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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
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no…
Get into the festive spirit with our Christmas Luxury Wreath Workshop, hosted by the talented team…
An artist's book can take many forms, from a simple concertina to a stapled or handstitched volume,…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
It's A Doddle is back with a bang for 2026 and we're inviting our community to get involved! To…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Join us in our cosy Café for Gothic book chats this autumn and delve deeper into the world of…
Renew your mind, body and soul with our calming evening ritual at Lakeside Hotel, designed to help…
Thirty years. One seaside tradition. A lifetime of love. John Godber's September in the Rain is a…
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event,…
Dark Skies and Pies - Stargazing Experience A gentle low-level guided Stargazing experience with…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
Our third season of classic films highlights the exciting film career of Victoria Wood - writer,…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston…
Please join us for St Mary's Hospice Community Christmas Celebration in Ambleside. This fun and…
Add some handcrafted charm to your festive celebrations this year by creating your very own unique…
Bonfire, Live music with Nick Marshall, BBQ
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters. Escape to the Lakes this winter and…
Join us for a special evening celebrating the spirit of adventure, with a lovingly curated…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ravenglass
Tucked away in the heart of Ravenglass, where the mountains meet the sea and the little railway winds its way into the Eskdale Valley, you’ll find The Ratty Arms.
It’s the kind of place where you can come in after a day exploring the Lakes, settle…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Millom
The Wayside and Whisky Barn offers a peaceful escape in the Western Lake District with beautiful en-suite rooms, local homemade meals, stunning views, and a whisky bar. Ideal for relaxation and exploring the Lakes and coast.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Great Langdale
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the Olympic Games. Langdale, close to Ambleside and Windermere is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing. Not far from here…
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Keswick
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked at the foot of our small wooded fell side, home to our resident pair of tawny owls, red squirrels and wood peckers.
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.
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Bowness-on-Windermere
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back on Ash Street. As an Asian BBQ & Grill restaurant with playful dishes and bold flavours, enjoy the vibrant energy and that electric buzz that keeps you…
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Cockermouth
Located in the picturesque Lorton Valley, Hundith Hill offers stunning views of the Cumbrian countryside. With 25 rooms, function suites, restaurant, bar & lounge, Hundith Hill is the perfect venue for country escapes.
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
Cockermouth
Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats is served to you…
Ambleside
Located just a short distance away from the spectacular Stock Ghyll Force, Force café and terrace is a destination for visitors to Ambleside. This charming café has opened its doors to welcome walkers, their families and their dogs.
Ambleside
This is closely related to Gorge scrambling only this time we are heading downsteam. More jumping into crystal clear pools of deep water, sliding into pools, wild swimming, and scrambling - all in the most beautiful of settings.
Portinscale
The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm Estate, offering comfort, privacy, and plenty of room to unwind. Designed with togetherness in mind, The Lodge is perfect for large families or groups of…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL