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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
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Enjoy May half-term evenings aboard our special evening sailings this 23rd, 26th, 27th, and 28th…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Looking for something creative to do with the kids this May half term? Join us at Blackwell – the…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Looking for some fun craft activities during May half-term? Come to the museum to make your own…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
The Swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 6th annual…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston takes place at Monk Coniston, at the North end of the lake. You can choose…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Meet at the Swan Inn in Grasmere to meet your guide, Matt, and the group, get an overview of the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the charming village of Pooley Bridge, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ pier, and Ullswater itself.
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
Elterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Newby Bridge
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
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.
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
Ambleside
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central location with immediate access to fells, shops, restaurants, pubs and cinema.
Rusland
In the Rusland Valley, an unspoilt valley between Windermere lake and Coniston Water, close to Grizedale Forest. An idyllic rural setting of small fields with stone walls and rocky wooded hillsides. Great local walking from the door or into…
Ullswater
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house, sleeping 14, ideally sited in an acre of grounds, 0.5 mile from village of Patterdale, pub and shop. Restaurants, steamer and boat hire 1.5 miles.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
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
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
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.
Coniston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL