You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
Ambleside & District Choral Society present an evening with the three greatest composers of the…
Transform and recycle subtle coloured pieces of sea glass into jewellery that is perfect for summer…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared – learn…
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 Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk. 6.30am – 9.30am. Guided walk through Brantwood estate to…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Journey into acrylics with this serene scene – a swan gracefully adrift on a tranquil autumn lake.
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
As part of Windermere Science Festival enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 490
, currently showing 261 to 280.
We offer a range of private group experiences near Windermere, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsBowness-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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s 2AA rosette restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviewsBorrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1707 reviewsLake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
442 reviewsEskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
Ambleside
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an enviable reputation for high quality breakfasts and superb customer service.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1283 reviewsGrisedale Bridge, Glenridding
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells, exploring the quaint villages, or simply relaxing on the water, hop aboard a Ullswater ‘Steamer’ to experience this little slice of Lake District…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1480 reviewsAmbleside
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviewsWitherslack
Luxury yurt holidays in an idyllic and secluded location, a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere but a world away from anywhere.
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 reviewsVictoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
445 reviewsElectric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike Safaris. Experience cycling through the Cumbrian countryside, visiting all the attractions and having the comfort of the electric assistance.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviewsConiston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Our exquisite AA Rosette awarded Belsfield Restaurant offers unrivalled, unique and spectacular views over Lake Windermere and the fells beyond. Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in 6-acres…
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
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.
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL