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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
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Connect with other visitors and explore the space through their illustrations and ideas. Engage…
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and…
Gatesbield is a small sheltered housing association set in award winning gardens in the centre of…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk. 6.30am – 9.30am. Guided walk through Brantwood estate to…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared – learn…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own timeless round basket with a handle. A course for…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Our 2024 gala celebration will be taking place from Saturday 4th May - Monday 6th May, as we…
Journey into acrylics with this serene scene – a swan gracefully adrift on a tranquil autumn lake.
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 490
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, The Old Barn and Farm House have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Cockermouth
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks, there are routes for all levels of fitness and abilities, many of which start right from the doorstep or are within easy reach of Hassness Country…
Develop outdoor skills with us - we offer abseiling and navigation courses in Langdale, Coniston and South Lakes. These instructed courses are a great way to see the landscape, all while building confidence and skills in the outdoors.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsPenrith
Lacet is an idyllic Lakeland cottage, whilst being comfortable and modern. It has two bedrooms, one with a feature bath with a view. There are two shower rooms and a well equipped kitchen and cosy sitting room with log burner.
Church St, Ambleside
Restaurant located in the former work place of William Wordsworth, serving food inspired by Cumbria, specialising in Cumbrian sourced produce.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
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,…
Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
Windermere
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and fascinating Lake District stories. Daily guided tours for scenery, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and out to Haworth and the Brontë sisters.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
497 reviewsBowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Keswick
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private gardens and access straight on to the fells.
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
Windermere
Refurbished in 2021, Lakes Hostel is a hidden gem in the heart of Windermere. Available to book as an exclusive hire or by the room, Lakes Hostel offers the flexibility and facilities to cater for large multi-generational family breaks, special…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviewsUllswater
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.
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsWindermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL