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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
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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Number of results: 468
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Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Ambleside
Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from - Beatrix Potter's Missing Paper - and - The Bridge House Mystery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your friends, family or colleagues to…
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
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.
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Ravenglass
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
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.
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
Hawkshead
The King's Arms is a traditional country inn serving delicious, locally sourced food alongside local ales, in the Lake District.
The Inn also has 8 individually decorated rooms all named after Kings of England.
Ambleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
Keswick
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through the stunning landscapes. Whether you're up for adventure or simply want to unwind, a canoe adventure offers the perfect chance to connect with the…
Grange-over-Sands
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from Cartmel and 2 miles from Lake Windermere. The property offers spectacular views over beautiful, tranquil gardens and the Cartmel Valley.
There are…
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
Ravenglass
Standing proudly in the center of the village of Ravenglass the Pennington Hotel has 22 well appointed and relaxing bedrooms, with quality bathrooms, smart TV’s, and comfy beds, all areas offer high speed internet which has been complete upscaled…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL