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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 the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is…
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
Cumbria Local Arts Annual Exhibition. Over 500 pieces of work by 115 artist,all living within the…
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…
The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon A comic radio play presented live on stage. What is the mystery…
A performance of Faure's celebrated Requiem and the wonderfully uplifting Magnificat by John Rutter…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail…
Hop into Easter with a smile and a giggle. Follow the trail through the woods and parkland with…
Join in the fun this Easter Saturday As part of our 'Wrestle' exhibition Grizedale is hosting a…
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 5th April…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star,…
A guided creative writing workshop that explores the ways in which poetry can be used to advocate…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
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…
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere. The 17th Century former farm has 7 plush en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 2, 3, or 4 people each - it's the ideal Grasmere hotel for individuals, couples,…
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Hawkshead
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting three high ropes activities above the…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL