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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
Swim and run through some of the Lake District's most iconic and varied terrain. Athletes traverse…
Join Joanne Coates for a walk and talk discussing her Daughters of the Soil work — how farming,…
Join Wild Haweswater's writer in residence Joanna Clare Dobson for an immersive morning of creative…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Enjoy an afternoon of poetry and live music at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, near…
'Stranger Folk', a magical new digital adventure played by mobile app, is haunting Allan Bank…
Day 1: Arrival & Grounding 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Arrival & Check-in Welcome packets, room assignments,…
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
We're celebrating our 80th anniversary with a big party - and you're invited! Join us at Brathay…
The virtuoso of fingerstyle jazz returns with a celebration of timeless standards…
The Nikki Iles Band is Nikki Iles piano, Mike Walker Guitar, Caroline Bowden drums and Gary Culshaw…
How on earth have we all survived the past decade of modern living without Victoria Wood and her…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run 23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes…
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of connection, healing and transformation. The Buffalo is the…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
It's been 17 years since the release of Elio's critically acclaimed debut album of his own songs,…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Mark, once half of legendary radio double-act Mark and Lard, has been on the national airwaves…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 469
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Windermere
SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is a one Michelin Star restaurant located near Windermere. Headed-up by Head Chef Kevin Scanlan, their tasting menus combine exquisite ingredients, distinct flavours, seasonality, sustainability and precision, together with…
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Penrith
A stunning grade 1 listed Pele Tower dating back to the 13th century, Askham Hall has been transformed from a stately family abode into a unique and contemporary stylish retreat and restaurant. A luxurious, intimate, unpretentious home from home…
Coniston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building is the perfect place if you’re looking to escape the crowds. A handsome, traditional Lakeland slate building, The Coniston Inn is set…
Portinscale
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated luxury. Once the private rooms of Lord Rochdale, the impressive main living space is now beautifully arranged in an open-plan design, incorporating a…
Penrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Backbarrow, Ulverston
Our Escape Rooms are an indoor activity for 2-6 people of all ages. Work together to find clues, solve puzzles and complete the challenge before time runs out!
Ambleside
Ambleside's latest destinations for craft beer & real ale enthusiasts. Offering brewery-fresh craft beers from 6 large copper tanks featured above the bar, plus local cask ales. The full bar offering is complemented by a menu of quality wood fired…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Windermere
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of the Lake District.
Nr Kendal
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.
Ullswater, Pooley Bridge
The Pooley Bridge Inn offers hearty home-cooked food, vegan and gluten-free options, local seasonal specials, fine cask ales, world wines, spirits, and cosy teas, coffees, or festive mulled wine.
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.
St John's in the Vale, Keswick
Rigg Barn was converted from a detached bank barn and sleeps up to six people.
Elterwater, 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.
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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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL