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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
Back once again for 2024 is a guided walk of Ambleside by Dr Penny Bradshaw. Ambleside's literary…
Get ready for a summer filled with STEAM-inspired play! Step into a realm of wonder and inspiration…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Every experience in nature is unique. Join Gemma from NaturesGems for a half day nature tour…
We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, use mindfulness and ritual to…
Drop into our Learning Space for summer holiday Make and Play activities. William and Dorothy…
Food & Folk #3 Our first two food & folk nights were both a huge success so we've decided to host…
A slight twist as we introduce a NEW foodie option in 2024. Our Pie, chips, and gravy evening…
Join our Ranger on their rounds to fill the red squirrel feeders! Whinlatter is a red squirrel…
Our Loughrigg, Lakes & Lilies wild swim is one of our most popular Adventure Swim Days. It has just…
Tradiditional Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show 2024 - Wrestling, Hound Trails, Fell Racing. Track…
Amongst the treasures of the Boynton bedroom hangs the oldest painting in the house, a magnificent…
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of the lake. Immerse yourself in a day of festivities…
Join our Ranger on their rounds to fill the red squirrel feeders! Whinlatter is a red squirrel…
Come to an exhibition of radical and innovative textiles; from homewares to art and fashion from…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
30th Anniversary Charity Auction (on line) We have a fantastic range of lots for you to browse…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Join our Ranger on their rounds to fill the red squirrel feeders! Whinlatter is a red squirrel…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan Hotel terrace on Friday 9th August. Tom…
Sheep Dog Trials with hound trails, dog show and a small number of craft stands, bar, catering and…
The Ullswater Swimming Adventure is a lovely little adventure swim taking in the fascinating…
This new display delves into the Townend archive collection, a treasure trove of four hundred years…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 497
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Howtown, Penrith
A family-friendly club with clubhouse and changing facilities on the lakeside, offering sailing on beautiful Ullswater from March until November with something for everyone, young and old, novices or experienced sailors.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn is located in the heart of the popular Lake District town of Ambleside and offers delicious, homecooked dining all day every day. Whether fuelling up for a day’s exploring with a hearty breakfast, stopping by for a smaller plate…
Coniston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building has undergone an exciting restoration to create a stunning pub with rooms. Open all day, every day for food, drinks and rooms.
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Penruddock, Penrith
Brow Wood Cabin is a bespoke and luxurious L-shared cabin, situated next to an ancient wood. There is a super king bed and shower room. The perfect place to escape to.
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Ambleside
Our traditional Lakeland property welcomes groups of up to 16 in the main house and four in the adjoining apartment. Nestled in the heart of Ambleside in a quiet location, we offer stunning Fell views, as well as private parking. Packed with…
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…
Kendal
Located in the South Lakes, our hotel is furnished to 5-star standard with the Brettargh Suite for ceremonies and smaller functions, and a spectacular purpose-built marquee pavilion for all occasions.
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.
Howtown, Penrith
The farm and campsite has been run by the same family for 5 generations. It is a working farm home to Swaledale ewes, cattle and calves. Farm activities such as lambing, dipping, shearing and working dogs can be seen and swans, ducks, cat.
Windermere
Refurbished in 2021, Lakes Hostel is a hidden gem in the heart of Windermere. Available to book as an exclusive hire or by the room, Lakes Hostel offers the flexibility and facilities to cater for large multi-generational family breaks, special…
Ambleside
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern and traditional dishes featuring seasonal and the finest local produce are created by Scott and his team, you are able to get…
Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
Ullswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
Keswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL