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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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Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
Join us for a traditional service of lessons and carols by candlelight in the beautiful…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Get in the festive spirit at Grizedale with our Christmas cinema! We'll be showing the Gruffalo's…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
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Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Great Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Ulverston
Birchbank Cottage is nestled on the fells between Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary with many footpaths and bridleways to walk or cycle on and enjoy views over the Duddon Estuary and over to Coniston Old Man with just the birds for company. The…
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…
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake District within easy reach of Lake Windermere, the historic village of Cartmel and Grange over Sands and many places of interest. An ideal…
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…
Ambleside
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the day/session to suit you. We typically use easy to access climbing venues and also provide all technical and safety equipment.
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…
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
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…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Keswick
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes in the Lake District. Relaxed rooms, hearty food, dog-friendly, and welcoming service.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL