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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
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and…
Create a unique piece of silver jewellery that will be a joy to wear or make a perfect gift.…
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Transform and recycle subtle coloured pieces of sea glass into jewellery that is perfect for summer…
A Flagship fundraising event for Walking with the Wounded, individuals, companies and organisations…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Connect with other visitors and explore the space through their illustrations and ideas. Engage…
Come and join us for a day's Canoeing from Fell Foot. Fell Foot has amazing accessible facilities,…
Join us in the woods and meadows for a morning of foraging, nature connection, discovery and plant…
Spending that unplanned night out in the outdoors is always daunting. Always be prepared – learn…
Journey into acrylics with this serene scene – a swan gracefully adrift on a tranquil autumn lake.
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
Spend a weekend learning how to sail our Canoes. They are specifically designed to Sail fast and…
Little Explorers story and nature walks for under 5s and their grown-ups. These fun interactive…
An outdoor exhibition based on the award-winning book, Forty Farms by Lakeland Photographer of the…
Enjoy a STEAM-filled weekend brimming with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and events for…
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and…
Enjoy a fish & chip supper and a return evening train ride up the Eskdale valley. Your ticket…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 490
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Hawkshead
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale Forest packs a punch with both action and adventure. Explore the forest on two wheels with our all-terrain Segways or test your nerve amongst the trees…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
869 reviewsBraithwaite
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
256 reviewsGraythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and canoe hire. Journeying…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
327 reviewsConiston
• Sleeps 4
• Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man
• 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Fellside garden
• Slate floors
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Log-burning stove
• Spectacular views throughout
Windermere
The Apple Restaurant in Windermere. Local, seasonal food served in our restaurant in the heart of Windermere Village.
Glenridding
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing courses, corporate events, team building activities, youth group events, and family adventure days.
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake District within easy reach of Lake Windermere, the historic village of Cartmel and Grange over Sands and many places of interest. An ideal…
Ambleside
We sit in the centre of Ambleside. Our family owned and run B&B provides a comfy base in this beautiful World Heritage site. We received a silver award from Green Tourism in 2018 for sustainability, promoting Fairtrade and local products.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
141 reviewsWindermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Coniston
Explore one of the Lake District’s famous lakes, Coniston Water, and see the magnificent scenery from a canoe. We'll tailor the day to suit you - whether it’s a fun day of games, exploring the lake and splashing with the whole family or a relaxing…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
456 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL