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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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Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
A concert of choral music performed by chamber choir Coro Camino - A choral pilgrimage across…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
A packed weekend celebrating off-road running. The festival aims to bring together trail runners,…
Embark on a multi-day hiking adventure through the breathtaking Lake District. With every detail -…
Meet at the Swan Inn in Grasmere to meet your guide, Matt, and the group, get an overview of the…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
Franck - Chorale No.2 in B minor M. 39 (arr. Corbett) Bach - Prelude & Fugue in C sharp BWV 848…
Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Discover a wealth of horticultural colour, scent and design inspiration when 16 gates will open…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim 2026 will take place on Saturday 20th June. Long distance…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Guess who's back… and treating you with kindness. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and on…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
If you love wild swimming around beautiful islands then you will love our Wild Isle…
Join us for our fantastic Calvert Stables Open Day and experience the yard like never before. This…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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.
Grasmere
The Cottages at Broadrayne Farm are all just full of character having been converted from former 17th - 19thC farm buildings. Unusually for holiday accommodation they all have the benefit of allocated parking, separate entrances, electric charging…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
Ambleside
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a fantastic collection of art & crafts by some amazing artists, many of them local to the area.
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Wasdale
Ranging from small groups in steep wet gorges involving roped ascents, to the fun of group set challenges. It may involve short scrambles, possible squeezes and crawls or even a rough stream walk. It can take you to places on the fell that you’d…
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Ulverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
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
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…
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
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…
Coniston Water, Water Yeat
An exceptional, luxurious 5 bedroom lake house with beautiful and stylish interior, private lake frontage on Coniston Water, 2 private jetties and jaw-dropping views throughout.
Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL