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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
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic…
Looking ahead to Friday 24th May, we'll be welcoming Jack Hartley to The Swan. An Avid player on…
On the 31st May we're looking forward to welcoming Rambling Rob Young – A singer-songwriter…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Since 2019, The Native Cult has been radiating their musical sunshine across the North West of the…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Join us for an incredible adventure in the Great Langdale Valley in the heart of the Lake District…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Broadoaks is the fairytale Lake District wedding venue to host your special day. Steeped in…
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout…
Join us for an epic day exploring the breathtaking Coniston fells with our expert guide, where…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Take a guided tour supported by British Sign Language interpretation. Join us as we take you…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
This week we'll be helping our special woods at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. Try your hand at…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 494
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Ambleside
Open seven days a week, the cafe provides the full range of refreshment choices throughout the day, from speciality coffees, full English breakfasts, all-day snacks, tasty lunches and very popular Afternoon Teas.
Windermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Memories have never been easier! Freedom Boat Club takes care of everything – maintenance, cleaning, repairs and storage. All you have to do is book your boat, relax and revel in time spent with family and friends. We’ve taken every step to make…
Troutbeck, Penrith
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
528 reviewsHawkshead, Lake Windermere
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone intending to take on an overland expedition or would like to experience the skills required to do so.
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Langdale suit most fitness levels. Experience exhilarating waterfalls, canyons, and water challenges on our guided private sessions.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsAmbleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Troutbeck, Windermere
All rooms at our beautiful Boutique Country House Hotel are completely different. Each one has been furnished and finished to a very high standard – and to suit the particular quirks of the room. Each space oozes its own personality; the hard bit is…
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
Nr Kendal
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. Sizergh Castle is a medieval house with Tudor…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1570 reviewsTorver
• Sleeps 4,
• Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England
• Private hot tub with open countryside views
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Stunning, luxurious interior
• Wifi
• Walks from the door including The Old Man of Coniston
• Wood-burning…
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
302 reviewsWhicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Kendal
Located in the South Lakes, our hotel is furnished to 5-star standard with the Brettargh Suite for ceremonies and smaller functions, and a spectacular purpose-built marquee pavilion for all occasions.
Ambleside
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and exciting modern dishes - all made from the outstanding local ingredients.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
643 reviewsCockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Idyllic secluded retreat with superb views over Lake Windermere & fells, once owned by Beatrix Potter. Boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant with holistic treatments.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1419 reviewsWindermere
All Seasons Rest is a pet friendly accommodation in Windermere, where each of our 4 lovely rooms are individually decorated. All rooms are stocked with refreshments, TVs and DVD players, fresh linen and fluffy towels, and 2 rooms have a mini fridge.…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL