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
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Western – True Grit (2010) The Coen Brothers' reimagining of the classic Western tale. A determined…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
As we leave the stillness of winter and begin to prepare for spring, this retreat invites you to…
The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…
A Pelumbra retreat for reflection, creativity and critical insight A place for deep writing in…
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Join Pete Jones, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Skiddaw Forest Project Manager, for an evening all about…
An A-Z of Beatrix Potter takes you on a journey through 26 key words and phrases drawn from Beatrix…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, but how realistic are these…
Come and join us for a nature-inspired painting party! This time, you'll be creating "Hedgie…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Live music with The Elderly brothers who play a range of tunes from 1920s to 2020s. Smile-inducing,…
Delve down into the muddy earth and you'll find a whole world bursting with life. Designed with…
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard…
"The difference between a Lady and flower girl isn't how she behaves, but how she is…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 451
, currently showing 261 to 280.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
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.
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Keswick
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
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…
Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Millom
The Wayside and Whisky Barn offers a peaceful escape in the Western Lake District with beautiful en-suite rooms, local homemade meals, stunning views, and a whisky bar. Ideal for relaxation and exploring the Lakes and coast.
Coniston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building is the perfect place if you’re looking to escape the crowds. A handsome, traditional Lakeland slate building, The Coniston Inn is set…
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.
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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Ulverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
Penrith
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…
Penrith
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each complete with an equipped kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
Ravenglass
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
Penrith
With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this historic house, Askham Hall is somewhere you can kick off your wellies at the front door and relax in down to earth, comfortable surroundings.
…
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…
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL