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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
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Hop into Easter with a smile and a giggle. Follow the trail through the woods and parkland with…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
53k and 23k trail running races.
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
Explore the Garden-Orchard and Woodland on the Georgian Tea Party themed Easter Egg Trail at…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of…
Go Ape Grizedale is reopening its three sites for Easter and beyond. Come on down for fun for all…
Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Step into a world of glamour, espionage, and intrigue at this unforgettable James Bond–themed…
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Join us for a relaxed early evening in our charming wine cellar — the perfect chance to take a…
A performance of Faure's celebrated Requiem and the wonderfully uplifting Magnificat by John Rutter…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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The Bridge, Coniston
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston. Close to spectacular walking, the lake and with a beautiful, enclosed garden it really is the perfect base for any Lake District holiday.
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.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Ambleside
Nestled in the heart of the English Lake District Victorian House provides the perfect antidote to chain hotel fatigue! Think cosy nights in the snug with a glass of red, kicking your boots off after a day of exploring and sinking into the sofa with…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
Ambleside
Spacious apartment for four. On two floors over an interesting jewellery and gift shop. Central location with immediate access to fells, shops, restaurants, pubs and cinema.
Eskdale, Holmrook
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the base of the picturesque Eskdale and Wasdale valleys. Whether you're a hiker, walker, or cyclist, our farm offers an extensive network of bridleways…
Keswick
The Lake District is known for being the home of Rock Climbing, so why not try your hand at this extreme sport! Conquer a fear and get up close and personal with some of the incredible local landscape all whilst under the watchful eye of our…
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Ambleside
Mountain adventures are our speciality. Family Adventure days, Guided Walking, Navigation workshops, Rock Climbing, Rock Scrambling, Gorge Scrambling, Abseiling, Canyoning and any combination of these. We’re here to help ensure you experience the…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Ambleside
Located in the heart of Ambleside, this traditional Lakeland slate building has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and has a character befitting that long-standing heritage. Offering 29 comfortable rooms with all the essential amenities, if…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
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…
Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Elterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
Keswick
Enjoy hearty, flavour-led dining at Mary Mount, where generous portions, local ingredients, and warm hospitality meet in a relaxed lakeside setting. From comforting classics to Sunday roasts, every meal is crafted with care.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL