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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
Join Dr Amy Concannon, Manton Senior Curator of Historic British Art at Tate Britain, for a special…
Thirty years. One seaside tradition. A lifetime of love. John Godber's September in the Rain is a…
Join us in our cosy Café for Gothic book chats this autumn and delve deeper into the world of…
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…
Swim in the lake at night under The Milky Way, the glow of your light-up tow float keeping you…
An artist's book can take many forms, from a simple concertina to a stapled or handstitched volume,…
Guided Stargazing walk with professional Mountain Leader, Martin Rivett Discover the night sky…
Flowing from the Fells presents selected works from the Lakeland Arts collection to explore the…
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
Join us for a special evening celebrating the spirit of adventure, with a lovingly curated…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere! Featuring four…
Keeping the Members Together: A History of Music in Working Men's Clubs with Isabel Thomas Is…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Partly inspired by the life and work of John Gough, the 'Blind philosopher' and polymath of Kendal…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Mark your latest mountaineering achievement – or your Kendal Mountain Festival weekend – by…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Join David Felton at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 24 November for a fascinating talk on the…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Add some handcrafted charm to your festive celebrations this year by creating your very own unique…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across the spectacular…
Have a go at willow weaving your own Scandinavian or 5-pointed star with the guidance of the…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
Eilish Briscoe is an artist and designer from Lancashire, now based in London. Her…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering wildlife. Peaceful setting, beautiful outlook over Borrowdale with walks from the door to lake, river, woodland and fells. Owner operated.
Throughout Cumbria
More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills and mountains of the English Lake District. We specialise in designing bespoke days out that are tailored to meet your goals and aspirations.
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
Haverthwaite, Ulverston
Why not take a break from your travels and relax in the warm, welcoming and nostalgic surroundings of our licensed ‘Station Tea Room’ just off the platform at Haverthwaite Station. Our home cooked menu includes our hearty Railwayman’s breakfast,…
Ambleside
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres of private land to explore. Perfect for getting together with family and friends.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
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.
Windermere
SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is a one Michelin Star restaurant located near Windermere. Headed-up by Head Chef Kevin Scanlan, their tasting menus combine exquisite ingredients, distinct flavours, seasonality, sustainability and precision, together with…
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…
Penrith
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven distinctive cottage units, each one offering ideal accommodation for convenient, flexible and leisurely family holidays.
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This former grande dame Victorian hotel has just had an £8 million makeover, and has re-emerged dressed for a night out and sporting a chic, city-slicker…
Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
Cumbria-wide
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Nr Kendal
Contemporary licensed café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. Shop selling local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.
Ambleside
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just what you’re looking for! You’ll be scaling rocks to reach the summit, learning new skills along the way and enjoying those hard earned views at the top.
Penrith
Join our guides for a magical Lake District hiking experience, tailored for your dream hike, to hide away off grid, or take your dream to the top of England highest peak. Push your boundaries in the safety of our guides, and learn new skills along…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL