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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.
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As part of Windermere Science Festival enjoy an Agatha Christie-inspired three-course meal and…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally…
Ladies from West Cumbria - join Jo from JAG Outdoors for this special free Dark Skies Walk at…
A walking photography workshop around Ambleside and the nearby countryside with photographer Chris…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
The full Pink moon aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness &…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Journey into acrylics with this serene scene – a swan gracefully adrift on a tranquil autumn lake.
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from…
Join nature expert, Gemma and local photographer, Ginny Koppenhol for a nature experience with a…
A Flagship fundraising event for Walking with the Wounded, individuals, companies and organisations…
Between 1939 and 1945 a significant proportion of Britain's national collection of modern art from…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
An outdoor exhibition based on the award-winning book, Forty Farms by Lakeland Photographer of the…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, join this transformational event…
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe…
Join us in the woods and meadows for a morning of foraging, nature connection, discovery and plant…
Wrap up warm and join our expert Ranger Rob for a chance to spot a hawfinch at first light.…
Downtown on Skid Row, weedy flower shop assistant Seymour is down on his luck until he stumbles…
Award winning crime writer Jonathan Whitelaw is flying in from Canada to launch his new book, The…
Our 1/2 day NaturesGems tours start at 9am and finish around 1pm. We will spend the morning…
Can you discover eight of the birds that call Sizergh home? Take part in the Spring Bird Challenge…
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and…
An enjoyable introduction to the art of beautiful lettering. Learn how to shape loops and swirls…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Troutbeck, Penrith
Wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
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525 reviewsBorrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
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77 reviewsNewby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
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54 reviewsKeswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Ulverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
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62 reviewsAmbleside
Situated in the heart of The Lake District and the tourist hotspot of Ambleside, you’ll find a cosy, relaxed & welcoming atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy good quality, freshly made food, all at a reasonable price, & an extensive range of local…
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417 reviewsKeswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL