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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
A Pelumbra retreat for reflection, creativity and critical insight A place for deep writing in…
Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, but how realistic are these…
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts &…
In this talk about Beatrix Potter, Janet will explore her life before and after the publication of…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
A beautiful day's walk in the central Lake District. We'll be heading into the Great Langdale…
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria's premier cinematic event, bringing the best in international and…
Immerse yourself in the luxury of Tropic Skincare, complemented by a glass of bubbly as you…
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided Coniston Classics walk in the Lake District. This…
Haydn - String Quartet in G minor Op.74, No.3 'Rider' Kane - Windchimes (Premiere) Prokofiev -…
Fast, flat and inclusive 10km running event along the Keswick to Threlked railway. 3km fun run for…
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard…
A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…
Western – True Grit (2010) The Coen Brothers' reimagining of the classic Western tale. A determined…
Free event to celebrate International Women's Day and the Women's Institute. Tea and cake and…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
We are delighted to welcome Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform in Brantwood's Drawing Room as part…
This is a brief look at the life of a woman who fought for an education, supported herself by her…
An A-Z of Beatrix Potter takes you on a journey through 26 key words and phrases drawn from Beatrix…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Ursula Leveaux, bassoon | Martin Hughes, violin Fay Sweet, viola | Deborah Findley, cello …
Live music with The Elderly brothers who play a range of tunes from 1920s to 2020s. Smile-inducing,…
Looking for things to do this February half term in Cumbria? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 457
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Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Sedgwick, Kendal
Family attraction, maze, soft play, go karts, animals, pets, events, parties and refreshments.
Grasmere
Mentioned in William Wordsworth’s 1806 composition The Waggoner, a multi-million-pound refurbishment has given this renowned property renewed purpose as a cosy, welcoming pub with 46 bedrooms.
Grasmere
Situated at the northern end of Grasmere, yet just 5 minutes walk into the village centre, Raise View House has uninterrupted views of Easedale and the surrounding fells, including the famed Lion and the Lamb.
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Windermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
Borrowdale, Keswick
Adrenaline filled adventure inside the belly of a Lake District mountain, ‘Climb the Mine’ is the only one of its type in England.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Ambleside
Come to Skelwith Fold for a warm welcome and a unique place to stay in one of our glamping pods in the Lake District. We would love to help you create a Lakeland adventure that you will never forget!
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.
Penrith
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic rural setting in the village of Watermillock. It is completely surrounded by green fields, with immense views of Lake Ullswater and her spectacular array…
Keswick
Lakeside hotel on Derwentwater with doorstep access to the best walking, hiking, and outdoor routes in the Lake District. Relaxed rooms, hearty food, dog-friendly, and welcoming service.
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.
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
Coniston
Situated in a stunning location next to mountains & waterfalls, the Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges have been hand-crafted to each accommodate 2 guests and feature king-size beds, kitchens, private shower rooms & enclosed gardens.
Ullswater
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing whether indoors or outdoors is a great group or family activity. With the opportunity for learning the basic skills and looking after each others safety…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL