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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
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 5th April…
A performance of Faure's celebrated Requiem and the wonderfully uplifting Magnificat by John Rutter…
Looking for something creative to do with the family this Easter? Join us at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Hop into Easter with a smile and a giggle. Follow the trail through the woods and parkland with…
This informal panel discussion will explore and celebrate the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Join me - local guide Emma Seery - and some fellow explorers, for a group walk in the beautiful…
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring…
Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a…
Celebrate 50 Years of Northern Rock May 2nd – 4th, 2026 Join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Celebrate Easter with a magical steam train journey through the Lake District. Kids can enjoy our…
The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon A comic radio play presented live on stage. What is the mystery…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Bowness-on-Windermere
One of the largest Lake District Hotel’s, located in the best village to discover the beautiful Lake District, with the most exciting variety of experiences on your doorstep and views of Lake Windermere, just a short stroll from the bustling village…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
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…
Coniston
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided by experts for all ages, with gear provided for a tailored, scenic adventure.
Ambleside
A warm welcome awaits you at Rothay Garth B&B. Perfectly situated in the heart of Ambleside, guests can enjoy wonderful mountain views, easy access to Lake Windermere, and a variety of charming shops, bars and restaurants just a stone’s throw away.
Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
The Bridge, Coniston
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston. Close to spectacular walking, the lake and with a beautiful, enclosed garden it really is the perfect base for any Lake District holiday.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
2 Yewdale Rd, Coniston
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy a pint of ale by the fire or sit down for a delicious pub meal. With 9 comfortable en-suite guest rooms it's the perfect base to enjoy the area. Also…
Ulverston
Birchbank Cottage is nestled on the fells between Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary with many footpaths and bridleways to walk or cycle on and enjoy views over the Duddon Estuary and over to Coniston Old Man with just the birds for company. The…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Ambleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
Ullswater
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, convivial hotel on the shores of Ullswater from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh…
Ambleside
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a fantastic collection of art & crafts by some amazing artists, many of them local to the area.
Grange-over-Sands
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from Cartmel and 2 miles from Lake Windermere. The property offers spectacular views over beautiful, tranquil gardens and the Cartmel Valley.
There are…
Windermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
Ulverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL