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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
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
The RSPB at Wild Haweswater works alongside partner organisations and we are excited to promote…
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided winter ascent of the Fairfield Horseshoe, one of…
Delve down into the muddy earth and you'll find a whole world bursting with life. Designed with…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
Valentine's Day at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar - join Fred and Friends for a delightful evening of…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Did you know we have rainforest in Cumbria? Join our RSPB Assistant Warden Richard to learn more…
A beautiful day's walk in the central Lake District. We'll be heading into the Great Langdale…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Hornfels Brass is a Cumbrian based quartet comprising of highly experienced musicians who have…
An A-Z of Beatrix Potter takes you on a journey through 26 key words and phrases drawn from Beatrix…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
We are delighted to welcome Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform in Brantwood's Drawing Room as part…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
Windermere
The Wild Boar is a special venue for any occasion, whether it be a romantic or adventurous break, family get-together, business meeting or as one of our very valued frequent diners.
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL