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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.

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Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
In April, the earth begins to sing again. As Earth Day draws near, this Quiet Day offers space to…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
On Sunday 3 May, expect a night full of drag and pure party energy in the unforgettable setting of…
2026 Spring Women's Wellness Nature Retreat April 16th - 19th 2026 A 3 night Lakeland escape in…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
"Time to connect with yourself and nature" IKEBANA -Japanese Flower Art/Arrangement- is one of the…
The main writing theme for the weekend is centred around what it looks like to walk with Jesus.…
Experience the magic of nature's music festival on this exclusive event, and be immersed in the…
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…
North-West based singer and pianist is looking forward to tinkling the ivories at the Zeffirellis…
Poets from the North West gather together to perform a selection of Romantic and contemporary…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
Step into a world of glamour, espionage, and intrigue at this unforgettable James Bond–themed…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 15th May for an evening of live…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 470
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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.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Portinscale
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history, Skiddaw served as a creative sanctuary for Beatrix Potter in the late 1890s. It was from these bedroom windows that she captured the view for her piece…
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…
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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,…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Keswick
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to muster all your courage and agility to make it through this amazing course.
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…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
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.
Ravenglass
Enjoy a well-rounded menu prepared by Muncaster’s very own Head Chef and team in our cosy courtyard café. We pride ourselves in sourcing local produce and catering to many dietary requirements.
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Elterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
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…
Bampton, Haweswater
A rugged Lake District landscape where nature restoration works alongside hill farming, to benefit wildlife, water and people.
Ravenglass
Enjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the Eskdale Room. Your cream tea includes a selection of sandwiches (ham, cheese, egg mayo and tuna mayo), home-baked fruit scones with butter, jam and…
Witherslack
A small, off the beaten track campsite with a warm welcome. An ideal base to explore all the Lake District has to offer without the crowds. With just 25 camping and campervan pitches, stunning views down the Winster Valley, on site shop, food van,…
Coniston
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the outskirts of Torver, yet with all the amenities of Coniston close at hand, make Hollace the perfect choice for those looking for a spectacular…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL