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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
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 5th April…
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of…
Spring has sprung, come along and celebrate! We will paint, craft, dress up and play, all inspired…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Hejira is a seven piece band devoted to Joni Mitchell's extraordinary late 1970s work, drawing much…
Celebrate the launch of our first All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Carvery at The Borrowdale Hotel. Enjoy…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Go Ape Grizedale is reopening its three sites for Easter and beyond. Come on down for fun for all…
Easter Little Engineers' Days at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Bring curious minds, creative…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria,…
This informal panel discussion will explore and celebrate the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth…
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…
Join me - local guide Emma Seery - and some fellow explorers, for a group walk in the beautiful…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
A brand new show for 7-10 year olds and their grown-ups. Welcome to our interactive science demo –…
The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Windermere
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks a stone’s throw away and the pretty Lakeland village of Ambleside a mile away, Low Wood Bay is the perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes.
Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
Hawkshead
In the heart of Hawkshead, the King’s Arms offers a warm welcome and a real taste of the Lake District. The menu celebrates local produce, featuring hearty pub favourites and creative seasonal specials made with ingredients from nearby farms. Enjoy…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Coniston
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.
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
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…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Keswick
Camping Pods and Glamping have become very popular and here in the Lake District we can now offer a variety of accommodation here at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park to suit most budgets.
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
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.
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This former grande dame Victorian hotel has just had an £8 million makeover, and has re-emerged dressed for a night out and sporting a chic, city-slicker…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL