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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
Join Becks Skinner at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 19 May for a fascinating talk. Inspired by a…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Looking for some fun craft activities during May half-term? Come to the museum to make your own…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Performing music from his second album Americana (released April 2025), Eddie Gripper tells the…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
This is a high quality workshop where participants will be taught how to create a small stone…
A curated selection of independent growers and specialist nurseries gather at Dalemain along with…
Join us for our fantastic Calvert Stables Open Day and experience the yard like never before. This…
The Swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding.…
A trail running weekend with two unique races.
Guess who's back… and treating you with kindness. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and on…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 22nd…
Join us in the Learning Centre this May half term for free, hands-on activities designed to spark…
Franck - Chorale No.2 in B minor M. 39 (arr. Corbett) Bach - Prelude & Fugue in C sharp BWV 848…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Our first floor restaurant, The Dining Room, benefits from stunning views of Grasmere Lake from every window and the contemporary menu on offer provides the perfect Lake District dining experience with a modern twist.
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Glenridding, Penrith
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
At the heart of our hotel, you will find the Riverside restaurant. Our restaurant team will make your dining an experience to remember. The cuisine represents the best of modern British mixed along with classic cookery offering a fresh and modern…
Staveley
Delightful village inn, riverside location with friendly family welcome, offering excellent cosy accommodation. Local produce of superb real ales.
Ambleside
Wray Pier offers a peaceful escape on Windermere’s western shore, giving visitors the chance to explore this tranquil corner of the lake by boat.
Windermere Lake Cruises offers sight-seeing tours every day except Christmas Day.
Coniston
• Sleeps 8
• 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
• Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and woodland
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Idyllic location close to village and lake
• Stunning interior which has been recently renovated to an exceptional…
Ambleside
The Red Lion Inn Hawkshead offers a refined Lake District dining experience, combining traditional British dishes with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Set in a charming historic inn with exposed beams and a cosy atmosphere, the restaurant…
Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere. The 17th Century former farm has 7 plush en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 2, 3, or 4 people each - it's the ideal Grasmere hotel for individuals, couples,…
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Ullswater
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct?
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
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 Windermere as…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL