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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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Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
Are you ready for a spooky Halloween? Join us for hot chocolate, gingerbread, and Halloween crafts…
Skedaddle Theatre & Shoddy Theatres' OFFWestEnd award winning A Brief Case of Crazy is heading to…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston…
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of connection, healing and transformation. The Buffalo is the…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel Step into an evening of…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a…
Using the Autumn landscape as inspiration, join artist Penny Hillier–Evans for a creative workshop…
Looking for unique things to do in the Lake District this October? Back by popular demand, Go Ape…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Have a go at carving a spooky Halloween pumpkin this October half-term at Allan Bank. We'll prepare…
You may have walked the narrow pavements of Ambleside, exploring the various cafes, gift outlets…
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
Swim in the lake at night under The Milky Way, the glow of your light-up tow float keeping you…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Kendal
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly made delicacies in a serene setting, complemented by fine teas, coffee or Champagne, with breathtaking views of Knipe Tarn.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
Portinscale
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale apartment is full of character and atmosphere. Framed by the house’s striking chimneys, this unique space comfortably sleeps four across two inviting…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Our first floor restaurant, The Dining Room, benefits from stunning views of Grasmere Lake from every window and the contemporary menu on offer provides the perfect Lake District dining experience with a modern twist.
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.
Ambleside
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just what you’re looking for! You’ll be scaling rocks to reach the summit, learning new skills along the way and enjoying those hard earned views at the top.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Penrith
Join our guides for a magical Lake District hiking experience, tailored for your dream hike, to hide away off grid, or take your dream to the top of England highest peak. Push your boundaries in the safety of our guides, and learn new skills along…
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…
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
Backbarrow, Ulverston
Our Escape Rooms are an indoor activity for 2-6 people of all ages. Work together to find clues, solve puzzles and complete the challenge before time runs out!
Ullswater
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Coniston
The Bluebird Cafe, Coniston boast an idyllic location the the shores of Coniston Water. Open daily throughout the year from 9.30 till 4.30. The cafe serves a delicious selection of freshly prepared, locally sourced food, including our popular…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL