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Welcome to the Lake District – where modern tourism was born.
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.
Photo: Derwentwater
Explore
From well-equipped campsites to luxury spa resorts, there’s no shortage of quality accommodation in the Lake District. This is where modern tourism was born, after all.- It’s easy to eat well in the Lake District. Whether in a cosy village inn or in the elegant setting of a high-class restaurant, the quality of food is exceptional.
- Whatever time of year you want to visit the Lake District, we have something planned to keep you entertained, engaged and energised.
- Have you got a year to spare? You’ll need that amount of time and more if you want to make a real dent in the list of incredible activities available in the Lake District.
- Let us help you find inspiring places to visit with our travel itineraries. Whatever your choice of location, duration and budget, check out our recommendations.
Highlights
Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
On 5 October 2025 18:00-19:30 We are delighted to bring this project to England this year,…
Wednesday 31st December (NYE) Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax 7pm - 1.30am ️ Tickets -…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
There's winter wonder for the whole family at the gateway to the Lake District this year. From 21…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child! (Adults go free!) Step into the magic of…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Get in the festive spirit at Grizedale with our Christmas cinema! We'll be showing the Gruffalo's…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…
On 28 October 2025 14:00-15:30 This presentation will provide an overview of the PhD research…
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Grasmere
Set at the foot of the fells within two acres of riverside gardens on the edge of picturesque Grasmere village, the four AA Silver Star Rothay Garden by Harbour Hotels is a boutique countryside hideaway with an array of outdoor activities to enjoy…
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Address
Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JSTelephone
01768482067Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing…
Address
The Cottage In The Wood, Magic Hill, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78409Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
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Address
The Britannia Inn, Main Street, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HPTelephone
015394 37210Elterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
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Address
Ambleside Manor - Vegetarian Hotel, Rothay Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EJTelephone
015394 32062Ambleside
Ambleside Manor Vegetarian Country Guest House situated in over 2 acres of privates with plenty of free parking in the lovely village of Ambleside where we have two award winning vegetarian restaurants within a short walking distance.
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Address
Waterfoot Caravan Park, A592, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JFTelephone
017684 86302Ullswater, 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.
Ullswater
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large double bedroom and twin bedroom look out onto floor-to-ceiling views across the grounds to the lake and fells beyond.
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Address
Crag Bow, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BXTelephone
01539440872Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
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Address
Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 41396Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Address
Wayside Cottage 1637, in the Western Lake District, Whitbeck, Millom, Cumbria, LA19 5UPTelephone
01229 718883Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
Address
Mill Pool Barn, Torver Mill, Cumbria, LA21 8BJTelephone
015394 41765Torver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storageAddress
Askham Hall, Askham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PFTelephone
01931712350Penrith
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…
Address
Hillcroft Park, Roe Head Lane, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2LTTelephone
017684 86363Pooley 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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Address
Mountain Goat Ltd, Victoria Street, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1ADTelephone
015394 45161Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Address
Ullswater Holiday Park, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LRTelephone
017684 86666Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation workshops, Rock Climbing, Rock Scrambling, Gorge Scrambling, Abseiling, Canyoning and any combination of these. We’re here to help ensure you experience the…
Address
Graythwaite Estate, Estate Office, Graythwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
01539531248Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
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Address
Lake District Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RGTelephone
0176 877 6401Keswick
Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
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