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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
2026 Spring Women's Wellness Nature Retreat April 16th - 19th 2026 A 3 night Lakeland escape in…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes,…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 8th May for an evening of live…
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star,…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…
Join Steve Dickinson at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 April for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Welcome to a Spring evening Earth Day forest therapy walk--a restorative way to immerse yourself in…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere after 2 sold out…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Let your creativity run wild as we paint this vibrant, feel-good meadow scene bursting with colour…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Coniston
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain streams, with jumps, slides, and stunning views, guided by experts for all skill levels.
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Troutbeck, Windermere
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Our idyllic location provides a tranquil and private retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots,…
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
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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Ambleside
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with onsite parking located in the heart of Ambleside.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL