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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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More Adventures in the Beautiful South is a 2-day swimming adventure in the beautiful South Lake…
A traditional Lakeland show, now in its 141st year, in a beautiful valley in the South Lakes. Fell…
Join us at Wainwrights' Inn for a free, family friendly afternoon of live music with the Thompson…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines arrived in the UK on…
Kids go home. Adults Go Ape. Looking for an after work activity in the Lake District this summer?…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Harty In Ireland Andy Scott Sonata for flute and…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Join Peter Hughes at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 July for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival…
A KIND OF MAGIC TOUR Following the fantastic show in 2025 at Bowness, "Now I'm Here" Queen Tribute…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Dvořák Piano Trio in E minor Op.90 'Dumky' Reicha…
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
Beth Williams, a local Beatrix Potter researcher, and welcome manager at Hill Top, will be joining…
Join us for a day of family fun this summer with a special visit from Witch herself! Witch will…
Thirlmere's 76th show! Everyone is welcome to join the cut and thrust of the competitions or come…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…
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.
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
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.
Kendal
Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due to it’s PGA Golf Course and other fantastic features.
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.
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.
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
Penrith
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
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…
Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
Ambleside
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by making an early (or late) start and watch the sunrise from a mountain summit?
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
Cockermouth
Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats is served to you…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL