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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
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Welcome to the farm. In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women…
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a…
Join us at Muncaster from 24 October - 1 November for some spook-tacular family fun! The iconic…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
INTERNATIONAL DRAG ROYALTY Direct from prestigious theatres and luxury cruise ships around the…
This is a two day course which covers the rise of the arts and literary movement called modernism.…
The 26/27 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of connection, healing and transformation. The Buffalo is the…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Have a go at carving a spooky Halloween pumpkin this October half-term at Allan Bank. We'll prepare…
Get ready for a huge night of stadium-sized rock at The Royalty! Two powerhouse tributes: EMUS &…
Though known as the school of William Wordsworth, many more schoolboys were educated here. Join us…
The Cumbrian Cracker is one of the original Lakeland cycle sportives, with Grasmere Village hosting…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
A brilliant way to explore and learn... Start to understand the signs of animals that run before…
Join Wild Haweswater's writer in residence Joanna Clare Dobson for an immersive morning of creative…
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable Jersey Boys Tribute Night, featuring live…
Using the Autumn landscape as inspiration, join artist Penny Hillier–Evans for a creative workshop…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Cumbria-wide
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Coniston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building has undergone an exciting restoration to create a stunning pub with rooms. Open all day, every day for food, drinks and rooms.
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
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
Keswick
A stylish hotel in the heart of Keswick, with modern rooms, great dining, dog-friendly options and Derwentwater just a 10-minute walk away.
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
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.
2 Yewdale Rd, Coniston
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy a pint of ale by the fire or sit down for a delicious pub meal. With 9 comfortable en-suite guest rooms it's the perfect base to enjoy the area. Also…
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal specials, fine cask ales, world wines, spirits, and cosy teas, coffees, or festive mulled wine.
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…
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
Windermere
The Grill offers a relaxed, welcoming dining experience with a menu created by Head Chef Ambrus Kipke, proudly rooted in classic English cuisine. Think crowd-pleasing favourites like traditional fish and chips, juicy sirloin steaks, and a tempting…
Witherslack
Luxury yurt holidays in an idyllic and secluded location, a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere but a world away from anywhere.
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!
Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
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…
Witherslack
A small, off the beaten track campsite with a warm welcome. An ideal base to explore all the Lake District has to offer without the crowds. With just 25 camping and campervan pitches, stunning views down the Winster Valley, on site shop, food van,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL