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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
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010)! Featuring four award-winning, Edinburgh…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
Live music with The Elderly brothers who play a range of tunes from 1920s to 2020s. Smile-inducing,…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided Coniston Classics walk in the Lake District. This…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Did you know we have rainforest in Cumbria? Join our RSPB Assistant Warden Richard to learn more…
Delve down into the muddy earth and you'll find a whole world bursting with life. Designed with…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Valentine's Day at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar - join Fred and Friends for a delightful evening of…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 450
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Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
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.
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Ambleside
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a cosy, relaxed & welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable price, & an extensive range of local…
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Windermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
Lyth Valley
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds that flock to the Lake District National Park.
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
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.
Borrowdale, Keswick
You’ve never experienced anything like this…
Take on the UK’s original classic Via Ferrata against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District mountains.
Climb up the massive Cargo net to one of the finest views of Lake District. Buttermere, Crummock…
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
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
At the heart of our hotel, you will find the Riverside restaurant. Our restaurant team will make your dining an experience to remember. The cuisine represents the best of modern British mixed along with classic cookery offering a fresh and modern…
Penrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL