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Welcome to the Lake District – where modern tourism was born. 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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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature, without sacrificing on those all-important home comforts.
Windermere
Set in its own secluded, twenty-acre estate of beautiful landscaped gardens, woodland and meadow, and with stunning views overlooking Lake Windermere, it’s hard to resist a relaxing Lake District break at Merewood.
The pretty, narrow cobbled streets, squares, courtyards and whitewashed cottages of Hawkshead make for an idyllic Lakeland setting.
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the Lake District, boasting excellent pike and trout.
Windermere
The laid-back ‘Gilpin Spice’ has an open kitchen serving tapas-style pan-Asian dishes inspired by countries along the spice trail – spanning the Philippines, the Indian sub-continent, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and China.
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Windermere
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, the Lake District's first resort on Lake Windermere.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park...
Nr Ulverston
Forest Being: Being in the Forest.
A one off session working with the practice of Shinrin Yoku and additional elements to facilitate a deep connection with the Land and yourSelf.
A practice that creates inner calm, peace, feeling centred, grounded…
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Day two, in keeping with the more mountainous surroundings of Great Langdale, tackles the main bulk of the ridge all the way up to Blea Rigg. The towering rock face of Pavey Ark can be seen from the route as it reaches its high point. Its buttresses…
Keswick
Luxury country house with superb views. Excellent walking area 15 minutes from Keswick. Five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, large lounge, open fire, garden room, large kitchen/dining room, utility, CH, double-glazing and cycle storage.
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.
Ambleside
Waterhead is the Lake District's only 4-star town house hotel situated in Waterhead Bay, on lake Windermere. It cleverly combines traditional Lakeland elegance with the comfort and luxury of a contemporary town house hotel.
Penrith
The long haul in the afternoon between lunch and supper can now be bridged in considerable style within the lovely setting of the Sculpture Gallery at Lowther Castle. Delicious loose leaf teas, English sparkling wines, cakes, tarts, pastries,…
Clappersgate
A beautiful 18th Century cottage packed with character and charm, just a short stroll from neighbouring Ambleside.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Cumbria
Three main routes follow the River Esk along Eskdale to its mouth at Ravenglass. These are a road, a narrow gauge railway (Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway) and, of most interest to mountain bikers, a bridleway. The bridleway starts at Whahouse Bridge…
Seascale
Where better to experience and enjoy kayaking for the first time than in the Lake District. Our instructors will coach you through all aspects of operating safely whilst journeying on open water. During your experience we will provide you with the…
Keswick
Situated just two minutes' walk from the market square at the heart of the popular town of Keswick, Lillibet Cottage is a delightful and somewhat quirky cottage that has been finished in contemporary manner to offer quality accommodation in
Cumbria
Romantic waterfalls and intimate woodland followed by a crossing of the high and lonely Armboth Fells gives this final day of the walk a more subtle feel. It is a day to explore, to peek over walls and seek out hidden views. It is also a day to…
Situated on the shores of lake Windermere, the bustling town of Bowness offers a great variety of visitor attractions, accommodation and shops.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL