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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
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar…
This summer, something extraordinary is coming to Rydal Hall. A renowned touring opera company…
Coast-to-coast 180 mile ultra triathlon.
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm Join flautist Meera…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quarter | Resol String…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
A stunning circular walk from Grasmere. An undoubted highlight is Easedale Tarn at the highpoint of…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String…
Summer picnic if weather cooperated, inside the old school if not. Donations to old school fund
Chillswim Ullswater 2026 will take place on Saturday 11th July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the…
Our galleries take on a unique atmosphere as the world slows down. Whether you're looking to…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines arrived in the UK on…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
Drop into our Learning Space for summer holiday Make and Play activities. Come and celebrate a…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim provides the perfect adventure swimming day out. Swimming in the…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Join Peter Hughes at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 July for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
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…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
Ambleside
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and exciting modern dishes - all made from the outstanding local ingredients.
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL