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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
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
Poets from the North West gather together to perform a selection of Romantic and contemporary…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
This informal panel discussion will explore and celebrate the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Welcome to a Spring evening Earth Day forest therapy walk--a restorative way to immerse yourself in…
A performance of Faure's celebrated Requiem and the wonderfully uplifting Magnificat by John Rutter…
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
Cumbria Local Arts Annual Exhibition. Over 500 pieces of work by 115 artist,all living within the…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
53k and 23k trail running races.
Join me - local guide Emma Seery - and some fellow explorers, for a group walk in the beautiful…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
Looking for something creative to do with the family this Easter? Join us at Blackwell – the Arts &…
In April, the earth begins to sing again. As Earth Day draws near, this Quiet Day offers space to…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Soft Machine is one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Their work, from their…
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of…
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Coniston
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. More Than Mountains only uses highly qualified and knowledgeable instructors who are incredibly…
Bampton, Haweswater
A rugged Lake District landscape where nature restoration works alongside hill farming, to benefit wildlife, water and people.
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Ambleside
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the smaller and bigger mountains, right up to the likes of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn or even multiple summits, we will endeavour to build a route to…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
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?
Portinscale
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering comfortable and versatile accommodation for families or groups that's perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
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.
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…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Ambleside
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking for traditional pub grub or exciting seasonal specials there is something for everyone at this fantastic lakeside pub.
Ullswater
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL