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
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
Performing music from his second album Americana (released April 2025), Eddie Gripper tells the…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston takes place at Monk Coniston, at the North end of the lake. You can choose…
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Meet at the Swan Inn in Grasmere to meet your guide, Matt, and the group, get an overview of the…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
May arrives in fullness. Light lingers. Gardens lean toward abundance. In a season that urges us to…
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 6th annual…
A retro night full of all your favourite 90's pop hits and dance floorfillers. Take a nostalgic…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
Bach - Ich ruf zu dir BWV639 Rheinberger - Abendlied Casella - Notturno Gardonyi - Variations on a…
Join award-winning photographer and visual artist Joanne Coates for a midsummer guided walk and…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join our volunteer ranger and bird enthusiast on a gentle stroll through the forest. Suitable for…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 469
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Ravenglass
Located at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and homebaked cakes, to full meals made to order.
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
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.
Coniston
Situated in a stunning location next to mountains & waterfalls, the Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges have been hand-crafted to each accommodate 2 guests and feature king-size beds, kitchens, private shower rooms & enclosed gardens.
Ullswater
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on Lake Ullswater. Perfect for walking the coast to coast, climbing Helvellyn, Sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding on Ullswater, Taking a steamer to…
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Far Sawrey
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood burner, fully equipped kitchen, 2 lounges, 2 bathrooms. Stunning views and access to footpaths. Pubs close by.
Elterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
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.
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.
Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL