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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
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Arrive from 6:30pm before the journey begins at 7pm until 8pm. Muncaster Parish Church. Join us…
Flying Displays by the replica Waterbird, the original of which first flew at the lake on 25…
Join us for a lively summer afternoon of country music, Texan barbecue and outdoor entertainment at…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Join Poet Laureate Simon Armitage for an unmissable poetry reading in Grasmere. The event will take…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September for an evening of…
A Unique Day Out in the Lake District to Celebrate 150 Years of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway As…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter. Let the forest inspire your little ones to create your own…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s…
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK,…
Organised in collaboration with the brilliant Soundwave, the Magic Carpet Sessions: On Tour brings…
Guess who's back… and this time we're heading straight to the White Isle. ☀️ Our Summer Spa-rtys…
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring…
Calling Pokémon fans new and old from 23 May, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 470
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Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Ambleside
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a relaxing stay after days exploring the Lake District with private riverbank views.
Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Windermere
A luxury estate with seven self catering properties set in the picturesque Lake District.
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.
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…
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
Ullswater
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for guests, locals and walkers in our relaxed Cumbrian pub with wide angle Ullswater views.
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
Ravenglass
Tucked away in the heart of Ravenglass, where the mountains meet the sea and the little railway winds its way into the Eskdale Valley, you’ll find The Ratty Arms.
It’s the kind of place where you can come in after a day exploring the Lakes, settle…
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
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…
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL