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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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APPRAISAL by Tim Marriott An annual work review that goes horribly wrong. Head of Department…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Enjoy a STEAM-filled weekend brimming with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and events for…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
Ambleside Roman Fort is set in one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in Britain and yet two…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own timeless round basket with a handle. A course for…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at…
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from…
Gatesbield is a small sheltered housing association set in award winning gardens in the centre of…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared – learn…
Ambleside & District Choral Society present an evening with the three greatest composers of the…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Windermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4504 reviewsUllswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
Windermere
Applegarth Villa is a hotel in the heart of Windermere offering 22 rooms & suites ranging from Deluxe Cheeky Doubles to Hot Tub Suites. Being the only hotel if its kind in Windermere Village, enjoy the easy access, free off road parking (with EV…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1932 reviewsUllswater
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?
Windermere
The Wild Boar is one of the Lake District’s finest and oldest Windermere hotels. You’ll be welcomed with friendly faces, traditional wood beams, individually styled rooms and a warming open fire.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Keswick
Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Indulge in delectable treats and savoury bites as you sit back and relax among friends.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
149 reviewsKeswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
Duddon Bridge, Broughton-in-Furness
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the stylish Cow Barn. With 3 sunny bedrooms, a modern airy interior, cosy log-burner & pretty garden, it’s the ideal base for a break in the Lakes
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL