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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
Move from 'How do I find the words', to feeling the satisfaction of engaging in a creative process…
To complement our newest exhibition, An A-Z of Beatrix Potter, we are excited to run our new…
"They come back with the fire tender - all the way from Kendal to Troutbeck Bridge" Life in the…
Mark, once half of legendary radio double-act Mark and Lard, has been on the national airwaves…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
Enjoy an afternoon of poetry and live music at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, near…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Get ready for a huge night of stadium-sized rock at The Royalty! Two powerhouse tributes: EMUS &…
PENN & TELLER: FOOL US WINNER OVER 100 MILLION ONLINE VIEWS BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT – 4 YESES & A…
Welcome to the farm. In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Join Joanne Coates for a walk and talk discussing her Daughters of the Soil work — how farming,…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Join actor, writer, presenter and poet Larry Lamb for an intimate and entertaining evening as he…
How on earth have we all survived the past decade of modern living without Victoria Wood and her…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Looking for unique things to do in the Lake District this October? Back by popular demand, Go Ape…
The Nikki Iles Band is Nikki Iles piano, Mike Walker Guitar, Caroline Bowden drums and Gary Culshaw…
Saturday – Sprint races held on the River Leven at the Swan Hotel Marina – On the water 10-12.30…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Swim and run through some of the Lake District's most iconic and varied terrain. Athletes traverse…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Windermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland village of Cartmel - foodie heaven! Known for Horse Racing, Michelin Star restaurants and its famous Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Portinscale
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the north side of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. Enjoy breathtaking views across the lake and surrounding fells from the light-filled open-plan…
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
The Bridge, Coniston
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston. Close to spectacular walking, the lake and with a beautiful, enclosed garden it really is the perfect base for any Lake District holiday.
Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
Windermere
If you can’t decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don’t, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
Portinscale
Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with spectacular views of the surrounding fells, with the lake, playground, and squirrel hide just a short stroll away, it is perfectly placed for guests…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Keswick
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience the great outdoors at Parkgate Farm, offering a variety of 9 large camping pitches (5 with electric hook-up, and 4 without) and one camping pod. Take advantage of the amenities including family shower rooms, separate toilets, washing-up…
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL