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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
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the…
Art Exhibition by local artists with items available to be bought
Explore the Garden-Orchard and Woodland on the Georgian Tea Party themed Easter Egg Trail at…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 5th April for an evening of live…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…
New Year. . . same problems! It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…
The main writing theme for the weekend is centred around what it looks like to walk with Jesus.…
Easter Little Engineers' Days at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Bring curious minds, creative…
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
A guided creative writing workshop that explores the ways in which poetry can be used to advocate…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
Celebrate Easter with a magical steam train journey through the Lake District. Kids can enjoy our…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Ambleside
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.
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
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…
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Ambleside
Nestled in the heart of the English Lake District Victorian House provides the perfect antidote to chain hotel fatigue! Think cosy nights in the snug with a glass of red, kicking your boots off after a day of exploring and sinking into the sofa with…
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…
Windermere
The Wild Boar is one of the Lake District’s finest and oldest Windermere hotels. You’ll be welcomed with friendly faces, traditional wood beams, individually styled rooms and a warming open fire.
Ambleside
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of free parking in the lovely village of Ambleside where we have two award winning vegetarian restaurants within a short walking distance.
Seascale
A small family-run boutique bed & breakfast in an enviable location. Superb views and a great base from which to explore the quieter part of the Lake District - its mountains, valleys & coastline.
Our contemporary interiors are designed to offer…
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
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.
Penrith
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute walk from Askham Hall. Part of the esteemed Askham Collection, The Queen’s Head is a cosy 17th century village pub with bedrooms ideally located in…
Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
Windermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
Windermere
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of the Lake District.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL