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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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Festive Colouring activities Available throughout December in the Café Welcome the festive cheer…
Deck the Hall Self-led activity available for the month of December in the Guild Room Help us…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
It's A Doddle is back with a bang for 2026 and we're inviting our community to get involved! To…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Experience Swanfire Night a little differently this year with our Sparkling Skies Experience at…
Have a go at willow weaving your own Scandinavian or 5-pointed star with the guidance of the…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night. The walk will…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Our third season of classic films highlights the exciting film career of Victoria Wood - writer,…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Add some handcrafted charm to your festive celebrations this year by creating your very own unique…
Enjoy some creative, festive family activities at Abbot Hall this winter! Festive…
Bonfire, Live music with Nick Marshall, BBQ
'But only a host of phantom listeners That dwelt in the lone house then Stood listening in the…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and…
Enjoy a carefully curated 2-course menu of seasonal dishes, with comforting festive flavours and,…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across the spectacular…
Please join us for St Mary's Hospice Community Christmas Celebration in Ambleside. This fun and…
This Christmas, prepare for a festive tale with a ghostly twist. It's midnight on Christmas Eve,…
Guided Stargazing walk with professional Mountain Leader, Martin Rivett Discover the night sky…
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 436
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Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
Keswick
Originally a coaching inn dating back to 1770, the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy accommodation, great food, spa treatments and relaxing leisure facilities in a peaceful setting near Bassenthwaite Lake, the perfect base for…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Cumbria-wide
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Windermere
The Wild Boar is a special venue for any occasion, whether it be a romantic or adventurous break, family get-together, business meeting or as one of our very valued frequent diners.
Ambleside
Wray Pier offers a peaceful escape on Windermere’s western shore, giving visitors the chance to explore this tranquil corner of the lake by boat.
Windermere Lake Cruises offers sight-seeing tours every day except Christmas Day.
Coniston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
Windermere
Discover BeWILDerwood Lake District at Brockhole on Windermere. Explore woodland adventures, indoor play at Minty Land, family events and magical days out for all ages.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL