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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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The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the…
Participants will learn about: *The fascinating history of the process *Talk about design…
Sweet Harmony, a flowering of summer music performed by The Wordsworth Singers. Directed by Andy…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Play the traditional games croquet, quoits & skittles on Allan Bank's front lawn with glorious lake…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th…
Festival of the Lake is coming to Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 27 June 2026 for a full day…
Mark Hatton, a researcher and enthusiast of local mining history will be joining us to explore the…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim provides the perfect adventure swimming day out. Swimming in the…
Get ready to paddle out on Windermere with Kitt from Windermere Canoe Kayak as part of Festival of…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Chillswim Ullswater 2026 will take place on Saturday 11th July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Guess who's back… and feeling 22? ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and this time we're…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater takes place from Park Foot Holiday Park, near Pooley Bridge, which…
We are celebrating our new exhibition in style – with a Gothic summer garden party! Step into a…
Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Ambleside
A staycation at Brathay gives you everything you need for a well-deserved break that will get you away from it all and boost your wellbeing. Whatever the weather, or time of year, and however chilled or super-adventurous you want to be, we have…
Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Penrith
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each complete with an equipped kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
Ambleside
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are ready and waiting for families and groups of all sizes eager to get away from it all and holiday together!
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Hawkshead
In the heart of Hawkshead, the King’s Arms offers a warm welcome and a real taste of the Lake District. The menu celebrates local produce, featuring hearty pub favourites and creative seasonal specials made with ingredients from nearby farms. Enjoy…
Pooley Bridge
A choice of self-catering accommodation, owned and operated by the Heath Family. The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL