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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
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm Join flautist Meera…
Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter. Let the forest inspire your little ones to create your own…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines arrived in the UK on…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Ruskin's historic lakeside home plays host to two…
Join us for a lively summer afternoon of country music, Texan barbecue and outdoor entertainment at…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Schumann Kinderszenen Op.15 Čiurlionis Four…
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Play the traditional games croquet, quoits & skittles on Allan Bank's front lawn with glorious lake…
Join Peter Hughes at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 July for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
When tragedy strikes, courage blossoms. The death of a much-loved husband prompts a group of…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Ruby Hughes - Soprano | Huw Watkins - Piano Bach…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Keswick
Originally a coaching inn dating back to 1770, the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy accommodation, great food, spa treatments and relaxing leisure facilities in a peaceful setting near Bassenthwaite Lake, the perfect base for…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Torver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storage
Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Penrith
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot holiday park on the shores of Lake Ullswater and around the village of Pooley Bridge, they are suitable for families or couples looking for the convenience…
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Coniston
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. More Than Mountains only uses highly qualified and knowledgeable instructors who are incredibly…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Hawkshead
A spacious village house with hot tub and parking in the heart of Hawkshead, ideal for families and multigenerational stays.
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
Seascale
A small family-run boutique bed & breakfast in an enviable location. Superb views and a great base from which to explore the quieter part of the Lake District - its mountains, valleys & coastline.
Our contemporary interiors are designed to offer…
Coniston
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the outskirts of Torver, yet with all the amenities of Coniston close at hand, make Hollace the perfect choice for those looking for a spectacular…
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Troutbeck
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light pollution. Perfect for those wishing to experience a short break under Dark Skies and when conditions allow, a stunning Star Gazing experience.
Elterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Hawkshead
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting three high ropes activities above the…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL