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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
Join Dr Amy Concannon, Manton Senior Curator of Historic British Art at Tate Britain, for a special…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Guided Stargazing walk with professional Mountain Leader, Martin Rivett Discover the night sky…
Enjoy a carefully curated 2-course menu of seasonal dishes, with comforting festive flavours and,…
Partly inspired by the life and work of John Gough, the 'Blind philosopher' and polymath of Kendal…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere! Featuring four…
We're planning to open early for late-night shopping on Friday 13th November. More details will be…
Add some handcrafted charm to your festive celebrations this year by creating your very own unique…
This Christmas, prepare for a festive tale with a ghostly twist. It's midnight on Christmas Eve,…
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no…
Keeping the Members Together: A History of Music in Working Men's Clubs with Isabel Thomas Is…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
Bonfire, Live music with Nick Marshall, BBQ
Deck the Hall Self-led activity available for the month of December in the Guild Room Help us…
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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Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive a…
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience the great outdoors at Parkgate Farm, offering a variety of 9 large camping pitches (5 with electric hook-up, and 4 without) and one camping pod. Take advantage of the amenities including family shower rooms, separate toilets, washing-up…
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Bowness-on-Windermere
One of the largest Lake District Hotel’s, located in the best village to discover the beautiful Lake District, with the most exciting variety of experiences on your doorstep and views of Lake Windermere, just a short stroll from the bustling village…
Coniston
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. More Than Mountains only uses highly qualified and knowledgeable instructors who are incredibly…
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Ambleside
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation workshops, Rock Climbing, Rock Scrambling, Gorge Scrambling, Abseiling, Canyoning and any combination of these. We’re here to help ensure you experience the…
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
Hawkshead
In the heart of Hawkshead, the King’s Arms offers a warm welcome and a real taste of the Lake District. The menu celebrates local produce, featuring hearty pub favourites and creative seasonal specials made with ingredients from nearby farms. Enjoy…
Ravenglass
Enjoy a well-rounded menu prepared by Muncaster’s very own Head Chef and team in our cosy courtyard café. We pride ourselves in sourcing local produce and catering to many dietary requirements.
Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
Cumbria-wide
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Grasmere
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep soundly within the walls of this 17thC coaching inn. Many of our bedrooms have views across the garden towards Helm Crag.
Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL