You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > The Lake District
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
Our 1/2 day NaturesGems tours start at 9am and finish around 1pm. We will spend the morning…
Between 1939 and 1945 a significant proportion of Britain's national collection of modern art from…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
Often described as the friendliest and most beautiful UK marathon. This wonderful and undulating…
Linocut is a traditional relief printing technique where a print is taken from the surface of a…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
The Lakeland Loop Cycle Sportive is a challenging ride which starts from the New Dungeon Ghyll…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Downtown on Skid Row, weedy flower shop assistant Seymour is down on his luck until he stumbles…
Create a unique piece of silver jewellery that will be a joy to wear or make a perfect gift.…
The Kammerphilharmonie Europa gives a guest performance in Bowness-on-Windermere for this very…
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and…
Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
Journey into acrylics with this serene scene – a swan gracefully adrift on a tranquil autumn lake.
A Gin experience like no other! A special Marmalade gin tasting on board a two-hour evening cruise…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
As part of our "Running Int' Fells" events programme for mental health in May, Alex Staniforth and…
As part of Windermere Science Festival enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 491
, currently showing 481 to 491.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
844 reviewsElterwater, Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Penrith
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all the facilities and equipment that you would expect from your holiday home.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
168 reviewsPenrith
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…
Staveley
The Beer Hall, is open every day to bring you the freshest core range and small batch beers. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Ullswater
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on Lake Ullswater. Perfect for walking the coast to coast, climbing Helvellyn, Sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding on Ullswater, Taking a steamer to…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
95 reviewsAmbleside
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!
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.
Windermere
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks a stone’s throw away and the pretty Lakeland village of Ambleside a mile away, Low Wood Bay is the perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL