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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
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Join Peter Hughes at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 July for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
The craft fair will include local arts and craft makers from the region, including wood, jewellery,…
This summer, something extraordinary is coming to Rydal Hall. A renowned touring opera company…
A KIND OF MAGIC TOUR Following the fantastic show in 2025 at Bowness, "Now I'm Here" Queen Tribute…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Haydn String Quartet in F Op.50, No.5…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quarter | Resol String…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Aquarelle Guitar Quartet Bellinati Baião de…
Kids go home. Adults Go Ape. Looking for an after work activity in the Lake District this summer?…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Ruby Hughes - Soprano | Huw Watkins - Piano Bach…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Glenridding, Penrith
Located on the private Patterdale Estate, Lishman House is a pet friendly, roomy residence. Equipped with 4 large bedrooms, one a King Bedroom with en-suite, Family Bathroom, Dining Room, Sitting Room and stunning views directly down to the shore of…
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.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Swaledale Garth was converted from a grade II listed barn adjoining our 17th century farmhouse and sleeps up to six people (and up to two small-medium-sized and well behaved dogs).
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Grasmere
Situated at the northern end of Grasmere, yet just 5 minutes walk into the village centre, Raise View House has uninterrupted views of Easedale and the surrounding fells, including the famed Lion and the Lamb.
Ambleside
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and exciting modern dishes - all made from the outstanding local ingredients.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Grasmere
Set at the foot of the fells within two acres of riverside gardens on the edge of picturesque Grasmere village, the four AA Silver Star Rothay Garden by Harbour Hotels is a boutique countryside hideaway with an array of outdoor activities to enjoy…
Penrith
Experience the romantic tranquillity of the beautiful English Lake District and stay at Mosedale Glamping Pod. This wonderfully cosy countryside retreat is nestled on a traditional working sheep farm in peaceful countryside just 14 miles outside of…
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
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.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
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…
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known for it’s bustling atmosphere, unbeatable mountain views and winding streets.
Penrith
Join our guides for a magical Lake District hiking experience, tailored for your dream hike, to hide away off grid, or take your dream to the top of England highest peak. Push your boundaries in the safety of our guides, and learn new skills along…
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Grasmere
Mentioned in William Wordsworth’s 1806 composition The Waggoner, a multi-million-pound refurbishment has given this renowned property renewed purpose as a cosy, welcoming pub with 46 bedrooms.
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL