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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
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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Number of results: 469
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Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
Windermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
Backbarrow, Ulverston
Our Escape Rooms are an indoor activity for 2-6 people of all ages. Work together to find clues, solve puzzles and complete the challenge before time runs out!
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
Hesket Newmarket, Near Caldbeck
A superb luxury self-catering cottage in the peaceful village of Hesket Newmarket, 200 metres from the village pub and restaurant. A spa bath and log burner are two of the world-class luxuries available.
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.
Cockermouth
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'. The cottages have used green design and technologies with ground and air source heat pumps to power the under-floor heating beneath the…
Lyth Valley
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds that flock to the Lake District National Park.
Ambleside
Experience the perfect Lakeland escape at Brantholme B&B, a premier Ambleside retreat tucked away on a quiet lane just minutes from the village center. This owner-managed gem offers an ideal blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, featuring…
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
Grange-over-Sands
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from Cartmel and 2 miles from Lake Windermere. The property offers spectacular views over beautiful, tranquil gardens and the Cartmel Valley.
There are…
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…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Coniston
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water. Nearly 1 mile from Coniston village in a good area for walking and touring the Lakes.
Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Penrith
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each complete with an equipped kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
Ambleside
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of free parking in the lovely village of Ambleside where we have two award winning vegetarian restaurants within a short walking distance.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL