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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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Antiques Valuation Day overseen by Mitchell's Auctioneers and Valuers, Cockermouth. £5.00 entry…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
This interactive workshop invites participants to delve into the rich craft of poetry through a…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Did you know we have rainforest in Cumbria? Join our RSPB Assistant Warden Richard to learn more…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Hornfels Brass is a Cumbrian based quartet comprising of highly experienced musicians who have…
The focus of the retreat is the contemplation of creation. We will practice bringing…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Valentine's Day at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar - join Fred and Friends for a delightful evening of…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Slideshow and talk with a visual as well a actual taste of Plov,the National dish of Uzbekistan
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
Hornfels Brass is a Cumbrian based quartet comprising of highly experienced musicians who have…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a night-time walk in the forest! The walk will cover up to 4 miles…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
Ambleside
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a relaxing stay after days exploring the Lake District with private riverbank views.
Penrith
A perfect location to explore the Lake District, there are seven dog-friendly, high-quality, tastefully decorated, family-friendly self-catering cottages. Located in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, Near Howe is an idyllic, quiet, and tranquil…
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.
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Ambleside
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the market town of Ambleside, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
Penrith
Lakes For All: luxury self-catering, wheelchair accessible holidays in the Lake District, Cumbria for people with physical disabilities and their families.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL