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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
Hop into Easter with a smile and a giggle. Follow the trail through the woods and parkland with…
Go Ape Grizedale is reopening its three sites for Easter and beyond. Come on down for fun for all…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Celebrate 50 Years of Northern Rock May 2nd – 4th, 2026 Join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway…
In April, the earth begins to sing again. As Earth Day draws near, this Quiet Day offers space to…
Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria,…
A performance of Faure's celebrated Requiem and the wonderfully uplifting Magnificat by John Rutter…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
Easter Little Engineers' Days at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Bring curious minds, creative…
Experience the magic of nature's music festival on this exclusive event, and be immersed in the…
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 5th April…
The main writing theme for the weekend is centred around what it looks like to walk with Jesus.…
A guided creative writing workshop that explores the ways in which poetry can be used to advocate…
Join me - local guide Emma Seery - and some fellow explorers, for a group walk in the beautiful…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 5th April for an evening of live…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
53k and 23k trail running races.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Ambleside
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and has a character befitting that long-standing heritage. Offering 29 comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities, if…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while leaving ensuring it’s equipped to host a modern, 21st century get together for up to 36 people. Located in Fallbarrow Holiday Park, relax and unwind in…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
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.
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…
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,…
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
Kendal
High Swinklebank is a hill sheepfarm with local Kendal rough fell sheep. It is in one of the beautiful unspoilt valleys of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing and getting away from it all.
Grasmere
Mentioned in William Wordsworth’s 1806 composition The Waggoner, a multi-million-pound refurbishment has given this renowned property renewed purpose as a cosy, welcoming pub with 46 bedrooms.
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…
Kendal
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly made delicacies in a serene setting, complemented by fine teas, coffee or Champagne, with breathtaking views of Knipe Tarn.
Ambleside
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian palette with a distinct Mediterranean twist.
Our menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of local ingredients. Our wine list…
Ambleside
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and exciting modern dishes - all made from the outstanding local ingredients.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake Windermere. A stone's throw away from Bowness bay, with plenty to do. Also secluded and private for a romantic getaway. Dorothy’s is self check-in, but…
Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
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…
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland village of Cartmel - foodie heaven! Known for Horse Racing, Michelin Star restaurants and its famous Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL