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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
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater takes place from Park Foot Holiday Park, near Pooley Bridge, which…
Mark Hatton, a researcher and enthusiast of local mining history will be joining us to explore the…
A stunning circular walk from Grasmere. An undoubted highlight is Easedale Tarn at the highpoint of…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Calling Pokémon fans new and old from 23 May, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
The Swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook…
BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
This one-day course will give you an insight into safer swimming practices and help build practical…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Join us in the Café for a writing workshop themed around weeds and wildflowers. Led by poet Jessica…
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 468
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Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
Grasmere
Hang out amid the beauty of the grounds at the Rothay Garden Restaurant & Bar, winner of two coveted AA Rosettes. Think comforting Sunday lunches, afternoon tea, breakfast, dinner and late night drinks, amid the majestic fells and valleys of…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
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.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Ambleside
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking for traditional pub grub or exciting seasonal specials there is something for everyone at this fantastic lakeside pub.
Ambleside
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and has a character befitting that long-standing heritage. Offering 29 comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities, if…
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal specials, fine cask ales, world wines, spirits, and cosy teas, coffees, or festive mulled wine.
Ambleside
Just a short stroll from Ambleside’s bustling centre and only steps from the shores of Windermere, The Waterhead Inn is the perfect place to relax, refuel, and soak up the beauty of the Lake District. After a day exploring fells, lakes, and…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
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
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…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL