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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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Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
This informal panel discussion will explore and celebrate the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Go Ape Grizedale is reopening its three sites for Easter and beyond. Come on down for fun for all…
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District. If you have never looked at…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail…
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 5th April for an evening of live…
Step into a world of glamour, espionage, and intrigue at this unforgettable James Bond–themed…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
This is a memory. It's also a story. The story of a girl called Laura. Surrounded by golden fields…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 5th April…
DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF BOWNESSIE ✨ This Easter, step into the legend of Lake Windermere with…
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star,…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon A comic radio play presented live on stage. What is the mystery…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
Penrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
Ambleside
A warm welcome awaits you at Rothay Garth B&B. Perfectly situated in the heart of Ambleside, guests can enjoy wonderful mountain views, easy access to Lake Windermere, and a variety of charming shops, bars and restaurants just a stone’s throw away.
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
Portinscale
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated luxury. Once the private rooms of Lord Rochdale, the impressive main living space is now beautifully arranged in an open-plan design, incorporating a…
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
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
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…
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
Seascale
This two bedroom self catering holiday home located in the western Lake District is full of character, making it a perfect holiday home for families, couples and friends alike, with all amenities located on your doorstep.
Penrith
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Grasmere
Hang out amid the beauty of the grounds at the Rothay Garden Restaurant & Bar, winner of two coveted AA Rosettes. Think comforting Sunday lunches, afternoon tea, breakfast, dinner and late night drinks, amid the majestic fells and valleys of…
Ambleside
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping into crystal clear pools of deep water, sliding into pools, wild swimming, and scrambling - all in the most beautiful of settings.
Ambleside
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a relaxing stay after days exploring the Lake District with private riverbank views.
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL