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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 spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage. Discover the origins of modern…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quarter | Resol String…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Haydn String Quartet in F Op.50, No.5…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival…
Tickets £15 on sale via the website www.classic singersongwriters.co.uk/sandg or buy locally from…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
Guess who's back… and this time we're heading straight to the White Isle. ☀️ Our Summer Spa-rtys…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 31st July for an evening of live…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Dvořák Piano Trio in E minor Op.90 'Dumky' Reicha…
Summer can ask a lot of us. We extend out towards others: whether that is being a parent and…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Join Rob David at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 25 August for a fascinating talk on a little-known…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Ruby Hughes - Soprano | Huw Watkins - Piano Bach…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Portinscale
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale apartment is full of character and atmosphere. Framed by the house’s striking chimneys, this unique space comfortably sleeps four across two inviting…
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
Coniston
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain streams, with jumps, slides, and stunning views, guided by experts for all skill levels.
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Newby Bridge
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, such as firelighting, shelter building and more.
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…
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL