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
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Since 2019, The Native Cult has been radiating their musical sunshine across the North West of the…
Our 1/2 day NaturesGems tours start at 9am and finish around 1pm. We will spend the morning…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
Fell Foot For All is a day of activities championing accessibility to the outdoors for…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
A short National Park Volunteer-led guided walk using accessible paths to the summit of Orrest Head…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
In 2004, Richard Askwith published Feet in the Clouds: a personal memoir of fell running and…
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and…
Join us for an incredible adventure on Scafell Pike, one of the National three peaks and the…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
The Swan Hotel & Spa are excited to be bringing back summer spa-rties, and this time it's going to…
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast…
Enjoy a freshly prepared buffet, a relaxed atmosphere and a unique viewing point for some of the…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 495
, currently showing 381 to 400.
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Coniston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
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.
Kendal
Located in the South Lakes, our hotel is furnished to 5-star standard with the Brettargh Suite for ceremonies and smaller functions, and a spectacular purpose-built marquee pavilion for all occasions.
Ambleside
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a place to chill out for a few days. Located on Broadrayne Farm in the very heart of the Lake District National Park.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
41 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
Ullswater, Penrith
Waterfoot Park is located within the Lake District National Park, easily accessible from J40 M6.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
443 reviewsNewby Bridge
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company and welcome people of all abilities.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Windermere
Applegarth Villa is a hotel in the heart of Windermere offering 22 rooms & suites ranging from Deluxe Cheeky Doubles to Hot Tub Suites. Being the only hotel if its kind in Windermere Village, enjoy the easy access, free off road parking (with EV…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1938 reviewsAmbleside
Sitting right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, The Wateredge Inn is the perfect location to eat, drink, sleep and explore from with unrivalled views across Windermere.
Eskdale
Is jumping from height into water your thing? There are jumps galore along with swimming across pools and scrambling up rocks. It's set in a beautiful area and you will really immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery - literally! If you're…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1055 reviewsPenrith
Our Universally Accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for guests with and without disabilities. All our Universally Accessible units are wheelchair accessible and include features such as level entry, wide doors and at least 1.5m turning…
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Keswick
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4, having lounge, kitchen, bath/shower room, double, king-size (2 with en suite) and twin bedrooms. Fine fell views and private parking.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviewsAmbleside
Discover Ambleside on a walking tour with a Cumbria Blue Badge Guide weaving history, literary and artistic connections through its narrow backstreets.
Low Wray, Ambleside
The house overlooks lake Windermere, 3 miles from Ambleside. Situated through the main gates of Wray Castle and up the drive. A bird-watcher's paradise.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL