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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.

Explore
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…
Did you know we have rainforest in Cumbria? Join our RSPB Assistant Warden Richard to learn more…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…
A Pelumbra retreat for reflection, creativity and critical insight A place for deep writing in…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Come and join us for a nature-inspired painting party! This time, you'll be creating "Hedgie…
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
"The difference between a Lady and flower girl isn't how she behaves, but how she is…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Explore the wonders of the moon. Join us for a family-friendly evening learning about the moon as…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Live music with The Elderly brothers who play a range of tunes from 1920s to 2020s. Smile-inducing,…
Delve down into the muddy earth and you'll find a whole world bursting with life. Designed with…
We are delighted to welcome Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform in Brantwood's Drawing Room as part…
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 451
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Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Ravenglass
Located at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and homebaked cakes, to full meals made to order.
Windermere
The Grill offers a relaxed, welcoming dining experience with a menu created by Head Chef Ambrus Kipke, proudly rooted in classic English cuisine. Think crowd-pleasing favourites like traditional fish and chips, juicy sirloin steaks, and a tempting…
Penrith
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.…
Hawkshead
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic couples’ getaway or a peaceful base to explore the Lake District, The Cabin provides a one-of-a-kind forest experience.
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Keswick
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Rusland
Lands End Cottage is a luxury two bedroomed cottage, with 2 bathrooms and a private garden, in a very peaceful location. With its stunning views and comfortable accommodation, Lands End Cottage is ideal for a relaxing break.
Ullswater
Local food and drink, contemporary en-suite rooms, roaring fires and lively conversation await for guests, locals and walkers in our relaxed Cumbrian pub with wide angle Ullswater views.
Penrith
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, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Ambleside
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…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Our first floor restaurant, The Dining Room, benefits from stunning views of Grasmere Lake from every window and the contemporary menu on offer provides the perfect Lake District dining experience with a modern twist.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Penrith
Our spacious plush glamping cabins can offer a comfortable glamping experience.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL