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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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Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
A short National Park Volunteer-led guided walk using accessible paths to the summit of Orrest Head…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
APPRAISAL by Tim Marriott An annual work review that goes horribly wrong. Head of Department…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Join nature expert, Gemma and local photographer, Ginny Koppenhol for a nature experience with a…
If you don't quite fancy being an early bird for Dawn Chorus Day, then experience the magic of…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Gatesbield is a small sheltered housing association set in award winning gardens in the centre of…
As part of Windermere Science Festival enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
Ambleside Roman Fort is set in one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in Britain and yet two…
Connect with other visitors and explore the space through their illustrations and ideas. Engage…
Join us for a fun and relaxing day learning the art of mosaic. Create a colourful plaque, a trivet…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 490
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Winderemere as…
Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
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.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
437 reviewsCumbria
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,…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Kendal
The Wheatsheaf is a delightful village Inn, recently refubished, tucked away in picturesque Brigsteer. We offer a friendly welcome, fabulous food & great local ales.
Ambleside
Jim and Monique look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful, elegant Victorian Guest House situated in the centre of the picturesque village of Ambleside. Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, World Heritage site.
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 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.
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Ambleside
Nestled in 130 acres of tranquil woodland, Skelwith Fold is the perfect destination to escape from everyday life. An array of scenic walks, quaint villages and cosy pubs and restaurants all within walking distance. There is a Stagecoach bus stop…
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
111 reviewsAmbleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
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640 reviewsUllswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
437 reviewsAmbleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
102 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL