You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
Step back in time to Regency England with this Christmas fireside talk. Immerse yourself in the…
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
On 17 October 2025 18:00-19:00 Over a period of ten years, Teesdale based artist, Andy Beck,…
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
Join us this festive season for hands-on family fun at Windermere Jetty Museum. Whether you're…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
On 5 October 2025 18:00-19:30 We are delighted to bring this project to England this year,…
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength,…
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey Step aboard our magical…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 446
, currently showing 241 to 260.
Glenridding, Penrith
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…
Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!
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…
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Cockermouth
Beautifully located in its own grounds on the shores of Buttermere among the western fells, Hassness Country House is the perfect base for guided and self-guided walking holidays in the Lake District. This was the favourite Lakeland location of…
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley. We have both pet-free and pet-friendly glamping pods available.
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…
Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
Nr Kendal
Contemporary licensed café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. Shop selling local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.
Troutbeck, 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…
Windermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
Ambleside
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the day/session to suit you. We typically use easy to access climbing venues and also provide all technical and safety equipment.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This former grande dame Victorian hotel has just had an £8 million makeover, and has re-emerged dressed for a night out and sporting a chic, city-slicker…
Ambleside
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…
Ambleside
Just a short stroll from Ambleside’s bustling centre and only steps from the shores of Windermere, The Waterhead Inn is the perfect place to relax, refuel, and soak up the beauty of the Lake District. After a day exploring fells, lakes, and…
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL