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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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Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival…
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
The craft fair will include local arts and craft makers from the region, including wood, jewellery,…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Dvořák Piano Trio in E minor Op.90 'Dumky' Reicha…
Swap the frenzy of Henman Hill for the sweep of Ullswater's fells this July as Another Place, The…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Lake District Music Academy | Ignas Maknickas - Piano | Agogo String Quartet | Nadejda String…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
Join Peter Hughes at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 July for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
A spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage. Discover the origins of modern…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
We are celebrating our new exhibition in style – with a Gothic summer garden party! Step into a…
This summer, something extraordinary is coming to Rydal Hall. A renowned touring opera company…
The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim provides the perfect adventure swimming day out. Swimming in the…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Nr Kendal
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.
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…
Kendal
Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due to it’s PGA Golf Course and other fantastic features.
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.
Hawkshead
The King's Arms is a traditional country inn serving delicious, locally sourced food alongside local ales, in the Lake District.
The Inn also has 8 individually decorated rooms all named after Kings of England.
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL