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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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Looking ahead to Friday 24th May, we'll be welcoming Jack Hartley to The Swan. An Avid player on…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
A short National Park Volunteer-led guided walk using accessible paths to the summit of Orrest Head…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that combines the power of nature, ancient…
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast…
Like the poets of antiquity, Wordsworth turns to vocal groves as sites of commiseration and…
On the 31st May we're looking forward to welcoming Rambling Rob Young – A singer-songwriter…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
This week we'll be helping our special woods at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. Try your hand at…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Ambleside Roman Fort is set in one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in Britain and yet two…
Lake District Theatre Alan Ayckbourn's revival of THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE runs from 17 May – 1 June…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 494
, currently showing 421 to 440.
Hawkshead
Enjoy a walking tour of Hawkshead with a Cumbria Blue Badge Guide to uncover the secrets of the village and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere, hear about the people and the fascinating stories.
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
866 reviewsIf you have a head for heights or wish to take yourself out of your comfort zone, why not challenge yourself to go over the edge? We offer abseiling and climbing experiences to give you a unique perspective from real rock faces.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsTorver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storage
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s 2AA rosette restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviewsAmbleside
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a relaxing stay after days exploring the Lake District with private riverbank views.
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Ambleside
Open seven days a week, the cafe provides the full range of refreshment choices throughout the day, from speciality coffees, full English breakfasts, all-day snacks, tasty lunches and very popular Afternoon Teas.
Ambleside
Two storey stone cottage situated behind the main Hall with private outside patio overlooking Rydal Beck with views of the valley. Sleeps 10 people in total.
Keswick
The Coppice is quintessentially a former Edwardian small country house situated on the lower slopes of Catbells in the stunning Borrowdale Valley, close to the village of Grange and approximately five miles from the market town of Keswick.
The…
Windermere
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviewsAmbleside
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the day/session to suit you. We typically use easy to access climbing venues and also provide all technical and safety equipment.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
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.
We offer a range of private group experiences across the county, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsPatterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
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.
Grasmere
Warm and welcoming Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of Grasmere Village.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
506 reviewsOur ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Coniston suit most fitness levels. Experience exhilarating waterfalls, canyons, and water challenges on our guided private sessions.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL