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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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As seen on Britains got talent.. Got the blues? Well, step right up, because The Jive Aces are…
Skip the socks. Send him up a tree! Looking for things to do this Father's Day in the Lake…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live…
Guess who's back… and feeling 22? ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and this time we're…
Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim 2026 will take place on Saturday 20th June. Long distance…
Fundraisers of Alzheimer's Society will take on on an incredible 13 or 26 mile trek. The 26 mile…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Join award-winning photographer and visual artist Joanne Coates for a midsummer guided walk and…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater takes place from Park Foot Holiday Park, near Pooley Bridge, which…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Mark Hatton, a researcher and enthusiast of local mining history will be joining us to explore the…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Chillswim Ullswater 2026 will take place on Saturday 11th July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the…
This one-day course will give you an insight into safer swimming practices and help build practical…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Come and make a print to take home at one of our drop-in printmaking sessions. Bring your lunch and…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 468
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Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
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.
Nether Wasdale, Wasdale
Situated in arguably the most beautiful valley of Wasdale in the Lake District on the banks of the river Irt, is The Sawmill Café and Farm Shop. The perfect place to relax, restore and indulge, we offer a delicious locally sourced menu to satisfy…
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
Penrith
Opened in April 2019, The Queen’s Head Askham is a village pub with a difference just a two minute walk from Askham Hall. Part of the esteemed Askham Collection, The Queen’s Head is a cosy 17th century village pub with bedrooms ideally located in…
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Ambleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
Keswick
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings, roaring fireplaces and hearty food in a relaxed, home-from-home setting. Originally part of a coaching inn dating back to 1770, it’s the perfect place to…
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.
Ullswater
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable French oak cladding. The double-braced huts have stargazing roofs, free-standing baths, and a lounge area with a log burner.
Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
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
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village
• Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6 bathrooms
• Lake views and open fire
• Large lounge & dining room, ideal for get-togethers
• Perfect adventure base for those wanting to explore everything the…
Coniston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building is the perfect place if you’re looking to escape the crowds. A handsome, traditional Lakeland slate building, The Coniston Inn is set…
Bowness-on-Windermere
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of Bowness, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.
Keswick
The Lake District is known for being the home of Rock Climbing, so why not try your hand at this extreme sport! Conquer a fear and get up close and personal with some of the incredible local landscape all whilst under the watchful eye of our…
Ambleside
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of free parking in the lovely village of Ambleside where we have two award winning vegetarian restaurants within a short walking distance.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL