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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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Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
Festive Colouring activities Available throughout December in the Café Welcome the festive cheer…
Our third season of classic films highlights the exciting film career of Victoria Wood - writer,…
Join us for a special evening celebrating the spirit of adventure, with a lovingly curated…
Bonfire, Live music with Nick Marshall, BBQ
Dark Skies and Pies - Stargazing Experience A gentle low-level guided Stargazing experience with…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across the spectacular…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Terrifying Tarns, Wicked Waters & Loathsome Lakes Join us at The Swan for a chilling evening of…
Deck the Hall Self-led activity available for the month of December in the Guild Room Help us…
Mark your latest mountaineering achievement – or your Kendal Mountain Festival weekend – by…
'But only a host of phantom listeners That dwelt in the lone house then Stood listening in the…
An artist's book can take many forms, from a simple concertina to a stapled or handstitched volume,…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Join us on the 21st and 22nd November for the Rydal Hall annual Christmas craft fair with makers,…
Experience the magic of Ullswater in autumn with our special 2.5 hour photography cruise hosted by…
Coming soon to Rookery Woods is a festive adventure play experience. With Zipline, Slides, Maze,…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Please join us for St Mary's Hospice Community Christmas Celebration in Ambleside. This fun and…
Eilish Briscoe is an artist and designer from Lancashire, now based in London. Her…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Have a go at willow weaving your own Scandinavian or 5-pointed star with the guidance of the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Grasmere
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep soundly within the walls of this 17thC coaching inn. Many of our bedrooms have views across the garden towards Helm Crag.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
Ambleside
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by making an early (or late) start and watch the sunrise from a mountain summit?
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
Ambleside
Red Lion Inn serves hearty, home-cooked food made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside a great selection of cask ales, wines, and spirits. Whether you’re looking for places to eat in Hawkshead or a cosy pub near Windermere, the Red Lion Inn…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Glenridding, Penrith
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
Penrith
Join our guides for a magical Lake District hiking experience, tailored for your dream hike, to hide away off grid, or take your dream to the top of England highest peak. Push your boundaries in the safety of our guides, and learn new skills along…
Grange-over-Sands
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering apartment. Located in its own private building, the property sits in our orchard and features a private patio, compact kitchen, spacious bathroom with…
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
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.
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.
Coniston
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain streams, with jumps, slides, and stunning views, guided by experts for all skill levels.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL