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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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A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
Ambleside & District Choral Society present an evening with the three greatest composers of the…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared – learn…
Join us for a fun and relaxing day learning the art of mosaic. Create a colourful plaque, a trivet…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and…
As part of Windermere Science Festival enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
Start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk. 6.30am – 9.30am. Guided walk through Brantwood estate to…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Connect with other visitors and explore the space through their illustrations and ideas. Engage…
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout…
Our 2024 gala celebration will be taking place from Saturday 4th May - Monday 6th May, as we…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Coniston
• Sleeps 8
• 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
• Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and woodland
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Idyllic location close to village and lake
• Stunning interior which has been recently renovated to an exceptional…
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular, all-year round, activities. We’ve listened to guest feedback and put together a 2-hour activity that combines 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft experience.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
328 reviewsBorrowdale, 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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1707 reviewsPooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Grasmere
Warm and welcoming Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of Grasmere Village.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
502 reviewsEskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
Windermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
Ravenglass
Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL