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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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Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Kids go home. Adults Go Ape. Looking for an after work activity in the Lake District this summer?…
A KIND OF MAGIC TOUR Following the fantastic show in 2025 at Bowness, "Now I'm Here" Queen Tribute…
A traditional Lakeland show, now in its 141st year, in a beautiful valley in the South Lakes. Fell…
Guess who's back… and this time we're heading straight to the White Isle. ☀️ Our Summer Spa-rtys…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 21st August for an evening of…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom Help collect the…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Join us for a day of family fun this summer with a special visit from Witch herself! Witch will…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead your family around our amazing forest and…
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…
Will you race the tide this August 7–9 2026? Race the Tide challenges runners of all levels to…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar…
Discover 200 years of Rock Climbing history, from the earliest scrambles to the modern sport we…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Ambleside
From short walks along valley bottoms or around lake shores, to lesser known mountain routes on the smaller and bigger mountains, right up to the likes of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn or even multiple summits, we will endeavour to build a route to…
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
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!
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
Grasmere
Mentioned in William Wordsworth’s 1806 composition The Waggoner, a multi-million-pound refurbishment has given this renowned property renewed purpose as a cosy, welcoming pub with 46 bedrooms.
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Ambleside
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and our menus feature the finest fresh produce from the region.
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
Seascale
This two bedroom self catering holiday home located in the western Lake District is full of character, making it a perfect holiday home for families, couples and friends alike, with all amenities located on your doorstep.
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…
Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Windermere
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
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…
Ambleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL