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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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Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Dvořák Piano Trio in E minor Op.90 'Dumky' Reicha…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Our galleries take on a unique atmosphere as the world slows down. Whether you're looking to…
Will you race the tide this August 7–9 2026? Race the Tide challenges runners of all levels to…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead your family around our amazing forest and…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly half day workshop. Whinlatter's beautiful…
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm Join flautist Meera…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Harty In Ireland Andy Scott Sonata for flute and…
Participants will learn about: *The fascinating history of the process *Talk about design…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
A spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage. Discover the origins of modern…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
This summer, something extraordinary is coming to Rydal Hall. A renowned touring opera company…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Wihan String Quartet | Trio Bohémo | Marcelo…
A traditional Lakeland show, now in its 141st year, in a beautiful valley in the South Lakes. Fell…
Join us for the first ever Outdoor Cinema weekend at Ambleside Manor, with four classic films being…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Newby 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…
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
Haverthwaite, Ulverston
Why not take a break from your travels and relax in the warm, welcoming and nostalgic surroundings of our licensed ‘Station Tea Room’ just off the platform at Haverthwaite Station. Our home cooked menu includes our hearty Railwayman’s breakfast,…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
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.
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
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…
Rusland
In the Rusland Valley, an unspoilt valley between Windermere lake and Coniston Water, close to Grizedale Forest. An idyllic rural setting of small fields with stone walls and rocky wooded hillsides. Great local walking from the door or into…
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.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Millom
The Wayside and Whisky Barn offers a peaceful escape in the Western Lake District with beautiful en-suite rooms, local homemade meals, stunning views, and a whisky bar. Ideal for relaxation and exploring the Lakes and coast.
Nether Wasdale, Wasdale
Situated in arguably the most beautiful valley of Wasdale in the Lake District on the banks of the river Irt, is The Sawmill Café and Farm Shop. The perfect place to relax, restore and indulge, we offer a delicious locally sourced menu to satisfy…
Ambleside
Our luxury accommodation has been hand built for our bespoke design for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a place to chill out for a few days. Minimum 2-night stay, any day arrivals.
Keswick
At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa bed in every lodge). We are Self Catering, and you will find all the amenities you need in your lodge. Relax in your open plan living dining kitchen…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
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!
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL