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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
Alan Cleaver and his wife Lesley Park conjure up the spirit of Cumbria's Christmas past with a look…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…
There's winter wonder for the whole family at the gateway to the Lake District this year. From 21…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
A restorative floating sound bath in the heart of the Lake District. Renew your mind, body and soul…
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors…
We're thrilled to welcome Helen Miller to The Swan on 27th December for a soulful evening of live…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
On 28 October 2025 14:00-15:30 This presentation will provide an overview of the PhD research…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an…
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
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Penrith
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first floor i.e. in the hay loft. The Byre has been converted to a very high standard with oak wood used throughout, retaining the original beams.
Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Windermere
Ian Doig is an official South Lakeland Private Hire Licence Holder. Ian is local to the area and can provide personal stories about the Lake District and its history. Ian also has a keen interest in driving and a particular passion for off-road…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Cumbria
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, woodland, isolated hillside farmsteads, sturdy stone-built villages and seemingly…
Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing…
Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
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…
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 22
• 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together sleeping 22
• A total of 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 4 hot tubs in total
• Stunning mountain location with…
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
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.
Keswick
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
Ambleside
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just what you’re looking for! You’ll be scaling rocks to reach the summit, learning new skills along the way and enjoying those hard earned views at the top.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL