists, many of them local to the area.
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Ullswater
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL