You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
On 5 October 2025 18:00-19:30 We are delighted to bring this project to England this year,…
Step back in time to Regency England with this Christmas fireside talk. Immerse yourself in the…
Alan Cleaver and his wife Lesley Park conjure up the spirit of Cumbria's Christmas past with a look…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
On 28 October 2025 14:00-15:30 This presentation will provide an overview of the PhD research…
Grove Barn proudly presents "Carols by Candlelight," featuring the internationally acclaimed vocal…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
Join us this festive season for hands-on family fun at Windermere Jetty Museum. Whether you're…
Wednesday 31st December (NYE) Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax 7pm - 1.30am ️ Tickets -…
Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 446
, currently showing 441 to 446.
Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Grange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
Keswick
The Restaurant at The Borrowdale offers an experience shaped by its surroundings—thoughtfully prepared food, elegant interiors, and service that gives you time to savour it all.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL