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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…
A guided creative writing workshop that explores the ways in which poetry can be used to advocate…
If you don't quite fancy being an early bird for Dawn Chorus Day, then experience the magic of…
Join us for the first ever Afternoon Tea bus tour to Grasmere and back.
Start the day strolling through the pretty woodland surrounding Aira Beck as we admire the…
Muncaster's Sausage Festival is an annual family friendly festival to celebrate all things sausage…
"Time to connect with yourself and nature" IKEBANA -Japanese Flower Art/Arrangement- is one of the…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Let your creativity run wild as we paint this vibrant, feel-good meadow scene bursting with colour…
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star,…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Welcome to a Spring evening Earth Day forest therapy walk--a restorative way to immerse yourself in…
The main writing theme for the weekend is centred around what it looks like to walk with Jesus.…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
On the anniversary of Tracy's passing (09.05.26), a group of friends and family will be walking…
2026 Spring Women's Wellness Nature Retreat April 16th - 19th 2026 A 3 night Lakeland escape in…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
North-West based singer and pianist is looking forward to tinkling the ivories at the Zeffirellis…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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.
Ambleside
There is no better way to refuel after a long day exploring than with a hearty, home-cooked meal. The Waterhead Inn offers just that! With delicious Cumbrian classics as well as exciting culinary twists served all day every day, there is something…
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.
Keswick
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa bed in every lodge). We are Self Catering, and you will find all the amenities you need in your lodge. Relax in your open plan living dining kitchen…
Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
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…
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…
Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View the fully restored Bluebird craft in the Bluebird wing of the museum. Discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake Windermere. A stone's throw away from Bowness bay, with plenty to do. Also secluded and private for a romantic getaway. Dorothy’s is self check-in, but…
Torver 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
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL