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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 life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's…
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Wednesday 31st December (NYE) Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax 7pm - 1.30am ️ Tickets -…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme…
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
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.
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
Ambleside
Nestled in the heart of the English Lake District Victorian House provides the perfect antidote to chain hotel fatigue! Think cosy nights in the snug with a glass of red, kicking your boots off after a day of exploring and sinking into the sofa with…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL