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Ullswater The Lake District
Ullswater The Lake District
Ullswater The Lake District

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Ullswater

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.

A wide variety of local shops, cafés, pubs and accommodation are looking forward to welcoming you!

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 MEMORIAL

The 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 STONE

The 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 CAMPBELL

Sir 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.

TRISTAMONT

Tristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.

PATTERDALE TERRIERS

Wiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.

HORSE RACING

Horse 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

Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…

Waterfoot Park - Touring

5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…

Boredale & Eastern Flanks of Ullswater

Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…

Macdonald Leeming House

A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…

The Royal Hotel, Dockray - Food & Drink

Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel…

Hillcroft Park - Camping

With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…

St. Martin of Tours Church, Martindale

The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…

Lishman House at The Patterdale Estate

Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence.…

The Glasshouse at Another Place

The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With…

Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal…

The Quiet Site Holiday Park

The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…

Navigation Tuition with Hiking Highs

Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…

Treatment & Cardio Rooms at Another Place, The Lake

Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your…

Hillcroft Park - Glamping

Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning…

Pooley Bridge Inn

We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental…

TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park

TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…

Ullswater Wild Isle Swim

If you love wild swimming around beautiful islands then you will love our Wild Isle…

Waterfoot Park - Holiday Homes For Sale

Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…

Aira Force Waterfall

The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…

The Quiet Site Glamping

The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…

Static Caravans at Ullswater Holiday Park

Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…

Chestnut House

Chestnut House is a specialist food and drink store which carries 400 + gins and a wide range of…

holidaycottages.co.uk

Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…

The Hidden Place at Ullswater Holiday Park

This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

Ullswater, Penrith

Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the charming village of Pooley Bridge, the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ pier, and Ullswater itself.

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620 reviews
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Waterfoot Park - Touring

Address

Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

Ullswater, Penrith

5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
620 reviews
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Boredale & Eastern Flanks of Ullswater

Address

Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike descent.

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Macdonald Leeming House

Address

Macdonald Leeming House, Watermillock, Ullswater, Nr Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JJ

Telephone
0870 400 8131

leeminghouse@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

Ullswater, Nr Penrith

A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.

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Lakeland 100 Recce Day

Address

Pooley Bridge, Leyland, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA102NN

Telephone
01257251217

organiser@lakeland100.com

Pooley Bridge

Recce run for the 2026 Lakeland 50 & 100 from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside. This run is only open for 2026 Lakeland competitors.

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The Royal Hotel, Dockray - Food & Drink

Address

The Royal Hotel, Dockray, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0JY

Telephone
017684 82356

hello@royaldockray.co.uk

Ullswater

Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel dating back over 500 years and steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, you can expect a warm…

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Tourism For All

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Hillcroft Park - Camping

Address

Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LT

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping field Angle Tarn is set amongst our Pods, so if some of you are traditional campers but perhaps other family members prefer something more substantial…

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461 reviews
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Ullswater Epicman Triathlon & Multisport

Address

Park Foot Holiday Park, Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

Telephone
01257 251217

info@epicevents.co.uk

Howtown, Penrith

With 4 race options and 3 distances in each to choose from, the event is ideal for both novice and experienced participants and we encourage you to take advantage of the camping facilities at Park Foot and stay for the weekend!

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Beat The Bounds

Address

Patterdale School, Ullswater Valley, Patterdale, Penrith, CA110NL

Telephone
0797694988

nicola@hikinghighs.co.uk

Patterdale

Choose your challenge:
1. The Full Boundary (45k)
2. 1st half Boundary (26k)
3. 2nd half Boundary (19k)
4. The Mini Beat (10k downhill)

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St. Martin of Tours Church, Martindale

Address

Martindale, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA10 2NF

Telephone
01768 898396

PENRITH

The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…

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Beer Festival with Live Music

Address

The Royal Hotel, Dockray, Dockray, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JY

Telephone
017684 82356

hello@royaldockray.co.uk

Penrith

Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal Dockray Hotel's charity weekend on 19–20 June.
Set in the picturesque village of Dockray near Ullswater, this two-day event combines outdoor…

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Lishman House at The Patterdale Estate

Address

"The Estate" @ Patterdale Hall Estate, Patterdale Hall Estate, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PJ

Telephone
017684 82308

mail@patterdalehallestate.com

Glenridding, Penrith

Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…

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The Glasshouse at Another Place

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

Ullswater

The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With panoramic views of Ullswater and the fells beyond, its open Thursday to Monday for wood-fired pizza, coffee and cocktails to hotel guests and non-resident…

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Pooley Bridge Inn - Food & Drink

Address

Pooley Bridge Inn, Finkle St, Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN

Telephone
017684 86215

info@pooleybridgeinn.co.uk

Ullswater, Pooley Bridge

The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal specials, fine cask ales, world wines, spirits, and cosy teas, coffees, or festive mulled wine.

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The Quiet Site Holiday Park

Address

Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LS

Telephone
07768 727016

info@thequietsite.co.uk

Penrith

The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed with us from the old basic camping field to the state-of-the-art, sustainable glamping park we are now. In a nutshell, we offer quality glamping,…

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1341 reviews
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Chillswim Ullswater 7.5 Miles End to End

Address

Park Foot Holiday Park, Park Foot Holiday Park, Howtown, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NA

Telephone
01257 251217

info@chillswim.com

Howtown, Penrith

Chillswim Ullswater 2026 will take place on Saturday 11th July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the outskirts of Pooley Bridge, this will be the 7th edition of this incredible swimming challenge!
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in…

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Navigation Tuition with Hiking Highs

Address

Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QR

enquiries@hikinghighs.co.uk

Penrith

Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have opened your paper map, to the technical contour only courses, our team are experienced navigation coaches... have fun, see the map with 3 dimensional…

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Treatment & Cardio Rooms at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

Ullswater

Flanked by two walls of glass, the pool has views that blur the boundary between you and your lakeside location.

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Hillcroft Park - Glamping

Address

Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LT

Telephone
017684 86363

info@hillcroftpark.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
461 reviews
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Pooley Bridge Inn

Address

Pooley Bridge Inn, Finkle St, Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN

Telephone
017684 86215

info@pooleybridgeinn.co.uk

Ullswater, Pooley Bridge

We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.

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Ullswater

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

GOUGH MEMORIAL

PARTING STONE

SIR DONALD CAMPBELL

TRISTAMONT

PATTERDALE TERRIERS

HORSE RACING

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