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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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A Pelumbra retreat for reflection, creativity and critical insight A place for deep writing in…
Delve down into the muddy earth and you'll find a whole world bursting with life. Designed with…
Valentine's Day at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar - join Fred and Friends for a delightful evening of…
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
The RSPB at Wild Haweswater works alongside partner organisations and we are excited to promote…
As we leave the stillness of winter and begin to prepare for spring, this retreat invites you to…
Haydn - String Quartet in G minor Op.74, No.3 'Rider' Kane - Windchimes (Premiere) Prokofiev -…
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest! The walk will cover up to 4 miles…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Join Pete Jones, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Skiddaw Forest Project Manager, for an evening all about…
Come and join us for a nature-inspired painting party! This time, you'll be creating "Hedgie…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
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.
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Penrith
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first floor i.e. in the hay loft. The Byre has been converted to a very high standard with oak wood used throughout, retaining the original beams.
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Nr Kendal
Contemporary licensed café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. Shop selling local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.
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…
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
The Whitewater Hotel is the ultimate Lake district retreat, featuring the fantastic Cascades Leisure Club & Spa.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL