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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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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) plays the title role in Shakespeare's thrilling study of nationalism, war, and the psychology of power.
Fresh to the throne, King Henry V launches England into a bloody war with France. When his campaign encounters…
Newby Bridge
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in any wilderness environment. Immerse yourself in the challenge.
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Keswick
Threlkeld Plant Sale – Grown by local gardeners. Buy your annuals, perennials, vegetable seedlings, herbs, grasses, shrubs, house plants and more! All at bargain prices! Sunday 8th May, 10am to 4pm. FREE ENTRANCE! Coffee Shop serving refreshments…
Keswick
Threlkeld Village Hall is delighted to welcome back Morecambe Brass Band for the third time. In 2004 the band celebrated its centenary but then someone uncovered documents that suggested the band was already in existence in 1875! Over the years the…
Backbarrow, Newby Bridge
We're thrilled to be welcoming The Citroen Traction Avant Owners Club from around 10am onwards. Like all visiting clubs, the member's vehicles will be displayed in our outdoor exhibition area just outside the museum's main entrance.
The Traction…
Keswick
Following his 'Tent talk' at the Keswick Mountain Festival at 12pm, we're delighted to be screening Steve Wharton's documentary about renowned Maryport-born miner, rock climber and artist Bill Peascod (1920-1985). Steve will introduce and be…
Ferry Nab, WINDERMERE
The Lake District has some of the most photographed landscapes in the country, so it makes a natural setting to learn more about the techniques involved in creating stunning images of the great outdoors.
You will learn rules of composition, how to…
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.
Ambleside
Lakeland adventure that transforms into wellness.
Keswick
Lights on low, sound a bit quieter than usual, this is a screening for parents & babies, and/or accessible for those who might be a bit jigglier or noisier than your usual audience - it's a no tutting environment.
The newest adventure in the…
Keswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
Ambleside
Beautiful 19th Century Lakeland inn set in quiet balley with stunning scenery. Lovely rooms, excellent home cooked food and real ales.
Keswick
Taylor Gill Force is situated at Stockley Bridge, Seathwaite, on the path between Seathwaite and Sty Head, at the head of the beautiful Borrowdale Valley.
Kendal
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees clustered in small orchards close to white-washed farmhouses, broadleaved woodlands brimming with bluebells and peaceful green undulating pastures.
Keswick
Keswick Climbing Wall is now relocated to Goosewell Farm, Keswick; a stunning and beautiful location, easily accessed from Keswick and the A66 and right next door to Castlerigg Stone Circle.
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes the Lake District such a special place. One of the best examples of this type of landscape is the eastern shore of Ullswater. The craggy flanks of…
Compston Road, Ambleside
Global pop superstars, Little Mix, will broadcast the final concert of their huge Confetti Tour, from London's O2 on 14th May 2022. Late last year they announced they would be taking a break from the band to focus on solo projects, and this show…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL