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
This week we'll be helping our special woods at Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. Try your hand at…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
Discover two remarkable Arts & Crafts houses in the Lake District in one afternoon. Blackwell – the…
Cockermouth Mechanics' Band is a community brass band based in Cockermouth and active throughout…
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Join us for a fun and relaxing day learning the art of mosaic. Create a colourful plaque, a trivet…
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Geo Week. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit…
The Lakes Charity Classic Vehicle Show is an annual event for the whole family in the English Lake…
An outdoor exhibition based on the award-winning book, Forty Farms by Lakeland Photographer of the…
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast…
Gatesbield is a small sheltered housing association set in award winning gardens in the centre of…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Lake District Theatre Alan Ayckbourn's revival of THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE runs from 17 May – 1 June…
We're excited to present our first ever Green Film Festival to celebrate the Big Green Week! Five…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
Fell Foot For All is a day of activities championing accessibility to the outdoors for…
Since 2019, The Native Cult has been radiating their musical sunshine across the North West of the…
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and…
A Flagship fundraising event for Walking with the Wounded, individuals, companies and organisations…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 495
, currently showing 361 to 380.
Coniston
A fantastic, adventurous canyoning experience. Slides, jumps and scrambling in the water - this one has it all for an adrenaline based 2-3 hours! You must be confident and comfortable in water and being submerged in it. Suitable for adults and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1055 reviewsConiston
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties to suit all tastes and budgets. Short flexible stays available year round. Escape to the Lakes with us...
Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
Eskdale Valley
Experience canoeing on one of the Lake Districts most remote and impressive lakes and take a journey on the deepest lake in England taking in the views of the Scafell Massif.
Penrith
A perfect location to explore the Lake District, there are seven dog-friendly, high-quality, tastefully decorated, family-friendly self-catering cottages. Located in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, Near Howe is an idyllic, quiet, and tranquil…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
247 reviewsAmbleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsAmbleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
Windermere
Discover the beauty of Lake Windermere during a stay at our self-catering holiday cottage. Located just moments from Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park, it's the ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. Guests can enjoy peaceful grounds…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
849 reviewsRavenglass
Enjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the Eskdale Room. Your cream tea includes a selection of sandwiches (ham, cheese, egg mayo and tuna mayo), home-baked fruit scones with butter, jam and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1940 reviewsWindermere
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.
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.
Coniston
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village
• Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6 bathrooms
• Lake views and open fire
• Large lounge & dining room, ideal for get-togethers
• Perfect adventure base for those wanting to explore everything the…
Penrith
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating area.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1033 reviewsHawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular, all-year round, activities. We’ve listened to guest feedback and put together a 2-hour activity that combines 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft experience.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
334 reviewsBowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Penrith
Askham Hall's beautifully remodelled dining area is made up of three exquisite rooms and overseen by renowned head chef Richard Swale.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
157 reviewsAmbleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
20 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL