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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 photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
Fundraisers of Alzheimer's Society will take on on an incredible 13 or 26 mile trek. The 26 mile…
Play the traditional games croquet, quoits & skittles on Allan Bank's front lawn with glorious lake…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Our Summer Sizzler will serve up the very best of summer grub, all while you relax by the shores of…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
The Swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook…
Festival of the Lake is coming to Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 27 June 2026 for a full day…
The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
With 4 race options and 3 distances in each to choose from, the event is ideal for both novice and…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Choose your challenge: 1. The Full Boundary (45k) 2. 1st half Boundary (26k) 3. 2nd half Boundary…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 468
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Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 700 dog-friendly cottages.
Ambleside
Wray Pier offers a peaceful escape on Windermere’s western shore, giving visitors the chance to explore this tranquil corner of the lake by boat.
Windermere Lake Cruises offers sight-seeing tours every day except Christmas Day.
Penrith
A perfect location to explore the Lake District, there are seven dog-friendly, high-quality, tastefully decorated, family-friendly self-catering cottages. Located in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, Near Howe is an idyllic, quiet, and tranquil…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Newby Bridge
Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park is located near the southern tip of lake Windermere. Surrounded by woodland and wildlife, the park provides a tranquil base from which to explore the beautiful Lake District National Park.
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.
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
The Whitewater Hotel is the ultimate Lake district retreat, featuring the fantastic Cascades Leisure Club & Spa.
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
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.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Keswick
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley. Dating back to 1628, this charming pub offers hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality. A popular stop for walkers on the Coast to Coast route,…
Penrith
Experience the romantic tranquillity of the beautiful English Lake District and stay at Mosedale Glamping Pod. This wonderfully cosy countryside retreat is nestled on a traditional working sheep farm in peaceful countryside just 14 miles outside of…
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
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Ambleside
Petit Four is an Anglo-French restaurant in Hawkshead, focused on homemade, locally sourced food and relaxed evening dining, with wine, alongside simple breakfasts and lunches.
Keswick
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL