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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
Step into the glamour and intrigue of the roaring twenties for a night unlike any other at Merewood…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
Are you ready for a spooky Halloween? Join us for hot chocolate, gingerbread, and Halloween crafts…
PENN & TELLER: FOOL US WINNER OVER 100 MILLION ONLINE VIEWS BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT – 4 YESES & A…
Join us for a night of empanadas freshly made by La Zorra, Argentinian wine sampling and a browse…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
A brilliant way to explore and learn... Start to understand the signs of animals that run before…
Join us at Muncaster from 24 October - 1 November for some spook-tacular family fun! The iconic…
'Stranger Folk', a magical new digital adventure played by mobile app, is haunting Allan Bank…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable Jersey Boys Tribute Night, featuring live…
13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of…
Charity Tractor run from 1pm - 3pm on Saturday 26th September 26
Join our RSPB Assistant Warden (and deer guru) Richard Smith to experience the sights and sounds of…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
You may have walked the narrow pavements of Ambleside, exploring the various cafes, gift outlets…
Our “Dark Sky Astronomy” events take place on moonless nights, providing the ideal conditions to…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Looking for unique things to do in the Lake District this October? Back by popular demand, Go Ape…


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.
Ravenglass
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Rusland
In the Rusland Valley, an unspoilt valley between Windermere lake and Coniston Water, close to Grizedale Forest. An idyllic rural setting of small fields with stone walls and rocky wooded hillsides. Great local walking from the door or into…
Newby Bridge
Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park is located near the southern tip of lake Windermere. Surrounded by woodland and wildlife, the park provides a tranquil base from which to explore the beautiful Lake District National Park.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL