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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
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of…
Antiques Valuation Day overseen by Mitchell's Auctioneers and Valuers, Cockermouth. £5.00 entry…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010)! Featuring four award-winning, Edinburgh…
Did you know we have rainforest in Cumbria? Join our RSPB Assistant Warden Richard to learn more…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling…
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided Coniston Classics walk in the Lake District. This…
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard…
Live music with The Elderly brothers who play a range of tunes from 1920s to 2020s. Smile-inducing,…
Musical – Tommy (1975) Ken Russell's flamboyant rock opera follows a "deaf, dumb and blind" boy who…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
It's a show that's more fun than a barrel of hobbits! What happens when a cinema's Lord of the…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest! The walk will cover up to 4 miles…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 450
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Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Patterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
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.
Ullswater
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large double bedroom and twin bedroom look out onto floor-to-ceiling views across the grounds to the lake and fells beyond.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere. The 17th Century former farm has 7 plush en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 2, 3, or 4 people each - it's the ideal Grasmere hotel for individuals, couples,…
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Ambleside
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by making an early (or late) start and watch the sunrise from a mountain summit?
Ambleside
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and E-Bike hire all year round. Our shop stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories and new and ex-hire bikes.
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Hawkshead
A spacious village house with hot tub and parking in the heart of Hawkshead, ideal for families and multigenerational stays.
Patterdale, Ullswater
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed retreats for anyone looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life. With carefully considered interiors which embrace a strong local connection,…
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Ravenglass
Located at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and homebaked cakes, to full meals made to order.
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Ambleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 22
• 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together sleeping 22
• A total of 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 4 hot tubs in total
• Stunning mountain location with…
Penrith
With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this historic house, Askham Hall is somewhere you can kick off your wellies at the front door and relax in down to earth, comfortable surroundings.
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Windermere
The Wild Boar is one of the Lake District’s finest and oldest Windermere hotels. You’ll be welcomed with friendly faces, traditional wood beams, individually styled rooms and a warming open fire.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL