You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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 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
.jpg)
Number of results: 447
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Cumbria
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
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.
…
Grange-over-Sands
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake district . Great food. Great value. Friendly staff. A real hidden gem. Guests return again & again. View our 5-star Trip Advisor reviews.
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.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
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.
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Ravenglass
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
Penrith
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…
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
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Ullswater
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel dating back over 500 years and steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, you can expect a warm…
Windermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
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.
Newby Bridge
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
Rusland
Lands End Cottage is a luxury two bedroomed cottage, with 2 bathrooms and a private garden, in a very peaceful location. With its stunning views and comfortable accommodation, Lands End Cottage is ideal for a relaxing break.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL