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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
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
This is a memory. It's also a story. The story of a girl called Laura. Surrounded by golden fields…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes,…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Celebrate 50 Years of Northern Rock May 2nd – 4th, 2026 Join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway…
Experience the magic of nature's music festival on this exclusive event, and be immersed in the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
One of the UK's most revered and gruelling cycling sportives. Known as "The Daddy of them all" by…
String Zoo are a violin and guitar-based duo, who play in the tradition of Stephane Grappelli and…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria,…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 8th May for an evening of live…
Start the day strolling through the pretty woodland surrounding Aira Beck as we admire the…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 15th May for an evening of live…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
Portinscale
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm Estate, offering comfort, privacy, and plenty of room to unwind. Designed with togetherness in mind, The Lodge is perfect for large families or groups of…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Bampton, Haweswater
A rugged Lake District landscape where nature restoration works alongside hill farming, to benefit wildlife, water and people.
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike Safaris. Experience cycling through the Cumbrian countryside, visiting all the attractions and having the comfort of the electric assistance.
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.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
Coniston
Situated in a stunning location next to mountains & waterfalls, the Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges have been hand-crafted to each accommodate 2 guests and feature king-size beds, kitchens, private shower rooms & enclosed gardens.
Nether Wasdale, Wasdale
Situated in arguably the most beautiful valley of Wasdale in the Lake District on the banks of the river Irt, is The Sawmill Café and Farm Shop. The perfect place to relax, restore and indulge, we offer a delicious locally sourced menu to satisfy…
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…
Ullswater
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct?
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 700 dog-friendly cottages.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
Elterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL