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A strong contender for the most beautiful lake in England is Ullswater, a glittering jewel between Pooley Bridge to the north and Glenridding to the south carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by some of the Lake District’s most eye-catching fells. In the 18th-century, the lake attracted artists and poets looking for creative inspiration – those same views are yours to enjoy, whether descending from the lofty heights of Kirkstone, climbing Hallin Fell on the eastern side or tagging the western edge to reach the stunning Aira Force waterfall.
The lake itself is a focal point of recreational activities, from sailing and boating to canoeing and windsurfing – and then there’s the pleasure of just cruising on the lake aboard an Ullswater steamer. For climbers, there’s the challenge of Helvellyn fell via Striding Edge, St Sunday Crag or the Fairfield Horseshoe.
The high ground around Ullswater is rich in prehistoric remains. Stone circles from the Neolithic period (2500-1500BC) have been found on Barton Fell (the so-called Cockpit), Moor Divock and Swarth Fell – the last of these made up of 65 stones of which only one remains upright. Several routes across the fells converge here, suggesting that this was an ancient trade route and settlement site.
The Romans also left their mark, building a paved route known as High Street to link their forts at Brougham (Brocavum) and Ambleside (Galava). There were ancient British settlements at Bannerdale and Deepdale near Glencoyne Farm and Hartsop Hall, while a fort atop Dunmallard Hill offers pretty stunning views of the lake below. There’s another fort 2 miles (3.2km) west of here at Maiden Castle. Collectively, all of these settlements and forts suggest that this was a pretty busy spot and that there was plenty of food to go around, including fish from the lake and deer and wild boar in the extensive woodlands.
Skip forward a thousand years or so and you might have seen William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy walking in the area: in April 1802 a profusion of daffodils at Gowbarrow Park inspired the poet to write one of the English language’s most famous poems.
This pastoral idyll was interrupted a few decades later by the establishment of the Greenside Lead Mine at Glenridding, which was open for 140 years and was one of the most profitable mines in all of northern England: more than 3 million tons of ore were extracted from this exceptionally rich lead vein before the mine finally closed in 1962. Huge spoil heaps overshadow a complex of mine buildings while, further down the valley, are the gaunt rows of slate terraced houses where the miners once lived. The Ullswater Steamers first began operating in 1859 – originally to bring food and provisions to the miners at Glenridding, but a ride on the lake soon became a popular tourist attraction.
Aira Force - Escape the ordinary at Aira Force. Let your imagination run wild as you weave your way through woodland glades from the waters edge to fell top. You'll find champion trees, cheeky red squirrels, waterfalls, perfect picnic spots, a café, pebble beaches, beautiful views and much more.
Glenridding - Glenridding can be found at the foot of the famous Kirkstone Pass at the southern end of Ullswater Lake and it is the main centre for the Ullswater area. The classic mountain Helvellyn at 3,116ft (950m) is a popular and high terrain walk that starts from the village.
Helvellyn - England's third highest peak at 3,120 ft, it is very popular with walkers all year round. 2 of the 3 approaches, Striding and Swirral edge have become something of a walkers trophy with high and difficult traversing required. Red Tarn is set in the mountain's basin.
Patterdale - This small village is based at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass and the first port of call for those approaching the Eden Valley from the South. Surrounded by dominant fells such as Place Fell and St. Sunday Crag, the little village is dwarfed by the mountains around it.
Pooley Bridge - This pretty little village situated at the Northern end of Ullswater is a great tourist hotspot. It is the Gateway to the magnificant Eden Valley if approaching from Penrith as you are greeted by sweeping views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn range at the southern tip of the lake.
Did you know?
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
We all have our own personal Mount Everest, climbing is one way to conquer yours. Rock Climbing…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first…
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in…
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family…
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor…
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that…
The farm and campsite has been run by the same family for 5 generations. It is a working farm home…
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including…
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Highlander is a unique five day hiking experience, in which all your logistics are taken care.…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Join us for an incredible adventure on Helvellyn in the heart of the Lake District. Our Guided…
TJ's Bar and Restaurant at Park Foot Holiday Park, also featuring an outdoor takeaway and seating…
We offer a wide range of land and water based activities in the Lake District including RYA sailing…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
We offer a great selection of Touring and Tent pitches at Ullswater Holiday Park.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 80
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Dalemain, Penrith
Full and Half marathon distance Hike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support.
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…
Pooley Bridge
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with private hot tubs, the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any…
Penrith
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first floor i.e. in the hay loft. The Byre has been converted to a very high standard with oak wood used throughout, retaining the original beams.
Patterdale, Ullswater
A luxuriously renovated, character house in the tiny hamlet of Deepdale. Beautifully presented in contemporary, country style. Roaring log fire, beams and magical views.
Ullswater
1863 is more than a bar, bistro and B&B accommodation with seven elegant bedrooms; we are a family affair who enjoy getting the little things just right, welcoming guests back times and again to share in a slice of Lake District paradise.
Cumbria
Just east of Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater the moorland and low hills of Moor Divock and Askham Fell is criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways. For mountain bikes, the bridleways are a good introduction to real…
Penrith
The Quiet Site is a family-run site situated in a secluded position amongst the stunning fells that overlook Lake Ullswater. This is a superbly maintained and very picturesque site, and there are many beautiful walks that you can start from right…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1114 reviewsHowtown, Penrith
The farm and campsite has been run by the same family for 5 generations. It is a working farm home to Swaledale ewes, cattle and calves. Farm activities such as lambing, dipping, shearing and working dogs can be seen and swans, ducks, cat.
Ullswater
Stylish, spacious, contemporary stone barn conversion for two with many designer touches including an incredible spiral stair case, bespoke furnishings and living room with woodburner and fabulous views. The perfect romantic retreat.
Penrith
We offer a selection of beautiful Lakeland self-catering cottages. Located both on Park Foot holiday park on the shores of Lake Ullswater and around the village of Pooley Bridge, they are suitable for families or couples looking for the convenience…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1026 reviewsUllswater, Penrith
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan arrangement which incorporates a lounge area with an L-shaped sofa for cosy nights in, a well-equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, and a…
Howtown, Penrith
Highlander is a unique five day hiking experience, in which all your logistics are taken care. Explore the Lake District by foot for five days, meet new friends and experience the Lake District National Park.
Penrith
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee, alongside Dalemain’s marmalade gift shop.
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes the Lake District such a special place. One of the best examples of this type of landscape is the eastern shore of Ullswater. The craggy flanks of…
Ullswater, Penrith
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect for walking and relaxing breaks.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
432 reviewsCumbria
The north western side of Ullswater is a mixture of low rolling fells interspersed with picturesque hamlets. Criss-crossing this
quiet corner of the Lake District is a network of lanes and fell roads.
Hartsop, Patterdale
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet corner of the Lakes. Sleep up to six in all Lodges. Week, short-week & weekend breaks available. Equipped with fitted kitchen, colour TV & free Wi-Fi.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
106 reviewsPenrith
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Glenridding
Join us for an incredible adventure on Helvellyn in the heart of the Lake District.
Our Guided Mountain Days are perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Get ready to explore the renowned Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral…
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