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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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Join us for an evening of swinging jazz with The Maranello Trio, featuring Jamie Taylor (guitar),…
Join Becks Skinner at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 19 May for a fascinating talk. Inspired by a…
A concert of choral music performed by chamber choir Coro Camino - A choral pilgrimage across…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Let your creativity run wild as we paint this vibrant, feel-good meadow scene bursting with colour…
The Arc'teryx Climb Academy Lake District returns May 23 – 25, 2026. The Arc'teryx Climb Academy…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
Looking for things to do this May half term in Keswick? Head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest near…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Meet at the Swan Inn in Grasmere to meet your guide, Matt, and the group, get an overview of the…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
The Buttermere Swim Hike takes an exciting approach to wild swimming by combining one of our…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes,…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
May arrives in fullness. Light lingers. Gardens lean toward abundance. In a season that urges us to…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead you around our amazing forest and show you…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere after 2 sold out…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
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…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Ulverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
Penrith
Lakes For All: luxury self-catering, wheelchair accessible holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria for people with physical disabilities and their families.
Portinscale
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale apartment is full of character and atmosphere. Framed by the house’s striking chimneys, this unique space comfortably sleeps four across two inviting…
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL