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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
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Join Peter Hughes at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 July for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's…
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar…
The Ease into Easedale Wild Swim sums up outdoor swimming in the Lake District fells: dramatic…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Aquarelle Guitar Quartet Rossini Sinfonia from…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm Join flautist Meera…
Discover 200 years of Rock Climbing history, from the earliest scrambles to the modern sport we…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Play the traditional games croquet, quoits & skittles on Allan Bank's front lawn with glorious lake…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Beth Williams, a local Beatrix Potter researcher, and welcome manager at Hill Top, will be joining…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race…
This summer, something extraordinary is coming to Rydal Hall. A renowned touring opera company…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Join us for a day of family fun this summer with a special visit from Witch herself! Witch will…
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead your family around our amazing forest and…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Ravenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Trelkeld, Keswick
Scales Farm a 17C farmhouse on the slopes of Blencathra with spectacular views, close to Keswick, 10 mins from M6. All rooms en-suite, beamed lounge, private parking, bicycle storage and drying room. Mobility and dog friendly rooms.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
St John's St, Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Ullswater, Nr Penrith
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning location on the shores of Ullswater.
Great Langdale
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the Olympic Games. Langdale, close to Ambleside and Windermere is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing. Not far from here…
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.
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…
Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 35 years. Restaurants come and go but our focus on quality and customer service has set us…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Staveley
Delightful village inn, riverside location with friendly family welcome, offering excellent cosy accommodation. Local produce of superb real ales.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL