You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
Join me - local guide Emma Seery - and some fellow explorers, for a group walk in the beautiful…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 5th April…
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Spring has sprung, come along and celebrate! We will paint, craft, dress up and play, all inspired…
The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail…
Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria,…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
'Hay!' is the only word in our show – 'Hay!' like the stuffing in Geenie's scarecrow, 'Hay!' like…
New Year. . . same problems! It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has…
Soft Machine is one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Their work, from their…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
The main writing theme for the weekend is centred around what it looks like to walk with Jesus.…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 469
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Cockermouth
Located in the picturesque Lorton Valley, Hundith Hill offers stunning views of the Cumbrian countryside. With 25 rooms, function suites, restaurant, bar & lounge, Hundith Hill is the perfect venue for country escapes.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while leaving ensuring it’s equipped to host a modern, 21st century get together for up to 36 people. Located in Fallbarrow Holiday Park, relax and unwind in…
Portinscale
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the north side of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. Enjoy breathtaking views across the lake and surrounding fells from the light-filled open-plan…
Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
Ambleside
The Red Lion Inn Hawkshead offers a refined Lake District dining experience, combining traditional British dishes with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Set in a charming historic inn with exposed beams and a cosy atmosphere, the restaurant…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Newby Bridge
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company and welcome people of all abilities.
Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
Keswick
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes in the Lake District. Relaxed rooms, hearty food, dog-friendly, and welcoming service.
Grasmere
Situated at the northern end of Grasmere, yet just 5 minutes walk into the village centre, Raise View House has uninterrupted views of Easedale and the surrounding fells, including the famed Lion and the Lamb.
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake District within easy reach of Lake Windermere, the historic village of Cartmel and Grange over Sands and many places of interest. An ideal…
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to six people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL