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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
You may have walked the narrow pavements of Ambleside, exploring the various cafes, gift outlets…
Swim and run through some of the Lake District's most iconic and varied terrain. Athletes traverse…
Get ready for a huge night of stadium-sized rock at The Royalty! Two powerhouse tributes: EMUS &…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Join our RSPB Assistant Warden (and deer guru) Richard Smith to experience the sights and sounds of…
It's been 17 years since the release of Elio's critically acclaimed debut album of his own songs,…
Born and raised on a farm in Zimbabwe in an Afrikaans family, Neels invites you to reminisce with…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Join Wild Haweswater's writer in residence Joanna Clare Dobson for an immersive morning of creative…
A spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage. Discover the origins of modern…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join Rob Baxter at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 29 September for a fascinating talk on the history…
Enjoy an afternoon of poetry and live music at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, near…
Though known as the school of William Wordsworth, many more schoolboys were educated here. Join us…
Saturday – Sprint races held on the River Leven at the Swan Hotel Marina – On the water 10-12.30…
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel Step into an evening of…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable Jersey Boys Tribute Night, featuring live…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
The virtuoso of fingerstyle jazz returns with a celebration of timeless standards…
To complement our newest exhibition, An A-Z of Beatrix Potter, we are excited to run our new…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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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.
Great Langdale
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the Olympic Games. Langdale, close to Ambleside and Windermere is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing. Not far from here…
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 35 years. Restaurants come and go but our focus on quality and customer service has set us…
Hawkshead
A spacious village house with hot tub and parking in the heart of Hawkshead, ideal for families and multigenerational stays.
Ravenglass
Tucked away in the heart of Ravenglass, where the mountains meet the sea and the little railway winds its way into the Eskdale Valley, you’ll find The Ratty Arms.
It’s the kind of place where you can come in after a day exploring the Lakes, settle…
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
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…
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Hesket Newmarket, Near Caldbeck
A superb luxury self-catering cottage in the peaceful village of Hesket Newmarket, 200 metres from the village pub and restaurant. A spa bath and log burner are two of the world-class luxuries available.
Ambleside
Ambleside Townhouse is a fifteen ensuite bedroomed, dog friendly luxury bed and breakfast with onsite parking located in the heart of Ambleside.
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…
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
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.
A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
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.
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL