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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
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Alan Cleaver and his wife Lesley Park conjure up the spirit of Cumbria's Christmas past with a look…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 446
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Ullswater
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable French oak cladding. The double-braced huts have stargazing roofs, free-standing baths, and a lounge area with a log burner.
Great Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Kendal
High Swinklebank is a hill sheepfarm with local Kendal rough fell sheep. It is in one of the beautiful unspoilt valleys of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing and getting away from it all.
Grange-over-Sands
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake district . Great food. Great value. Friendly staff. A real hidden gem. Guests return again & again. View our 5-star Trip Advisor reviews.
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Millom
The Wayside and Whisky Barn offers a peaceful escape in the Western Lake District with beautiful en-suite rooms, local homemade meals, stunning views, and a whisky bar. Ideal for relaxation and exploring the Lakes and coast.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Ambleside
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point to this iconic National Park location. Windermere Lake Cruises provides visitors with the opportunity to arrive at this historic spot in style, on…
Ambleside
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a relaxing stay after days exploring the Lake District with private riverbank views.
Keswick
The Good Hotel Guide "Best Hotel in North of England 2024"
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…
Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
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…
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL