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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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4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
On 5 October 2025 18:00-19:30 We are delighted to bring this project to England this year,…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…
We're thrilled to welcome Helen Miller to The Swan on 27th December for a soulful evening of live…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
Step back in time to Regency England with this Christmas fireside talk. Immerse yourself in the…
Back by popular demand, the Leeds City Stompers are returning to Zeffirellis Jazz Bar for an…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas storytelling in Dove Cottage. We'll first meet in our…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 446
, currently showing 421 to 440.
Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Windermere
Ian Doig is an official South Lakeland Private Hire Licence Holder. Ian is local to the area and can provide personal stories about the Lake District and its history. Ian also has a keen interest in driving and a particular passion for off-road…
Keswick
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Cumbria
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky mountains, tumbling waterfalls, lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, woodland, isolated hillside farmsteads, sturdy stone-built villages and seemingly…
Penrith
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and refuel ready for your next adventure. It’s open daily from 10am – 4.30pm, with indoor and outdoor seating, serving some tasty treats and refreshing…
Ambleside
The Lakelands offer a selection of quality self-catering holiday apartments, situated in a unique position, overlooking the popular town of Ambleside. The Lakelands offer superb, unspoilt views of the town, Lakeland countryside, and the fells beyond…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
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…
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 22
• 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together sleeping 22
• A total of 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 4 hot tubs in total
• Stunning mountain location with…
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
The English, Buttermere
A 17thC building, owned and run by family for 30 years. First licensed in 1735 as coaching inn. Apartments built in grounds 17 years ago and continually upgraded.
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.
Keswick
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
Berrier
A spectacular gyrocopter trial flight and unique flying lesson. You have the thrill of taking control or just take in the views. Based at Berrier airstrip near Penrith/Ullswater/Keswick. Ideal gift or just to treat yourself.
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Herdwick Fold was converted from a barn adjoining our 17th century grade II listed farmhouse and sleeps up to four people.
Ambleside
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just what you’re looking for! You’ll be scaling rocks to reach the summit, learning new skills along the way and enjoying those hard earned views at the top.
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL