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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
As we leave the stillness of winter and begin to prepare for spring, this retreat invites you to…
Western – True Grit (2010) The Coen Brothers' reimagining of the classic Western tale. A determined…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided Coniston Classics walk in the Lake District. This…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Valentine's Day at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar - join Fred and Friends for a delightful evening of…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Haydn - String Quartet in G minor Op.74, No.3 'Rider' Kane - Windchimes (Premiere) Prokofiev -…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
"The difference between a Lady and flower girl isn't how she behaves, but how she is…
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 451
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Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
Keswick
These adrenaline-pumping obstacles will test your physical and mental strengths. You’ll need to muster all your courage and agility to make it through this amazing course.
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Ambleside
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking for traditional pub grub or exciting seasonal specials there is something for everyone at this fantastic lakeside pub.
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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…
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Ambleside
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and our menus feature the finest fresh produce from the region.
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
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,…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!
Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
Ambleside
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping into crystal clear pools of deep water, sliding into pools, wild swimming, and scrambling - all in the most beautiful of settings.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL