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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
"The difference between a Lady and flower girl isn't how she behaves, but how she is…
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of…
Free event to celebrate International Women's Day and the Women's Institute. Tea and cake and…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning…
A scenic road half marathon on quiet undulating roads passing along the shores of Haweswater in…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
The varied habitats of the Dalemain Estate parklands and gardens area provide a rich, year-round…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
A beautiful day's walk in the central Lake District. We'll be heading into the Great Langdale…
As the 250th anniversary celebrations of JMW Turner come to an end, join Dean Hines on a tour…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and…
The RSPB at Wild Haweswater works alongside partner organisations and we are excited to promote…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Haydn - String Quartet in G minor Op.74, No.3 'Rider' Kane - Windchimes (Premiere) Prokofiev -…
A 48-Hour Retreat for Discovery & Replenishment of Mind, Body, and Spirit, for men and women. Fiona…
This is a brief look at the life of a woman who fought for an education, supported herself by her…
We are delighted to invite you to this Quiet Day at Rydal Hall — a reflective and theologically…
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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…
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
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…
Hawkshead
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting three high ropes activities above the…
Far Sawrey
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood burner, fully equipped kitchen, 2 lounges, 2 bathrooms. Stunning views and access to footpaths. Pubs close by.
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
Ambleside
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer abseiling throughout the Lake District, all venues are stunningly beautiful and offer different abseil lengths so we can pick a venue to suit you best.
Seascale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can help you plan the perfect route to the summit based on where you’re staying and your previous experience.
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
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…
Penrith
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Pooley Bridge
Just a stones throw from Lake Ullswater & Pooley Bridge, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park.
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Penrith
We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Cycle Hire from the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Castle. The venture coincides with the launch on the Lowther Estate of a network of dedicated cycling and walking trails. This will enable…
Ambleside
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw from Ambleside, Windermere and Hawkshead. They’re perfectly positioned for exploring some of Cumbria’s best loved towns and villages as well as…
Ravenglass
Standing proudly in the center of the village of Ravenglass the Pennington Hotel has 22 well appointed and relaxing bedrooms, with quality bathrooms, smart TV’s, and comfy beds, all areas offer high speed internet which has been complete upscaled…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL