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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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Franck - Chorale No.2 in B minor M. 39 (arr. Corbett) Bach - Prelude & Fugue in C sharp BWV 848…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
A curated selection of independent growers and specialist nurseries gather at Dalemain along with…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead you around our amazing forest and show you…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Join award-winning photographer and visual artist Joanne Coates for a midsummer guided walk and…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal…
Looking for something creative to do with the kids this May half term? Join us at Blackwell – the…
A trail running weekend with two unique races.
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Embark on a multi-day hiking adventure through the breathtaking Lake District. With every detail -…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
Smoky barbecue, live music, and golden-hour views in the Lake District—with Someone's Something…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Ambleside
Red Lion Inn serves hearty, home-cooked food made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside a great selection of cask ales, wines, and spirits. Whether you’re looking for places to eat in Hawkshead or a cosy pub near Windermere, the Red Lion Inn…
Coniston
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the outskirts of Torver, yet with all the amenities of Coniston close at hand, make Hollace the perfect choice for those looking for a spectacular…
Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
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.
Ambleside
The Red Lion Inn Hawkshead offers a refined Lake District dining experience, combining traditional British dishes with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Set in a charming historic inn with exposed beams and a cosy atmosphere, the restaurant…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Kendal
High Swinklebank is a hill sheepfarm with local Kendal rough fell sheep. It is in one of the beautiful unspoilt valleys of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing and getting away from it all.
Witherslack
Luxury yurt holidays in an idyllic and secluded location, a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere but a world away from anywhere.
Cumbria
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Ambleside
Petit Four is an Anglo-French restaurant in Hawkshead, focused on homemade, locally sourced food and relaxed evening dining, with wine, alongside simple breakfasts and lunches.
Ambleside
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and has a character befitting that long-standing heritage. Offering 29 comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities, if…
Coniston
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided by experts for all ages, with gear provided for a tailored, scenic adventure.
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Portinscale
The Fernery is the newest addition to The Lingholm Estate, a sophisticated one-bedroom sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation on the ground floor of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. This is where high-end design meets the quiet calm…
Ambleside
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres of private land to explore. Perfect for getting together with family and friends.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
St John's St, Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL