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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
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
Join us for a traditional service of lessons and carols by candlelight in the beautiful…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Get in the festive spirit at Grizedale with our Christmas cinema! We'll be showing the Gruffalo's…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
On 12 November 2025 14:00-16:00 £10 Meg has worked in many museums and galleries in the North…
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations…
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 447
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Coniston
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery from a Canadian Canoe. Along the way we will stop off to try a little Bushcraft. We will cover the exciting and essential skills of how to make a fire…
Lyth Valley
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds that flock to the Lake District National Park.
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Coniston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Ambleside
Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from - Beatrix Potter's Missing Paper - and - The Bridge House Mystery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your friends, family or colleagues to…
Grasmere
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep soundly within the walls of this 17thC coaching inn. Many of our bedrooms have views across the garden towards Helm Crag.
Haverthwaite, Ulverston
Why not take a break from your travels and relax in the warm, welcoming and nostalgic surroundings of our licensed ‘Station Tea Room’ just off the platform at Haverthwaite Station. Our home cooked menu includes our hearty Railwayman’s breakfast,…
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Troutbeck
Self Catering Lake District Bothy, sleeps 4 people and set in an amazing landscape with no light pollution. Perfect for those wishing to experience a short break under Dark Skies and when conditions allow, a stunning Star Gazing experience.
Ambleside
The Temperance Inn at Ambleside proudly serves up delicious pub food – all day, every day – cooked freshly for you on ordering.
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Patterdale, Ullswater
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed retreats for anyone looking for an escape from the stresses of modern life. With carefully considered interiors which embrace a strong local connection,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL