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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.

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A very special festive Sunday at Merewood Join us for our Santa Luncheon on Sunday, 14th December…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing…
nternational tribute "Fearlessly Taylor" is performed by the brilliant Ashleigh Stevens, who has…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Saturday 13th December 11am Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive morning…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
On 21 November 2025 14:00-15:30 £15 Join this very special event to mark 175 years since…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
On 13 November 2025 16:30-18:00 £15 Although Derry had illustrated other countryside books, he…
Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas storytelling in Dove Cottage. We'll first meet in our…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 445
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Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
Penrith
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each complete with an equipped kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
The Whitewater Hotel is the ultimate Lake district retreat, featuring the fantastic Cascades Leisure Club & Spa.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
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…
Keswick
Situated in the heart of Newlands Valley Keswick, opposite Catbells, Rowling End Farm Holiday Cottages have outstanding views of the entire valley.
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
At the heart of our hotel, you will find the Riverside restaurant. Our restaurant team will make your dining an experience to remember. The cuisine represents the best of modern British mixed along with classic cookery offering a fresh and modern…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
Great Langdale
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the Olympic Games. Langdale, close to Ambleside and Windermere is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing. Not far from here…
Ullswater
Dinner at 1863 will no doubt generate conversation around the table on the night, but (we hope!) will also give you something to talk about long after you’ve left for the evening.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
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…
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…
Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Ambleside
Zeffirellis hosts an award-winning vegetarian restaurant, a daytime café, a jazz bar on the second floor of the restaurant, and a cinema.
Zeffirellis restaurant offers an Italian themed pizza and pasta menu with daily specials freshly prepared by…
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL