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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
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo…
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
We will gather to honour the longest night and welcome the rebirth of the sun. Join in a…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
Wednesday 31st December (NYE) Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax 7pm - 1.30am ️ Tickets -…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
Step back in time to Regency England with this Christmas fireside talk. Immerse yourself in the…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
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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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake Windermere. A stone's throw away from Bowness bay, with plenty to do. Also secluded and private for a romantic getaway. Dorothy’s is self check-in, but…
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake District within easy reach of Lake Windermere, the historic village of Cartmel and Grange over Sands and many places of interest. An ideal…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Ambleside
Just a short stroll from Ambleside’s bustling centre and only steps from the shores of Windermere, The Waterhead Inn is the perfect place to relax, refuel, and soak up the beauty of the Lake District. After a day exploring fells, lakes, and…
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Cumbria
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
The Old Byre was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to four people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
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…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL