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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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Guided Stargazing walk with professional Mountain Leader, Martin Rivett Discover the night sky…
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Bonfire, Live music with Nick Marshall, BBQ
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Looking for unique things to do in the Lake District this October? Back by popular demand, Go Ape…
14th NOVEMBER 2026 Festive Artisan Fayre at the Coniston Institute (10am to 4:30pm) - 22 indoor…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
Join St John's Hospice for our Bowness-on-Windermere Light Up A Life Remembrance and Celebration…
Experience the magic of Ullswater in autumn with our special 2.5 hour photography cruise hosted by…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night. The walk will…
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event,…
As part of our Kendal Mountain Festival 2026 offer, we're offering discounted day entry to Abbot…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 439
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Hawkshead
The King's Arms is a traditional country inn serving delicious, locally sourced food alongside local ales, in the Lake District.
The Inn also has 8 individually decorated rooms all named after Kings of England.
Windermere
Birkdale House is a beautifully restored Arts and Crafts country home, near Windermere, sleeping 10. Set in private grounds on our organic farm, it combines timeless charm and elegance in your own corner of the Lake District.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Staveley
Delightful village inn, riverside location with friendly family welcome, offering excellent cosy accommodation. Local produce of superb real ales.
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Coniston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
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
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
St John's St, Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Nr Kendal
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL