You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
Get your hands dirty and discover the joy of gardening! Join us in Muncaster's new Community…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK,…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
An evening of Folk Music performed by Chloe Pinney. It follows the of the Cumbrian Coastline where…
Join local musician Tom Salmon and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with fantastic music, great food &…
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s…
Now one of the most popular traditional events in the English Lake District, participants compete…
A spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage. Discover the origins of modern…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
3pm. The Playground Lawn, Muncaster. Suitable for ages 5+ Firebird is a collection of famously…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring…
Come and learn about bees! In advance of our Bee Hotel making workshop later in the month, Local…
Sleuth your way through the forest and use clues to help you identify all the wonderful creatures…
Flying Displays by the replica Waterbird, the original of which first flew at the lake on 25…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Discover 200 years of Rock Climbing history, from the earliest scrambles to the modern sport we…
You may have walked the narrow pavements of Ambleside, exploring the various cafes, gift outlets…
Organised in collaboration with the brilliant Soundwave, the Magic Carpet Sessions: On Tour brings…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 470
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Penrith
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
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.
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Ambleside
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world class scenery coming as standard. We know loads of great routes throughout the district and to suit all abilities and expectations. This makes us well…
Penrith
Mosedale End Farm Bed & Breakfast offers you a true rural escape — spacious, quiet and surrounded by nature. Wake to sweeping views of Lakeland fells as you enjoy a leisurely start to your day because you can enjoy breakfast whenever you choose.
Great Langdale
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the Olympic Games. Langdale, close to Ambleside and Windermere is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing. Not far from here…
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere. The 17th Century former farm has 7 plush en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 2, 3, or 4 people each - it's the ideal Grasmere hotel for individuals, couples,…
Grange, Keswick
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells. Our menus celebrate the Lake District's glorious food heritage - contemporary, country house cooking with a lightness of touch that is wonderfully…
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
Patterdale, Ullswater
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed retreats for anyone looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life. With carefully considered interiors which embrace a strong local connection,…
Windermere
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.
Penrith
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute walk from Askham Hall. Part of the esteemed Askham Collection, The Queen’s Head is a cosy 17th century village pub with bedrooms ideally located in…
Ullswater
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable French oak cladding. The double-braced huts have stargazing roofs, free-standing baths, and a lounge area with a log burner.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Portinscale
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm Estate, offering comfort, privacy, and plenty of room to unwind. Designed with togetherness in mind, The Lodge is perfect for large families or groups of…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL