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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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Our 1/2 day NaturesGems tours start at 9am and finish around 1pm. We will spend the morning…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared – learn…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and…
If you don't quite fancy being an early bird for Dawn Chorus Day, then experience the magic of…
APPRAISAL by Tim Marriott An annual work review that goes horribly wrong. Head of Department…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Gatesbield is a small sheltered housing association set in award winning gardens in the centre of…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
Our 2024 gala celebration will be taking place from Saturday 4th May - Monday 6th May, as we…
Transform and recycle subtle coloured pieces of sea glass into jewellery that is perfect for summer…
Join us for a fun and relaxing day learning the art of mosaic. Create a colourful plaque, a trivet…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Join nature expert, Gemma and local photographer, Ginny Koppenhol for a nature experience with a…
Spend a weekend learning how to sail our Canoes. They are specifically designed to Sail fast and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Eskdale Valley, Boot
Experience the exhilaration of this wet and wild adventure in the remote Western Lake District. Ghyll Scrambling (or gorge walking) will see you climbing up waterfalls, jumping into pools and exploring caves.
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
78 reviewsWindermere
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1439 reviewsWindermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1431 reviewsULVERSTON
Fast and exciting, Canoe Sailing is a great sport to experience!
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments,…
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Windermere
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and information centre. Lakeshore access for all.
Newby Bridge, Backbarrow
At the heart of our hotel, you will find the Riverside restaurant. Our restaurant team will make your dining an experience to remember. The cuisine represents the best of modern British mixed along with classic cookery offering a fresh and modern…
Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
958 reviewsGrange, Keswick
Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm, comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1326 reviewsKeswick
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?
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4504 reviewsWindermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers an à la carte menu that changes with the seasons. Our team of Chefs, led by Head Chef Paul Nicholson, aim not at complexity but at enhancing natural flavours to the point of perfection.
Ambleside
Haven Cottage is a high quality Guest House with beautifully furnished en-suite bedrooms. It has an enviable reputation for high quality breakfasts and superb customer service.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1283 reviewsNear Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Windermere
The Wild Boar is a special venue for any occasion, whether it be a romantic or adventurous break, family get-together, business meeting or as one of our very valued frequent diners.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL