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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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As seen on Britains got talent.. Got the blues? Well, step right up, because The Jive Aces are…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Our Summer Sizzler will serve up the very best of summer grub, all while you relax by the shores of…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th…
Fundraisers of Alzheimer's Society will take on on an incredible 13 or 26 mile trek. The 26 mile…
Chillswim Ullswater 2026 will take place on Saturday 11th July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal…
Calling Pokémon fans new and old from 23 May, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
A stunning circular walk from Grasmere. An undoubted highlight is Easedale Tarn at the highpoint of…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Rusland
In the Rusland Valley, an unspoilt valley between Windermere lake and Coniston Water, close to Grizedale Forest. An idyllic rural setting of small fields with stone walls and rocky wooded hillsides. Great local walking from the door or into…
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.
Throughout Cumbria
More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills and mountains of the English Lake District. We specialise in designing bespoke days out that are tailored to meet your goals and aspirations.
Ullswater
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for guests, locals and walkers in our relaxed Cumbrian pub with wide angle Ullswater views.
Pooley Bridge
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
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.
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Ravenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
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.
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
Glenridding, Penrith
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL