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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
Have a go at carving a spooky Halloween pumpkin this October half-term at Allan Bank. We'll prepare…
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Swim in the lake at night under The Milky Way, the glow of your light-up tow float keeping you…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Day 1: Arrival & Grounding 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Arrival & Check-in Welcome packets, room assignments,…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Join us at Muncaster from 24 October - 1 November for some spook-tacular family fun! The iconic…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Looking for unique things to do in the Lake District this October? Back by popular demand, Go Ape…
Sunday Lunch is back at Lakeside. Join us for the return of Sunday Lunch by the shores of Lake…
Are you ready for a spooky Halloween? Join us for hot chocolate, gingerbread, and Halloween crafts…
Welcome to the farm. In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women…
We're celebrating our 80th anniversary with a big party - and you're invited! Join us at Brathay…
Enjoy an afternoon of poetry and live music at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, near…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
INTERNATIONAL DRAG ROYALTY Direct from prestigious theatres and luxury cruise ships around the…
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
Using the Autumn landscape as inspiration, join artist Penny Hillier–Evans for a creative workshop…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
Hawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
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.
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…
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
Pooley Bridge
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
Windermere
If you can’t decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don’t, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
Ambleside
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by making an early (or late) start and watch the sunrise from a mountain summit?
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Coniston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
Ravenglass
Tucked away in the heart of Ravenglass, where the mountains meet the sea and the little railway winds its way into the Eskdale Valley, you’ll find The Ratty Arms.
It’s the kind of place where you can come in after a day exploring the Lakes, settle…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
Ambleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL