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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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This one-day course will give you an insight into safer swimming practices and help build practical…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere…
Festival of the Lake is coming to Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 27 June 2026 for a full day…
The Swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
Mark Hatton, a researcher and enthusiast of local mining history will be joining us to explore the…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater takes place from Park Foot Holiday Park, near Pooley Bridge, which…
Calling Pokémon fans new and old from 23 May, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
With 4 race options and 3 distances in each to choose from, the event is ideal for both novice and…
Ullswater Epicman Triathlon is based at Park Foot Holiday Park. You can choose either the Sprint,…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
Join us in the Café for a writing workshop themed around weeds and wildflowers. Led by poet Jessica…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Grange, Borrowdale
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, served daily 12–2.30pm with sandwiches, warm scones, cakes and fine teas, all enjoyed with stunning Borrowdale Valley views.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
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.
Ambleside
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw from Ambleside, Windermere and Hawkshead. They’re perfectly positioned for exploring some of Cumbria’s best loved towns and villages as well as…
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…
Ambleside
Experience the perfect Lakeland escape at Brantholme B&B, a premier Ambleside retreat tucked away on a quiet lane just minutes from the village center. This owner-managed gem offers an ideal blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, featuring…
Millom
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside. Designed for visitors that seek relaxing stay in an idyllic & traditional setting within the Lake District with modern comforts.
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.
Keswick
Have you ever wanted to go down a naturally formed waterpark? Are you brave enough to jump off the Corkscrew? Do you want to get soaked from head to toe? Then Ghyll Scrambling is the activity for you!
Newby Bridge
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company and welcome people of all abilities.
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Boundary Bank, Kendal
Family-run distillery in Kendal offering guided tours and tastings. Discover how we craft gins, spirits and the iconic Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur at the gateway to the Lake District.
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…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
Windermere
The Wild Boar is a special venue for any occasion, whether it be a romantic or adventurous break, family get-together, business meeting or as one of our very valued frequent diners.
Penrith
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run hotel, pub and restaurant. Dating back over 500 years, The Royal is steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, whether…
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!
Keswick
Grange Bridge Cottage occupies one of the most iconic settings within the Lake District National Park. Situated at the entrance to the picturesque village of Grange in Borrowdale by the double humpback bridges, the cottage and her backdrop have been…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL