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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
Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and experience the powerful combination of heat,…
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a…
Partly inspired by the life and work of John Gough, the 'Blind philosopher' and polymath of Kendal…
Beatrix Potter: The other side of the family & the Helen Leech enigma Beatrix Potter's life path…
Join Dr Amy Concannon, Manton Senior Curator of Historic British Art at Tate Britain, for a special…
The Swan's Santa's Grotto, a festive wonderland awaits your little ones! Every weekend from…
It's A Doddle is back with a bang for 2026 and we're inviting our community to get involved! To…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Swim in the lake at night under The Milky Way, the glow of your light-up tow float keeping you…
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Mark your latest mountaineering achievement – or your Kendal Mountain Festival weekend – by…
Join us in our cosy Café for Gothic book chats this autumn and delve deeper into the world of…
Our third season of classic films highlights the exciting film career of Victoria Wood - writer,…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Enjoy a carefully curated 2-course menu of seasonal dishes, with comforting festive flavours and,…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston…
Join St John's Hospice for our Bowness-on-Windermere Light Up A Life Remembrance and Celebration…
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event,…
Bonfire, Live music with Nick Marshall, BBQ
Flowing from the Fells presents selected works from the Lakeland Arts collection to explore the…
Keeping the Members Together: A History of Music in Working Men's Clubs with Isabel Thomas Is…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ambleside
At our small boutique hotel, our focus is on providing unparalleled comfort and style in individually designed bedrooms. Experience the epitome of luxury with modern bathrooms, plush dressing gowns, and premium amenities.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, in Bowness-on-Windermere, The Victoria Wood Theatre presents an outstanding year-round programme of drama, classical music, folk, comedy and film.
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Ravenglass
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
Portinscale
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated luxury. Once the private rooms of Lord Rochdale, the impressive main living space is now beautifully arranged in an open-plan design, incorporating a…
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
We have 12 comfy en-suite rooms, some with private balconies. Enjoy a full English or continental breakfast. With family and adjoining rooms, we welcome everyone—from solo travellers to larger groups.
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
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…
Portinscale
Rosetrees is a stunning six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victorian residence set on the picturesque shores of Derwentwater. This spacious home retains many of its original features, which add to its timeless charm and elegance.
Whether you are admiring…
Coniston
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery from a Canadian Canoe. Along the way we will stop off to try a little Bushcraft. We will cover the exciting and essential skills of how to make a fire…
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Ambleside
Nestled in the heart of the English Lake District Victorian House provides the perfect antidote to chain hotel fatigue! Think cosy nights in the snug with a glass of red, kicking your boots off after a day of exploring and sinking into the sofa with…
Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
Ambleside
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a relaxing stay after days exploring the Lake District with private riverbank views.
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL