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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
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Festival of the Lake is coming to Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 27 June 2026 for a full day…
Join us in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle as The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th…
The Swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook…
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Discover the Tadpole Round Swim Hike—an unforgettable adventure at the heart of the Buttermere…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater takes place from Park Foot Holiday Park, near Pooley Bridge, which…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
This one-day course will give you an insight into safer swimming practices and help build practical…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
If you love walking or hiking and taking in spectacular scenery, and want to help support…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 468
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Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Coniston
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain streams, with jumps, slides, and stunning views, guided by experts for all skill levels.
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Coniston
The Bluebird Cafe, Coniston boast an idyllic location the the shores of Coniston Water. Open daily throughout the year from 9.30 till 4.30. The cafe serves a delicious selection of freshly prepared, locally sourced food, including our popular…
Ravenglass
Standing proudly in the center of the village of Ravenglass the Pennington Hotel has 22 well appointed and relaxing bedrooms, with quality bathrooms, smart TV’s, and comfy beds, all areas offer high speed internet which has been complete upscaled…
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Torver
• 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…
Keswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Hawkshead
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting three high ropes activities above the…
Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Grasmere
Set at the foot of the fells within two acres of riverside gardens on the edge of picturesque Grasmere village, the four AA Silver Star Rothay Garden by Harbour Hotels is a boutique countryside hideaway with an array of outdoor activities to enjoy…
Ambleside
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the day/session to suit you. We typically use easy to access climbing venues and also provide all technical and safety equipment.
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Windermere
The Grill offers a relaxed, welcoming dining experience with a menu created by Head Chef Ambrus Kipke, proudly rooted in classic English cuisine. Think crowd-pleasing favourites like traditional fish and chips, juicy sirloin steaks, and a tempting…
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.
Windermere
The Wild Boar is one of the Lake District’s finest and oldest Windermere hotels. You’ll be welcomed with friendly faces, traditional wood beams, individually styled rooms and a warming open fire.
Coniston
• Sleeps 8
• 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
• Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and woodland
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Idyllic location close to village and lake
• Stunning interior which has been recently renovated to an exceptional…
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL