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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
Explore the wonders of the moon. Join us for a family-friendly evening learning about the moon as…
Antiques Valuation Day overseen by Mitchell's Auctioneers and Valuers, Cockermouth. £5.00 entry…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Learn about the moon as it reaches its brightest and most visible phase. An astronomy expert will…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
The RSPB at Wild Haweswater works alongside partner organisations and we are excited to promote…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
Join Pete Jones, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Skiddaw Forest Project Manager, for an evening all about…
Thirlmere WI are organising a charity fund raiser showing the Calendar Girls film.
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
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…
Valentine's Day at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar - join Fred and Friends for a delightful evening of…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Delve down into the muddy earth and you'll find a whole world bursting with life. Designed with…
Musical – Tommy (1975) Ken Russell's flamboyant rock opera follows a "deaf, dumb and blind" boy who…
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 450
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Ullswater
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing whether indoors or outdoors is a great group or family activity. With the opportunity for learning the basic skills and looking after each others safety…
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Ambleside
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a relaxing stay after days exploring the Lake District with private riverbank views.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Grange-over-Sands
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake district . Great food. Great value. Friendly staff. A real hidden gem. Guests return again & again. View our 5-star Trip Advisor reviews.
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
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.
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…
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Newby Bridge
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials on the way. An enjoyable morning to be had by the whole family!
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Hawkshead
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic couples’ getaway or a peaceful base to explore the Lake District, The Cabin provides a one-of-a-kind forest experience.
Ambleside
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point to this iconic National Park location. Windermere Lake Cruises provides visitors with the opportunity to arrive at this historic spot in style, on…
Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL