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A strong contender for the most beautiful lake in England is Ullswater, a glittering jewel between Pooley Bridge to the north and Glenridding to the south carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by some of the Lake District’s most eye-catching fells. In the 18th-century, the lake attracted artists and poets looking for creative inspiration – those same views are yours to enjoy, whether descending from the lofty heights of Kirkstone, climbing Hallin Fell on the eastern side or tagging the western edge to reach the stunning Aira Force waterfall.
The lake itself is a focal point of recreational activities, from sailing and boating to canoeing and windsurfing – and then there’s the pleasure of just cruising on the lake aboard an Ullswater steamer. For climbers, there’s the challenge of Helvellyn fell via Striding Edge, St Sunday Crag or the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Culture & Heritage
The high ground around Ullswater is rich in prehistoric remains. Stone circles from the Neolithic period (2500-1500BC) have been found on Barton Fell (the so-called Cockpit), Moor Divock and Swarth Fell – the last of these made up of 65 stones of which only one remains upright. Several routes across the fells converge here, suggesting that this was an ancient trade route and settlement site.
The Romans also left their mark, building a paved route known as High Street to link their forts at Brougham (Brocavum) and Ambleside (Galava). There were ancient British settlements at Bannerdale and Deepdale near Glencoyne Farm and Hartsop Hall, while a fort atop Dunmallard Hill offers pretty stunning views of the lake below. There’s another fort 2 miles (3.2km) west of here at Maiden Castle. Collectively, all of these settlements and forts suggest that this was a pretty busy spot and that there was plenty of food to go around, including fish from the lake and deer and wild boar in the extensive woodlands.
Skip forward a thousand years or so and you might have seen William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy walking in the area: in April 1802 a profusion of daffodils at Gowbarrow Park inspired the poet to write one of the English language’s most famous poems.
This pastoral idyll was interrupted a few decades later by the establishment of the Greenside Lead Mine at Glenridding, which was open for 140 years and was one of the most profitable mines in all of northern England: more than 3 million tons of ore were extracted from this exceptionally rich lead vein before the mine finally closed in 1962. Huge spoil heaps overshadow a complex of mine buildings while, further down the valley, are the gaunt rows of slate terraced houses where the miners once lived. The Ullswater Steamers first began operating in 1859 – originally to bring food and provisions to the miners at Glenridding, but a ride on the lake soon became a popular tourist attraction.
Surrounding Areas
Aira Force - Escape the ordinary at Aira Force. Let your imagination run wild as you weave your way through woodland glades from the waters edge to fell top. You'll find champion trees, cheeky red squirrels, waterfalls, perfect picnic spots, a café, pebble beaches, beautiful views and much more.
Glenridding - Glenridding can be found at the foot of the famous Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake and it is the main centre for the Ullswater area. The classic mountain Helvellyn at 3,116ft (950m) is a popular and high terrain walk that starts from the village.
Helvellyn - England's third highest peak at 3,120 ft, it is very popular with walkers all year round. 2 of the 3 approaches, Striding and Swirral edge have become something of a walkers trophy with high and difficult traversing required. Red Tarn is set in the mountain's basin.
Patterdale - This small village is based at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass and the first port of call for those approaching the Eden Valley from the South. Surrounded by dominant fells such as Place Fell and St. Sunday Crag, the little village is dwarfed by the mountains around it.
Pooley Bridge - This pretty little village situated at the Northern end of Ullswater is a great tourist hotspot. It is the Gateway to the magnificant Eden Valley if approaching from Penrith as you are greeted by sweeping views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn range at the southern tip of the lake.
Did you know?
Gough MemorialThe Gough Memorial on the summit of Helvellyn marks the spot where Charles Gough died after a fall in 1805. His dead body was guarded by his faithful dog for three months until they were found.- Parting StoneThe Parting Stone at Grisedale Tarn records the place where William Wordsworth said farewell to his much-loved brother, John, who he was never to see again. John was drowned when his ship was wrecked off Weymouth in 1805.
- Sir Donald CampbellSir Donald Campbell achieved his first world water speed record on Ullswater on 23 July 1955, when he piloted the jet-propelled Bluebird K7 to a speed of 202.32 mph.
- TristamontTristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
- Patterdale TerriersWiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
- Horse RacingHorse racing used to take place on the top of High Street in the 19th century. One section above Hayeswater is still called Racecourse Hill.
Highlights
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
Welcome to the world of glamping! We have four heated self-catering Glamping Pods for hire.
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, convivial hotel on the shores of Ullswater from where you can…
Owned and operated by the Heath Family, the award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful…
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring…
Location, location, location the three things you need for the perfect holiday cottage and this…
Doing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes…
Traditional, luxury sandstone Farmhouse and cottages accommodates 18 in 9 double bedrooms, 8…
From May you can hire a cycle from the award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful…
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
A climbing session on a mountain crag or rocky outcrop is one way to keep fit, and challenge…
Shop, bar, restaurant, pony trekking, lake access, play areas. Open mid March to mid November
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…
Swim in the Ullswater at night under The Milky Way, the glow of your light-up tow float keeping you…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…
Our stunning one-bed barn conversion has all the modern furnishings and touches, whilst retaining…
Idyllic setting overlooking Ullswater. Number one holiday park on Tripadvisor in the Lake District…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on…
Learn the skills to paddle a canoe safely and confidently on lakes and flat water rivers in the…
A leading holiday cottage lettings company with a selection of handpicked cottages in Cumbria and…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 76
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
CumbriaThe scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes the Lake District such a special place. One of the best examples of this type of landscape is the eastern shore of Ullswater. The craggy flanks of…
Address
Pooley Bridge, Soulby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Penrith
Welcome to the world of glamping! We have four heated self-catering Glamping Pods for hire.
Address
Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0JJTelephone
0870 400 8131Ullswater
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Ullswater
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, convivial hotel on the shores of Ullswater from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
Address
Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Penrith
Owned and operated by the Heath Family, the award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
Address
Park Foot, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
017684 86309Penrith
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, tennis, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Address
7 Halton Terrace, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QHTelephone
01539 726458Penrith
Location, location, location the three things you need for the perfect holiday cottage and this has all three.
Ullswater View cottage was built for the miners of the Greenside Lead Mine and is situated 1/2 mile above Ullswater.Address
CumbriaDoing the round of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is one of the Lake District's most famous routes and for very good reason. The combination of two superb arêtes, which provide easy but exposed scrambling with a summit that has far-reaching views…
Address
Hause Hall Farm, Martindale, Near Ullswater, CUMBRIA, CA10 2NFTelephone
07968 258234Near Ullswater
Traditional, luxury sandstone Farmhouse and cottages accommodates 18 in 9 double bedrooms, 8 ensuite and family bathroom. Superb views from Day room. Open plan sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Aga, weber BBQ and teak garden furniture
Address
Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
07745 190 227Ullswater
From May you can hire a cycle from the award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. The park offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket. Sitting above the pretty lakeside village of Pooley…
Cumbria
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor clothing and a "canine corner" so you can spoil your bestfriend! We also produce our own hand made fudge in store and its is free to sample!
Ullswater
A climbing session on a mountain crag or rocky outcrop is one way to keep fit, and challenge yourself. As you look at the rock face the height and apparent blankness of the rock is what first strikes you, but when you get up close you realise the…
Address
Howtown Road, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
017684 86309Penrith
Shop, bar, restaurant, pony trekking, lake access, play areas. Open mid March to mid November
Address
Finkle Street, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NWTelephone
017684 86444Pooley Bridge
Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of quality food and drink.
Address
Another Place, The Lake, Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LPTelephone
01768 486442Ullswater
Swim in the Ullswater at night under The Milky Way, the glow of your light-up tow float keeping you company under the stars. Cold water swimming specialist, Colin Hill, will be your guide in the water with you. You will experience 20 – 40 mins in…
Address
The Pier House, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0USTelephone
017684 82229Penrith
The ‘Steamers’ create the perfect opportunity to combine a cruise on a beautiful lake with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the Lake District. Operating an all year service with varying timetable connections. Cruise times vary from…
Address
Patterdale, Near Glenridding, Ullswater, Penrith, CA11 0NPTelephone
0121 240 0195Ullswater
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house, sleeping 14, ideally sited in an acre of grounds, 0.5 mile from village of Patterdale, pub and shop. Restaurants, steamer and boat hire 1.5 miles.
Address
High Street, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NHTelephone
017684 86334Penrith
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Address
Park Foot Holiday Park - Self Catering, Howtown Road, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NATelephone
07769675045Pooley Bridge, Penrith
The races will feature a swim in Ullswater, an undulating bike via Askham and Lowther for the Sprint race and via Shap for the Standard event, before a final flat run along the shores of Ullswater and a minor road back to the event field. This race…
Address
Patterdale, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0NPTelephone
07761144427Penrith
Our stunning one-bed barn conversion has all the modern furnishings and touches, whilst retaining its original character for the perfect relaxing retreat, This former barn is idyllically positioned in the picturesque village of Patterdale
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