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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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Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Newby Bridge
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, such as firelighting, shelter building and more.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Coniston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Pooley Bridge
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping field Angle Tarn is set amongst our Pods, so if some of you are traditional campers but perhaps other family members prefer something more substantial…
Ambleside
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and our menus feature the finest fresh produce from the region.
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Grange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
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.
Coniston
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided by experts for all ages, with gear provided for a tailored, scenic adventure.
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Penrith
Mosedale End Farm Bed & Breakfast offers you a true rural escape — spacious, quiet and surrounded by nature. Wake to sweeping views of Lakeland fells as you enjoy a leisurely start to your day because you can enjoy breakfast whenever you choose.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Keswick
Let us be your guide on a hiking adventure that will take you to some of the most beautiful and challenging peaks in the area. Our expert team will not only show you the way, but also teach you valuable map reading skills and share fascinating…
Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Keswick
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfast, delicious evening dinner and charmful lounges.
We’ve even got a drying room with boot warmers and a car park with an…
Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL