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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
Join Joanne Coates for a walk and talk discussing her Daughters of the Soil work — how farming,…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Experience this stunning new show, featuring Amy's original Guitarist, Robin Banerjee, for what is…
Though known as the school of William Wordsworth, many more schoolboys were educated here. Join us…
A brilliant way to explore and learn... Start to understand the signs of animals that run before…
APEX is the UK's foremost endurance hiking challenge, where a vibrant community of adventurers…
Join Sands in the Lake District National Park for this one day event and take on either a 10 mile…
Trace the steps of Beatrix Potter to discover the actual locations in Hawkshead which became…
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of connection, healing and transformation. The Buffalo is the…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Ambleside Days is a Contemporary Jazz Festival which takes place inside the auditorium at…
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring…
This talk is centred on the Tales based around Sawrey and Hill Top. You may have read some of these…
We are charity event raising money for great north air ambulance, papyrus and yellow wellies, over…
Come and give Trail running in the Lake District a try, with its rugged fells, stunning glacial…
'It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
We're celebrating our 80th anniversary with a big party - and you're invited! Join us at Brathay…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
"They come back with the fire tender - all the way from Kendal to Troutbeck Bridge" Life in the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View the fully restored Bluebird craft in the Bluebird wing of the museum. Discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking…
Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
Coniston
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. More Than Mountains only uses highly qualified and knowledgeable instructors who are incredibly…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Ambleside
Our luxury accommodation has been hand built for our bespoke design for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a place to chill out for a few days. Minimum 2-night stay, any day arrivals.
Windermere
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL