You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own timeless round basket with a handle. A course for…
Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared – learn…
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and…
Our 2024 gala celebration will be taking place from Saturday 4th May - Monday 6th May, as we…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
If you don't quite fancy being an early bird for Dawn Chorus Day, then experience the magic of…
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…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
Enjoy a STEAM-filled weekend brimming with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and events for…
Join nature expert, Gemma and local photographer, Ginny Koppenhol for a nature experience with a…
Transform and recycle subtle coloured pieces of sea glass into jewellery that is perfect for summer…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Connect with other visitors and explore the space through their illustrations and ideas. Engage…
Journey into acrylics with this serene scene – a swan gracefully adrift on a tranquil autumn lake.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from…
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 490
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Ambleside
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer abseiling throughout the Lake District, all venues are stunningly beautiful and offer different abseil lengths so we can pick a venue to suit you best.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1029 reviewsWindermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers an à la carte menu that changes with the seasons. Our team of Chefs, led by Head Chef Paul Nicholson, aim not at complexity but at enhancing natural flavours to the point of perfection.
Penrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
Windermere
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
563 reviewsEskdale Valley, Boot
Experience the exhilaration of this wet and wild adventure in the remote Western Lake District. Ghyll Scrambling (or gorge walking) will see you climbing up waterfalls, jumping into pools and exploring caves.
Ambleside
Our traditional Lakeland property welcomes groups of up to 16 in the main house and four in the adjoining apartment. Nestled in the heart of Ambleside in a quiet location, we offer stunning Fell views, as well as private parking. Packed with…
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.
Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, in mature gardens, yet only 300 metres from the promenade, steamer piers and bustling village centre of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Hesket Newmarket, Near Caldbeck
A superb luxury self-catering cottage in the peaceful village of Hesket Newmarket, 200 metres from the village pub and restaurant. A spa bath and log burner are two of the world-class luxuries available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
105 reviewsUllswater
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large double bedroom and twin bedroom look out onto floor-to-ceiling views across the grounds to the lake and fells beyond.
Accessible Canoeing in the Lake District - Open to everyone - A Full Day with lunch.
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea…
Windermere
England's Small Hotel of the Year, family owned and run since 1988, is a member of Relais & Chateaux. There are no weddings, conferences or children under 7 to disturb the peace, just warm smiles and unpretentious service.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2183 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsAmbleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL