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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
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District. If you have never looked at…
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
Celebrate Easter with a magical steam train journey through the Lake District. Kids can enjoy our…
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…
Cumbria Local Arts Annual Exhibition. Over 500 pieces of work by 115 artist,all living within the…
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
53k and 23k trail running races.
Discover the remarkable 172-year-old history of Grasmere Gingerbread® in a deliciously unique…
Poets from the North West gather together to perform a selection of Romantic and contemporary…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Join in the fun this Easter Saturday As part of our 'Wrestle' exhibition Grizedale is hosting a…
Soft Machine is one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Their work, from their…
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star,…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 3rd April for an evening of live…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Go Ape Grizedale is reopening its three sites for Easter and beyond. Come on down for fun for all…
Hop into Easter with a smile and a giggle. Follow the trail through the woods and parkland with…
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Seascale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can help you plan the perfect route to the summit based on where you’re staying and your previous experience.
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…
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Keswick
Explore the waters of the Lake District at Derwentwater with us. Hop in a canoe and paddle through the stunning landscapes. Whether you're up for adventure or simply want to unwind, a canoe adventure offers the perfect chance to connect with the…
Ullswater
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing whether indoors or outdoors is a great group or family activity. With the opportunity for learning the basic skills and looking after each others safety…
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
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…
Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Penrith
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot holiday park on the shores of Lake Ullswater and around the village of Pooley Bridge, they are suitable for families or couples looking for the convenience…
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Ambleside
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping into crystal clear pools of deep water, sliding into pools, wild swimming, and scrambling - all in the most beautiful of settings.
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Coniston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL