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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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Looking for things to do this May half term in Keswick? Head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest near…
The Arc'teryx Climb Academy Lake District returns May 23 – 25, 2026. The Arc'teryx Climb Academy…
Amy Rhiannon Worth's Jazz Jive Jukebox is a unique, high-octane, powerhouse show that contrasts…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
A packed weekend celebrating off-road running. The festival aims to bring together trail runners,…
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 6th annual…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Join our volunteer ranger and bird enthusiast on a gentle stroll through the forest. Suitable for…
If you love wild swimming around beautiful islands then you will love our Wild Isle…
Guess who's back… and treating you with kindness. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and on…
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney…
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century…
A curated selection of independent growers and specialist nurseries gather at Dalemain along with…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Discover a wealth of horticultural colour, scent and design inspiration when 16 gates will open…
Meet at the Swan Inn in Grasmere to meet your guide, Matt, and the group, get an overview of the…
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding.…
Join Becks Skinner at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 19 May for a fascinating talk. Inspired by a…
Performing music from his second album Americana (released April 2025), Eddie Gripper tells the…
Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46 Elgar - Chanson de Matin Fauré - Après un Rêve Saint-Saëns -…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Looking for something creative to do with the kids this May half term? Join us at Blackwell – the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!
Bowness-on-Windermere
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back on Ash Street. As an Asian BBQ & Grill restaurant with playful dishes and bold flavours, enjoy the vibrant energy and that electric buzz that keeps you…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL