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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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We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
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This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
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Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
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4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
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We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
There's winter wonder for the whole family at the gateway to the Lake District this year. From 21…
On 28 October 2025 14:00-15:30 This presentation will provide an overview of the PhD research…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style. Late Nite Fiasco Fuse…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
Keswick
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL