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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
In April, the earth begins to sing again. As Earth Day draws near, this Quiet Day offers space to…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 5th April for an evening of live…
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…
Celebrate 50 Years of Northern Rock May 2nd – 4th, 2026 Join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District. If you have never looked at…
New Year. . . same problems! It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Join us in the Learning Centre this Easter Holidays for free, hands-on activities designed to spark…
This informal panel discussion will explore and celebrate the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth…
Poets from the North West gather together to perform a selection of Romantic and contemporary…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Soft Machine is one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Their work, from their…
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
Cumbria Local Arts Annual Exhibition. Over 500 pieces of work by 115 artist,all living within the…
Easter Little Engineers' Days at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Bring curious minds, creative…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Join in the fun this Easter Saturday As part of our 'Wrestle' exhibition Grizedale is hosting a…
The main writing theme for the weekend is centred around what it looks like to walk with Jesus.…
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Coniston
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
Ambleside
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a cosy, relaxed & welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable price, & an extensive range of local…
Coniston
• Sleeps 4
• Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man
• 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Fellside garden
• Slate floors
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Log-burning stove
• Spectacular views throughout
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Keswick
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa bed in every lodge). We are Self Catering, and you will find all the amenities you need in your lodge. Relax in your open plan living dining kitchen…
Newby Bridge
Spend a full day in the Cumbrian wilderness on our bushcraft course honing the key survival skill of making fire, and creating your own friction fire lighting kit (bow drill).
Windermere
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
The Whitewater Hotel is the ultimate Lake district retreat, featuring the fantastic Cascades Leisure Club & Spa.
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Victoria 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…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Patterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL