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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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Start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk. 6.30am – 9.30am. Guided walk through Brantwood estate to…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love. Catherine…
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
APPRAISAL by Tim Marriott An annual work review that goes horribly wrong. Head of Department…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
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…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Connect with other visitors and explore the space through their illustrations and ideas. Engage…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
As part of Lake District Music's spring series of concerts, London Central Brass Quintet perform at…
Enjoy a STEAM-filled weekend brimming with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and events for…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 490
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Troutbeck
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light pollution. Perfect for those wishing to experience a short break under Dark Skies and when conditions allow, a stunning Star Gazing experience.
Ambleside
Central Lake District location ideal for sight-seeing and walking. Overlooking the centre of the market town of Ambleside, the Ambleside Salutation Hotel has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Afternoon Tea at The Belsfield is a quintessentially English experience, offering delicious Afternoon Tea with amazing views of Lake Windermere. The Belsfield is situated in 6-acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian hills…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
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808 reviewsKeswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
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
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central location with immediate access to fells, shops, restaurants, pubs and cinema.
Cockermouth
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'. The cottages have used green design and technologies with ground and air source heat pumps to power the under-floor heating beneath the…
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
442 reviewsGraythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and canoe hire. Journeying…
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328 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience. Our bushcraft experiences are relaxed, fun and…
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328 reviewsConiston
A fantastic, adventurous canyoning experience. Slides, jumps and scrambling in the water - this one has it all for an adrenaline based 2-3 hours! You must be confident and comfortable in water and being submerged in it. Suitable for adults and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1051 reviewsAmbleside
Originally build circa 1650. Modernised and extended in 2004. Situated by the side of Rydal Beck with outdoor tables.
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
167 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
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808 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL