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
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Join Magician Chris Frostie Frost, for an afternoon of magical mayhem, comedy and nonsense. Be…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…
Explore the Garden-Orchard and Woodland on the Georgian Tea Party themed Easter Egg Trail at…
Easter Little Engineers' Days at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Bring curious minds, creative…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Join us in the Learning Centre this Easter Holidays for free, hands-on activities designed to spark…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Celebrate 50 Years of Northern Rock May 2nd – 4th, 2026 Join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway…
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…
In April, the earth begins to sing again. As Earth Day draws near, this Quiet Day offers space to…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is…
Hop into Easter with a smile and a giggle. Follow the trail through the woods and parkland with…
Cumbria Local Arts Annual Exhibition. Over 500 pieces of work by 115 artist,all living within the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 469
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Ambleside
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping into crystal clear pools of deep water, sliding into pools, wild swimming, and scrambling - all in the most beautiful of settings.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
Coniston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
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
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with onsite parking located in the heart of Ambleside.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…
Ambleside
Experience the perfect Lakeland escape at Brantholme B&B, a premier Ambleside retreat tucked away on a quiet lane just minutes from the village center. This owner-managed gem offers an ideal blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, featuring…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
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
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by making an early (or late) start and watch the sunrise from a mountain summit?
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…
Ambleside
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central location with immediate access to fells, shops, restaurants, pubs and cinema.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Windermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL