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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.
The Gough Memorial on the summit of Helvellyn marks the spot where Charles Gough died after a fall in 1805. His dead body was guarded by his faithful dog for three months until they were found.
The Parting Stone at Grisedale Tarn records the place where William Wordsworth said farewell to his much-loved brother, John, who he was never to see again. John was drowned when his ship was wrecked off Weymouth in 1805.
Sir Donald Campbell achieved his first world water speed record on Ullswater on 23 July 1955, when he piloted the jet-propelled Bluebird K7 to a speed of 202.32 mph.
Tristamont, on the lakeshore south of Pooley Bridge, is thought to have been the home of Sir Tristram, one of King Arthur’s knights.
Wiry black Patterdale terriers first originated in the valley, where they were bred to hunt rabbits and small vermin.
Horse racing used to take place on the top of High Street in the 19th century. One section above Hayeswater is still called Racecourse Hill.
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
The stone-built Lakeland farmhouse and traditional barns on the Park have been converted into seven…
With beautiful, dramatic scenery that lends itself to days spent hiking amongst the Lakeland fells,…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
The scenic combination of lakes surrounded by steep-sided mountains is one of the things that makes…
Own your very own Lakeland retreat! If you've fallen in love with the Lakes and are looking to stay…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Whether you're planning a car free stay, would like to explore the areas stunning scenery &…
Start your navigation journey with Hiking Highs, from the very beginning, the first time you have…
The Honeybee and Kingfisher pods are our Glamping Cabins here at Ullswater Holiday Park, each…
The Byre was formerly used for keeping cattle on the ground floor, with hay stored on the first…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property…
A range of luxury lodges, many sleeping 4 people, some pet-friendly, suitable for families or with…
The Quiet Site began welcoming guests in 1963 and many of our original customers have journeyed…
Glenridding Manor House Hotel: Without doubt, the best quality non pretentious accommodation on…
Feed your soul & be guided by the most knowledgeable & friendly Lake District guides, through…
Set in the wild beauty of the Lakes, Hares Garth and Stone Cottage provide the perfect relaxed…
The six new shepherd huts have been expertly crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts using sustainable…
Our modern 6-berth static caravans are spacious and offer comfortable family accommodation with all…
A traditional tearoom set in a historic barn with homemade food and freshly brewed coffee,…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Tucked at the southern tip of Ullswater, in the charming village of Glenridding, The Ullswater Inn…


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Glenridding, Penrith
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ullswater Valley. Set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and serene lakes, our charming retreat offers a perfect blend of nature,…
Coniston
Fell Walkers, especially those wishing to head up into the mountains, Road & Trail runners new to navigation who wish to explore new routes.
This is an intermediate-level course for navigation for personal development & will give you a NNAS…
Pooley Bridge
This fabulous advanced level navigation course will test your Navigation tools from Bronze & Silver level, plus you ability to navigate when the going gets tough (underfoot!) We will not be heading high into the mountains, but onto open fell and…
Penrith
Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run hotel, pub and restaurant. Dating back over 500 years, The Royal is steeped in Lakeland history. Ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, whether…
Every single one of our holiday cottages have been personally inspected by dedicated property managers to ensure a high standard of holiday accommodation. Our growing collection of well-kept properties in Cumbria and the Lake District make a perfect…
Glenridding
Tucked at the southern tip of Ullswater, in the charming village of Glenridding, The Ullswater Inn is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the peace of the Patterdale Valley. Pull up a chair and take in breathtaking views across the lake and…
Pooley Bridge
Just a stone's throw away from Lake Ullswater, Hillcroft Park boasts one of the most stunning locations of any UK holiday park, offering glamping with a choice 19 eco-pods of two types.
Ullswater, 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…
Ullswater
Hidden with a seculded spot within the hotel grounds and connected by glazed walkways, a large double bedroom and twin bedroom look out onto floor-to-ceiling views across the grounds to the lake and fells beyond.
Penrith
Dalemain Mansion is one of the most beautiful and impressive stately homes in the northwest of England and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated in the heart of the Lake District, Dalemain is only 3 miles from Penrith, 2 miles from Lake…
Penrith
Family park set in magnificent scenery with access to lake Ullswater. Modern facilities for touring caravans and camping include bar, restaurant, takeaway, shop, pony trekking, bike hire, laundry and childrens playground.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Take the plunge on our three-day wild swim camp, led by our resident open water swim coach Colin Hill. Develop your cold swimming techniques, explore the bays and islands of the Ullswater Valley, try a river swim, the endless pool and even float…
Ullswater
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and distinctive. Expect lamb tagine, burgers and fries, meze plates, salads, sourdough pizza and doorstep sandwiches.
Penrith
Master the 'Art of Nordic Walking' with our , Nicky Merrett, AKA Nordic Nic, or Sean Bolland our new expert instructor. Both Nicky & Sean are qualified instructors with British Nordic Walking. They will take you through the ‘10 Steps to Nordic…
Glenridding
Capture the beauty of autumn through your camera lens on a 2-3 hour cruise accompanied by Charlotte Graham, a professional photographer based in Cumbria. Charlotte's unique blend of technical expertise and creative photographic talent, combined …
Ullswater
Wet bouldering, Canyoning, Ghyll Scrambling, Rock hopping...
Whatever you want to call it, whether it’s a descent or ascent or a splash down the river, it’s a buzz.
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, Watermillock
Another Place, The Lake is a relaxed, contemporary hotel on the shores of Ullswater, from where you can explore the great outdoors. At the heart are good food, fresh air and relaxation.
Ullswater
The Victorian-style Glasshouse is the closest building to the lakeshore at Another Place. With panoramic views of Ullswater and the fells beyond, its open Thursday to Monday for wood-fired pizza, coffee and cocktails to hotel guests and non-resident…
Pooley Bridge
A fabulous traditional inn at the heart of the picturesque village of Pooley Bridge, next to Lake Ullswater. Home-cooked food and cask ales served in the cosy bar or outdoors on the large sun terrace overlooking the river.
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…
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