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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
A spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage. Discover the origins of modern…
Flying Displays by the replica Waterbird, the original of which first flew at the lake on 25…
Discover 200 years of Rock Climbing history, from the earliest scrambles to the modern sport we…
Loweswater Agricultural Show is a traditional Lake District country show set in the stunning…
Kids go home. Adults Go Ape. Looking for an after work activity in the Lake District this summer?…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere…
The Northern String Quartet is a highly acclaimed and award-winning ensemble based in the UK,…
Join Rob David at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 25 August for a fascinating talk on a little-known…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Be among the first to experience an exciting new musical theatre production inspired by the…
This concert sees pianists of all ages and abilities come together for a community concert in the…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Explore the enchanted woods with William and Dorothy Wordsworth and get involved with crafts,…
Welcome to Newport, a picture-perfect slice of suburbia where appearances are everything, and the…
The year is 1725. A roving court arrives to dispense swift justice, led by the notorious "Hanging…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 470
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Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Ullswater
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel dating back over 500 years and steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, you can expect a warm…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
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.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Hawkshead
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting three high ropes activities above the…
Coniston
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water. Nearly 1 mile from Coniston village in a good area for walking and touring the Lakes.
Portinscale
Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering comfortable and versatile accommodation for families or groups that's perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the charming village of Pooley Bridge, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ pier, and Ullswater itself.
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…
Troutbeck
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light pollution. Perfect for those wishing to experience a short break under Dark Skies and when conditions allow, a stunning Star Gazing experience.
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.
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL