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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
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Join Steve Dickinson at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 April for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes,…
On the anniversary of Tracy's passing (09.05.26), a group of friends and family will be walking…
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star,…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Welcome to a Spring evening Earth Day forest therapy walk--a restorative way to immerse yourself in…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
In April, the earth begins to sing again. As Earth Day draws near, this Quiet Day offers space to…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere after 2 sold out…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Experience the magic of nature's music festival on this exclusive event, and be immersed in the…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
This informal panel discussion will explore and celebrate the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Let your creativity run wild as we paint this vibrant, feel-good meadow scene bursting with colour…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
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…
Ravenglass
Enjoy a well-rounded menu prepared by Muncaster’s very own Head Chef and team in our cosy courtyard café. We pride ourselves in sourcing local produce and catering to many dietary requirements.
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Coniston
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the outskirts of Torver, yet with all the amenities of Coniston close at hand, make Hollace the perfect choice for those looking for a spectacular…
Ambleside
There’s something truly special about being by the water and The Wateredge Inn in Ambleside captures that magic perfectly. Perched right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, it’s the kind of place where you can sit back on the waterfront…
Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
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.
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…
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Windermere
The Wild Boar is a special venue for any occasion, whether it be a romantic or adventurous break, family get-together, business meeting or as one of our very valued frequent diners.
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…
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Ambleside
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.
Nether Wasdale, Wasdale
Situated in arguably the most beautiful valley of Wasdale in the Lake District on the banks of the river Irt, is The Sawmill Café and Farm Shop. The perfect place to relax, restore and indulge, we offer a delicious locally sourced menu to satisfy…
Ambleside
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the market town of Ambleside, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL