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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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Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
Join us for a splash of colour in this exciting and playful process. No experience needed, just…
UK'S FIRST SUSTAINABLE POWER BOAT RACE TO TAKE PLACE IN WINDERMERE THIS WEEKEND! SAT 20 APRIL -…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Spend a weekend learning how to sail our Canoes. They are specifically designed to Sail fast and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
If you don't quite fancy being an early bird for Dawn Chorus Day, then experience the magic of…
Can you discover eight of the birds that call Sizergh home? Take part in the Spring Bird Challenge…
The trivial comedy for serious people is back. Mistaken identity and romance collide with cucumber…
Our 1/2 day NaturesGems tours start at 9am and finish around 1pm. We will spend the morning…
Curated and hosted by poet Kim Moore, our contemporary poetry reading series continues throughout…
The full Pink moon aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness &…
Create a unique piece of silver jewellery that will be a joy to wear or make a perfect gift.…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own timeless round basket with a handle. A course for…
Discover two remarkable Arts & Crafts houses in the Lake District in one afternoon. Blackwell – the…
The Cumbrian uplands include extensive areas of considerable nature conservation value. The…
Historian and author Christine Raafat will be talking about her novel, The Will to Succeed, about…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
Be inspired by the becks and gyhlls in the lakeland landscape. Based in the stunning Kentmere…
Connect with other visitors and explore the space through their illustrations and ideas. Engage…
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 488
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Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Grange-over-Sands
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood, Woodlands Pine Lodges are ideal for a relaxing break. On site Restaurant & Bar. Friendly staff. Great Food. Great Value. A real hidden gem.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
327 reviewsConiston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building has undergone an exciting restoration to create a stunning pub with rooms. Open all day, every day for food, drinks and rooms.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
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…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Sublime Symmetry is an exhibition featuring 60 pots, tiles and vases from the De Morgan Collection, including examples of De Morgan's Middle Eastern-inspired designs and glistening lustreware.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
166 reviewsKeswick
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
163 reviewsTorver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storage
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Windermere
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and fascinating Lake District stories. Daily guided tours for scenery, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and out to Haworth and the Brontë sisters.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
494 reviewsPenrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1124 reviewsBampton, Haweswater
A rugged Lake District landscape where nature restoration works alongside hill farming, to benefit wildlife, water and people.
Ravenglass
Located at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and homebaked cakes, to full meals made to order.
The Turntable Café, located on Platform 1 serves a wide array of food from hearty…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1934 reviewsWindermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
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4501 reviewsCumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
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…
Great Langdale
Spend an action packed day learning the essential skills needed to successfully survive and thrive in a mountainous environment.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviewsCockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL