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Welcome to the Lake District – where modern tourism was born.
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.
Photo: Derwentwater
Explore
From well-equipped campsites to luxury spa resorts, there’s no shortage of quality accommodation in the Lake District. This is where modern tourism was born, after all.- It’s easy to eat well in the Lake District. Whether in a cosy village inn or in the elegant setting of a high-class restaurant, the quality of food is exceptional.
- Whatever time of year you want to visit the Lake District, we have something planned to keep you entertained, engaged and energised.
- Have you got a year to spare? You’ll need that amount of time and more if you want to make a real dent in the list of incredible activities available in the Lake District.
- Let us help you find inspiring places to visit with our travel itineraries. Whatever your choice of location, duration and budget, check out our recommendations.
Highlights
There's winter wonder for the whole family at the gateway to the Lake District this year. From 21…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
On 8 November 2025 14:00-15:30 £15 Greenside Mine is one of the world's most famous mines and…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Perfect for your work Christmas party, or a seasonal catch-up with family and friends. Whether…
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style. Late Nite Fiasco Fuse…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Soul Survivors are Cumbria's leading Soul and Motown band, playing all the classics from Wilson…
Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
We invite you to our Festive Tea Dance in the magnificent Great Hall at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
A restorative floating sound bath in the heart of the Lake District. Renew your mind, body and soul…
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors…
Saturday 13th December 11am Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive morning…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Accommodation
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 445
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
017687 78711Braithwaite, 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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Address
The Borrowdale Hotel, B5289, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UYTelephone
017687 77224Keswick
Nestled at the gateway to the Jaws of Borrowdale, on the tip of Derwentwater, The Borrowdale Hotel has been a welcoming presence since 1866. Steeped in history and framed by dramatic crags, it’s the perfect base for lakeside strolls, lush temperate…
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Address
Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XBTelephone
017687 77214Keswick
Our restaurant full of eager diners, a non-fussy, relaxed atmosphere, staff who take pride in serving Executive Chef David’s delectable dishes and where the food and service speak for itself. Hopefully our guests agree, it’s called real Cumbrian…
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Address
Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SXTelephone
015394 35280Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Address
Broadoaks Country House, Bridge Ln, Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LATelephone
015394 45566Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
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Address
Ambleside Tap Yard, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ANTelephone
01539 423234Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
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Address
Kankku, Victoria Forge, Victoria St, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1ADTelephone
015394 47414Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
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Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
The Lake District is home to some of the most amazing Gravel Biking routes in England, with world class scenery coming as standard. We know loads of great routes throughout the district and to suit all abilities and expectations. This makes us well…
Address
Biketreks Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
015394 31245Ambleside
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and E-Bike hire all year round. Our shop stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories and new and ex-hire bikes.
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Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
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Address
Sizergh Castle - National Trust, Nr Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AETelephone
015395 60951Nr Kendal
The house boasts 800 years of family history, and is still lived in by the Strickland family today. Filled with thousands of items collected by 26 generations of the family the house certainly feels lived in, with centuries-old portraits and fine…
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Address
Kings Arms Hotel, 2 The Square, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
015394 36372Hawkshead
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…
Address
Stable Stays & The Friesian Experience - Black Horses Ltd, Greenbank Farm, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7STTelephone
+44(0)7776145424Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Grasmere
The Cottages at Broadrayne Farm are all just full of character having been converted from former 17th - 19thC farm buildings. Unusually for holiday accommodation they all have the benefit of allocated parking, separate entrances, electric charging…
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Address
The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NBTelephone
015395 31681Newby 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…
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Address
The Wild Boar | Bar, Restaurant & Hotel, Crook Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NFTelephone
015394 45225Windermere
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.
Address
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RETelephone
017687 76551Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
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Address
The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NBTelephone
015395 31681Newby Bridge
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
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Address
High Swinklebank Farm, Longsleddale Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9BDTelephone
01539 823682Kendal
High Swinklebank is a hill sheepfarm with local Kendal rough fell sheep. It is in one of the beautiful unspoilt valleys of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing and getting away from it all.
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