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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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Dive into nature and join us at the UK’s biggest open water swimming event. So what do you say -…
The Lakes Charity Classic Vehicle Show is an annual event for the whole family in the English Lake…
End to end swim of Coniston Water - 5.25 mile fully supported open water swim.
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Join us in the Garden-Orchard, described by William Wordsworth as 'the loveliest spot that man hath…
Join nature expert, Gemma and local photographer, Ginny Koppenhol for a half day nature experience…
Raku is a really amazing process that includes firing your own pots outside in a custom made 'open'…
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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 488
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Coniston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building has undergone an exciting restoration to create a stunning pub with rooms. Open all day, every day for food, drinks and rooms.
Near Hawkshead
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking an outdoor experience. We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and…
Hawkshead
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale Forest packs a punch with both action and adventure. Explore the forest on two wheels with our all-terrain Segways or test your nerve amongst the trees…
Cumbria
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
Millom
Horse and Husky primarily rescues and rehabilitates huskies. Some of the huskies are perhaps more suited to a working lifestyle over a domestic one, these are the dogs that are with us to stay and do our Dry-Land-Mushing experiences. We offer a…
Ambleside
Originally build circa 1650. Modernised and extended in 2004. Situated by the side of Rydal Beck with outdoor tables.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Ambleside
Sitting right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, The Wateredge Inn is the perfect location to eat, drink, sleep and explore from with unrivalled views across Windermere.
Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Penrith
Askham Hall's beautifully remodelled dining area is made up of three exquisite rooms and overseen by renowned head chef Richard Swale.
Ambleside
Restaurant located in the former work place of William Wordsworth, serving food inspired by Cumbria, specialising in Cumbrian sourced produce.
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.
Windermere
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and fascinating Lake District stories. Daily guided tours for scenery, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and out to Haworth and the Brontë sisters.
Pooley Bridge
At Alfresco Adventures we offer a plethora of exlcusive outdoor adventure experiences across the Lake District for group of four upwards which are led by our friendly and expereinced staff team. We also offer canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board…
Ambleside
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is currently CLOSED for the rest of the year due to urgent maintenance and restoration works. This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband, now houses an annually…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Unconventional Japanese Robata cooking with Korean flavours and Pacific Rim influences. Baha is the perfect destination to enjoy a unique food experience in a fun and playful surrounding. Also available our extraordinary Sunday Lunch and Luxury…
Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Pooley Bridge, PENRITH
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on beautiful Ullswater from March until November with something for everyone, young and old, novices or experienced sailors.
Grasmere
This delightful traditional 2-bedroom Lakeland cottage is idyllically situated in a quiet, elevated and secluded rural position above Grasmere next to Little White Moss Tarn a short walk from Dove Cottage.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL