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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
As we leave the stillness of winter and begin to prepare for spring, this retreat invites you to…
Western – True Grit (2010) The Coen Brothers' reimagining of the classic Western tale. A determined…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided Coniston Classics walk in the Lake District. This…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Valentine's Day at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar - join Fred and Friends for a delightful evening of…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Haydn - String Quartet in G minor Op.74, No.3 'Rider' Kane - Windchimes (Premiere) Prokofiev -…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
"The difference between a Lady and flower girl isn't how she behaves, but how she is…
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
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Ambleside
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world class scenery coming as standard. We know loads of great routes throughout the district and to suit all abilities and expectations. This makes us well…
Staveley
Delightful village inn, riverside location with friendly family welcome, offering excellent cosy accommodation. Local produce of superb real ales.
Patterdale, Ullswater
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed retreats for anyone looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life. With carefully considered interiors which embrace a strong local connection,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Keswick
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
Grasmere
Set at the foot of the fells within two acres of riverside gardens on the edge of picturesque Grasmere village, the four AA Silver Star Rothay Garden by Harbour Hotels is a boutique countryside hideaway with an array of outdoor activities to enjoy…
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
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…
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Keswick
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes in the Lake District. Relaxed rooms, hearty food, dog-friendly, and welcoming service.
Cockermouth
Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel with delightful en-suite rooms, suites and apartments. Each room and apartment is individually designed to offer unique character and charm, and…
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells, exploring the quaint villages, or simply relaxing on the water, hop aboard a Ullswater ‘Steamer’ to experience this little slice of Lake District…
Ullswater
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing whether indoors or outdoors is a great group or family activity. With the opportunity for learning the basic skills and looking after each others safety…
Hawkshead
The King's Arms is a traditional country inn serving delicious, locally sourced food alongside local ales, in the Lake District.
The Inn also has 8 individually decorated rooms all named after Kings of England.
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
Penrith
Join our guides for a magical Lake District hiking experience, tailored for your dream hike, to hide away off grid, or take your dream to the top of England highest peak. Push your boundaries in the safety of our guides, and learn new skills along…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL