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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
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, but how realistic are these…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
A beautiful day's walk in the central Lake District. We'll be heading into the Great Langdale…
Free event to celebrate International Women's Day and the Women's Institute. Tea and cake and…
Did you know we have rainforest in Cumbria? Join our RSPB Assistant Warden Richard to learn more…
We are delighted to welcome Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform in Brantwood's Drawing Room as part…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
"The difference between a Lady and flower girl isn't how she behaves, but how she is…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
As we leave the stillness of winter and begin to prepare for spring, this retreat invites you to…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of…
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for…
Delve down into the muddy earth and you'll find a whole world bursting with life. Designed with…
Learn about the moon as it reaches its brightest and most visible phase. An astronomy expert will…
A 48-Hour Retreat for Discovery & Replenishment of Mind, Body, and Spirit, for men and women. Fiona…
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
Windermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
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.
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Bampton, Haweswater
A rugged Lake District landscape where nature restoration works alongside hill farming, to benefit wildlife, water and people.
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Ambleside
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a cosy, relaxed & welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable price, & an extensive range of local…
Cockermouth
Located in the picturesque Lorton Valley, Hundith Hill offers stunning views of the Cumbrian countryside. With 25 rooms, function suites, restaurant, bar & lounge, Hundith Hill is the perfect venue for country escapes.
Windermere
Arboreal is our Two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, offering an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu. Inspired by Head Chef Ambrus' philosophy of using the finest seasonal, fresh produce, each dish is designed to let the ingredients shine.…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL