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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 Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Our Summer Sizzler will serve up the very best of summer grub, all while you relax by the shores of…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
With 4 race options and 3 distances in each to choose from, the event is ideal for both novice and…
Join us in the Café for a writing workshop themed around weeds and wildflowers. Led by poet Jessica…
BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
The Windermere Record Fair SUNDAY 26th July 2026 Marchesi Centre Holly Road Windermere LA23…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
If you love walking or hiking and taking in spectacular scenery, and want to help support…
As seen on Britains got talent.. Got the blues? Well, step right up, because The Jive Aces are…
Come and make a print to take home at one of our drop-in printmaking sessions. Bring your lunch and…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
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…
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
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…
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Grange-over-Sands
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering apartment. Located in its own private building, the property sits in our orchard and features a private patio, compact kitchen, spacious bathroom with…
Ambleside
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal. The Waterhead Inn offers just that! With delicious Cumbrian classics as well as exciting culinary twists served all day every day, there is something…
Cockermouth
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'. The cottages have used green design and technologies with ground and air source heat pumps to power the under-floor heating beneath the…
Troutbeck
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light pollution. Perfect for those wishing to experience a short break under Dark Skies and when conditions allow, a stunning Star Gazing experience.
Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Penrith
With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this historic house, Askham Hall is somewhere you can kick off your wellies at the front door and relax in down to earth, comfortable surroundings.
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Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Ambleside
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in individually designed bedrooms. Experience the epitome of luxury with modern bathrooms, plush dressing gowns, and premium amenities.
Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
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…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL