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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
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Live music with The Elderly brothers who play a range of tunes from 1920s to 2020s. Smile-inducing,…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
Learn about the moon as it reaches its brightest and most visible phase. An astronomy expert will…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Antiques Valuation Day overseen by Mitchell's Auctioneers and Valuers, Cockermouth. £5.00 entry…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
Thirlmere WI are organising a charity fund raiser showing the Calendar Girls film.
Did you know we have rainforest in Cumbria? Join our RSPB Assistant Warden Richard to learn more…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling…
It's a show that's more fun than a barrel of hobbits! What happens when a cinema's Lord of the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 450
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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.
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.
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…
Ullswater
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, convivial hotel on the shores of Ullswater from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh…
Coniston
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. More Than Mountains only uses highly qualified and knowledgeable instructors who are incredibly…
Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Windermere
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks a stone’s throw away and the pretty Lakeland village of Ambleside a mile away, Low Wood Bay is the perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Ambleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
Penrith
Join our guides for a magical Lake District hiking experience, tailored for your dream hike, to hide away off grid, or take your dream to the top of England highest peak. Push your boundaries in the safety of our guides, and learn new skills along…
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
Bampton, Haweswater
A rugged Lake District landscape where nature restoration works alongside hill farming, to benefit wildlife, water and people.
Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
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.
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.
Penrith
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute walk from Askham Hall. Part of the esteemed Askham Collection, The Queen’s Head is a cosy 17th century village pub with bedrooms ideally located in…
Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL