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
This Halloween, take an exclusive night time tour of Townend by candlelight, exploring the…
Join our RSPB Assistant Warden (and deer guru) Richard Smith to experience the sights and sounds of…
Our “Dark Sky Astronomy” events take place on moonless nights, providing the ideal conditions to…
Sunday Lunch is back at Lakeside. Join us for the return of Sunday Lunch by the shores of Lake…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Lake Makers Fair is a craft fair with up to 30 crafts people and makers from across the region…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a…
Get ready for a huge night of stadium-sized rock at The Royalty! Two powerhouse tributes: EMUS &…
'Stranger Folk', a magical new digital adventure played by mobile app, is haunting Allan Bank…
Join one of the world's most celebrated crime writers for a thrilling evening in Grasmere. To mark…
Fear returns to Muncaster with a vengeance from 29 - 31 October at SCARECASTER - our spine-tingling…
PENN & TELLER: FOOL US WINNER OVER 100 MILLION ONLINE VIEWS BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT – 4 YESES & A…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Have a go at carving a spooky Halloween pumpkin this October half-term at Allan Bank. We'll prepare…
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about the…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Renew your mind, body and soul with our calming evening ritual at Lakeside Hotel, designed to help…
The 26/27 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run 23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 440
, currently showing 401 to 420.
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Seascale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can help you plan the perfect route to the summit based on where you’re staying and your previous experience.
Coniston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
Haverthwaite, Ulverston
Why not take a break from your travels and relax in the warm, welcoming and nostalgic surroundings of our licensed ‘Station Tea Room’ just off the platform at Haverthwaite Station. Our home cooked menu includes our hearty Railwayman’s breakfast,…
Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
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.
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force Coffee Shop, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing cold drinks.
Ambleside
Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from - Beatrix Potter's Missing Paper - and - The Bridge House Mystery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your friends, family or colleagues to…
Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
Coniston
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery from a Canadian Canoe. Along the way we will stop off to try a little Bushcraft. We will cover the exciting and essential skills of how to make a fire…
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
Nr Kendal
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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,…
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Ambleside
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the day/session to suit you. We typically use easy to access climbing venues and also provide all technical and safety equipment.
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
Grasmere
Opened in 2017 as part of the Heaton Cooper Studio, Mathilde’s is an award-winning fusion of timeless Scandinavian cuisine and the studio’s Cumbrian heritage. A relaxed space, perfect for hearty lunches or coffee and cake.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL