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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
Join us for a day walk up England's third-highest mountain on an awesome ridge walk, including some…
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most…
Our stunning one-bed barn conversion has all the modern furnishings and touches, whilst retaining…
Waternook & The Great Barn is an exclusive super-luxury five star Lakeside Accommodation with…
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Beech House is a family run guest house offering a warm and friendly atmosphere. It is situated in…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Ullswater Kayaking Tours. Explore the Bays & Beaches of the most beautiful of the big lakes in The…
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping... Whatever you want to call it, whether…
A climbing session on a mountain crag or rocky outcrop is one way to keep fit, and challenge…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…
Star Gazing with a difference. Join us on our beautiful private country estate for an evening of…
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
An exciting day or half day canoeing or kayaking experience on Ullswater with Ullswater Outdoor…
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and…
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water…
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you…
Trek for loved ones, and raise money to support people devastated by dementia. Experience the…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
Enjoy a patriotic afternoon in the elegant Lake View Restaurant at the Inn on the Lake to celebrate…
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Number of results: 95
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Main Car Park, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PDTelephone
01653 740 400Glenridding
Join us for a day walk up England's third-highest mountain on an awesome ridge walk, including some scrambling, with an experienced and first-aid trained Mountain Leader. Booking essential.
Address
Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Penrith
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
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
Address
Waternook, Howtown, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NDTelephone
07709098507Ullswater
Waternook & The Great Barn is an exclusive super-luxury five star Lakeside Accommodation with concierge services available.
Address
Pooley Bridge, Soulby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Ullswater
Beech House is a family run guest house offering a warm and friendly atmosphere. It is situated in the small village of Glenridding in the beautiful Eden valley.
Fire, Food and Stars… A perfect evening, well spent! The session involves you learning how to fillet a whole Rainbow Trout and cook it indigenous style over an open fire. You will of course have a go at lighting the fire, only using traditional…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Address
Glenridding Bridge, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PDTelephone
0784 221 21 27Glenridding
Ullswater Kayaking Tours. Explore the Bays & Beaches of the most beautiful of the big lakes in The Lake District. Double Kayaks used to maximise comfort.
Ullswater
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.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…
Ullswater
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?Star Gazing with a difference. Join us on our beautiful private country estate for an evening of Food, Spoon Whittling and Star Gazing. A truly memorable experience.
Address
Finkle Street, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NPPooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Address
High Street, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2NHTelephone
017684 86334Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Glenridding
An exciting day or half day canoeing or kayaking experience on Ullswater with Ullswater Outdoor Adventures. See the surrounding Lake District peaks including Hallin Fell, Catstye Cam, and Helvellyn!
Address
Pooley Bridge, Soulby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the night sky in the heart of the Lake District.
Address
Glenridding Sailing Centre, The Spit, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PETelephone
017684 82541Glenridding
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing courses, corporate events, team building activities, youth group events, and family adventure days.
Address
2 Brunswick Road, 2 Brunswick Road, Penrith, County (optional), CA11 7LUTelephone
07745 190 227Penrith
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery & landmarks by cycle, or would like an exclusive guided day out, simply select what you require & we will deliver everything directly to your accommodation.…
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