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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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4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
On 5 October 2025 18:00-19:30 We are delighted to bring this project to England this year,…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
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…
Join us for a traditional service of lessons and carols by candlelight in the beautiful…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey Step aboard our magical…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
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Backbarrow, Ulverston
Our Escape Rooms are an indoor activity for 2-6 people of all ages. Work together to find clues, solve puzzles and complete the challenge before time runs out!
Windermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 35 years. Restaurants come and go but our focus on quality and customer service has set us…
Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Ambleside
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking for traditional pub grub or exciting seasonal specials there is something for everyone at this fantastic lakeside pub.
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland village of Cartmel - foodie heaven! Known for Horse Racing, Michelin Star restaurants and its famous Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
Seascale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can help you plan the perfect route to the summit based on where you’re staying and your previous experience.
Penrith
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven distinctive cottage units, each one offering ideal accommodation for convenient, flexible and leisurely family holidays.
Coniston
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water. Nearly 1 mile from Coniston village in a good area for walking and touring the Lakes.
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Ravenglass
Enjoy a well-rounded menu prepared by Muncaster’s very own Head Chef and team in our cosy courtyard café. We pride ourselves in sourcing local produce and catering to many dietary requirements.
Kendal
High Swinklebank is a hill sheepfarm with local Kendal rough fell sheep. It is in one of the beautiful unspoilt valleys of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing and getting away from it all.
Keswick
Discover the historic The Yew Tree Pub, nestled at the foot of Honister Pass in Borrowdale Valley. Dating back to 1628, this charming pub offers hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality. A popular stop for walkers on the Coast to Coast route,…
Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
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.
Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL