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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.

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We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
We will gather to honour the longest night and welcome the rebirth of the sun. Join in a…
There's winter wonder for the whole family at the gateway to the Lake District this year. From 21…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas storytelling in Dove Cottage. We'll first meet in our…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo…
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme…
Join us for a traditional service of lessons and carols by candlelight in the beautiful…
1st January | 11am-2pm £67 Welcome drink 90-minute all-you-can-eat slot Eastern & Western…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
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Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Ambleside
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer abseiling throughout the Lake District, all venues are stunningly beautiful and offer different abseil lengths so we can pick a venue to suit you best.
Kendal
Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due to it’s PGA Golf Course and other fantastic features.
Ambleside
Experience the very best of England's Lake District with a journey aboard a renowned Windermere cruise from Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier. Windermere Lake Cruises is the most popular attraction in Cumbria and constantly one of England top five ‘paid…
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
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…
Ullswater
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct?
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Windermere
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere. The 17th Century former farm has 7 plush en-suite bedrooms, sleeping 2, 3, or 4 people each - it's the ideal Grasmere hotel for individuals, couples,…
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 16
• 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together sleeping 16
• A total of 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 3 hot tubs in total
• Large rooms, perfect for…
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Troutbeck, Windermere
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Our idyllic location provides a tranquil and private retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots,…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL