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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
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 6th annual…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Discover a wealth of horticultural colour, scent and design inspiration when 16 gates will open…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
A trail running weekend with two unique races.
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding.…
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney…
Join us in the Learning Centre this May half term for free, hands-on activities designed to spark…
Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal…
Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Guess who's back… and treating you with kindness. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and on…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston takes place at Monk Coniston, at the North end of the lake. You can choose…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
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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Number of results: 469
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Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Penrith
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot holiday park on the shores of Lake Ullswater and around the village of Pooley Bridge, they are suitable for families or couples looking for the convenience…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea at The Daffodil in the heart of the Lake District and prepare to indulge, not only in the delectable treats we have waiting for you, but also in the stunning views of Lake Grasmere.
Ambleside
Our northernmost pier at Ambleside (Waterhead) is set in a beautiful location with arguably the best views of the Lake District Fells from the water.
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Newby Bridge
Spend a full day in the Cumbrian wilderness on our bushcraft course honing the key survival skill of making fire, and creating your own friction fire lighting kit (bow drill).
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
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.
Nr Kendal
Contemporary licensed café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. Shop selling local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
Ambleside
There’s something truly special about being by the water and The Wateredge Inn in Ambleside captures that magic perfectly. Perched right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, it’s the kind of place where you can sit back on the waterfront…
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
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!
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL