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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
Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and experience the powerful combination of heat,…
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a…
Partly inspired by the life and work of John Gough, the 'Blind philosopher' and polymath of Kendal…
Beatrix Potter: The other side of the family & the Helen Leech enigma Beatrix Potter's life path…
Join Dr Amy Concannon, Manton Senior Curator of Historic British Art at Tate Britain, for a special…
The Swan's Santa's Grotto, a festive wonderland awaits your little ones! Every weekend from…
It's A Doddle is back with a bang for 2026 and we're inviting our community to get involved! To…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Swim in the lake at night under The Milky Way, the glow of your light-up tow float keeping you…
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Mark your latest mountaineering achievement – or your Kendal Mountain Festival weekend – by…
Join us in our cosy Café for Gothic book chats this autumn and delve deeper into the world of…
Our third season of classic films highlights the exciting film career of Victoria Wood - writer,…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Enjoy a carefully curated 2-course menu of seasonal dishes, with comforting festive flavours and,…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston…
Join St John's Hospice for our Bowness-on-Windermere Light Up A Life Remembrance and Celebration…
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event,…
Bonfire, Live music with Nick Marshall, BBQ
Flowing from the Fells presents selected works from the Lakeland Arts collection to explore the…
Keeping the Members Together: A History of Music in Working Men's Clubs with Isabel Thomas Is…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 439
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Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Keswick
Do you think you can step off the 14m Tower to zip 180m? Are you brave enough to free abseil off the side? There is only one way to find out!
Penrith
Experience the romantic tranquillity of the beautiful English Lake District and stay at Mosedale Glamping Pod. This wonderfully cosy countryside retreat is nestled on a traditional working sheep farm in peaceful countryside just 14 miles outside of…
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
Windermere
Discover BeWILDerwood Lake District at Brockhole on Windermere. Explore woodland adventures, indoor play at Minty Land, family events and magical days out for all ages.
Penrith
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through valleys or up onto the mountain summits.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
Ambleside
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and exciting modern dishes - all made from the outstanding local ingredients.
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.
Grasmere
Heaton Cooper Studio’s Archive Gallery, showcases a variety of artists. Alongside the gallery, the studio sells the work of the Heaton Coopers, the art shop has supplies for all creatives, and Mathildes café serves delicious food.
Penrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Ambleside
At The Wateredge Inn, you can enjoy delicious homecooked food with a view. Whether you are looking for traditional pub grub or exciting seasonal specials there is something for everyone at this fantastic lakeside pub.
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
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
Traditional Lake District luxurious cottage. Under Catbells and Causey Pike in the small hamlet of Stair, 10 mins walk form the Swinside Inn and three miles from Keswick. Wonderful fell walking from the door and fish from the Newlands Beck.
Penrith
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each complete with an equipped kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL