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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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Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
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…
Grasmere
The Cottages at Broadrayne Farm are all just full of character having been converted from former 17th - 19thC farm buildings. Unusually for holiday accommodation they all have the benefit of allocated parking, separate entrances, electric charging…
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Keswick
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Ambleside
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian palette with a distinct Mediterranean twist.
Our menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of local ingredients. Our wine list…
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
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.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
St John's St, Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea at The Daffodil in the heart of the Lake District and prepare to indulge, not only in the delectable treats we have waiting for you, but also in the stunning views of Lake Grasmere.
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere. The 17th Century former farm has 7 plush en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 2, 3, or 4 people each - it's the ideal Grasmere hotel for individuals, couples,…
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL