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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
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere! Featuring four…
Join Keeper of Collections Niall Hodson on a special guided tour of Abbot Hall Art Gallery, created…
14th NOVEMBER 2026 Festive Artisan Fayre at the Coniston Institute (10am to 4:30pm) - 22 indoor…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Enjoy a carefully curated 2-course menu of seasonal dishes, with comforting festive flavours and,…
Our “Dark Sky Astronomy” events take place on moonless nights, providing the ideal conditions to…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
Terrifying Tarns, Wicked Waters & Loathsome Lakes Join us at The Swan for a chilling evening of…
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Join us for a special evening of music, film and spoken word as we come together to mark Armistice…
Renew your mind, body and soul with our calming evening ritual at Lakeside Hotel, designed to help…
Guided Stargazing walk with professional Mountain Leader, Martin Rivett Discover the night sky…
Join David Felton at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 24 November for a fascinating talk on the…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
An artist's book can take many forms, from a simple concertina to a stapled or handstitched volume,…
Experience the magic of Ullswater in autumn with our special 2.5 hour photography cruise hosted by…
As part of our Kendal Mountain Festival 2026 offer, we're offering discounted day entry to Abbot…
Join St John's Hospice for our Bowness-on-Windermere Light Up A Life Remembrance and Celebration…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night. The walk will…
This Christmas, prepare for a festive tale with a ghostly twist. It's midnight on Christmas Eve,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!
Ambleside
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…
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Cockermouth
Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel with delightful en-suite rooms, suites and apartments. Perfect for exploring Keswick, Cockermouth and the Lakes.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
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…
Keswick
A stylish hotel in the heart of Keswick, with modern rooms, great dining, dog-friendly options and Derwentwater just a 10-minute walk away.
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.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Ambleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
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.
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.
Nr Kendal
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.
Ullswater
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel dating back over 500 years and steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, you can expect a warm…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL