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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.

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Wrap up warm and step aboard for a magical winter journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway's…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
On 5 October 2025 18:00-19:30 We are delighted to bring this project to England this year,…
Wednesday 31st December (NYE) Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax 7pm - 1.30am ️ Tickets -…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
There's winter wonder for the whole family at the gateway to the Lake District this year. From 21…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
On 29 October 2025 10:00-17:00 It's that time of year again! Fungi Fest returns! We're…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child! (Adults go free!) Step into the magic of…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
Get in the festive spirit at Grizedale with our Christmas cinema! We'll be showing the Gruffalo's…
Local Crafts Christmas Fair – Two Days of Festive Magic! Get into the holiday spirit at our Local…
On 28 October 2025 14:00-15:30 This presentation will provide an overview of the PhD research…
From the World's Most Spectacular Opera series, experience the love, laughter and loss of La Boheme…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Borrowdale, KESWICK
Have you ever walked on thin air? Get your heart racing while experiencing breathtaking scenery with our Infinity Bridge… so named because you are often unable to see the other end! Strung across a breathtaking gorge high up on the mountain, 2,000…
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…
Manesty, Borrowdale
Stunning views of Borrowdale valley, Easy access to Keswick and Derwentwater, Luxury living in a rural location.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL