Don't Miss

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

You are here: Home > Explore > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District > Lake District Towns and Villages > Ullswater

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.

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

Broad How

Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…

The Quiet Site Holiday Park

Idyllic setting overlooking Ullswater. Number one holiday park on Tripadvisor in the Lake District…

Crookwath Cottage

Crookwath Cottage is the ultimate hideaway cottage. Aga, wood fires, walks straight from the door…

The Living Space at Another Place, The Lake

The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…

holidaycottages.co.uk

A leading holiday cottage lettings company with a selection of handpicked cottages in Cumbria and…

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…

Moor Divock

This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…

Electric Vehicle Charging Point at Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding

We have an electric car charge point available at Glenridding for use. Enjoy light refreshments…

Waternook & The Great Barn

Waternook & The Great Barn is an exclusive super-luxury five star Lakeside Accommodation with…

Chestnut House

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

1863 Bistro

Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!)…

Rampsbeck Restaurant

Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake.

Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.

Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake…

Granny Dowbekin's Tearooms

A Beautifully appointed tea room in continuous service since 1904 ,with a garden room and tea…

The Quiet Site Glamping

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

Moor Divock and Askham Fell

Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…

Ullswater's North Western Fells

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…

Great Mell Fell & Little Mell Fell Cycle Loop

Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great…

Boredale & Eastern Flanks of Ullswater

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

Abseiling in Ullswater Valley with Adventure Vertical

Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct? If you enjoy high…

Park Foot Holiday Park

Shop, bar, restaurant, pony trekking, lake access, play areas. Open mid March to mid November

Waterfoot Park - Glamping

Welcome to the world of glamping! We have four heated self-catering Glamping Pods for hire.

Wordsworth Barn

Our stunning one-bed barn conversion has all the modern furnishings and touches, whilst retaining…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages

Accommodation

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Accommodation

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Towns & Villages

Number of results: 59

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Low to High A-Z High to Low

High to Low

Broad How

Address

Patterdale, Near Glenridding, Ullswater, Penrith, CA11 0NP

Telephone
0121 240 0195

broadhow@gmail.com

Ullswater

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.

More Details
The Quiet Site Holiday Park

Address

Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LS

Telephone
07768 727016

info@thequietsite.co.uk

Penrith

Idyllic setting overlooking Ullswater. Number one holiday park on Tripadvisor in the Lake District 2017. Green Tourism Gold Award 2017. Top 100 Park 2017. Free showers, bathrooms and probably the best campsite bar in Britain.

More Details
Crookwath Cottage

Address

Crookwath Cottage, Dockray, Keswick, Cumbria, CA11 0LG

Telephone
07787-140-618

richardfarncombe@gmail.com

Keswick

Crookwath Cottage is the ultimate hideaway cottage. Aga, wood fires, walks straight from the door onto the Dodds. Sleeps 2-6 people. Cost range between £595-£1295per week. Private 25 acre woodland along the Aira Beck.

More Details
The Living Space at Another Place, The Lake

Address

Another Place, The Lake, Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

Ullswater

The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive.

More Details
holidaycottages.co.uk

Address

Throughout Cumbria

Telephone
01237 459888

customerservices@holidaycottages.co.uk

A leading holiday cottage lettings company with a selection of handpicked cottages in Cumbria and the Lake District.

More Details
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.

More Details
Moor Divock

Address

Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NW

website@cumbriatourism.org

Penrith

This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.

More Details
Electric Vehicle Charging Point at Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding

Address

The Pier House, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0US

Telephone
017684 82229

enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Penrith

We have an electric car charge point available at Glenridding for use.
Enjoy light refreshments from the Pier Houses with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Free Wi-Fi and commentary app, electric bike charging and car hire…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1332 reviews
More Details
Waternook & The Great Barn

Address

Waternook, Howtown, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA10 2ND

Telephone
07709098507

stay@waternookonullswater.com

Ullswater

Waternook & The Great Barn is an exclusive super-luxury five star Lakeside Accommodation with concierge services available.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
105 reviews
More Details
Canoe Training Weekend

Address

Ullswater, Cumbria

Telephone
07967 630956

stuart.d.lockton@gmail.com

Tutored course to develop the necessary skills for journeying safely on UK lakes - the course will cover kit, route finding, paddling skills, safety considerations

More Details
Chestnut House

Address

Finkle Street, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NW

Telephone
017684 86444

sales@chestnuthouseonline.co.uk

Pooley Bridge

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

More Details
1863 Bistro

Address

High Street, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NH

Telephone
017684 86334

markvause@msn.com

Penrith

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.

More Details
Rampsbeck Restaurant

Address

Another Place, The Lake, Watermillock, Ullswater, Cumbria, CA11 0LP

Telephone
01768 486442

life@another.place

Ullswater

Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake.

More Details
Waterfoot Park - Self Catering

Address

Pooley Bridge, Soulby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JF

Telephone
017684 86302

bookings@waterfootpark.co.uk

Penrith

Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.

More Details
Crown Inn at Pooley Bridge

Address

Finkle Street, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NP

relax@crowninnpooleybridge.co.uk

Pooley 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.

More Details
Granny Dowbekin's Tearooms

Address

Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NP

Telephone
01768 486453

info@grannydowbekins.co.uk

Penrith

A Beautifully appointed tea room in continuous service since 1904 ,with a garden room and tea garden terraces by the River Eamont at the foot of Ullswater.

More Details
The Quiet Site Glamping

Address

Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LS

Telephone
07768 727016

info@thequietsite.co.uk

Penrith

The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater.

More Details
Moor Divock and Askham Fell

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor Divock and Askham Fell is criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways. For mountain bikes, the bridleways are a good introduction to real…

More Details
Ullswater's North Western Fells

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this
quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads.

More Details
Great Mell Fell & Little Mell Fell Cycle Loop

Address

Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Set amongst the gentle rolling fells on the northern side of Ullswater, the modest peaks of Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell
display instantly recognisable profiles.

More Details

Don't Miss

Inspiring Hints & Tips

Sign up to Newsletter

My Planner

Ullswater

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Highlights

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

You may also like

Box Office

Download Guide

Gift Vouchers

Itineraries

E-newsletter Sign Up

Blog