You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 8th May for an evening of live…
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding.…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere after 2 sold out…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
This is a high quality workshop where participants will be taught how to create a small stone…
One of the UK's most revered and gruelling cycling sportives. Known as "The Daddy of them all" by…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Discover a wealth of horticultural colour, scent and design inspiration when 16 gates will open…
Open evening to help shape a new Women's Institute for Keswick
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
May arrives in fullness. Light lingers. Gardens lean toward abundance. In a season that urges us to…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes,…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Meet at the Swan Inn in Grasmere to meet your guide, Matt, and the group, get an overview of the…
Join us for our fantastic Calvert Stables Open Day and experience the yard like never before. This…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
To coincide with Bluebird K7 – The Festival between 11-15 May, Ullswater 'Steamers' will be…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 22nd…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 470
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
Portinscale
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores of Derwentwater. This spacious home retains many of its original features, which add to its timeless charm and elegance.
Whether you are admiring…
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.
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland village of Cartmel - foodie heaven! Known for Horse Racing, Michelin Star restaurants and its famous Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake District within easy reach of Lake Windermere, the historic village of Cartmel and Grange over Sands and many places of interest. An ideal location for…
Keswick
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes in the Lake District. Relaxed rooms, hearty food, dog-friendly, and welcoming service.
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Grange-over-Sands
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from Cartmel and 2 miles from Lake Windermere. The property offers spectacular views over beautiful, tranquil gardens and the Cartmel Valley.
There are…
Lyth Valley
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds that flock to the Lake District National Park.
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
Portinscale
Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with spectacular views of the surrounding fells, with the lake, playground, and squirrel hide just a short stroll away, it is perfectly placed for guests…
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Penrith
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run hotel, pub and restaurant. Dating back over 500 years, The Royal is steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, whether…
Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Ullswater
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for guests, locals and walkers in our relaxed Cumbrian pub with wide angle Ullswater views.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL