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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
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Our Summer Sizzler will serve up the very best of summer grub, all while you relax by the shores of…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
With 4 race options and 3 distances in each to choose from, the event is ideal for both novice and…
Join us in the Café for a writing workshop themed around weeds and wildflowers. Led by poet Jessica…
BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
The Windermere Record Fair SUNDAY 26th July 2026 Marchesi Centre Holly Road Windermere LA23…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
If you love walking or hiking and taking in spectacular scenery, and want to help support…
As seen on Britains got talent.. Got the blues? Well, step right up, because The Jive Aces are…
Come and make a print to take home at one of our drop-in printmaking sessions. Bring your lunch and…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 468
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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.
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
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.
Windermere
SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is a one Michelin Star restaurant located near Windermere. Headed-up by Head Chef Kevin Scanlan, their tasting menus combine exquisite ingredients, distinct flavours, seasonality, sustainability and precision, together with…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
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.
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
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…
Windermere
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of the Lake District.
Ambleside
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern and traditional dishes featuring seasonal and the finest local produce are created by Scott and his team, you are able to get…
Ambleside
Our northernmost pier at Ambleside (Waterhead) is set in a beautiful location with arguably the best views of the Lake District Fells from the water.
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Grange-over-Sands
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake district . Great food. Great value. Friendly staff. A real hidden gem. Guests return again & again. View our 5-star Trip Advisor reviews.
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 35 years. Restaurants come and go but our focus on quality and customer service has set us…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL